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Wandering through the world of cannabis, you will come across a dizzying array of options. From oils to edibles, flowers to topicals, it’s easy to feel confused. And then there is THCA flower and CBD flower.
Now, these two might look pretty similar—heck, they might even smell the same, but trust us, they’ve got their own personalities. Today, we will go into the differences between THCA and CBD flower, so you can make the best decision for your wellness.
What is THCA flower?
People often misunderstand the THCA flower due to its mysterious aura. THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the raw, unheated form of THC, the precursor. In its natural state, THCA won’t get you high—you don’t have to worry about pizza cravings and thinking episodes. You only convert THCA into THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for the high feeling of high, when you apply heat through smoking or vaping.
People use THCA for various reasons; most of them are potential benefits like anti-inflammatory properties, neuroprotective effects, and nausea relief, to name some. There are more; if you are interested in a more in-depth view of the THCA flower, check out our THCA guide.
What is a CBD flower?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid that won’t get you high no matter what. You can apply heat or not; you won’t get that psychoactive effect. CBD flower is different in that it contains trace amounts of THC and THCA, less than 0.3%, which is nowhere near enough to make you feel high.
Other cannabinoids and terpenes packed into CBD flower combine to create CBD’s unique set of benefits, including stress and anxiety relief, pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and more.
CBD is beneficial for people looking to relax without the psychoactive effects. If you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or simply want to take the edge off after a busy day without getting high, CBD is your best option. You stay clear-headed while feeling good.
Key Differences Between THCA and CBD Flower
Now that we’ve gotten to know these two a little better, let’s highlight the key differences so you can decide which one gets the edge in your wellness routine.
Psychoactive properties:
One of the main differences between THCA and CBD flower is that THCA can get you high when it’s heated. You can still use THCA in raw form to avoid the high. On the other hand, a CBD flower won’t get you high even if heated. It’s like having that super chill friend who is always calm, no matter what.
Legal Status
Both THCA and CBD flower operate in a bit of a legal gray area, but CBD has a much clearer path. CBD is mostly accepted, while THCA’s legality can get a bit murky; it’s federally legal, but some states have decided to treat THCA as THC and ban it. Visit our THCA legality section for more information on THCA legality.
Health Benefits
THCA and CBD share some common benefits, like reducing inflammation, but they also have their own unique benefits. Researchers are studying THCA for its neuroprotective and anti-nausea effects, while CBD is well-known for its anti-anxiety and pain relief properties.
One may be better for you, depending on your needs. But you can also use both, one for daytime and the other for nighttime.
Usage methods
THCA Flower gives you options. Want the benefits, with or without the high? If you do not want to feel high, use it raw. If you want the THC experience, light it up. With CBD, it’s pretty straightforward—smoke, vape, or infuse it—the effects will be consistent and non-psychoactive across the board.
The Future of THCA and CBD Flower
The cannabis industry is evolving rapidly, and both THCA and CBD flowers are at the forefront of this change. Here is what the future could hold for these two:
Growing Popularity of THCA Flower
We expect the popularity of THCA flowers to grow as more people discover its benefits and various uses. THCA covers the best of both worlds, and with it, you’re in charge of your experience.
CBD Flower’s Staying Power
CBD flower has already cemented its place in the wellness space, and its popularity isn’t slowing down anytime soon. We expect CBD’s popularity to grow as more people explore natural remedies for stress, anxiety, and pain relief. We’re already seeing CBD integrated into more mainstream wellness routines, including fitness, sleep, and skincare.
Evolving legislation
Laws significantly influence both products, with CBD undergoing clearer regulation than THCA. We might see more regulation on the THCA side, as more companies have started to sell flowers above the threshold or the flowers that got decarboxylated in transit.
The Future of THCA and CBD Flower
The cannabis industry is evolving rapidly, and both THCA and CBD flowers are at the forefront of this change. Here is what the future could hold for these two:
Growing Popularity of THCA Flower
We expect the popularity of THCA flowers to grow as more people discover its benefits and various uses. THCA covers the best of both worlds, and with it, you’re in charge of your experience.
CBD Flower’s Staying Power
CBD flower has already cemented its place in the wellness space, and its popularity isn’t slowing down anytime soon. We expect CBD’s popularity to grow as more people explore natural remedies for stress, anxiety, and pain relief. We’re already seeing CBD integrated into more mainstream wellness routines, including fitness, sleep, and skincare.
Evolving legislation
Laws significantly influence both products, with CBD undergoing clearer regulation than THCA. We might see more regulation on the THCA side, as more companies have started to sell flowers above the threshold or the flowers that got decarboxylated in transit.
