If you're in Texas, you've probably heard a lot about THCa. But what exactly is it and why is everyone talking about it? THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a natural compound found in raw cannabis plants. What's surprising is that even though recreational use of marijuana itself remains illegal in Texas, THCa found a loophole in the law to allow its sale and use in the state.
But how could that be? According to an article in Texas Monthly, it all comes down to technical differences in how the law is written and how compounds interact with heat. THCa itself is not psychoactive, so it will not get you high on its own. But with a little heat, whether through smoking, vaping, or even cooking, it turns into THC, the compound responsible for marijuana's well-known effects.
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Here's how it works:
THCa itself does not get you high when eaten or ingested. However, the situation changes when heated. When THCa is exposed to heat, it transforms into THC, the compound in marijuana that causes the “high.” So even though recreational marijuana is illegal in Texas, THCa has found a loophole in the law, at least for now.
Why is THCa allowed?
It all goes back to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp in the United States. As long as the hemp product contains less than 0.3% THC, it is legal. THCa falls into this category because it is not THC by itself. However, heating THCa produces the same effects as marijuana.
For now, THCa remains legal in Texas as a hemp product. Sold in stores and online, many people use it as a legal way to experience the effects of marijuana.
If you're curious about marijuana-like effects in Texas, THCa may be the answer, but don't be surprised if this loophole is closed in the future.
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Gallery credit: Billy Jenkins
