Posted on April 6, 2023 by Munchies

What if the key to unlocking your ideal cannabis experience lies in a specific amount? THCA percentages vary wildly across products, but does a higher percentage always mean a better experience? Whether you’re a seasoned user or just starting, understanding what a “high” THCA percentage means could be the difference between balanced effects and an overwhelming high. Let’s look at these values and see what these percentages mean for every user type. 

Key Takeaways 

  • A high THCA percentage typically falls between 25% to 30% in cannabis products, with variations across different types like flower, concentrates, and vape cartridges.
  • Cannabis flower with 20-30% THCA are considered potent, while concentrates range from 85% to 99% THCA.
  • Though legally low in THC, hemp flowers can still boast high THCA levels, often between 10% and 20%.
  • Most edibles convert THCA to Delta 9 THC during cooking, but raw edibles can preserve THCA with levels similar to the flower used.
  • The “right” THCA percentage varies based on personal tolerance, desired effects, and consumption method. Beginners should start with lower levels.

What is a High THCA Percentage?  

A high THCA percentage typically falls between 25% to 30%, though this can vary across cannabis products. Understanding these variations helps consumers make more informed choices. THCA percentages closely mirror Delta 9 THC levels, yet conversion from THCA to THC isn’t one-to-one.

The theoretical maximum conversion rate of THCA to Delta 9 THC is around 87.7%, meaning that not all THCA in a product will convert to Delta 9 THC during decarboxylation. This 87.7% rate reflects the molecular weight difference between THCA and Delta 9 THC.

General Range for Cannabis Products

In both THCA-rich hemp and THC-rich cannabis, THCA is usually present in a concentration between 10% and 30%. Both hemp and cannabis plants naturally produce THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid), and the mentioned range represents a typical concentration of THCA in mature plants, regardless of their final Delta 9 THC content.

4 Factors Affecting THCA Levels

Several factors can influence the THCA levels in cannabis products:

  • Strain genetics – Different cannabis strains naturally produce varying levels of THCA.
  • Cultivation methods –  How the plant is grown and harvested can affect its THCA content.
  • Harvest timing – The plant’s maturity at harvest can influence THCA levels.
  • Storage conditions – Proper storage can help preserve THCA levels in the product

It’s important to remember that THCA content alone doesn’t determine the overall effect of cannabis, as other cannabinoids and terpenes also play significant roles. 

Cannabis Flower THCA Percentages

In cannabis flower, high THCA percentages typically range from 20% to 30%. This range is often associated with premium or top-shelf cannabis products. As a result, products with this range are frequently marketed as connoisseur-grade cannabis as they are perceived to have higher potential therapeutic and recreational effects. 

However, there are varying opinions on what constitutes a high percentage. Some sources consider 21%+ to be a high THCA percentage. Other sources suggest that anything above 25% is considered high. There are also more conservative estimates that indicate that 15-20% is a good THCA percentage.

Hemp Flower THCA Percentages

Hemp flower can exhibit some of the highest THCA percentages compared to other products. Various cannabis and hemp derivatives, such as oils, edibles, and tinctures, undergo processing that can reduce THCA content, whereas hemp flowers preserve their natural THCA levels.

The exact percentage depends on farmers’ cultivation methods. Although hemp flowers are legally required to have less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC, they can still contain high levels of THCA. For this reason, some hemp strains have been specifically bred to produce high levels of THCA while maintaining low Delta 9 THC content. 

THCA percentages above 10% are often considered high for hemp flower. The 10% mark is considered a benchmark for high THCA content in hemp flowers.  This percentage is notably lower than what’s considered high for cannabis strains (often 20-30%). Hemp consumers usually expect 10% THCA to be potent, given the typical lower cannabinoid content of traditional hemp. 

That said, some hemp strains can reach THCA levels as high as 40%, which is considered exceptionally high for hemp. This largely depends on the specific cultivation methods and scientific processes used to develop particular strains.

THCA Concentrates

THCA concentrates typically have much higher THCA percentages compared to flower. For concentrates, high THCA percentages can range from 85% to 99%. THCA diamonds, a type of concentrate, can reach purity levels of up to 99.9% THCA. Other concentrates like shatter, wax, and live resin may have THCA percentages ranging from 60% to 90%. These concentrates are created through a unique extraction process that isolates THCA from the raw plant.

Vape Cartridges

Vape cartridges can vary widely in their THCA content. Some cartridges are designed to preserve THCA and may have percentages similar to high-quality flower, around 20-30%. Others may have THCA converted to THC during processing, resulting in lower THCA but higher Delta 9 THC percentages.

Tinctures and Oils

THCA tinctures and oils can vary in potency. Some THCA-specific tinctures may contain 20-30% THCA, while more concentrated THCA oils might reach 50-70% THCA or higher.

THCA Edibles

Edibles typically don’t contain significant amounts of THCA, as the heating process during cooking usually converts THCA to Delta 9 THC. Raw, unheated cannabis edibles may contain THCA levels similar to the flower used to make them, potentially 15-30%. However, most traditional edibles are measured by their Delta 9 THC content rather than THCA.

Raw THCA Edibles

There is a niche category of “raw” cannabis edibles that aim to preserve THCA. These products are made without heating the cannabis, keeping THCA intact. The THCA percentage in these raw edibles could be similar to that of the original cannabis material used, potentially ranging from 15% to over 25%.

What is a Good THCA Percentage? 

A good THCA (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) percentage can vary depending on individual needs and preferences. Most sources agree that a good THCA percentage falls between 15% and 20%. This range is considered optimal because it balances the potential benefits and risks associated with consuming cannabis products.

 Here are the reasons for recommending 15-20%: 

  • Balanced Effects – This range provides a balance between efficacy and manageability.
  • Suitable for Various Users – It’s appropriate for medicinal and recreational users.
  • Risk Management – Staying within this range helps minimize unwanted side effects while providing therapeutic benefits.

It’s always recommended to start with lower percentages and gradually increase as needed, especially for new users. Consulting with a healthcare professional or experienced budtender can help determine the most appropriate THCA percentage for your needs and circumstances.

Higher Percentages

Some sources suggest that higher percentages can also be considered good, depending on the user’s tolerance and needs:

  • 25-30% for Experienced Users – One source indicates that 25-30% can be a good THCA percentage for flower, particularly those with a higher tolerance.
  • Above 20% – Another source suggests that anything above 20% could be considered high, implying that it might suit more experienced users or those requiring more potent effects.

Considerations for Concentrates

For cannabis concentrates, the percentages considered “good” are significantly higher: THCA diamonds and other concentrates can have THCA percentages ranging from 85% to 99%, which is considered suitable for these product types.

Other Factors to Consider

When determining what constitutes a good THCA percentage, it’s important to consider:

  • Individual Tolerance – What’s suitable for one person may be too strong or weak for another.
  • Intended Use –  Medicinal users may require different percentages compared to recreational users.
  • Experience Level – Beginners should generally start with lower percentages.
  • Consumption Method – The way cannabis is consumed (smoking, vaping, edibles) can affect how the THCA is converted to Delta 9 THC and experienced by the user.

Cannabis plant.

Pexels Photo by Wallace Araujo

Safe THCA Consumption Methods

To enjoy THCA without the risk of intoxication, consider these methods:

  • Raw Consumption –  Consume cannabis in its raw form to preserve THCA without converting it to Delta 9 THC. This can be done by juicing fresh cannabis leaves and buds or adding raw cannabis to smoothies. Users can also take it by sprinkling ground raw cannabis over cold salads. 
  • Cold-Pressed Products –  Look for products that use cold-pressing techniques to preserve THCA, such as raw cannabis juice cubes. 
  • THCA Tinctures –  Use specially formulated THCA tinctures that don’t involve heating during production.
  • Topical Applications – THCA can be found in topical products like creams, lotions, and salves, which don’t have psychoactive effects when applied to the skin.

Is a Higher THCA Better?

No. A higher THCA percentage isn’t always better, as its effectiveness depends on individual needs, tolerance, and intended use. The optimal THCA level can vary significantly between users and applications.

Potential Benefits of Higher THCA 

When considering whether a higher THCA percentage is better, it’s important to understand that the answer isn’t straightforward and depends on various factors:

  • Increased Potency – When decarboxylated, a higher THCA percentage typically results in a higher Delta 9 THC content, which can lead to more intense effects.
  • Therapeutic Potential – Some studies suggest that higher THCA levels may offer incredible therapeutic benefits for specific medical conditions.
  • Flexibility in Use – Products with higher THCA allow users more control over dosage, as they can use less product to achieve desired effects.

Considerations and Potential Drawbacks

  • Tolerance Build-up – Regular use of high-THCA products may lead to increased tolerance, potentially reducing effectiveness over time.
  • Increased Risk of Side Effects – Higher THCA levels, when converted to Delta 9 THC, may increase the risk of unwanted side effects such as anxiety or paranoia, especially in sensitive individuals.
  • Not Suitable for Everyone – Beginners or those with low tolerance may find high-THCA products overwhelming.

Optimal THCA Levels for Different Uses

  • Recreational Use—Moderate users often prefer products with a 15-20% THCA concentration. Experienced users might seek products with 25-30% THCA or higher.
  • Medical Use – The ideal percentage can vary widely depending on the condition being treated and individual patient needs. Some medical users may benefit from lower THCA percentages for milder, more manageable effects.

Raw Cannabis Consumption

For those consuming raw cannabis for its THCA content (without decarboxylation), higher percentages might be preferred to maximize potential benefits.

Effectiveness vs. THCA Percentage

  • Entourage Effect – Other cannabinoids and terpenes can significantly influence the overall effects, sometimes making lower-THCA products more effective for specific purposes.
  • Individual Response- Each person’s endocannabinoid system responds differently to cannabis, meaning that a lower THCA product might be more effective for some individuals.
  • Consumption Method – The way cannabis is consumed (smoking, vaping, edibles) can affect how THCA is converted to THC and experienced by the user.

Final Thoughts 

For many users, especially those new to cannabis or using it for mild symptom relief, moderate THCA levels (15-20%) may be more appropriate and manageable. Experienced users or those with specific medical needs might benefit from higher THCA percentages.

While a higher THCA percentage can offer increased potency and potentially more excellent therapeutic benefits, it’s not universally better for all users or situations. The ideal THCA level depends on tolerance, experience, intended use, and personal physiology.

Finding the correct THCA percentage is a personal process often involving experimentation under proper guidance. It’s always advisable to start with lower percentages and gradually increase as needed while consulting healthcare professionals or experienced budtenders for personalized advice.

(Disclaimer reminder: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, CBD, etc) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)

Disclaimer: This article reflects the laws of the United States at the time it was written. Because cannabis laws in the United States laws are subject to change at any time, please make sure that you are always staying up to date on your federal, state, and local county’s cannabis laws. Additionally, we are NOT encouraging anyone to break the law––we are simply showing people ways to legally and discreetly bring their cannabis products along with them on their travels so that they may have access to those products when they reach their intended destination.

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