THCA Seeds: Intoxicating Hemp
At Greenpoint Seeds, we specifically select THCA seeds to maximize potency while ensuring legal compliance. By growing our strains under a hemp license and testing them with non-heating methods like HPLC, we ensure that the harvested plants remain within legal Delta-9 THC limits, allowing them to be classified as hemp. This guarantees you a high-value, potent product that meets legal standards.
Understanding THCA in Cannabis Cultivation
To understand the difference between Delta-9 THC and THCA, it’s essential to grasp the chemistry and legalities of cannabis cultivation. Cannabis in its raw form contains high amounts of THCA, a non-psychoactive precursor to Delta-9 THC. Decarboxylation, the process of heating the plant, converts THCA into Delta-9 THC, triggering its psychoactive effects.
For hemp to remain legally compliant, it must be grown under a hemp license and tested to ensure it contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Interestingly, all high-potency cannabis strains, popular in dispensaries, are rich in THCA but have no Delta-9 THC when raw. This means, under the right cultivation license and testing conditions, these plants can legally be considered hemp.
State Laws Prohibiting Cultivation of Intoxicating Hemp
The primary barrier to cultivating THCA as hemp lies in state-specific laws that define “total THC.” Some states, beyond the 2018 Farm Bill, have chosen to calculate total THC by including the potential THC derived from THCA upon decarboxylation. If your state follows this approach, cultivating under a hemp license might become problematic, as the total THC may exceed legal limits.
The formula for calculating “total THC” is:
Total THC = Delta-9 THC + (THCA × 0.877)
States Defining Total THC
- California: Through AB 45, California calculates total THC by summing Delta-9 THC and THCA using the THCA × 0.877 formula. Products exceeding 0.3% total THC are treated as cannabis.
- Oregon: Similarly, Oregon regulates hemp products using the total THC formula to account for Delta-9 THC and THCA.
- Connecticut: Connecticut calculates total THC as Delta-9 THC + (THCA × 0.877), enforcing stricter controls on hemp products.
- Virginia: Virginia also requires total THC calculation by combining Delta-9 THC and THCA, making THCA cultivation more challenging.
- Alaska: Alaska enforces a total THC limit, including THCA, within its definition of compliant hemp products.
- Washington: Washington uses the same total THC formula to ensure hemp products comply with state regulations.
These regulations can complicate THCA cultivation for farmers. Exceeding the 0.3% total THC limit could result in crops being classified as illegal cannabis. State-by-state enforcement can vary, but all follow a similar method of calculation using the THCA conversion factor of × 0.877.
Ready to Start?
Looking for a farm that’s been successful with our strains? BYGCannabis purchased Greenpoint Seeds exclusively and was able to enter the market with a successful crop and P*TENT flowers.
Explore our selection of THCA seeds and find the ideal match for your cultivation needs. Let Greenpoint Seeds guide you on the path to legal and successful THCA cultivation.