Is THCa Legal in Ohio? Navigating Cannabis Laws in 2024

The cannabis industry is growing rapidly, meaning a rapidly changing legal landscape that can be tricky to keep up with. We cover the legal status of THCa in the U.S. and in Ohio specifically to help you make sense of the madness.

Key Takeaways

• THCa is a precursor to THC, and can be converted to THC with heat.
• While THCa doesn't have the psychoactive effects of THC, it does have plenty of potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation and nausea.
• THCa is a hemp-derived product and is therefore generally considered legal, though some states have explicitly banned it due to its ability to easily turn into THC.
• THCa is currently legal in Ohio.
• All of our THCa flower is grown in the US, free of toxins, and tested by an accredited third-party lab for purity and potency.
  

See Related: THC-O Frequently Asked Questions

What Is THCa?

THCa is the short form name for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. As you might have guessed, it's very similar to tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Similar, but not quite the same.

Like THC, THCa is naturally produced by the cannabis plant. The two compounds have a similar chemical structure and formula. THCa simply has an extra group of elements, called a carboxyl group.

The Difference Between THCa and THC

Despite being so similar, THC and THCa have very different effects.

You likely know what THC does. It's the psychoactive compound behind marijuana's iconic "high." THC can make people feel euphoric and relaxed. 

All kinds of potential therapeutic benefits are associated with THC. Millions of people use it to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, improve sleep naturally, and more. In fact, the 2020 Census suggests that over 8 million people use cannabis under the authorization of their physician.

However, THC can also cause side effects. These include, but aren't limited to, anxiety, confusion, and increased appetite.

So can THCa do all that? Not quite.

THCa is actually a precursor to THC. We'll explore what that means later on.

The crucial difference between THC and THCa is that THCa is not psychoactive. It has absolutely no psychoactive properties. That means no "high."

But does it mean no benefits, either? Luckily for us, no. THCa is thought to have plenty of potential health benefits. 

Potential Health Benefits of THCa

THCa is thought to have several health benefits similar to those provided by THC.

• Inflammation: THCa is believed to help reduce inflammation.
• Nausea: While THC can sometimes cause nausea, THCa can relieve it.
• Seizures: Animal studies suggest that THCa could be useful in preventing seizures.
• Neuroprotection: THCa could protect nerve cells from damage, thus potentially lowering the risk of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
• Mental Clarity: Research on mice suggests THCa could help improve cognitive function.

When THCa Isn't Just THCa

Remember when we mentioned THCa is actually a precursor to THC? 

That means THCa turns into THC under certain conditions. Those conditions happen to be as simple as high temperatures. Temperatures from, say, the flame of a lighter.

That's right. When you burn THCa, it turns into THC. 

On the one hand, this means you have to be very careful about what THCa consumption method you use. After all, you don't want to be hit with psychoactive effects when you're not expecting them!

On the other hand, this means you can purchase THCa but effectively get the effects of THC with a simple trick: heat.

Activating THCa

That heat can come from fire, as we mentioned. But it can also come from the oven.

Anyone who's made edibles before has likely heard the term "decarboxylation." That refers to the process of removing the extra carboxyl group from THCa, thus turning it into THC.

You can refer to our guide to making edibles for more information on this. Essentially, temperatures of roughly 230 degrees Fahrenheit should activate THCa into THC without causing any degradation. 

The Legality of THCa

Because THCa can turn into THC, does that make it illegal? After all, Delta 9 THC is illegal under federal law, and multiple states heavily restrict its use.

Fortunately not!

In 2018, the federal government passed the 2018 Farm Bill. This legalized hemp and hemp-derived products. 

The catch? Legalized hemp, including hemp-derived products, must contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.

But that's not THCa. Unlike Delta 9 THC, THCa is not a controlled substance under federal law.

THCa Legality in the US

Unfortunately, that doesn't mean THCa is legal across the country. Its ability to turn into Delta 9 THC means it occupies a bit of a gray area. Federal regulations differ from those in many states and even localities.

Some states have passed legislation specifically prohibiting THCa. For example, in 2024, Georgia defined Delta 9 THC and THCa as the same thing, effectively making THCa illegal.

Therefore, it's crucial you check the laws and regulations in your area before diving into the world of THCa. So what about in Ohio?

Ohio's Legal Landscape for THC

In 2023, Ohio joined the growing list of states that have made THC legal for recreational use. 57% of voters chose to legalize cannabis, ending decades of prohibition.

Sales began in August 2024. They've already passed $2.5 billion and show little signs of slowing down.

If THC is legal, then you might think THCa would be legal too.

Bonus: What Is THCP? Legality, Benefits, & More

What to Know When Buying THCa in Ohio

We've clarified THCa's legal status. You've read about THCa's potential benefits. All that's left is to try some!

Barring any changes to Ohio law, THCa is currently legal. It's regulated like other hemp products, meaning you don't have to go to a dispensary to buy it.

That doesn't mean you should head down to your local gas station and buy the first thing you see. While there might not be legal risks to doing that, there are certainly other risks!

THCa products made by cheap or unscrupulous manufacturers can contain harmful chemicals. They might also contain other compounds you aren't expecting, like Delta 9 THC.

The Importance of High Quality Products

To maximize the safety and effectiveness of your THCa, consider buying from a reputable manufacturer. 

All of our THCa flower is not only compliant with the federal guidelines set by the 2018 Farm Bill. It's also tested for purity and potency by accredited third-party labs.

Want the proof? On your THCa product, you'll see a QR code. Scanning that shows you the Certificate of Analysis from the lab.

Different Types of THCa

We offer three kinds of THCa flower:

• Sativa: Often used for its energizing and euphoric effects. This type of THCa is best for boosting creativity, focus, and energy. It causes what people call a "cerebral high."
• Indica: This kind of THCa is better for relaxation. It's more often used for pain relief, reducing stress, and helping people get to sleep. Indica causes more of a "body high."
• Hybrid: The best of both worlds!

Getting THCa in Ohio

You can order our THCa flower from the comfort of your own home. But if you'd like to see them in person, or get advice on what to get, head to our dispensary in Avon, Ohio!

Conclusion

While THCa is generally considered legal, laws and regulations vary across the country. In Ohio, THCa is legal and regulated under hemp laws, meaning it's not restricted to licensed dispensaries.

That said, it's best to purchase your THCa from a reputable manufacturer. One that follows federal guidelines and ensures all its products are tested by a third party. Like us!

Keep Reading: Are Psychedelic Mushrooms Addictive?

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The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws and regulations regarding THC and cannabis products are subject to change and may vary by jurisdiction. Conduct your own research or consult a legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

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