Is THCA Legal?

Have you ever wondered about the buzz surrounding THCA? THCA is shaking up the cannabis world with its unique properties and legal status. So, buckle up as we dive into the world of THCA, uncover why it’s legal (mostly), where you can get your hands on it, and how this intriguing cannabinoid made its grand entrance into the market.

What is THCA?

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is like the Clark Kent of cannabinoids—mild-mannered and non-psychoactive in its raw form but with the potential to transform into super-potent THC when exposed to heat. Think of it as the undercover agent in the cannabis world, quietly offering benefits like anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties without the high. But apply a little heat, and voila! THCA morphs into THC, the well-known compound that sends you on a euphoric trip.

Why is THCA Legal?

Here’s the fun part—thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC are federally legal. This includes our superhero-in-disguise, THCA. Since THCA doesn’t get you high unless it’s heated, it slips through legal loopholes with ease, making it available in many states across the US. So, as long as it’s derived from hemp and sticks to that magical 0.3% THC threshold, THCA is free to mingle with the masses​.

Where is THCA Legal?

Where THCA is legal USA

Curious about where you can legally enjoy THCA? Let’s take a whirlwind tour across the 50 states to see where you can light up (figuratively speaking) and where you need to be cautious:

States Where THCA is Currently Illegal:

  • Arkansas – Banned outside its medical cannabis program.
  • Idaho – All THC variants, including THCA, are controlled substances.
  • Minnesota – Classified as a Schedule I illegal drug.
  • Oregon – Only available through licensed dispensaries​. So it is legal, but you shouldn’t purchase it online but locally.
  • Rhode Island – THCA is classified as a controlled substance and is illegal, along with Delta 8. However, marijuana is legal in Rhode Island. Go figure!

States Where THCA is a Gray Zone:

  • Hawaii: THCA is legal, but smokable products are not available due to the restrictions on inhalable cannabis.
  • Mississippi: THCA flower is legal in Mississippi if its THC levels do not exceed 0.3% by dry weight. Many commercially sold strains have higher THCA levels, making them illegal under state law. To lawfully purchase THCA flower in Mississippi, you must go through the state’s medical marijuana program, provided you meet the qualifying conditions.
  • South Dakota: Starting July 1st, 2024, a new law makes it illegal to modify hemp into synthetic Delta 8, Delta 9 and Delta 10. THCA, however, is still a legal gray area.

States Where THCA is Legal:

  • Alabama: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • Alaska: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • Arizona: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • California: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • Colorado: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • Connecticut: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • Delaware: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • Florida: THCA from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal. THCA is also included in the state’s medical marijuana program.
  • Georgia: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • Illinois: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • Indiana: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • Kansas: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • Kentucky: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • Louisiana: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • Maine: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • Maryland: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • Massachusetts: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • Michigan: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • Missouri: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • Montana: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • Nebraska: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • Nevada: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • New Hampshire: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • New Jersey: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • New Mexico: THCA from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • New York: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • North Carolina: THCA is legal in NC if it is derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC.
  • North Dakota: THCA is legal for medicinal use but not for recreational use.
  • Ohio: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • Oklahoma: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • Pennsylvania: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • South Carolina: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • Texas: THCA is legal in Texas if it is derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC.
  • Utah: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • Vermont: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • Virginia: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • Washington: THCA is legal for both recreational and medicinal use.
  • West Virginia: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • Wisconsin: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.
  • Wyoming: THCA derived from hemp with 0.3% or less THC is legal.

States Shere THCA is Legal for Now (but Lawmakers Are Working to Make it Illegal)

  • Tennessee: THCA is currently legal but may become illegal pending new legislation. Read more about THCA in Tennessee
  • Iowa: THCA is legal, but there is a bill up that will limit THC to less than 4 milligrams per serving and 10 milligrams per package.

For detailed information and updates, always refer to local regulations and legal resources. The information here is based on current laws as of 2024 and may change​.

When Did THCA Start to Come on the Market?

THCA started gaining significant traction in 2023, becoming the new darling of the cannabis community. As consumers seek more variety and potential health benefits without the high, THCA products have found their niche. From flowers and concentrates to edibles, THCA has made a grand entrance, showing that there’s more to cannabis than just THC​.

Where to purchase THCA

Because THCA is legal in most states, you can easily purchase it online from trusted vendors like Sweet Leaf Hemp Farms. We pride ourselves on offering high-quality THCA products, including THCA flower, THCA moonrocks, THCA badder, THCA diamonds, and more. We ship nationwide, but it’s crucial to verify that THCA is legal in your state before placing an order.

Keep in mind that local law enforcement might not distinguish between THCA and marijuana. Therefore, we recommend exercising caution when using and carrying THCA products to avoid any potential misunderstandings or legal issues.

So, there you have it! THCA is making waves in the cannabis world, offering a legal way to explore the benefits of cannabis without the high (unless you want it). With its rise to fame in 2023, THCA is here to stay, promising exciting possibilities for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Just remember to check your local laws and stay informed as the landscape of cannabis legality continues to evolve. Happy exploring!