THCA is the raw, non-intoxicating form of THC found in the living cannabis plant, and it turns into THC when you heat it by smoking, vaping or baking. That is why a cannabis label can show both numbers. At Saint John Bud Express we often get asked which number matters, so this guide explains it for buyers in Saint John who want to read a label with confidence.
What is THCA?
THCA stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. The plant does not actually make much THC directly. It makes THCA, which sits in the trichomes, the sticky crystals on the bud.
On its own, THCA is not known to get you high. Its shape means it doesn't fit the brain's cannabinoid receptors the way THC does. Eating raw cannabis, for example, generally won't produce the effects people expect from THC.
How does THCA become THC?
Through heat, in a process called decarboxylation, often shortened to "decarbing". Heat knocks a small part off the THCA molecule and leaves THC behind.
- Smoking and vaping do this instantly at the point of heating.
- Baking and cooking do it more slowly. This is why recipes ask you to decarb flower in the oven first.
- Time and light convert a little THCA to THC as cannabis ages, though old weed also loses quality in other ways.
Why does a label show both?
Labels are trying to tell you how much THC you could get once the product is heated.
THCA: the amount of the raw form present.
THC (sometimes called delta-9 THC): the amount already in active form.
Total THC: an estimate of how much THC you would have if all the THCA converted. Because THCA is a heavier molecule, the formula multiplies the THCA by about 0.877 and adds the existing THC. Not every bit converts in real life, so total THC is a ceiling, not a guarantee.
A quick example. A flower listed at 20% THCA and 1% THC would come out to roughly 18.5% total THC.
Which number should you look at?
For flower, total THC is usually the most useful single number. Most of what is in raw flower is THCA, so the plain THC number on its own can look surprisingly low.
For concentrates, it depends on the product. Some extracts, like distillate, are already mostly activated THC. Others, like THCA diamonds, are almost pure THCA that converts when you dab them. Our piece on what THC diamonds are goes into that.
For edibles, the THC has usually been activated during production, so the label shows milligrams of THC per piece rather than a percentage.
Does a higher number mean better weed?
Not on its own. A high total THC tells you about strength, but flavour, aroma, freshness and how you personally react all matter too. Many people find a well-grown, fresh flower with a moderate number more enjoyable than a harsh, dry flower with a big one.
Terpenes are a big part of that difference. Our guide to what terpenes are explains why two strains with the same THC can smell and taste so different.
Some practical tips
Start low with high-THC products. Higher numbers mean more THC per puff or per dab. Take a small amount, wait, then decide.
Remember the raw form needs heat. If you are cooking with flower, it needs to be decarbed or it won't have much effect. Our THC edibles guide covers how edibles work.
Treat numbers as estimates. Testing varies, and the same strain can test differently from batch to batch.
Know the basics. You must be 19 or older to buy cannabis in New Brunswick, and you should never drive after using it.
The Bottom Line
THCA is the raw form in the plant, THC is what you get once it is heated, and total THC is the most useful number for flower. Look past the number to freshness and aroma too. Browse our flower or concentrates, and see how our Saint John weed delivery works, with delivery in 1 to 3 hours.
