What are THCa Diamonds?

In the world of cannabis concentrates, THCa diamonds are the sparkling gems that captivate consumers with their dazzling appearance and potent effects. Also known as cannabis diamonds, these crystalline structures are highly pure. Many covet these plant-based treasures for their potency. But what are THCa diamonds, exactly, and how are they created?

This article will take a close look at THCa diamonds. We’ll explore their origins, properties, production methods, and consumption techniques. And perhaps most important of all, we’ll unveil how these brilliant cannabis products might affect you when you consume them.

What is THCa?

THCa is short for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. This powerful cannabinoid is the precursor to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It is abundant in fresh cannabis and like many other cannabinoids, THCa is non-psychoactive in its raw form. However, it changes to psychoactive THC when exposed to light or heat. This chemical process is called decarboxylation [1].

What’s the difference between THC and THCa?

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or Delta-9 THC, is the psychoactive compound responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis. There are different types of THC, for instance Delta-8 THC and Delta-10 THC are more recently discovered cannabinoids that are similar to Delta-9 THC in structure and effects properties. All THC begins its evolution as THCa while cannabis plants grow. THCa is THC’s acidic precursor and has its own potential therapeutic benefits for the human body [1].

The main difference is that THCa is non-psychoactive, and THC is psychoactive. Chemically, they have similar structures, yet THCa has an additional carboxyl group, making its effects on the body non-psychoactive. Nonetheless, when heat is applied to it, THCa converts into THC, producing an intoxicating effect when consumed [2].

What are THCa diamonds?

THCa diamonds are created by isolating and purifying THCa from raw cannabis flowers to obtain a highly concentrated THCa in crystalline form. Many people use THCa diamonds to get high while remaining compliant with federal laws. Others enjoy the raw, unheated form of THCa for potential non-psychoactive therapeutic benefits [3].

Interested in high-impact cannabis flower instead of diamonds? Learn more in What is THCa Flower?

THCA diamonds: the exclusive gemstones of cannabis concentrates

Cannabis concentrates have taken the hemp and marijuana markets by storm, offering potent, versatile options for consumers seeking a more powerful experience. Among the many types of cannabis concentrates, THCa diamonds are popular for their mesmerizing appearance and high potency.

THCa diamonds form crystalline structures, sometimes called cannabinoid crystals, after raw cannabis undergoes various extraction processes. These processes form a semi-transparent, potent concentrate characterized by gem-like globules with crystalline structures. When smoked or vaped, this veritable “rock candy” possesses highly psychoactive properties [3].

The legality of THCa diamonds

The legality of THCa is complex in some ways yet simple in others. Its status varies slightly, depending on the state and particular circumstances. In other words, some states restrict its use. However, in most states, if THCa is derived from federally compliant hemp, it is generally considered legal under the statutes of the 2018 Farm Bill.

The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) only tests cannabis for Delta-9 THC concentration post-harvest to determine if it is hemp or marijuana. Simply put, they do not care about THCa content after it has been harvested. Even though smoking or vaping the cannabinoid will convert THCa to Delta-9 THC, the DEA most often turns the other way [4].

Thus, cannabis with Delta-9 THC concentrates at or below 0.3 percent per dry weight, even if it has high THCa content, is hemp in the eyes of the law. Counterintuitively, THCa can sometimes get you as high as marijuana, still a controlled substance in many states, because THCa turns into intoxicating THC when heated [5].

Medicinal uses of THCa

Some states that restrict THCa or cannabis generally may have specific allowances for it, particularly in the context of medical cannabis. For example, a local dispensary may offer THCa-rich products, such as live resin or diamond sauce, using a liquid solvent extraction method to preserve the natural cannabinoid in its acid form [6].

These products may be available for purchase by consumers with a medical recommendation, particularly those with a high tolerance for THC. In other places people use cannabis to help with ailments and to find relief, even if the research hasn’t all come in yet – there is a long history of cannabis use for medicinal purposes, regardless of the longstanding prohibition against it. Nonetheless, it’s important to learn your state’s regulations regarding THCa.

How manufacturers make THCa diamonds: crystalline method

The production of THCa diamonds involves a meticulous process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. One popular method is “crystalline method” or “diamond mining.” This process begins with extracting cannabis plant material using a solvent-based extraction method, such as butane or propane extraction. The resulting concentrated form, often called “sauce” or “butane hash oil,” goes through further processing to remove impurities and create pure THCa crystals.

Next, the sauce gets washed and filtered to remove any residual plant material, fats, and waxes. The remaining solution is then purged of residual solvents to ensure high purity. The purified solution undergoes controlled heating and cooling to encourage the formation of THCa crystals. Over time, the crystals grow into larger structures, resembling diamonds. [7]

Closed-loop system process

In the closed-loop process, a liquid solvent separates the THC and terpenes from plant materials in a closed-loop extraction method. Leaving behind small amounts of the solvent to supersaturate a solution with THCa, the solvent is slowly purged over several weeks. During that time, THCa diamonds grow [7].

How potent are THCa diamonds?

THCa diamonds are usually translucent or opaque and have a crystalline texture that gives them their name. They come in various colors, depending on the cannabis strain and production methods used. The purity of THCa diamonds can be remarkably high, often ranging from 80% to 99% THC when heated, making them one of the most potent cannabis concentrates available [7]. Check out What is THCa Isolate and How Does It Work?

How do I consume THCa diamonds?

Wondering how do I use THCa for great results? One of the unique properties of THCa diamonds is their versatility in consumption methods. Depending on personal preference and desired effects, people enjoy them in various ways. Many consumers enjoy the following consumption methods of THCa diamonds:

Dabbing
Smoking in pipes or bongs
Vaporizing
Sprinkling it into foods (like smoothies) in its un-decarboxylated form
Cooking with it (either with heat or cold, depending on the desired effect)
Rolling into joints [8]

Dabbing THCa diamonds

When dabbing THCa diamonds, users place a small amount of THCa diamonds on a hot surface, typically a ceramic, titanium or quartz banger nail. There are many dab devices out there in the market. Then the user inhales the vapor. Dabbing provides a potent and instantaneous effect, making it a popular choice for experienced cannabis users seeking a powerful experience [9].

Adding THCa diamonds to foods or other cannabis flowers

Additionally, THCa diamonds can be added to cannabis flower or other concentrates to enhance their potency. It’s possible to use THCa diamonds in recipies for an infused culinary experience. Un-decarboxylated (or unheated) THCa may have potential therapeutic effects, minus the intoxication. But if cooked, the THCa will decarboxylate for a full on Delta-9 THC edible experience.

However, due to their high potency when heated, it’s crucial to use THCa diamonds cautiously and start with a low dosage to avoid overconsumption [10].

Vaporizing THCa diamonds

Vaping THCa diamonds is another popular method of consumption. Many cannabis users choose to vaporize THCa diamonds as it allows for a cleaner inhaling experience than smoking. Vaporizing THCa diamonds involves using a vaporizer or dab rig specifically designed for concentrates. These rigs heat the crystals and produce vapor. Users inhale the vapor and receive the cannabinoid’s psychoactive effects. This method provides a smoother and more controlled experience, allowing users to customize their dosage according to their preferences [10].

Consuming THCa diamonds can result in a powerful, long-lasting experience. When heated, the high concentration of decarboxylated THCa can produce intense psychoactive effects. Users may feel euphoria, relaxation, and altered sensory perception. It’s important to note that the effects of THC can vary depending on an individual’s tolerance, sensitivity, and what else is in their system at the time of use.

Will THCa show up on a drug test?

The short answer is yes. THCa can show up on a drug test, despite many online articles and blogs suggesting it doesn’t. Unfortunately, THCa usually appears in urine and blood samples just as THC does. Hair tests may have a different level of sensitivity but it’s safer to assume they will detect THCa [11].

Therefore, we advise caution if you use THCa products and anticipate a drug test that you must pass. THCa is THC’s precursor acid, so it will likely result in the detection of THC in a laboratory sample. Even if you consume THCa raw, in its non-psychoactive form, the result will usually be the same.

Can you make THCa diamonds at home?

Experts advise consumers to rely on professionals to make their THCa diamonds and not to try to make them at home. High-quality cannabis crystals are usually made in a lab-grade setting to reduce the risk of fire and explosion. Such labs can safely purify the plant material into its final form [12].

Are THCa and THC diamonds safe?

Why are these glimmering THCa molecules the new go-to concentrates for many users? Put simply, they’re beautiful, easy to use, and powerful. As such, medical patients and recreational users can find the fast-acting and long-lasting relief they need from this cannabis concentrate product, especially if their THC tolerance is high.

Despite the psychedelic look, THCa diamonds are simple to use. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced THC diamond user, a pure THCa diamond delivers potential health benefits with minimal risk if you purchase them from a reputable company like Earthy Select that employs third-party lab testing and provides the certificates of analysis (COA). However, the risk of overconsumption still exists so one must be careful with highly concentrated, pure THCa and any potentially high-THC product [13].

The bottom line about THCa diamonds

Cannabis enthusiasts love THCa diamonds for their high concentration of potentially psychoactive compounds, not to mention the other-worldly look and awesome terpene-rich aroma, taste and profile. These beguiling crystals are incredibly powerful cannabis concentrates. Earthy Select offers the finest 99.9% pure THCa Diamonds for sale.

Of course, those with extra sensitivity to THC should approach THCa diamonds especially cautiously. One puff of a THCa diamond can send you into orbit. Depending on your tolerance, you likely need only a modest dose of this sparkling gem to experience its fast-acting, euphoric effects.

Medical Disclaimer / Legal Disclaimer – Information is provided for educational purposes. It does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice or medical advice. We attempt to be accurate and up-to-date, but the legality of cannabinoids and the science of cannabis are evolving. The author is neither a legal professional nor a medical expert. Before buying or using any products, you should check with your local authorities and medical providers.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you buy THCa diamonds?

You can buy THCa diamonds online from earthyselect.com for delivery.

Are THCa diamonds made in labs?

THCa diamonds are made in labs in one of two ways: the closed-loop system or the crystalline method.

How pure are THCa diamonds?

In the extraction and purification process, all other cannabis compounds, including terpenes and other cannabinoids, are removed to make THCa diamonds. Some diamonds are packaged with a sauce made of terpenes and other cannabinoids that can create an entourage effect.

Do THCa diamonds make you high?

It’s complicated – in its raw form, no – THCa is not psychoactive and doesn’t make a user high. However, if heated by burning in a bowl, or vaping, then THCa will decarboxylate and convert to THC which can make people feel high.