Cannabis is a pop culture icon known all over the world for its unique property. Cannabis has appeared in music, movies, and TV shows for decades. It symbolizes rebellion and counterculture. Cannabis is pivotal for everyone, from Cheech and Chong’s stoner comedy to Snoop Dogg’s love for the herb. Some of the most iconic songs and movies have referenced cannabis in one way or another.
While cannabis and its cannabinoids, like THC, THCA, CBD, and others, have become synonymous with pop culture, they have a much deeper history
In the world of cannabis, THC and THCA are two compounds that have become household names. They are the main characters of the great 420 show. They make us feel elevated, relaxed, and blissful. But what we should know about THC and THCA, and how did they become such a big deal?
WHAT IS THCA VS THC?
THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) are two of the many naturally occurring cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. THC or Delta-9 THC is well-known for the euphoric feeling or “high” associated with cannabis consumption. THCA, on the other hand, is the non-euphoric precursor to THC found in raw cannabis. When THCA is heated or decarboxylated, typically through smoking, vaping, or baking, it is converted into THC. Only after that can it bind to the body’s cannabinoid receptors and produce the desired effects. Therefore, raw cannabis must be decarboxylated (heated) before consumption to enjoy the benefits.
While THC has been in the limelight for decades, THCA has recently gained a lot of attention for its potential benefits. Since THCA doesn’t produce the same euphoric effects as THC, it is an excellent alternative for those who want the benefits of cannabis minus the euphoria. Some popular ways to consume THCA include eating it raw, juicing it, mixing it in salads, or blending it in a smoothie.
WHAT IS DECARBOXYLATION?
The process of removing a carboxyl group (COOH) from a compound by heat is known as decarboxylation. In the world of cannabis, this process refers specifically to converting THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) into THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol).
Raw cannabis contains a variety of cannabinoids, including THCA. Compared to THC, THCA does not produce the euphoric “high” associated with cannabis consumption. When one heats up cannabis (by smoking, baking, or vaporizing), the carboxyl group on THCA breaks down and releases carbon dioxide (CO2), causing the conversion of THCA into THC.
For activating the euphoric properties of THC, decarboxylation is quite essential. It enables THC to bind more effectively with the endocannabinoid receptors in the body, resulting in the characteristic effects of cannabis.
Decarboxylation is crucial when making edibles or other cannabis-infused products. Without decarboxylation, the final product may not produce the desired effects. Therefore, decarboxylation is vital in preparing cannabis for consumption to achieve uplifting effects.
Decarboxylation can occur naturally over time as the cannabis plant dries and ages. But this natural process is relatively slow and inefficient. To ensure maximum potency, most cannabis consumers prefer to use more controlled methods of decarboxylation, such as heating the plant material through smoking, vaporizing, or baking it in an oven at a specific temperature for a set amount of time.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THC AND THCA?
Even though THC and THCA share a similar chemical structure and are closely related, they differ in several important ways, such as:
- Euphoric effects: THC is euphoric, meaning it can produce the “high” associated with cannabis use, while THCA in its raw form is not.
- Decarboxylation: THCA is the acidic precursor to THC, and it must undergo decarboxylation (heating) to transfer into THC. Cannabis consumed in its raw forms, such as in a smoothie or salad, will not produce the same effects as THC.
- Wellness: THC has the ability to produce effects such as feeling relaxed and uplifted. THCA, on the other hand, does not have such effects. However, THCA can still provide certain benefits by interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors, minus the euphoria.
While THC and THCA are new compounds found in cannabis, they have different effects, applications, and chemical structures.
WHERE CAN I FIND THC AND THCA PRODUCTS ONLINE?
Exhale offers a wide selection of THC and THCA products to suit different preferences and needs. We craft our products with the utmost care and attention, using the best hemp to ensure the ultimate experience. From THCA flower to Delta 9 gummies to THC gummies, there’s something for everyone at Exhale.
Our THC and THCA distillates are third-party lab tests to ensure quality and purity. Our 100% Farm Bill-compliant products deliver a safe and satisfying cannabis experience. We provide accurate dosing instructions and certificates of authentication along with all our products.
So, breathe easy and choose Exhale!
Delta 8 THC products can be easy to find for those living in one of the more than 30 states where Delta 8 THC is legal and regulated. In fact, you might be asking yourself right now, “Where can I find Delta 8 near me?” Don’t worry; we got you covered!
Delta 8 THC, or simply Delta 8, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp flowers. Recent years have seen a surge in the popularity of Delta 8 THC due to its potency and euphoric effects. Despite being federally legal, the availability of Delta 8 THC can be limited. But by utilizing the advent of the internet, you can easily find Delta 8 THC edibles and the right products near you!
USING LOCAL MAPS ON GOOGLE TO FIND DELTA 8 NEAR ME
It can be hard to find Delta 8 THC (D8) products nearby since they are so new to the market. However, if you find yourself wanting some D8 right away, you might be able to find vendors conveniently located in your own backyard! Google Maps is a useful tool to help you find D8 products near you.
Here are a few simple steps to locate local vendors of D8 on Google Maps:
- Verify that your location data is enabled on your smartphone or computer.
- Open an internet browser and type “Google Maps.” Click on “Google Maps” on the search result page.
- Click on the search bar at the top of the Google Maps website, type “Delta 8 near me,” and click the magnifying glass (the search button).
- You will see a list of search results showcasing the numerous local vendors that sell D8 products.
- Scroll through the list of vendors to get more information about each merchant, such as their address, hours of operation, product reviews, photos, and step-by-step directions to get to their establishments.
Are There Risks to Buying Delta 8 from Local Merchants?
Like any other product, there are risks to buying D8, especially from local merchants. However, you can make informed decisions about buying Delta 8 THC locally by understanding some common risks.
The Legality of Delta 8 THC
Like CBD, D8 is federally legal and derived from hemp plants with 0.3%THC or less. However, certain states have banned D8 products and have put them into a legal grey area. We recommend you research your local laws about Delta 8 THC before purchasing any D8 products.
Untrustworthy Vendors
Many creative entrepreneurs have entered the cannabis industry looking to capitalize off the popularity of hemp-derived products. With this comes a quest for profit and poor-quality products. Avoid these untrustworthy vendors at all costs.
Here are some signs that you are dealing with an untrustworthy vendor:
- Products that have nondescript packaging.
- No product information or Certificate of Analysis – a third-party lab-tested product analysis – is available for any products.
- Claims that certain products cure particular ailments or provide unverified health benefits.
- Sales associates who are unknowledgeable about D8 or other hemp-derived products.
- Head shops that deal with controlled substances.
HOW TO FIND DELTA 8 ONLINE
If you found your Google Maps results for D8 lacking, then it’s time to try your luck with online shops. A simple Google search for “Premium Delta 8 products for sale” will provide listings of several reputable online shops, like us!
Many will find shopping with online vendors a better experience. Not only are online stores more convenient, but they allow you to access online content from the comfort of your own home. Online stores offer larger inventories than those found in local brick-and-mortar shops.
Several reputable CBD companies sell D8 products. However, the popularity of D8 has led to a competitive market. As a result, many poor-quality products have flooded the cannabis market.
Here are some warning signs to look for when shopping with online shops for D8 products:
- Avoid online shops without an SSL certificate. These shops do not keep personal data secure.
- A poorly constructed website that has numerous content and browsing errors.
- Inaccurate product descriptions.
- Companies that do not do third-party lab testing or offer a Certificate of Analysis (COA).
- A return policy that states all sales are final or one that is not clear or no return policy at all.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING FOR DELTA 8
With the popularity of Delta 8 THC rising, new D8 products flood the market every day. It can be difficult to make an informed decision about which Delta 8 THC products are worthy of their hard-earned money. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some things to look for when shopping for Delta 8 THC products at local shops and online.
Reputable Brands
Reputable companies like Exhale Wellness offer third-party lab testing of all their products, have many positive reviews, and have large followings. These companies are typically the top search results on internet search engines like Google, and you can be sure they have high-quality D8 products.
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
One way to determine the quality of Delta 8 THC products is to look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA). COAs are independent lab reports from third-party laboratories that state the chemical composition of D8 products. These lab tests are conducted by only the finest third-party laboratories and are used to determine how much Delta 8 THC you’ll get from the product.
Only a few brands offer COAs for their D8 products. Exhale Wellness is a reputable online store that offers COAs for all of its Delta 8 THC products. You can rest assured knowing that they are getting premium quality Delta 8 THC products that have been lab-tested by the finest third-party labs when viewing a COA.
User Reviews
User reviews of Delta 8 THC products are good indicators of whether or not the D8 a company sells is effective or not. Reputable companies like Exhale Wellness have many positive reviews on their product page and third-party websites. The more positive reviews of a product, the better.
HOW TO TELL IF DELTA 8 IS HIGH QUALITY OR LOW QUALITY
There are certain things everyone can look for when shopping for high-quality Delta 8 THC products. By understanding what to look for in high-quality products, consumers can know what to avoid in lower-quality D8 products. Here is how you can tell if D8 is high or low quality.
Euphoric Effect
Delta 8 THC products produce potent, euphoric effects, which has made D8 so popular and such a success with consumers. If you find that your D8 product is lacking in its effectiveness, it might be due to poor quality or false advertising. You can increase your dosage if you are a frequent Delta 8 THC consumer, but if you still can’t gain the desired effect, it just might be a low-quality product.
Third-Party Lab Tests
All high-quality D8 products come with independent lab reports and a COA. Avoid products that do not have COAs, as this means that third-party labs do not back their claims.
Made in the USA
Premium Delta 8 THC products are made from high-quality hemp plants grown in the USA. These hemp plants contain 0.3% THC or less and are federal Farm Bill compliant. To understand why American hemp is valued over imported hemp, we need to examine the strict hemp production standards established by the 2018 Farm Bill.
USA GROWN HEMP VS. IMPORTED HEMP
The cannabis industry has seen an influx of hemp-derived products ever since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp. Importing hemp can help to meet the demand for more hemp products like D8.
Hemp grown in the USA must meet the exacting standards established in the Farm Bill and of regulatory agencies like the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the other hand, imported hemp is not required to follow these guidelines and can have several quality issues.
Common issues with imported hemp include:
- Hemp that is not compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill.
- Improper growing practices.
- Growing practices that use banned substances containing toxic chemicals. Hemp plants are highly absorbent and can become infused with these harmful chemicals.
- THC content exceeding 0.3%.
WHY CHOOSE EXHALE WELLNESS?
When it comes to high-quality hemp-derived Delta 8 THC products, there is no better reputable online store than Exhale Wellness! Here are some of the reasons why you should shop with Exhale Wellness for all of your D8 needs.
All Delta 8 THC Products Are 100% Federally Legal
All of our Delta 8 THC products are made from federal Farm Bill compliant organic hemp grown in the USA. Our products are 100% federally legal. We only ship to states that allow Delta 8 THC products to be sold.
Premium Quality Products Backed by Third-Party Testing
Our Delta 8 THC products are free of animal derivatives and contain only the best organic ingredients. All of our products are third-party lab-tested by some of the nation’s finest labs and come with COAs to ensure premium quality. From D8 edibles like gummies, soft gels, and oils to Delta 8 THC vape pens, pre-rolls, flowers, and dab wax, we have a product to satisfy everyone’s D8 needs.
Discounted Pricing
Want to save money? Please become a member of our Delta 8 THC subscription services for free and save 25% on individual products and 30% on bundles! We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
FINAL THOUGHTS – DELTA 8 NEAR ME
The meteoric rise and popularity of Delta 8 THC has led to many products claiming to offer the best D8 THC experience. The easiest way for consumers to find their nearest Delta 8 THC merchant is through Google Maps. However, many will find these locations outside of their range and lacking in selection and quality. Many consumers will find shopping online to be a better and more convenient option.
There are several ways consumers can assess whether or not the D8 THC products they are interested in are of high or low quality. By understanding what to look for in high-quality Delta 8 THC products, consumers know what to avoid. The top brand for Delta 8 THC right now is Exhale Wellness. Not only are our products third-party lab tested with COAs and 100% federally legal, but we also offer a strong variety of Delta 8 THC and discounts to those who want premium quality products.