Is THCA Legal in NC? What You Need to Know

North Carolina has been gradually shaping its stance on cannabis and its derivatives, including THCA, a non-psychoactive precursor to THC found in raw and live cannabis. Known as the new legal THC, people are able to purchase hemp-derived THCA online. If you live in North Carolina, knowing the legal status is essential as the legal landscape continues to evolve. Let’s dive into a comprehensive look at THCA in the Tar Heel State.

What is THCA?

THCA is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. It is the acidic form of THC, but unlike THC, it does not produce psychoactive effects in its raw form. THCA is present in fresh, unprocessed cannabis and is only converted into psychoactive THC when decarboxylated, typically through drying, curing, or heating the plant material.

Basically, this means, when you heat THCA it turns into THC. While THCA is not the same thing as THC, because it is so easy to convert to THC, it has been labeled the new legal THC.

THC and CBD in NC: A Brief History

The history of marijuana and CBD in North Carolina mirrors the national shift from widespread medicinal use to prohibition in the early 20th century, following the 1937 Marihuana Tax Act. Despite strict regulations, the state began to soften its stance with the Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act in 2014, allowing limited use of CBD oil for intractable epilepsy. The legalization of industrial hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill marked a significant change, enabling the legal sale of hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC. While recreational marijuana remains illegal, ongoing debates and legislative efforts aim to expand cannabis laws, reflecting a gradual shift in public perception and regulatory approaches.

Legal Status of THCA in NC

The legality of THCA specifically hinges on its source:

• Marijuana-derived THCA: Since marijuana remains illegal under state law, THCA derived from marijuana is also illegal.
• Hemp-derived THCA: The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp, which is defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. Consequently, THCA derived from hemp could be considered legal, provided it also complies with state laws concerning hemp-derived products.

Challenges and Considerations

For North Carolina residents interested in THCA, there are several considerations:

• Regulation: The state’s regulations around hemp-derived products are still developing, which can lead to confusion about what is legal and what is not. It’s essential for consumers and businesses to stay informed about the latest laws and regulations. As of writing this blog post, THCA is legal in NC.
• Availability: Access to THCA products may be limited depending on local laws and the availability of hemp-derived products in the state.
• Quality Control: As with any cannabis-related product, quality control is a significant concern. Potential users should ensure they are obtaining THCA from reputable sources that provide third-party testing results.

Where to Purchase THCA if you Live in NC

For residents of North Carolina interested in THCA products, including flowers, there are various local CBD shops where these products might be found. However, for a more reliable and convenient option, consider purchasing online. Sweet Leaf Hemp Farms offers a curated selection of the highest quality THCA products sourced from across the United States, all available through our online store. Each product comes with lab test results to ensure compliance with the legal THC limit of 0.3% or less. While shopping in person allows you to see and assess products directly, buying online from Sweet Leaf Hemp Farms offers greater convenience, eliminates the need to transport THCA products yourself, and avoids potential confusion with law enforcement, who may not easily distinguish between THCA flower and marijuana.

Shop THCA flower at Sweet Leaf and get free shipping on orders $75 or more!