What’s the legal status of THCA flower in Illinois? The state amended the definition of hemp and hemp products to one that doesn’t necessarily match federal law. Let’s look at what this means for the legality of THCA flower and you as a potential consumer.
Can you purchase THCA flower in Illinois? In this article, we’ll dive into the legality of this type of flower, where to buy it, possession limits and safety.
Last Update: December 4, 2024
Summary
- THCA flower is likely illegal in Illinois. State law considers hemp products legal if their delta 9 THC concentration doesn’t exceed 0.3% post-decarboxylation.
- The term ‘post-decarboxylation’ means the potential conversion of THCA into THC in a finished hemp product.
- Marijuana is legal in Illinois for recreational use and for medical purposes.
- Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is legal if its delta 9 THC concentration doesn’t exceed 0.3% by dry weight.
Where to Buy THCA Flower in Illinois?
Despite being potentially illegal, THCA flower is sold in Illinois.
You can find THCA flower in local shops or online, but purchasing it is a personal choice considering its complicated legality. If you decide to buy THCA flower in Illinois, make sure you choose a trustworthy vendor, like Mr. Hemp Flower.
Our expertly-grown, organic hemp flower offers an experience tailored to your needs. We offer federally compliant hemp flower with a delta 9 THC concentration of no more than 0.3% by weight. With each strain you buy, you’ll receive a Certificate of Analysis (CoA). This document is issued by a third-party lab and shows the THC concentration in the tested batch.
Our indica-dominant hybrids offer a more mellow experience that can help with stress, discomfort and racing thoughts. The sativa strains we offer will make you more energized and alert but in a relaxing way. Want to try premium hemp flower grown by licensed farmers? Then click here.
The best THCa around
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Is THCA Flower Legal in Illinois?
THCA flower is likely illegal in Illinois.
Illinois has changed the definition of hemp and hemp products to include a total THC standard. Under state law, hemp and hemp products are considered lawful if their “total delta 9 THC” concentration doesn’t exceed 0.3% by dry weight.
Furthermore, the law defines total THC as the sum of THC and THCA, or total THC post decarboxylation. Decarboxylation occurs when heat is applied to hemp flower, which results in the loss of a carboxylic group in THCA. When THCA loses a carboxylic group, it converts into delta 9 THC.
This means that hemp flower and finished hemp products are legal in Illinois if their delta 9 THC concentration doesn’t exceed 0.3% by dry weight post-decarboxylation. To reiterate, when the delta 9 THC levels in a hemp product are measured post-decarboxylation, the conversion of THCA into delta 9 THC is calculated.
This means that Illinois tests hemp products for their total THC levels (THC + THCA), making THCA flower an illegal product.
The “total THC” standard for finished hemp products is not in line with the federal definition of hemp. Under federal law, hemp products are legal if their delta 9 THC concentration doesn’t exceed 0.3% by weight. But, state law cannot be dismissed, so be cautious when buying THCA flower in Illinois.
Marijuana is legal for recreational use since 2020, so state residents can buy up to 30 grams of cannabis flower for personal use.
What is THCA Flower?
THCA flower is a CBD flower that has a high concentration of THCA (up to 25%) and low levels of delta 9 THC (less than 0.3%).
This type of flower offers the typical marijuana experience and will get you intoxicated. When heated, the THCA in the flower converts into delta 9 THC, causing the “high” feeling.
The legal status of THCA flower is controversial and often confusing due to its chemical similarity to marijuana flower.
Is THCA Legal Federally?
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, finished hemp products are legal if their delta 9 THC concentration doesn’t exceed 0.3% by weight.
Federal law doesn’t limit the THCA content in a hemp product. However, some states, including Illinois, calculate the concentration of both THCA and delta 9 THC into the definition of THC.
Regarding hemp crops, the levels of THCA are calculated pre-harvest. Thirty days before harvesting it, processors are required to test the crops for total THC. Once harvested, the crop is considered legal if its delta 9 THC (not THCA) concentration doesn’t exceed 0.3% by weight.
So, the total THC rule doesn’t apply to finished hemp products. Therefore, the only valuable metric for the legality of finished hemp products is levels of delta 9 THC.
Is THCA a Controlled Substance in Illinois?
No, THCA is not a controlled substance in Illinois.
Under Illinois’s Controlled Substances Act, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is not an illegal substance. State law makes no mention of THC and THC acids, making hemp-derived THCA a legal substance. However, its concentration in a hemp product must not exceed 0.3% by dry weight.
Is THCA Flower Safe?
THCA flower is considered a safe product when you buy from a trusted vendor.
Ensure maximum safety with THCA flower by purchasing from reputable online sellers like Mr. Hemp Flower. Our premium THCA flower is cultivated by US farmers and is clean and organic hemp. Each strain comes with a Certificate of Analysis from a third-party, certified lab.
Buying unadulterated produce is the key to safe consumption. If you want to treat yourself to a premium hemp flower you can trust, click here.
The next step is getting the dosage right. In the Certificate of Analysis of the strain, check the THC levels and calculate the dose that matches your tolerance levels. To err on the side of caution, beginners should start with a single puff, while seasoned users can consume an entire pre-roll.
High doses of THCA flower can cause:
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
Are There Any THCA Possession Limits in Illinois?
No, Illinois has no set possession limits on THCA flower.
This product is not considered lawful because state law considers the potential conversion of THCA into THC in finished hemp products. So, there are no explicit possession limits or other regulations on THCA flower.
Final Thoughts: Is THCA Flower Legal in Illinois?
THCA flower is likely illegal in Illinois.
Under state law, finished hemp products like THCA flower are legal if their delta 9 THC concentration doesn’t exceed 0.3% total THC.
This means that the potential conversion of THCA into THC is calculated in the finished hemp product. The high THCA levels in THCA flower make this product potentially illegal to buy in Illinois.
Despite this, THCA flower is sold in this state and can be purchased online and in local hemp flower shops at the buyer’s risk.
FAQs on THCA Flower Illinois
Is THCA flower sold in Illinois?
Yes, you can find THCA flower in local shops and online, despite its potential illegality.
Is THCA legal in all states?
THCA is legal in states that don’t list hemp THCs and its acids as controlled substances.
Does THCA show up in a drug test?
THCA will show up on a drug test if consumed through a method that involves heating, like smoking or vaping. The reason for this is the conversion of THCA to THC, the intoxicating cannabinoid whose metabolites are detected by a standard urine test.
Can I send or receive THCA flower via USPS in Illinois?
You can send or receive THCA flower via USPS in Illinois if you can prove the product is legal hemp. But, due to state law being restrictive toward such products, it’s not recommended.
How do I prove my product is legal THCA flower?
You can prove your product is legal hemp with a Certificate of Analysis. A document issued by a third-party lab, a CoA shows the concentration of THC in the product.
Will THCA flower get me high?
Yes, THCA flower will get you high if heated. When you smoke or vape THCA, it converts into THC, the main intoxicating compound in hemp.
Can you travel with THCA?
Yes, you can travel with THCA, but it’s not generally recommended because of its complicated legal status. If tested, THCA flower may be viewed as marijuana in the eyes of law enforcement.
