Iowa has a complex relationship with hemp flower. State law explicitly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, and possession of hemp products for inhalation. In addition, Iowa’s Hemp Act has some confusing provisions regarding the allowable THC levels in finished hemp products.
Can you buy THCA flower in Iowa? In this article, we’ll dive into the legality of this type of flower, where to buy it, possession limits and safety.
Last Update: April 9, 2024
Summary
- THCA flower is likely illegal in Iowa.
- The state defines hemp products as products with a maximum delta 9 THC concentration of no more than 0.3%.
- State law doesn’t explicitly define the term “maximum,” but it likely means total THC. This term is referenced with hemp testing, and hemp is tested for total THC levels (THC + THCA).
- Iowa prohibits the sale and distribution of smokable hemp products, or hemp meant for inhalation.
- If you want to buy THCA flower in Iowa, make sure you understand the law and proceed with caution.
Where to Buy THCA Flower in Iowa?
THCA flower is likely illegal in Iowa, so proceed with caution when purchasing this product.
Our THCA flower is expertly grown by USA farmers and comes with a Certificate of Analysis. This document is issued by a third-party lab and contains detailed info on the levels of THC and THCA in each strain.
Having a Certificate of Analysis with the product will make you feel more at ease and give you confidence in the legal status of the strain. Click here to order expertly grown THCA flower.
However, if you’re looking for an exceptional THC experience without the hurdles that may arise from buying THCA flower, delta 9 THC gummies are the ideal alternative. Our gummies are premium quality, and although they have a longer onset time, they offer an exceptional THC experience.
Hemp-derived delta 9 gummies, like Mr. Hemp Flower’s, that are compliant with federal law, are legal to buy in Iowa under state law. Our gummies don’t contain THCA and are infused with an extract that has less than 0.3% delta 9 THC.
Aside from being a legal product, our gummies are made following a vegan-friendly recipe and come in various flavors and aromas. If you want to enjoy premium delta 9 gummies, click here to order.
Definitely a must try
I usually prefer sativa based strains but this hybrid left me very calm and still left me awake enough to enjoy it. Smell and flavor are also better than some other strains I’ve tried, honestly not my go to for smoking but I absolutely keep some around at all times. (Warning: you might find yourself locked to the couch lol)
Is THCA Flower Legal in Iowa?
THCA flower is likely illegal in Iowa.
The Iowa Hemp Act defines “hemp” as a crop with a maximum delta 9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3% by dry weight. The same terminology is used to define the THC levels allowed in a legal hemp-derived product.
State law doesn’t define the term “maximum delta 9 THC concentration,” but it likely means total THC. The reason behind this statement is that, within the same provision, there’s a reference for testing of hemp crops.
Hemp crops must be tested for their maximum delta 9 THC levels before harvest. In Iowa, hemp is tested using the process of decarboxylation, which accounts for the potential conversion of THCA into THC.
Although the term “maximum delta 9 THC” is undefined, products that contain more than the maximum concentration of THC are unlawful. Since the potential conversion of THCA into THC is likely calculated in finished hemp products in this state, THCA flower is likely illegal. But there’s no explicit ban on this product, so there’s room for interpretation.
In addition, Iowa prohibits the sale and distribution of smokable hemp products or products marketed for inhalation. But, hemp flower can be used for edibles, oil extraction, or cooking.
So, unless marketed for inhalation, hemp flower is permitted in Iowa. The same cannot be said for hemp pre-rolls and cigarettes, which are intended for smoking and are explicitly illegal in Iowa.
What is THCA Flower?
THCA flower is essentially a CBD flower with really high concentrations of THCA (up to 25%). This type of flower is considered a legal hemp product because its delta 9 THC levels don’t exceed 0.3% by weight.
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid and the precursor of delta 9 THC. In its natural state, THCA is an inactive compound that’s activated when heated. Applying heat to THCA flower converts the THCA into delta 9 THC and results in the typical marijuana experience.
Due to its chemical similarity to marijuana, THCA flower has a controversial legal status despite its federally compliant delta 9 THC levels.
Is THCA Legal Federally?
As a rule of thumb, hemp products with a delta 9 THC concentration of 0.3% or less are legal hemp.
The levels of delta 9 THC in a hemp product are what matters under federal law. So, if the delta 9 levels in THCA flower don’t exceed 0.3% by dry weight (tested pre-harvest), the flower is legal hemp.
Some states have introduced a law that requires final hemp products to be tested for their total THC (THCA + THC) levels. However, there’s no such requirement under federal law unless the hemp flower is tested 30 days before harvest.
Federally, the levels of delta 9 in THCA flower should not exceed 0.3% total THC before harvest. The total THC rule only applies to pre-harvest hemp and not finished hemp products.
Is THCA a Controlled Substance in Iowa?
If derived from hemp, THCA is not a controlled substance in Iowa.
Under Iowa’s Controlled Substances Act, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is not an illegal substance if derived from hemp. The state removed hemp and hemp THCs from the definition of marijuana under the Iowa Hemp Act in 2019.
Marijuana-derived THC, its isomers, derivatives, and compounds with similar chemical structure are listed as Schedule I substances.
Is THCA Flower Safe?
THCA flower is safe when you buy from a trusted and reputable shop.
A reputable online store that specialize in hemp flower, like Mr. Hemp Flower, is the best place to purchase THCA flower. Licensed USA farmers cultivate our expertly grown, premium THCA flower that’s free from toxic by-products and contaminants.
Every strain comes with a Certificate of Analysis from a third-party, certified lab. Knowing what’s in your hemp — and which vendor you’re buying it from — is the main step to safe consumption.
The dosage, or amount of THCA flower you consume, is another important factor for safety. Make sure you match the dose with your tolerance levels and don’t overconsume, as high doses can cause a few side effects, including:
- Dry mouth
- Red eyes
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Lightheadedness
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
Are There Any THCA Possession Limits in Iowa?
No, Iowa has no set possession limits on THCA flower.
There’s no explicit ban on THCA flower in Iowa, but the law has a few confusing provisions that leave its legal status in a gray area. This product remains unregulated in this state, so there are no possession limits or other restrictions on THCA flower.
Final Thoughts: Is THCA Flower Legal in Iowa?
THCA flower is likely illegal in Iowa.
Under state law, hemp products are legal products if they contain a “maximum” delta 9 THC concentration. The term “maximum” THC remains undefined, but it’s mentioned in reference to hemp testing. Hemp is tested for total THC (THCA + delta 9 THC) in Iowa.
Based on these provisions, we can assume that the concentration of THCA in hemp flower is calculated in the total THC levels in hemp flower.
FAQs on THCA Flower Iowa
Is THCA flower sold in Iowa?
THCA flower is sold in Iowa despite its potential illegal status. You can find it online and in local shops.
Is THCA legal in all states?
If the state doesn’t include hemp THCs and its acids, like THCA, in the list of controlled substances, they are considered legal.
Does THCA show up in a drug test?
If consumed through smoking or vaping, THCA will show up on a drug test. Heat converts THCA into delta 9 THC, the intoxicating hemp cannabinoid whose metabolites are detected by drug tests.
Can I send or receive THCA flower via USPS in Iowa?
There’s no explicit ban on sending or receiving hemp flower via USPS in Iowa. But, it’s good to be aware of the risks that such an action brings when THCA flower is the product.
How do I prove my product is legal THCA flower?
You should carry a Certificate of Analysis issued by a certified lab to prove your product is legal THCA flower. How this document will be received and whether further tests will be performed on the product depends on the state and its laws.
Will THCA flower get me high?
Yes, THCA flower will get you high. When heated, THCA converts into delta 9 THC and gets you intoxicated.
Can you travel with THCA?
It’s generally advised against traveling with THCA flower due to its complicated legality.
