Cannabis News
America Has a Billion Dollar THCA Dilemma
THCA meets legal definition of hemp, operators say – but not everyone agrees
America is getting high on hemp and people are starting to take notice!
Congress members may have unwittingly legalized marijuana, unbeknownst to themselves or customers. This does not include derivatives such as delta-8 THC or hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), which are made from CBD oil taken from federally authorized hemp plants and subsequently converted into psychotropic substances. Despite many states prohibiting hemp-derived THC, these cannabinoids remain federally legal due to a 2018 U.S. Farm Bill loophole.
However, the focus here is on licensed, state-compliant intoxicating cannabis transformed into consumer goods and marketed under the guise of THCA. THCA, a naturally occurring cannabinoid, is nonintoxicating but converts to psychoactive THC when heated, serving as a precursor. Marketed as THCA flower, these products supposedly adhere to the Farm Bill’s 0.3% delta-9 THC limit, thus meeting federal hemp standards.
Estimation of THCA Hemp Revenue
In 2023, THCA sales constituted 7.3% of the approximately $2.8 billion market for hemp-derived cannabinoid products, as reported by the Brightfield Group, a cannabis market data company based in Chicago. This amounted to roughly $200 million in revenue. THCA sales ranked third, trailing behind delta-8 sales (44.2% market share) and hemp-derived delta-9 sales (20.3% market share).
Ecommerce giant Amazon is selling hemp that gets you high and does not even know it as secondary sellers are using the platform to sell intoxicating “hemp gummies and vape pens”
Unlike delta-8 THC and other intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids produced through chemical processes and exploiting legal loopholes, THCA sellers rely on strategic testing timing and possibly selective, even ambiguous, labeling and marketing.
Madeline Scanlon, cannabis insights manager at Brightfield Group, noted, “There is a prevailing sense of inevitability around THCA. Some perceive it as a de facto legalization of cannabis in America. Others see it as a loophole to be closed and are actively advocating against it. Regardless, it’s already in circulation, available for purchase much like traditional cannabis.”
One notable business, The Dispensary, operates 13 stores across North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, selling THCA flowers alongside products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC.
CEO William Nething, a U.S. Army veteran, expressed concerns about legal risks but emphasized the availability of federally compliant genetics within the THCA market.
While The Dispensary’s four Virginia stores ceased sales of hemp-derived cannabinoids following a state ban in July, they continue to receive THCA flower and cannabinoid products from their Wisconsin base. In Virginia, customers interested in these products must visit the online store based in Wisconsin to check inventory and make purchases. Orders can be picked up shortly afterward at the Virginia location.
Nething clarified, “We cannot operate in every state due to regulations. However, since our products comply with federal standards, we are permitted to ship them.”
Legal Uncertainty Surrounding THCA
A number of factors, including plant degradation, testing time and procedure, and regulatory interpretation determines the THCA flower’s legality. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) demands testing for “total THC,” which comprises both THC and THCA, within 30 days before harvest.
However, post-packaging or retail-level testing is not required by the USDA, according to Heidi Urness, co-chair of the cannabis practice group at the McGlinchey Stafford law firm in Seattle. As long as the pre-combustion delta-9 THC levels remain below the federal threshold of 0.3%, the product is considered federally legal hemp.
Under these USDA guidelines, retailers in states without established marijuana markets, such as North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin, can legally sell flower as compliant hemp, despite the fact that high levels of THCA may convert to THC upon combustion.
Urness clarified the legal standpoint, stating, “When it comes to retail sales, the question of legality sparks academic debates. Some, like myself, argue that it is permissible under federal law because we are confined to the definition of delta-9 THC. THCA does not fall under this category.”
However, these same USDA regulations largely prohibit the cultivation of cannabis if its total THC level exceeds the 0.3% hemp threshold. Total THC is calculated as follows:
% delta-9 THC + (% THCA x 0.877)
For instance, if a plant contains 0.1% THC and 10% THCA, its total THC would be 8.8%, consisting of 8.7% THCA and 0.1% THC.
THCA Testing Strategies?
Numerous cultivators claim to successfully cultivate high-THCA flower by selecting strains that delay THCA expression until late in the USDA’s 30-day testing window, and then conducting tests early within that timeframe.
According to Urness, “You can manipulate a plant to suppress THCA during production but trigger its expression once it reaches retailers. At the retail stage, THCA is acceptable.”
Plant scientist Av Singh supported this assertion, citing studies indicating that THC concentration tends to rise later in the flowering phase. Consequently, businesses aiming to sell federally compliant THCA flower prefer to test their crops as early as possible before harvest.
However, some companies, like Power Biopharms based in Euless, Texas, opt out of growing their own THCA flower due to the difficulty of finding strains that meet regulatory requirements. CEO Colt Power explained, “Although it’s theoretically possible, we haven’t identified suitable strains from the approved list or refined our practices for compliance.”
He elaborated, “In Texas, hemp flower must contain total THC (including estimated additional delta-9 THC upon decarboxylation) below 0.3% at the cultivation stage. However, at the retail level, only delta-9 THC below 0.3% matters, with THCA disregarded.”
Despite not growing compliant THCA flower, Power Biopharms sources it from out-of-state cultivators and sells it both locally and online, shipping nationwide. Power emphasized the importance of thorough third-party lab testing to ensure compliance.
THCA flower is delivered to Power Biopharms’ Texas warehouse by cultivators, where it’s branded, packaged, and distributed. Kim Flores, the company’s business development manager, highlighted the nationwide demand for their products.
Bottom Line
The legal status of THCA in the cannabis market remains contentious, with regulatory interpretation and testing complexities posing significant challenges. While THCA offers promising opportunities, stakeholders must navigate uncertain terrain to ensure compliance and market viability. Clarity and consistency in regulations are essential to foster a thriving industry. Despite these uncertainties, the increasing demand for THCA products underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and regulatory refinement. By addressing legal ambiguities and implementing clear guidelines, policymakers can support responsible innovation while ensuring consumer safety and market integrity. Moving forward, collaborative efforts are crucial to establish a transparent framework that balances industry growth with regulatory compliance in the evolving landscape of the cannabis sector.
HIGH ON HEMP, AND ITS ALL LEGAL, READ ON…
“How Long Does One Puff of Weed Stay in Your System?”… This topic can be difficult to answer since it is dependent on elements such as the size of the hit and what constitutes a “one hit.” If you take a large bong pull then cough, it might linger in your system for 5-7 days. A moderate dose from a joint can last 3-5 days, whereas a few hits from a vaporizer may last 1-3 days.
The length of time that marijuana stays in the body varies based on a number of factors, including metabolism, THC levels, frequency of use, and hydration.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. THC and its metabolites, which remain in your body long after the effects have subsided, are detected by drug tests.
Since these metabolites are fat-soluble, they cling to bodily fat molecules. They could thus take a while to fully pass through your system, particularly if your body fat percentage is higher.
THC is absorbed by tissues and organs (including the brain, heart, and fat) and converted by the liver into chemicals such as 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC. Cannabis is eliminated in feces at a rate of around 65%, while urine accounts for 20%. The leftover amount might be kept within the body.
THC deposited in bodily tissues ultimately re-enters the circulation and is processed by the liver. For frequent users, THC accumulates in fatty tissues quicker than it can be removed, thus it may be detectable in drug tests for days or weeks following consumption.
The detection time varies according to the amount and frequency of cannabis usage. Higher dosages and regular usage result in longer detection times.
The type of drug test also affects detection windows. Blood and saliva tests typically detect cannabis metabolites for shorter periods, while urine and hair samples can reveal use for weeks or even months. In some cases, hair tests have detected cannabis use over 90 days after consumption.
Detection Windows for Various Cannabis Drug Tests
Urine Tests
Among all drug tests, urine testing is the most commonly used method for screening for drug use in an individual.
Detection times vary, but a 2017 review suggests the following windows for cannabis in urine after last use:
– Single-use (e.g., one joint): up to 3 days
– Moderate use (around 4 times a week): 5–7 days
– Chronic use (daily): 10–15 days
– Chronic heavy use (multiple times daily): over 30 days
Blood Tests
Blood tests generally detect recent cannabis use, typically within 2–12 hours after consumption. However, in cases of heavy use, cannabis has been detected up to 30 days later. Chronic heavy use can extend the detection period in the bloodstream.
Saliva Tests
THC can enter saliva through secondhand cannabis smoke, but THC metabolites are only present if you’ve personally smoked or ingested cannabis.
Saliva testing has a short detection window and can sometimes identify cannabis use on the same day. A 2020 review found that THC was detectable in the saliva of frequent users for up to 72 hours after use, and it may remain in saliva longer than in blood following recent use.
In areas where cannabis is illegal, saliva testing is often used for roadside screenings.
Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests can detect cannabis use for up to 90 days. After use, cannabinoids reach the hair follicles through small blood vessels and from sebum and sweat surrounding the hair.
Hair grows at approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch segment of hair close to the scalp can reveal cannabis use over the past three months.
Factors Affecting THC and Metabolite Retention
The length of time THC and its metabolites stay in your system depends on various factors. Some, like body mass index (BMI) and metabolic rate, relate to individual body processing, not the drug itself.
Other factors are specific to cannabis use, including:
– Dosage: How much you consume
– Frequency: How often you use cannabis
– Method of consumption: Smoking, dabbing, edibles, or sublingual
– THC potency: Higher potency can extend detection time
Higher doses and more frequent use generally extend THC retention. Cannabis consumed orally may remain in the system slightly longer than smoked cannabis, and stronger cannabis strains, higher in THC, may also stay detectable for a longer period.
How Quickly Do the Effects of Cannabis Set In?
When smoking cannabis, effects appear almost immediately, while ingested cannabis may take 1–3 hours to peak.
The psychoactive component THC produces a “high” with common effects such as:
– Altered senses, including perception of time
– Mood changes
– Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
– Impaired memory
Other short-term effects can include:
– Anxiety and confusion
– Decreased coordination
– Dry mouth and eyes
– Nausea or lightheadedness
– Trouble focusing
– Increased appetite
– Rapid heart rate
– Restlessness and sleepiness
In rare cases, high doses may lead to hallucinations, delusions, or acute psychosis.
Regular cannabis use may have additional mental and physical effects. While research is ongoing, cannabis use may increase the risk of:
– Cognitive issues like memory loss
– Cardiovascular problems including heart disease and stroke
– Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or lung infections
– Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
Cannabis use during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal growth and development.
Duration of Effects
Short-term effects generally taper off within 1–3 hours, but for chronic users, some long-term effects may last days, weeks, or even months. Certain effects may even be permanent.
Bottom Line
The amount of time that cannabis remains in your system following a single use varies greatly depending on individual characteristics such as body fat, metabolism, frequency of use, and mode of intake. Frequent users may maintain traces of THC for weeks, whereas infrequent users may test positive for as little as a few days. Hair tests can disclose usage for up to 90 days, while blood and saliva tests identify more recent use. Urine tests are the most popular and have varying detection durations. The duration that THC and its metabolites are detectable will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including dose, strength, and individual body chemistry.
PEE IN A CUP COMING UP, READ ON..
Is kratom addictive? Discover the potential for dependence on Kratom, the risks involved with its use, and how to approach its consumption responsibly.
From 2011 to 2017, over 1,800 calls to poison centers involved kratom in the U.S. This significant number highlights the concern regarding kratom addiction.
However, without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, and due to various consumption methods like teas and capsules, there are significant health risks. Safe use of kratom is now in question due to these issues.
Research debates how dependence develops, outlining signs like loss of control and withdrawal symptoms. These signs are seen in regular kratom users. Ironically, some people switch from drugs like heroin to kratom, looking for a legal alternative.
Understanding Kratom: Origins and Prevalence
Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. It can act like a stimulant or like opioids, based on how much you take. People use it in different ways, for a small energy boost or stronger effects at higher doses.
The legal status of kratom in the U.S. is complicated and changing. It’s a hot topic because some worry about its misuse. It’s still legal in several states. This shows how different places handle drug rules. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is looking into its medical benefits. But, the FDA hasn’t approved it for medical use yet. The DEA calls it a “drug of concern,” which means policies might change.
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From 2011 to 2017, poison control centers in the U.S. got over 1,800 reports about kratom. This shows it’s widely used and might pose health risks.
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Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.
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As more people use kratom, more are reporting serious health problems. These include liver and heart issues, and tough withdrawal symptoms, particularly in those already sick.
The statistics show mounting worries about kratom in the U.S. As its use grows, it’s becoming more important to health policies and laws. What happens next will depend on further research and legal decisions.
Is Kratom Addictive: Investigating the Substance’s Nature
The question of kratom’s addictiveness focuses on how it affects brain receptors and its long-term health implications. The ongoing debate highlights concerns about dependence and the risk of addiction. Scientists are closely looking at these issues.
How Kratom Works in the Brain
Kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to painkillers and narcotics. This connection suggests a potential risk of dependence. These alkaloids are key to kratom’s pain relief but also point to possible addiction concerns, especially with frequent, high-dose usage.
Patterns and Consequences of Long-term Use
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Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.
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Although some use it for pain or to improve mood, long-term kratom users might see serious health problems, like liver damage and mental health issues.
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Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, nausea, and sleep problems, show kratom’s impact on one’s physical and mental health.
Assessment of Addiction Risks
Studies indicate a significant risk of addiction to kratom, especially with high doses or frequent use. Dependence develops as the body gets used to kratom, leading to tolerance and a need for more to feel its effects. Withdrawal symptoms emphasize this risk, as highlighted by health experts.
Physiological Effects: Kratom’s Impact on the Body
There is a lot of debate about the safety and use of kratom. This herbal extract comes from the Mitragyna speciosa plant. It has drawn attention for its possible harmful effects on the body. The FDA has issued many warnings about kratom, raising safety concerns.
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Kratom Adverse Effects: Kratom users have reported side effects like nausea, vomiting, and confusion. More serious issues include high blood pressure and liver damage. These problems highlight the risks of using kratom.
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Herbal Extract Safety: Some kratom products contain heavy metals and pathogens. These can cause severe health issues, including death. This shows the importance of safety in herbal products.
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FDA Warnings and Regulations: The FDA has linked kratom to over 35 deaths and warns against using it. They point out the lack of medical uses and the risk of addiction.
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Physiological Impact: Kratom’s effects depend on the dose and the user’s body. Yet, it can lead to dangerous outcomes like liver damage and seizures.
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Safety Concerns from Authorities: Federal agencies like the DEA are worried about kratom’s safety. Although not a controlled substance, monitoring suggests users should be careful.
Kratom might offer temporary relief for some ailments, but it comes with significant risks. The FDA’s warnings should make people think twice. If considering kratom, it’s crucial to talk to a doctor first. Experts stress the need for safety and caution with herbal extracts.
Conclusion
Kratom’s role in health and regulation is complex, with views and research findings widely varied. Some people use kratom for its claimed health benefits, but it’s a hot topic. Experts advise caution and suggest consulting a doctor before using kratom due to the unclear effects.
Clinical studies using scores like SOWS and COWS haven’t confirmed withdrawal symptoms from kratom. This adds to the debate, especially when some users report withdrawal. This makes kratom a controversial subject among different findings and user experiences.
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, kratom can be both helpful and harmful. Some have used it successfully to fight addiction. Yet, some states have banned it. This highlights the need for regulations and consistent product quality. It also raises questions about kratom’s legal status due to mixed actions by authorities.
The situation shows how complex kratom is in the realm of substance use and law. Without clear evidence supporting either its benefits or risks, it poses a challenge. More research is needed to guide regulations and health advice. For now, anyone thinking of using kratom should be careful, seek medical advice, and keep up with laws and health guidelines.
WHAT IS KRATOM ANYWAY? READ ON…
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