What Are THCA Dabs? Types, Benefits, and Usage
Wells Westmoreland
THCA dabs are a cannabis sativa concentrate containing tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) in high concentrations.
Dabs are commonly referred to as THCA concentrates, however, dabs are a specific type of concentrate that can be consumed by dabbing, a process that involves heating the concentrate on a metal nail, then inhaling the resulting vapor.
THCA is non-psychoactive in raw form, but when it’s heated (as when you consume THCA concentrate), it’s converted to THC, which creates the euphoric, uplifting psychoactive effects the cannabis plant is known for.
In this article, we’re going to break down what THCA dabs are and discuss the types, benefits, and side effects of dabs.
What is THCA?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the cannabis sativa plant (hemp is a federally legal variant of cannabis sativa that contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight).
THCA can be thought of as an acidic version of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) because it’s THC, plus an acid ring. When THCA is heated, this acid ring is removed (this process is known as decarboxylation) and the THCA becomes THC.
THCA has few effects in raw form, but when heated, it turns into THC, its “activated” form, which is psychoactive and has a variety of potential therapeutic benefits.
What Are THCA Dabs?
THCA dabs are highly refined cannabis sativa products that contain high concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).
THCA dabs are sometimes also referred to as THCA concentrates, which they are, but “dabs” refers specifically to the types of concentrates you can consume using a dab rig, like THCA wax or THCA diamonds. THCA dabs would not include concentrates such as THCA kief, for example.
If they are made to contain less than 0.3% THC, THCA dabs are considered hemp products (THCA is not the same as THC, which makes high potency and federal legality possible at the same time).
THCA dabs are very pure, often exceeding 70% THCA. As a result, they deliver very potent effects and are ideal if you’re an experienced connoisseur looking for intense effects. Concentrates are extracted to remove plant material, leaving behind pure, potent cannabinoids.
How THCA dabs are made
The process used to make THCA dabs varies between specific products, but the general process is as follows:
- Harvesting: High-THCA cannabis plants are selected and harvested.
- Extraction: The cannabinoids are extracted using methods such as CO2, butane, or ethanol. Solventless techniques like heat and pressure may also be used for options like live rosin.
- Purification: After extraction, the material undergoes a refinement process to remove unwanted compounds like plant waxes, chlorophyll, and lipids.
- Crystallization: For products like THCA diamonds, the extract is subjected to specific conditions that encourage crystal formation, resulting in ultra-pure concentrates.
- Curing: The final product is cured or dried, ensuring stability and optimal quality.
This process creates potent, pure concentrates that pack powerful effects.
Types of THCA Dabs
There are many different types of THCA dabs. Here’s a bit about each of the main ones:
THCA diamonds
THCA diamonds are crystalline concentrates that boast exceptionally high purity and potency, making them one of the strongest THCA extracts available.
Often exceeding 99% potency, THCA diamonds deliver a clean, intense high when heated and converted into THC. These glass-like crystals can be dabbed, sprinkled onto flower, used to make edibles, and used in other ways for a powerful, fast-acting experience.
THCA wax
THCA wax is a soft, pliable concentrate that has a buttery, easy-to-handle texture, making it a favorite for dabbing. Its rich terpene content and high THCA potency ensure a flavorful, aromatic experience.
Best used with a dab rig or vaporizer, THCA wax melts smoothly under heat, producing potent and fast-acting effects.
THCA sugar wax
THCA sugar wax is a soft, granular concentrate that closely resembles traditional wax but has a sugary, crystallized texture. THCA sugar wax can be white, but it often has an amber color due to high terpene content.
Sugar wax offers high THCA potency combined with a full-spectrum cannabinoid profile, making it a flavorful and effective option for dabbing.
Thanks to its easy consistency, it’s simple to dab, providing a smooth, high-potency vapor when heated.
THCA shatter
THCA shatter is a brittle, glass-like concentrate that breaks apart easily, making it convenient for precise dosing.
With its high THCA content, shatter offers a potent experience and can be dabbed, broken up and added to pre-rolls, or inhaled using a bong rig.
When heated, it melts into a clean, flavorful vapor, delivering strong psychoactive effects after decarboxylation.
THCA sauce
THCA sauce is a rich, terpene-heavy concentrate known for its high potency and bold flavors.
It contains a mix of THCA crystalline structures and cannabinoid-rich oil, providing a thick, saucy texture that’s ideal for dabbing.
THCA sauce delivers strong effects alongside a full-spectrum terpene experience, making it a favorite for flavor chasers and connoisseurs.
THCA badder
THCA badder is a whipped, creamy concentrate with a smooth, malleable texture that makes it easy to scoop and handle.
Known for its high terpene content and potent THCA levels, badder provides a rich, flavorful dabbing experience. It’s ideal if you prefer concentrates that are easy to work with while still offering strong effects and full-spectrum benefits.
THCA live resin
THCA live resin is an ultra-premium concentrate extracted from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis, preserving the plant’s full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes.
This process results in exceptional flavor, potency, and aroma, offering a rich, well-rounded experience.
Live resin is favored for dabbing due to its high THCA content and terpene-forward profile, delivering a smooth and flavorful vapor when heated.
THCA live rosin
THCA live rosin is a solventless concentrate made using heat and pressure, ensuring a pure, terpene-rich experience without chemical solvents.
This premium extract offers a clean, natural flavor while maintaining high THCA potency. Ideal for dab enthusiasts, live rosin provides a smooth, flavorful vapor with strong effects, making it a top choice for connoisseurs who prioritize purity and taste.
Benefits of THCA Dabs
THCA dabs offer several benefits, both generally and in comparison to other types of THCA products.
Here’s why you should consider trying THCA dabs:
Therapeutic benefits
When THCA is heated, it’s converted into THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Research suggests THC has therapeutic potential in a variety of areas:
- Stress & Anxiety: Research on THC for anxiety shows that it may be beneficial for some people, but not beneficial for others. THC tends to be most effective for this use in smaller doses.
- Pain & Inflammation: Research suggests THC may have physically soothing, comfort-promoting properties.
- Sleep: Research suggests THC may promote restful sleep through its euphoric, relaxing effects. Delta 9 products made with indica strains may be particularly beneficial for this use.
- Appetite: Research suggests THC may have appetite-stimulating properties.
- Nausea: Research has found that THC may have antiemetic (anti-nausea) properties.
While some people use THCA dabs recreationally, many people choose this consumption method for therapeutic purposes because it’s convenient for them.
Potency
THCA dabs are the most potent type of THCA product.
Most strains of THCA flower contain about 20% THCA. By contrast:
- THCA diamonds are often 99%+ potent
- THCA badder is often 90%+ potent
- THCA wax is often 70%+ potent
This makes THCA dabs roughly 3-5x as potent as THCA flower. Due to this high potency, THCA dabs are great if you need larger doses of THC for therapeutic use, or you’ve built up a tolerance and therefore need to take more to see the same benefits.
Fast acting effects
Because THCA dabs are inhaled, they begin working in just 5-10 minutes. This makes dabs a great option for therapeutic support or recreational fun.
Purity
THCA dabs are mostly THCA and can be vaporized, which leads to a cleaner inhalation experience compared to THCA flower or THCA pre-rolls.
Side Effects of THCA Dabs
Potential side effects of THCA dabs may include:
- Difficulty thinking and speaking
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Rapid heart rate
- Memory loss
- Red eyes
- Slowed reaction time
To minimize or avoid these side effects, start by dabbing a small amount and waiting for the effects to kick in before consuming more.
How to Use THCA Dabs
While THCA dabs are typically consumed via a dab rig (per their name), there are many other ways you can consume THCA dabs:
- Dabbing: THCA dabs can be inhaled using a dab rig, which typically consists of a glass piece with a nail attachment, torch, and dab tool. Heat the nail, scoop THCA dabs onto it once it’s hot, and then inhale the vapor as it’s produced.
- Smoking: You can smoke THCA dabs by mixing them into your bowl or joint, which will increase the potency of your flower.
- Vaping: THCA dabs can be inhaled using a vaporizer (of which there are many types), which converts the concentrate into vapor without burning it.
- Hot Knifing: An old-school THCA dab consumption method, hot knifing involves heating two metal knives and then carefully pressing a small amount of THCA dabs between them. As the vapor forms, it can inhale it using a straw or a similar device.
- Glass Dab Straw (Nectar Collector): THCA dabs can be consumed using a glass dab straw, where the tip of the straw is heated with a torch and dipped directly into the THCA dabs. You can then inhale through the opposite end.
How Long Do THCA Dabs Take to Kick In?
If inhaled, THCA dabs will kick in within 5 to 10 minutes.
How Long Do The Effects of THCA Dabs Last?
The effects of THCA dabs will last for 2-4 hours if inhaled.
Are THCA Dabs Legal?
Yes, THCA dabs are legal because they contain THCA in raw form, rather than THC (the THCA is only converted to THC once the concentrate is heated).
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products, which are defined as those containing less than 0.3% THC, are federally legal.
Conclusion: Should You Try THCA Dabs?
If you’re looking for a cleaner, more potent THCA consumption experience, THCA dabs are definitely worth a try.
There are many different options to choose from; if you want a terpene-rich, flavorful experience, THCA wax is best, whereas THCA diamonds are ideal if you want nearly 100% pure THC.
The key to success with THCA dabs is selecting a high-quality product. And if that’s what you want to do, you’re already in the right place. At Carolina Hemp Cafe, we sell a wide selection of THCA dabs, including THCA wax, THCA sugar wax, THCA diamonds, and THCA sauce. Everything contains 100% natural cannabinoids, is 3rd-party lab tested, and is made from high-quality American-grown hemp to ensure a clean, potent experience every time.
What Are THCA Dabs: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about THCA dabs:
Are THCA dabs the same as regular dabs?
Yes, THCA dabs are just as potent as regular cannabis dabs. Both types of dabs contain high concentrations of THCA, which is turned into THC when heated, but THCA dabs are federally legal due to how they’re tested and labeled.
Are THCA dabs any good?
Yes, many people have good experiences with THCA dabs; they’re just as strong as regular cannabis dabs, but they’re federally legal because of how they’re tested and labeled.
How strong is THCA wax?
THCA wax is typically 60-80% potent, making it about 3-4x as potent as THCA flower and ⅘ as potent as THCA diamonds.
Are THCA dabs legal?
Yes, THCA dabs are federally legal in the US. Because they contain less than 0.3% THC in their raw, unheated form, they’re considered hemp products under federal law.