THCa is quickly becoming a standout cannabinoid in the cannabis community. Praised for being non-psychoactive in its raw form, it’s seen as a gentler alternative to traditional THC. But here’s the catch—once you heat it through smoking or vaping, it transforms into THC. That raises an important question: Does THCa show up in a drug test? Let’s explore what really happens when this popular cannabinoid meets heat—and how it can potentially lead to a failed drug test.
It’s important to remember that drug tests are designed to detect THC metabolites, which can be produced after THCa is consumed. However, your outcomes will vary depending on the type of drug test you’re taking, how long it’s been since you last consumed THCa, and the dosage you used. This article will explain all aspects of THCa drug tests so you can prepare for your next checkup.
What is THCa?
THCa is a non-euphoric cannabis compound found in marijuana and hemp plants. Short for Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, and also abbreviated as THCA, THC-a, and THC-A, the cannabinoid is the precursor to THC (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid, Delta 9 THC, Delta 9, D9, or D9 THC), the world’s most famous euphoric cannabinoid. Unlike THC, THCa has a carboxyl group that prevents it from interacting with the CB1 receptors in your brain. These endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors produce euphoric results when interacting with THC.
When exposed to heat, THCa converts to THC through a process called decarboxylation. This natural reaction removes a carboxyl group from the molecule, transforming non-psychoactive THCa into THC—the active compound known for its euphoric effects. Once converted, THC can bind to CB1 receptors in the brain, producing the classic euphoric sensations enthusiasts love.
Although raw THCa is non-euphoric in its raw cannabis form, it still produces various health benefits. Current cannabis research states that THCa can possibly help reduce physical discomfort and negative responses to environmental stimuli and promote relaxation, among other wellness benefits. Many people enjoy it because it can support their well-being without losing control.
Does THCa Show Up in a Drug Test?
Yes, THCa may cause a positive drug test. Drug tests are designed to detect THC metabolites, not THCa metabolites. However, if you consume THCa, and because it shares a similar chemical structure to THC, it may result in a false positive result. This is more likely to occur if you ingest large amounts of THCa.
Additionally, if you heat THCa, it will convert into THC before it is ingested. Therefore, you will get a positive result. However, your results will vary based on the type of drug test you take and how long it has been since you last consumed THC.
How Long Does THCa Stay in Your System?
How long THC metabolites stay in your system varies depending on how much you take, the dosage amount, and biological factors. However, various types of drug tests have different detection windows that you may consider when determining how long to refrain from cannabis use. So, if you’re wondering how long THCa stays in your system, it depends on several factors, including the type of drug test used.
Here are the most common testing methods for cannabis and their detection windows:
- Urine Tests. The most common type of drug test is a urine drug screening, which is often used by corporations and rehab centers. A lab tests your urine for THC content and sends the results to the organization. Urine drug tests have a detection window of 30 days.
- Blood Tests. Law enforcement commonly uses blood sample tests, particularly in situations like DUIs, because they can accurately detect recent drug use. However, law enforcement cannot usually perform a blood test without the individual’s consent or a court-issued warrant. If you are an occasional consumer, a drug test will detect THC metabolites within 2-7 days; with chronic consumers, it may be closer to 2-3 weeks.
- Hair Tests. With hair follicle tests, the clinic pulls out a strand of hair and tests the follicle for THC content. This type of drug test can detect THC metabolites for up to 90 days. However, it is rarely used and known to be inaccurate.
- Saliva Tests. These standard drug tests are also not the most popular, mainly due to their short detection windows. For occasional consumers, THC may be detected for 12-24 hours. Chronic consumers may have a THC detection window of up to 72 hours.
What Factors Affect the Detection of THCa?
There are several factors affecting THCa cannabis metabolite detection, including the following:
- Dosage. High doses of THCa will stay in your system longer. The dose refers to the amount you take and the product’s strength. Additionally, large doses of THCa are more likely to show up as THC metabolites.
- Metabolism. If you have a fast individual metabolism, your system may metabolize THC metabolites quickly, reducing the risk of a positive drug test.
- Frequency of Use. Drug tests are more likely to detect cannabis in enthusiasts who consume THCa often.
- Body Fat Percentage. Cannabinoids like THCa and THC are fat-soluble, meaning they bind to fat cells rather than dissolve in water. Therefore, if you have a high body fat percentage, it will stay in your system longer.
- Genetics. Some people are born with enzymes that can help them eliminate cannabis metabolites quickly.
- Diet and Exercise. Drinking plenty of water, exercising, and eating high-fiber foods may help you quickly detox THC metabolites from your system, reducing the risk that most drug tests will detect THCa or THC.
Understanding THCa vs THC: Key Differences
THC and THCa may sound alike, and they have significant connections in the cannabis world. However, there are key differences to consider, as follows:
Chemical Structure
THCa has a carboxyl group that prevents it from interacting with the CB1 receptors in your brain—these are the cannabinoid receptors that produce euphoric sensations. When it is heated, it undergoes decarboxylation and transforms into THCa. It then loses its carboxyl group, allowing it to interact freely with the CB1.
Effects
The CB1 receptor is known to interact with cannabis compounds and produce euphoric effects. THCa’s carboxyl group prevents interactions, so it is non-euphoric. However, once it loses that group, its interactions may cause euphoria and changes in judgment. Despite structural changes, both cannabinoids produce wellness benefits like increased relaxation and reduced physical discomfort. THCa is also known to support cognitive health.
Legality
THCa is legal in most states and under federal law if products containing it have a total THC content of 0.3% or below. The same goes for products that contain THC in low doses. However, state laws vary greatly, with some outright banning both hemp-derived THC and THCa products. Always be aware of your state laws before purchasing any cannabis products.
Usage
THC and THCa can be consumed through various methods like joints, vapes, bongs, pipes, edibles, oils, capsules, and tinctures. However, if THCa is consumed in a smokable product, it will convert into THC.
Is THCa Legal?
The answer depends on where you reside. The Farm Bill of 2018 legalized all hemp-derived cannabis products with a THC level of 0.3% or below. Most states adopted the bill as well. THCa products are generally low in THC, so provided they are hemp-derived, they are federally legal and legal in most states.
However, there have been concerns about THCa presenting a legal loophole. Many people will purchase THCa legally, realizing its potential to convert into a euphoric compound with a THC content over the legal limit. Some states have addressed this issue by testing THCa preharvest to ensure it won’t convert to a high-content product.
THCa laws vary widely from state to state, creating a legal gray area for consumers. In Georgia, for example, regulators consider THCa part of the total THC concentration, which cannot exceed 0.3%. Meanwhile, states like California have recently banned hemp-derived “intoxicating” cannabinoids, including THCa. On the other hand, New York permits the sale, possession, and use of THCa products as long as the total THC content remains under 0.3% at the point of sale. This patchwork of state laws makes it challenging to keep up with the latest regulations. To stay compliant, it’s best to research your specific state’s stance on THCa before buying or using these products.
Does THCa Get You High?
No, THCa does not get you high on its own. You can drink raw cannabis juice or eat THCa raw and not experience euphoric effects. However, if you vape THCa or smoke the compound in a joint, bong, or bowl, it will convert into THC, which produces euphoric effects. You will get high and run a higher risk of a positive test result. In other words, THCa on its own will not get you high, but THCa heated will get you high.
FAQs – Does THCa Show Up In Drug Test Results?
How much THCa is needed for positive drug test results?
There is no saying how much THCa is needed for testing positive on regular drug tests. To test positive, standard urine tests must detect 50 ng/ml of THC-COOH, although some tests have a lower cut-off of 15 ng/ml. However, it is difficult to determine how much THCa will convert into THC and cause you to reach that concentration.
Can Breath Tests Detect THCa?
Breath tests for cannabis are still in the early stages of development and are not yet widely used or standardized like urine or blood tests. These emerging tests are designed to detect THC, not THCa. Since THCa is non-euphoric and only converts into THC when heated, it won’t register on a breath test unless it has been smoked, vaped, or otherwise activated. THCa is unlikely to be detected by breath-based testing in its raw form.
Is THCa Considered a Drug?
THCa is not considered a drug by federal law because it is a non-psychoactive THC compound. However, some states have different regulations and may consider it a drug.
Is THCa Legal To Fly With?
THCa flower is legal to fly with, provided you are flying to and from a legal destination. Furthermore, airport security focuses on weapon detection and may not search for cannabis in your luggage. However, if security finds cannabis in your luggage, they may be unsure it is legal and want to detain you, and you may miss your flight. Additionally, certain airlines may not allow cannabis on their flight. It’s best to play it safe and leave cannabis out of your luggage. You can always purchase it when you get to your destination.
Will THCa Get You Stoned?
No, THCa will not get you stoned. However, if you smoke THCa in a joint, bowl, vape, or dab, it will convert into THC, which will get you stoned.
How Can You Pass a Drug Test for THCa?
The best way to pass a drug test for THCa is to refrain from using any THCa products at least 30 days before your test. That way, you can ensure there will be little to no THCa detectable in your system. If you are sprung with a surprise drug test, you can try to flush THCa sooner with diet and exercise techniques. However, there is no guarantee that they will be effective.
Final Thoughts- Does THCa Show Up in a Drug Test? [Don’t Use THCa Until You Read This!]
While THCa itself isn’t the direct target of most drug tests, it can still trigger a positive result—especially when heated and converted into THC. Even in its raw form, THCa may produce a false positive due to its structural similarity to THC, as some tests may not distinguish between the two. Factors like dosage, frequency of use, and metabolism all influence how long THCa stays in your system, but many experts recommend a 30-day window of abstinence to minimize the risk of a failed test.
Whether you’re navigating workplace policies or legal restrictions, knowing the facts about THCa can help you make informed choices and avoid unwanted surprises if you know you have a drug test coming. Ready to enjoy the benefits of premium THCa without the guesswork? Visit our THCa store to explore the highest-quality THCa products online—crafted for purity, potency, and peace of mind.
