THCA is a very unique addition to the hemp market, and the result of a fascinating legal loophole in federal law. Short for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, THCA is the raw form of delta 9 THC. In other words, when you’re handling fresh buds, you’re looking at THCA and not delta 9 THC at all. THCA only becomes delta 9 THC when it’s exposed to the proper level of heat, which is why smoking, vaping, or baking with cannabis allows you to get high, while eating raw buds does not.
In fact, THCA is everywhere at the moment, mainly in the forms of flower, vapes, and concentrates – in other words, products that require heating, thus converting THCA into delta 9. Basically, any company that carries hemp products, whether locally or online, almost definitely has some THCA in stock.
Now, here’s the thing: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a new addition to the market, like we said, and the laws surrounding it are changing fast, on a state level, specifically. We want to offer the most up to date breakdown of THCA laws throughout the country, since an article on its state-by-state legality from even earlier this year could now be totally inaccurate, as things have changed since then.
Disclaimer: This blog article is intended to offer general knowledge to the average hemp consumer. It is not a replacement for legal advice, nor should it be used as a legal guide for local businesses that carry THCA products. Keep in mind that while this features the most up-to-date information as of July 2024, THCA laws may have changed in your state by the time of reading this article. Please stay up to date with your local laws to always be in the know!
THCA According to Federal Law
Before going over each individual state and their laws regarding THCA, let’s look at federal law for a second. THCA is technically a 100% legal cannabinoid under federal law, as a result of the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018. That year, U.S. legislators approved the legalization of the industrial hemp plant, along with its many derivatives (individual cannabinoids, mainly), as long as the hemp products contain no more than 0.3% delta 9 THC.
The result of this change in law meant that a larger legal framework was quickly developed, to determine the regulation of how industrial hemp may be cultivated and processed, and how products may be manufactured, packaged, marketed, sold, and purchased. With Farm Bill’s passing at that time, we doubt that lawmakers had any idea that there would soon be a tidal wave of hemp-derived, non-delta 9 psychoactives emerging on the market.
With that being said, THCA is a federally protected derivative of the hemp plant, as THCA is not the same as delta 9 THC, and it is therefore not held to any restrictions.
THCA Laws Per State
THCA is a completely legal cannabinoid according to federal law, but like we said, many states have banned it by coming up with what’s called “total THC” laws, meaning that products may not contain more than 0.3% delta 9 and THCA combined. The states below in which we say that THCA is illegal adhere to these “total THC” laws, which means that while products may contain up to 0.3% THCA, this amount is so incredibly low that you would not get any meaningful effects from the product.
- Alabama: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally. .
- Alaska: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Arizona: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Arkansas: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- California: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Colorado: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Connecticut: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Delaware: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Florida: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Georgia: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Hawaii: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Idaho: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Illinois: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Indiana: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Iowa: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Kansas: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Kentucky: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Louisiana: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. However, there’s one exception: all flower is illegal. Otherwise, you can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Maine: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Maryland: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Massachusetts: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Michigan: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Minnesota: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Mississippi: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Missouri: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Montana: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Nebraska: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Nevada: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- New Hampshire: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- New Jersey: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- New Mexico: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- New York: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- North Carolina: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- North Dakota: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Ohio: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online. However, the state is presently attempting to pass a bill that would make THCA products illegal.
- Oklahoma: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Oregon: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Pennsylvania: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Rhode Island: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- South Carolina: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- South Dakota: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Tennessee: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Texas: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Utah: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Vermont: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Virginia: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Washington: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- West Virginia: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
- Wisconsin: THCA is a strictly illegal cannabinoid, which means that you may not purchase it in the state, either online or in person, if the amount of THCA in the product exceeds 0.3%. Please be mindful that no business carrying THCA in this state is operating legally.
- Wyoming: THCA is a legal cannabinoid under state law, and there are no restrictions in terms of how it can be purchased, sold, or consumed. This means that as long as you’re of legal adult age, you can purchase THCA products without any limitations regarding milligram strength, purchase amount, or possession amount. You can buy THCA products either in person or online.
Read More: Where is THC-P Legal Throughout the United States in 2025?
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Legal Status of THCA
We’ve covered the overview of state laws regarding THCA, as well as federal laws, so to wrap things up, let’s discuss some of the more frequently asked questions that we get regarding THCA, which relate to the legality of this cannabinoid.
Can THCA Cause Me to Fail a Drug Test?
Taking THCA in the form of flower, concentrates, or vapes will lead to a failed drug test result just like marijuana. Again, THCA converts into delta 9 THC when it’s heated, and delta 9 breaks down into a metabolite called, “THC-COOH” – it’s what drug tests are looking for, and so you’re at just as much risk.
Can I Legally Drive Under the Influence of THCA?
Driving while under the influence of a THCA product that’s providing you with delta 9 THC is, in fact, illegal, even if you live in an area where the cannabinoid is legal. Driving while intoxicated under any substance is against the law, and besides that, it can be extremely dangerous.
Can THCA Flower Get Confused with Marijuana by a Law Enforcement Official?
THCA flower is, in fact, chemically identical to marijuana flower. Basically, it’s hemp flower that’s cultivated in a way that yields high levels of THCA, just like weed. This could potentially present legal issues if you live in a state in which THCA flower is legal, but marijuana is not.
How Can I Check Current Laws Regarding THCA’s Legality in My State?
It can be tricky to stay up to date on local laws regarding cannabis products like THCA. Our best recommendation is to type the name of the cannabinoid into your search engine bar, along with the name of your state. This should show you if there are any laws in the woodwork regarding the legal status of certain hemp derivatives.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, THCA laws are rapidly evolving on a state level. And, this guide may not even be the most up to date in just a few months, as many states are starting to reconsider their stance on THCA as we speak. Stay tuned with your local laws to be on the safe side, and for the time-being, if you live in a state that does permit sales of THCA-based products, explore the selection we offer here at Friendly Hemp, where you’ll find only premium THCA formulas that can conveniently be shipped to your home.
