How Should You Store THCA Flower and How Long Does It Last?
THCA flower is becoming incredibly popular now in the hemp world because of its form. For many, its enjoyable to smoke or vape their favorite products, but the versatility of THCA can go beyond this as it can also be added into various dishes and beverages.
What Is THCA Flower?
THCA is also known as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and it is the precursor to the cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinoid) which is found naturally in the hemp plant in smaller quantities.
THCA flower is when the cannabinoid is present in the form of a dried herb, which can then be consumed in raw form or ignited.
In order for THC flower to be sold legally it must be hemp-derived, so this is generally what you will find being sold by brands.
Some brands will sell cheap THCA flower that is still quite high quality, but it’s important to check for a few characteristics when deciding what THCA flower to select.
How to Choose a THCA Flower Brand
The number one most important thing to look for when choosing a THCA flower brand is transparency and honesty. Brands that are worthwhile will go the extra mile to ensure that their customers feel confident in their products. One of the primary ways of doing so is when a brand third-party lab tests its products to ensure purity and quality. Clear labeling of all present ingredients as well as being honest about the cultivation source are both green flags. Finally, when a brand has responsive customer service this is also a good sign.
What Are the Benefits of THCA Flower?
Many people consume THCA flowers because they say that it really chills them out and elicit feelings of joy and bliss. The way THCA flower might make someone feel though also depends on strain type, which we explain more about in the next section.
Understanding THCA Flower Strains
THCA flower comes in 3 different strains generally – indica, sativa, and hybrid. There’s a distinction between the three, so if you’re thinking about consuming THCA flower, it’s important to decide which option might be the best for you.
Indicas are known for their more mellow and sleep-inducing effects. They’re a total chill-out strain type that is best reserved for later in the evenings or just before bed for deep rest and rejuvenation. Consuming them during the day can be possible, but it's best to do so if you have a complete day off as they can make you unwind deeply.
Sativas, on the other hand, are sort of the opposite. They’re much more energizing and uplifting and therefore tend to be better suited as a daytime option. They typically induce joy, focus, and excitement, which makes them great if you need a little mood boost in the morning or afternoon. Consuming them before bedtime is not ideal as they may keep you from sleeping.
Hybrids, as expected, are strains that fall between indica and sativa to some degree or ratio. They tend to be a blend of the two effects, which is great for those who want an option in between that is neither sleep-inducing nor overly energizing.
How Should You Store THCA Flower?
If you’ve made the decision to purchase THCA flower then you’re likely wondering about the best way to store your new product to prolong its shelf life and keep the herb as fresh as possible. The best way to store THCA flowers is in airtight containers, such as mason jars or similar kitchen jars for storing dried goods in the pantry. It’s important to store the jar away from heat and humidity, much as you would store supplements or tinctures in a cool, dark place.
How Long Does THCA Flower Last?
Every brand will have a different estimated shelf life for their THCA flower, because it really is dependent on the manufacturing and growing standards, but generally if stored properly, THCA flower can last up to 18 months in its freshest condition. Ideally, however, its best to consume the flower within a 6 month period for the freshest flavor profile. These numbers are incredibly generalized, so the most accurate estimate will be the one the brand you purchase from provides you with.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich
Content Strategist
Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the wooden crafts and 3D product design space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.
