THCA products have taken over the cannabis industry, and no one’s complaining. THCA or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is a naturally occurring, non-psychoactive cannabinoid found abundantly in raw, live cannabis plants. You can consume it via vapes, flowers, topicals, or dabs.
That said, not all THCA products are legit. In many U.S. states, there is no regulatory body overseeing the production and sale of cannabinoid-based products, which is why fake THCA products exist. The good news? There are some ways to tell if your THCA product is legit. Let’s take a closer look at seven of these ways:
1. Check for Third-Party Lab Reports (COAs)
A Certificate of Analysis or COA is arguably the best way to verify the quality of a THCA product. A legit product always, always has a batch-specific COA. A reputable brand will provide COAs from a verified third-party lab. Check the following things on the certificate: THCA% listed, total THC present, containment testing, including heavy metals, pesticides, and residual solvents.
2. Scan the QR Code
In addition to COAs, you can also scan the QR codes printed on the back of THCA products. The link should lead you to the lab results on a verification page. If the QR code takes you to a generic website or an unrelated link, it’s best to take your business elsewhere. A brand making it hard to verify the batch you’re verifying is a huge red flag.
3. Assess the Ingredient List
You should also assess the ingredient list of your THCA product, typically published on its packaging. Whether you’re buying hemp pre-rolls or THCA cartridges, make sure the following ingredients are not on the list: vitamin E acetate, ECT oil, PG/VG/PEG, or artificial sweeteners.
4. Smell the Product and Consider the Texture
Another common way to tell if a THCA product is legit is to smell it. Natural THCA flowers have a rich, earthy, or fruity scent. They don’t smell like hay or chemicals. Next, consider the texture. Real THCA flowers feel sticky, but not overly wet or dry.
5. Consider Packaging Quality
The packaging tells a lot about your THCA product. For instance, authentic packaging usually has tamper-evident seals, lot or batch numbers, manufacturer and expiration dates, and proper labeling. If the print quality is poor or the packaging has spelling mistakes, you might be holding a fake THCA product.
6. Assess Online Presence
This is a no-brainer. Assessing the online presence and reputation of the cannabis brand you’re buying from is super important. The same goes for retailers.
A reputable cannabis retailer and dispensary like Delta8 Resellers has a user-friendly website with numerous THCA products. They have lab reports, which ensure transparency and confidence. A legit brand also has an established social media presence, so users can know more about their sourcing and manufacturing processes.
7. Read Independent Customer Reviews
Lastly, you can read independent customer reviews of different cannabis retailers and dispensaries that offer THCA products. Legit brands have verified buyer reviews, a history of consistent products, and excellent customer service.
Conclusion
Ensuring that your THCA product is legitimate is essential for both safety and quality. By checking for third-party lab reports, scanning QR codes, reviewing ingredient lists, and assessing the smell and texture, you can quickly spot red flags. Packaging quality, brand transparency, and independent customer reviews also play a vital role in confirming authenticity. With these seven practices, you can protect yourself from counterfeit products and enjoy THCA with confidence. Taking the time to verify your purchase not only safeguards your health but also supports reputable brands that prioritize transparency and consumer trust.