THC Crystalline – What to Know to Make THCA Crystals

 

Precision Team

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    THCA crystalline is one of the most complicated forms of cannabis to make, but the final product is one that is coveted by many for its extremely high THCA content. The end product itself has many benefits, especially for those looking to solely reap the benefits of THCA without any extra compounds present. Its neutral taste, sugar-like appearance, and non-psychoactive properties (as long as not heated) make it appealing for many medicinal cannabis users.

    Let’s dive into the process of making THCA crystalline, as well as some of the benefits and drawbacks of the product.

    What is THCA Crystalline?

    THCA crystalline is cannabis which has been refined until it is in the form of crystals. It resembles coarse sugar in its appearance. It’s widely regarded as the most potent form of marijuana, as it contains ~99.96% THCA.

    How is THCA Crystalline Made?

    To make THCA crystalline, you start with a cannabis extract. That extract is then combined with acetic acid and hexane, which serve as solvents and dissolve away the plant compounds, such as terpenes, fats, lipids, and other cannabinoids. This step separates all those unwanted compounds from the THCA.

    The next part of the process utilizes machinery, such as a rotary vessel or reactionary vessel. By using pressure, motion, and heat, the solvent is evaporated, leaving behind Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinolic acid.

    This solution still contains a variety of unwanted compounds that can be removed through a process called chromatography. During chromatography, more chemicals are added to the mix to remove any unwanted compounds, and then the solution is once again put through the rotary or reactionary vessel to separate the THCA from the unwanted solvents and compounds.

    By this point, the THCA molecules have chemically bonded to one another, forming a crystalline structure.

    click image to enlarge

    What are the Benefits of THCA Crystalline?

    High Potency

    One of the main benefits is its high concentration of THCA—over 99%. For those who need a high concentration, this is a great option to get the most for your money.

    No Euphoric Effects

    In addition, because the end product has not been decarboxylated, it will not give you a high as long as it is not heated. Many people prefer this, as they get all the benefits of THC without the psychoactive effects.

    That being said, if the product is heated, it becomes THC (not THCA), and it will give you a high. And, because the product contains such a high concentration of THC, it will give you a powerful high in a small amount of product.

    Easy To Consume

    You can easily incorporate THCA crystals into a variety of food and drink, as it is flavorless. Some people prefer the flavorless nature of this product, while others take steps to reincorporate that traditional cannabis flavor.

    What are the Drawbacks of THCA Crystalline?

    Loss of Entourage Effect

    When you consume the product, you get an extremely concentrated amount of THCA, but you also lose out on the terpenes and cannabinoids that are naturally present in the marijuana plant. For some people, this is a benefit! It’s important to note that these terpenes and cannabinoids produce the entourage effect, which means they contribute to the efficacy of the marijuana ingestion. Without them present, you still get the benefits of the THCA; you just don’t get the added benefits from the terpenes.

    Lack of Flavor

    In addition, because there are no terpenes, THCA crystalline does not have a strong taste. Some people prefer the lack of taste, while others miss the plant-like taste that the terpenes bring to the table. To achieve their desired taste preferences, many people combine THCA crystalline with terpenes.

    Not For Beginners

    THCA crystals are incredibly potent. And while this is certainly a benefit for some, it’s important to recognize that its potency could be a drawback, especially for an inexperienced user.

    How Do You Use THCA Crystalline?

    THCA crystalline can be incorporated into food using a carrier oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil. Remember that THCA becomes THC once it’s heated, so if you include this in food items that are exposed to heat, you will experience the psychoactive effects THC gives.

    Others choose to dab the product in order to experience a high, while some consume it in powder form in pill capsules for easy ingestion.


    Are you looking to make THCA Crystals? Precision’s extraction experts can help you with the equipment your lab needs.

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