Let's make THC-A legal in all US states

Is THCA Legal in all the US states at the moment?

Is THCA legal? This question has become increasingly common as products containing tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) flood the hemp market. THCA is a non-intoxicating compound found naturally in cannabis plants that converts to psychoactive THC when heated. Under federal law established by the 2018 Farm Bill, THCA derived from hemp is legal as long as delta-9 THC levels remain below 0.3%. However, several states have imposed additional restrictions or outright bans on THCA, leading to confusion and debates over its legal status. 

Federal Guidelines Create Gray Areas

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp cultivation, defining hemp as cannabis containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis. It does not account for the potential conversion of THCA to THC that occurs through decarboxylation from heating, aging, or curing. Federal testing guidelines only require analyzing THC levels before harvest, not for final products. 

This enables THCA-rich hemp flower and extracts to test within legal THC limits pre-harvest, but potentially convert to illegal levels of THC post-harvest. While technically compliant at the point of sale, this creates gray areas around THCA's legality when consumed, as most local law enforcement tests do detect elevated THC levels after decarboxylation from smoking or vaping. 

State Regulations Lead to Confusion

The hazy federal status around THCA has led several states to impose additional regulations or restrictions:

- Five states - Arkansas, Idaho, Minnesota, Oregon, and Rhode Island - have banned or restricted THCA products including smokable hemp flower.

- Many other states have called for updated policies to clearly define THCA's legal status as consumer and industry confusion persists. 

- Most states continue allowing THCA commerce, adhering only to federal THC thresholds on hemp products.

This patchwork of state policies leads to misunderstandings among consumers, producers, retailers, and law enforcement around THCA legality. Someone traveling across state lines with THCA products or retailers shipping nationally may unknowingly be breaking certain state laws.

Paths Forward: Policy Updates and Consumer Education

With the federal 2018 Farm Bill expiring in September 2023, there are proposals to update THCA regulations through the 2023 Farm Bill. Suggested policies include:

- Establishing post-harvest testing requirements for total THC including THCA conversion. 

- Explicitly defining acceptable THCA limits in consumable hemp finished products.

- Allowing states to implement stricter policies than federal guidelines on THCA and hemp derivatives.

However, until updated federal laws are implemented, much uncertainty around THCA legality will remain. Consumers should research state laws before purchasing THCA products, and industry groups emphasize the need for public education around cannabis policies. While THCA shows therapeutic promise and remains federally legal, all parties agree clarifying its status could allow responsible access to progress.

Our Proposal for this fund raising

Help us make a groundbreaking change in the United States by supporting our fundraiser campaign, "Let's make THC-A legal in all US states!" We are advocating for the legalization of THC-A, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, to benefit the medical community and patients across the nation.

By donating to our cause, you will be supporting the National Institute Of Cannabis And Endocannabinoid Research (NICER), a 501(c)3 non-profit medical research organization. NICER is dedicated to accelerating research into cannabinoids, including THC-A, with the goal of improving human health and well-being.

At the heart of NICER's mission is the understanding that cannabinoids play a crucial role in maintaining health, functioning as chemical messengers in the human body's endocannabinoid system. By exploring the potential benefits of THC-A, we can unlock new possibilities for treating various medical conditions.

Your generous contribution will directly support NICER's research initiatives, ensuring that scientists have the resources they need to conduct studies, gather data, and advance our understanding of THC-A. We aim to gather compelling evidence that will drive evidence-based policies for the nationwide legalization of this non-psychoactive cannabinoid.

Legalizing THC-A in all US states has numerous potential benefits. It can provide safe and effective alternative treatment options for patients suffering from chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and a range of other debilitating conditions. It can also open doors for cutting-edge research, leading to innovations in medical treatments and potential breakthroughs in disease prevention and management.

Join us in revolutionizing healthcare and promoting access to cannabinoid-based therapies by making a donation today. Your contribution will make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of millions across the country. Together, we can create a future where THC-A is legally accessible to all who can benefit from its healing properties.

Stand with us and help make history in the United States. Support our fundraiser, "Let's make THC-A legal in all US states!" and empower NICER to continue its vital research towards a healthier, more informed nation.