Rick Simpson Oil (RSO): What Is It & How Is It Made?

THC may be the most famous cannabinoid, but did you know it doesn’t actually exist in the cannabis plant? It begins as a different cannabinoid called Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA), which does not provide psychoactive effects. To convert THCA into THC, it must be decarboxylated by exposing it to heat or light. 

THCA and THC may be closely related, but the characteristics and effects of these two cannabinoids differ greatly. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between THCA vs THC, the conversion process, potential benefits, and ways to use them.

Introduction to Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. You have likely already heard of THC and CBD, but there are actually more than 500 known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant!¹ These compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce various effects. It’s essential to understand what cannabinoids are and how they may affect you, as they play a significant role in the therapeutic and recreational use of cannabis.

What is THCA?

THCA is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw cannabis–specifically in the plant’s smokable flowers. It is the precursor to THC and has a distinct chemical structure that prevents it from binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain.² This means trying to eat raw cannabis flower, stems, leaves, etc. will not provide intoxicating effects. 

Cannabis flower with high levels of THCA is often consumed raw, typically through juicing, to take advantage of the potential health benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.³

What is THC?

THC, formally known as Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces an “intoxicating high.” In order to convert THCA into THC, it must be decarboxylated, or exposed to heat or light. This removes the carboxyl group from THCA, converting it into THC. When THC is consumed, it binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your brain and body, producing its characteristic effects, known as a “high.”⁴ 

How is THCA converted to THC?

Decarboxylation is the key process that transforms THCA into THC. This chemical process, initiated by applying heat or through prolonged exposure to light, removes a carboxyl or carbon dioxide molecule group from THCA, transforming it into THC.16 Common methods of decarboxylation include smoking, vaping, baking, or using a decarbing device. This process is crucial in cannabis product manufacturing to ensure the cannabinoids are activated, and THC can produce its psychoactive effects.⁵

Here are the common methods of decarboxylation:

• Heat: Bake dried cannabis flower in an oven, vape or smoke cannabis, or use a specialized decarboxylation device. 
  
  
• Time: Over time, THCA can slowly convert into THC at room temperature. 
  
  
• Light: Exposure to UV light can also cause decarboxylation, though this method typically happens unintentionally when cannabis isn’t stored properly.

Key Differences Between THCA and THC

This topic is highly technical and can be confusing! Here’s an easier breakdown of the main differences between THC vs THCA: 

Psychoactive Effects

The most significant difference between THCA vs THC flower lies in their psychoactive properties. THCA is non-intoxicating and doesn’t produce a “high” because it doesn’t bind to the brain’s cannabinoid receptors.⁶ In contrast, THC is psychoactive and responsible for the effects associated with cannabis use.⁷ Additionally, a full-spectrum THC product contains various cannabinoids, producing an entourage effect when consumed.

Medical Applications

THCA and THC may have therapeutic applications, but more studies are needed to verify the potential medical effects. THCA is believed to have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective,⁸ and antiemetic properties. It may be beneficial for those who have arthritis or suffer from neurodegenerative diseases. On the other hand, THC may help relieve pain, stimulate appetite, and manage symptoms related to conditions like multiple sclerosis and cancer.⁹

Legal Status

The legal status of THC vs THCA differs significantly. THC is federally illegal in the United States, but it is allowed for medical or recreational use in some states.10 THCA, derived from hemp, is currently legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, provided it contains less than 0.3% THC. However, this is subject to change as regulations evolve.¹¹

THCA in Raw Cannabis

THCA is abundant in raw cannabis, especially in the leaves and flowers. Consuming raw cannabis, such as through juicing or adding it to smoothies, may provide the benefits of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid without the intoxicating effects of THC. This method is popular among those looking to harness the potential therapeutic properties of cannabis without experiencing a “high.”¹²

THC in Cannabis Products

The presence of THCA vs THC in products you purchase from a dispensary vary based on the type of product you buy. 

• Edibles, tinctures, or topicals typically only contain THC as the decarboxylation process occurred as the product was being manufactured.
  
  
• Disposable vapes and vape cartridges contain THCA, which is decarboxylated automatically by the battery’s heating element. 
  
  
• Cannabis flower and marijuana concentrates contain THCA, and they require manual decarboxylation. Simply light the flower or concentrate in the consumption device of your choice to convert THCA to THC.

Potential Benefits of THCA

Unfortunately there isn’t enough cannabis research to be able to confirm its benefits, but there are a number of studies that may lead to further breakthroughs. When it comes to THCA, there are areas in which it could provide relief to patients: 

• Neuroprotective - Support brain health and protect against neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.¹³
  
  
• Antiemetic - Reduce nausea and vomiting, which may be especially beneficial to chemotherapy patients.¹⁴
  
  
• Anticonvulsant - Reduce seizures in epilepsy.¹⁵ 

Frequently Asked Questions

Your favorite budtender is a great resource if you have questions. Here are a few of the most common we hear.

Can I consume THCA without experiencing psychoactive effects?
You can consume THCA, which is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, without experiencing intoxication.

What’s the best way to preserve THCA in cannabis?
To preserve THCA, avoid exposing cannabis to heat or light, as these will trigger decarboxylation, the process that turns THCA into its active THC cousin. 

How do THCA concentrations vary in different cannabis strains?
THCA concentrations vary similarly to THC levels. If a cannabis strain has a high THC content, it will also contain a lot of THCA. 

Can I find products that contain only THCA?
Many products contain THCA only, and THCA diamonds are the most popular.

Choosing Between THCA and THC

Here’s a brief recap and summary about the differences between the two: THCA and THC are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC is psychoactive and is only activated when cannabis is decarboxylated. THCA is currently legal across the US pursuant to the 2018 Farm Bill, while THC is only legal for medical and recreational use in some states.

To choose between THCA and THC, consider your needs and preferences. If you're unsure, ask a budtender at your local dispensary for guidance.

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Sources

1. “Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need to Know,” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know

2. “Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA),” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/tetrahydrocannabinolic-acid-thca

3. “What is THCA and what are the benefits of this cannabinoid?” Leafly, September 16, 2022, https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-thca-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-this-cannabinoid

4. “Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),” National Library of Medicine, November 12, 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563174/

5. “Explore THCA Flower: Effects, Benefits & More at ACS Laboratory,” ACS Laboratory, July 10, 2023, https://www.acslab.com/cannabinoids/thca-flower-effects-benefits

6. “ Affinity and Efficacy Studies of Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid A at Cannabinoid Receptor Types One and Two,” National Library of Medicine, May 1, 20167, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5510775/

7. “THCA,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/thca

8. “Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid as a potent PPARγ agonist with neuroprotective activity,” National Library of Medicine, November 2, 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5731255/

9. “Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids,” National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/

10. “A psychoactive hemp product is available where marijuana is banned due to loophole,” NPR, August 28, 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/08/28/1196454017/a-psychoactive-hemp-product-is-available-where-marijuana-is-banned-due-to-a-loop 

11. “THCA meets legal definition of hemp, operators say - but not everyone agrees,” MJBizDaily, March 19, 2024, https://mjbizdaily.com/does-thca-adhere-to-legal-definition-of-hemp/

12. “Eating raw weed” Can it get you high?” MedicalNewsToday, February 25, 2022, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-you-get-high-from-eating-raw-weed

13. “The Cannabinoids, CBDA and THCA, Rescue Memory Deficits and Reduce Amyloid-Beta and Tau Pathology in an Alzheimer’s Disease-like Mouse Model,” National Library of Medicine, April 6, 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10095267/

14. “Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid reduces nausea-induced conditioned gaping in rats and vomiting in Suncus murinus,” National Library of Medicine, September 17, 2013, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3792001/

15. “Evaluation of the Possible Anticonvulsant Effect of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid in Murine Seizure Models,” National Library of Medicine, February 10, 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8864425/

16. “What is THCA? Guide to One of the Acidic Cannabinoids,” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/tetrahydrocannabinolic-acid-thca-cannabinoid

Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.

Butane hash oil, also called BHO, is a type of cannabis concentrate that is extracted through a closed loop system that requires BHO. In fact, some of your favorite concentrates are likely created using BHO. In this article, we’ll explain how these concentrates are made, and what makes them different from other products.

What is BHO?

BHO goes by a variety of names–honey oil, butane honey oil, hash oil–but it’s a misconception that the finished product is in fact BHO. Concentrates that are extracted through the use of this solvent come in a variety of forms, including badder, wax, crumble, and shatter.

How is BHO Made?

BHO is a powerful chemical that is both highly flammable and toxic, and should only be used by trained professionals.¹ Cannabis cultivators pack the cannabis plant material into a closed loop system, then they introduce chilled butane to separate the THC-containing trichomes. After a series of steps that include heating, freezing, pressure, and agitation, any residual butane or other undesirable byproducts are removed. The finished product is the desired marijuana concentrate.¹

What Are the Different Types of BHO Extracts?

Cannabis is an endlessly versatile plant, and the same can be said for the extracted concentrates. When using any BHO concentrate, be prepared for an extremely high level of THC–as high as 90%!² 

Shatter - Shatter is a translucent and brittle form of BHO. It gets its name from its glass-like appearance and texture. Shatter is known for its high potency and is enjoyed by many cannabis enthusiasts while dabbing, a method of vaporizing and inhaling concentrates using a dab rig or pen. 

Wax - BHO wax has a silky smooth texture, like warm, pliable candle wax. Wax tends to be easier to handle and is popular among users who enjoy an easy-to-handle concentrate for their dabbing or want something to dip the end of their joint in. 

Crumble - As the name suggests, crumble is a dry and crumbly version of BHO. It is easy to break apart and is commonly used for dabbing or adding to vaporizer pens.

How Do I Consume Butane Hash Oil Concentrates?

BHO can be consumed in various ways, but the most common is dabbing. This process requires a dab rig or dab pen and a quartz, titanium, or ceramic nail. If your dab rig isn’t electric, you would use a butane torch to heat the nail.  Once the nail is hot, a small amount of BHO is placed on it, and the vapor is inhaled through a mouthpiece.

Some cannabis enthusiasts also enjoy twaxing,³ which is the term for when a consumer adds wax to a joint or bowl. This is typically done to increase both the flavor and potency of flower.

FAQs About BHO

If you've got more questions about BHO, we've got you covered.

Can I make BHO at home? 
No, attempting to make BHO at home is extremely dangerous. There have been instances in which amateur BHO-makers have been severely injured by this process. 

Is BHO the same as wax?
Wax is one of the popular consistencies of BHO extracts, but not all BHO products are wax.

Can I eat BHO? 
Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended. Cannabis concentrates must be decarboxylated to produce any effects.

Purchasing BHO Concentrates

BHO products come in many forms, and new ones are frequently introduced to the market. Check out the BHO products available at your dispensary, and talk to your budtender to learn more or to find the BHO product that’s right for you.

Find a Dispensary

Sources:

1. "Butane Hash Oil (BHO)," Weedmaps, June 25, 2021, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/butane-hash-oil-bho

2. "What is BHO? All About Butane Hash Oil," Marijuana Packaging.com, August 14, 2023, https://marijuanapackaging.com/blogs/resources/what-is-bho-all-about-butane-hash-oil

3. "What is Twaxing," Cannaconnection.com, August 13, 2020, https://www.cannaconnection.com/blog/18515-what-is-twaxing

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Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.

You walk up to the counter at your dispensary, with your choice of marijuana strain in mind, and the inevitable “How much would you like?” question comes from your budtender. If you don’t understand marijuana measurements, this could send you into a tailspin. That’s why we’re here to help. One term you'll inevitably encounter when buying cannabis flower is an "eighth." In this guide, we'll demystify what exactly constitutes an eighth of cannabis, explore what it looks like, discuss its cost, and delve into the various ways you can make the most of this quantity.

What is an Eighth?

Cannabis measurement involves a blend of ounces and grams, adding an extra layer of complexity. To simplify, an ounce equates to 28 grams. An eighth, often referred to as a "slice," is one-eighth of an ounce, amounting to 3.5 grams of marijuana.¹ For many cannabis enthusiasts, this measurement strikes a balance—offering enough for multiple sessions without overwhelming quantity. This is especially helpful when trying new strains.

What Does an Eighth of Cannabis Look Like?

The appearance of an eighth can vary significantly.¹ Let’s say you’re a fan of big, fat marijuana buds straight from the top shelf of your dispensary. If that’s the case, a couple of those buds could add up to an eighth quickly. Strains with smaller, compact buds could require a larger collection of those petite buds to hit 3.5 grams. For visual reference, if you’re a fan of blueberries, two normal-sized blueberries add up to three grams.²

How Much Does an Eighth of Flower Cost?

An eighth’s cost fluctuates based on a few things, including the strain and your state’s tax requirements. If you’re looking to purchase an eighth, you could spend anywhere from $25 to $50, in general, though depending on your market, it could be more.³

What Can You Do With an Eighth of Flower?

You might think 3.5 grams worth of flower just isn’t enough, but if you’re not a heavy consumer, or you want to try new beginner strains, an eighth can be the perfect amount. Here’s what you can do with an eighth of flower:

Roll 3 - 5 Joints

An eighth of cannabis provides enough plant material to roll approximately three-to-five standard-sized joints. That’s enough to get some cannabis enthusiasts through an average workweek. Just remember to store flower properly to ensure you don’t waste your freshly-rolled bud.

Pack 6 Bowls

Depending on how big your bowl is and how often you smoke, you could pack enough bowls for a week, or you could polish off your eighth in a couple of days. In general, you’re probably going to get about six bowls out of a slice.

Roll 2 - 3 Blunts

Most blunts are rolled with a gram of marijuana flower, so you’re only getting three, decent-sized blunts with an eighth. If you prefer skinnier blunts, you could get more.

How Long Will an Eighth Last?

Think of an eighth as the perfect amount to buy to try a strain for the first time. It could give you enough sessions to make it through the weekend, or it could last you through the whole week. In general, how long an eighth lasts is going to be entirely dependent on you as a consumer.⁴ Heavy smokers are going to get a couple of days while light smokers could get more than a week. 

How Does an Eighth Compare to Other Marijuana Measurements?

An eighth isn’t the only marijuana measurement worth knowing. It’s also good to know what a quarter and ounce are. Here’s how an eighth measures up with other common quantities:

How Many Grams Are in an Eighth?

An eighth of marijuana equals approximately 3.5 grams, roughly the weight of a quarter of a teaspoon of sugar. 

How Many Ounces Are in an Eighth?

An eighth is one-eighth of an ounce, and there are eight eighths in an ounce. An ounce is equivalent to 28 grams.⁵

How Many Eighths Are in a Quarter?

A quarter of marijuana comprises two eighths with each eighth weighing around 3.5 grams.⁵

Answering FAQs About an Eighth of Cannabis

Navigating through cannabis measurements can be confusing, but asking questions is a great way to become more knowledgeable. Here are answers to a few common questions:

Is an eighth the same as 3.5 grams?
Yes, an eighth is precisely 3.5 grams.

What is a five-gram eighth?
If you see a five-gram eighth sale at your local dispensary, head on over. A five-gram is a sale where you get 1.5 additional grams of marijuana for free with your eighth.

Is an eighth the same as a slice?
Yes, an eighth is colloquially referred to as a "slice," emphasizing its one-eighth portion of an ounce. 

Buying an Eighth of Flower

Whether you're exploring beginner strains or more potent options, purchasing an eighth of flower provides a decent amount of flower to try for the first time or enjoy over a weekend. With an eighth, you can roll joints and blunts, and pack bowls, ensuring you can indulge the way you prefer. Of course, if you’re a smart dispensary shopper, keep your eye out for any five-gram deals to get a little extra for your dollar.

Find a Dispensary

Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence.   Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product.  State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.