THCa is a unique cannabinoid in that it’s incredibly abundant in raw hemp and marijuana – yet, it has no psychoactive properties. At least, not as is. The moment you apply heat to THCa it converts into delta 9 THC (the real deal) through a process known as decarboxylation.
This is how you can get the authentic cannabis experience legally, since THCa products can be Farm Bill compliant. The only question is, how are you going to enjoy the cannabinoid: a THCa vape vs flower?
You could make the case for either form. THCa vapes are looked at as a form of harm reduction since you’re not doing any sort of combustion and inhaling plant material. They’re far more convenient and discreet, too.
That said, you can’t be the authentic smoking experience, be it a joint or bowl. Effects are stronger, and you get the most true-to-strain experience. Some say that depending on how you use the flower (like a dry herb vaporizer), this is actually the safer option.
We’ll help you weigh your options below so you can make the most informed, confident choice between a THCa vape vs flower. That said, know that BudPop has you covered whether you’re looking for THCa carts for sale or THCa flower for sale.
So regardless of your preference for consumption method, spoil yourself with premium, potent, pure, and legal cannabis products online at BudPop!
What is a THCa Vape?
So, how are THCa carts made? These devices contain concentrated THCa oil, often with strain-specific terpenes, in a portable package. You can take your vape on the go and get a quick puff (or two) whenever you want.
You’re not smoking, you’re vaporizing. But even though the temperatures are lower than smoking, vaporizing stll converts the THCa into delta 9 THC so you’re getting that authentic cannabis experience you crave. Our blog has more insights on the differences between THCa vs delta 9 if you’d like to learn more. That said, why are THCa carts good?
Vapes are great for quick onset, concentrated potency, and smooth vapor without the harshness of smoke. They’re super easy to use, too. Simply attach your cartridge to a standard 510 thread battery, and enjoy! No need to bother with grinding up flower, rolling it up or packing a bowl.
The discreetness THCa vapes bring to the table is another benefit. They produce vapor, but it doesn’t linger as long as smoke – and it smells more subtle, too. These are great for traveling on a trip or simply heading out into public when you want to get high but fly under the radar.
Plus, vapes don’t burn the material. They warm it at a lower temperature, high enough to activate the THCa but still preserve the terpenes for amazing flavor. This also means you’re saving your lungs from some of the concerns of smoking.
What is THCa Flower?
THCa flower is raw, unheated cannabis flower. Technically, any cannabis flower can be considered “THCa flower” in this sense! After all, it’s among the most abundant cannabinoids in raw cannabis plants.
In looking at THCa flower you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between it and any other flower. It smells, looks, and feels like the real deal. Yet, it’s federally legal thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.
THCa flower may be dated compared to edibles and vapes, but it still has its place for those who love the full sensory and ritual experience of cannabis – grinding it down and rolling it up, packing a bowl, or perhaps even filling up a dry herb vaporizer.
The buds are rich not just in THCa but complementary cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. It’s the most authentic cannabis experience possible, so you can tap into the entourage effect more easily.
That said, THCa flower has a few more downsides than THCa vapes. It’s definitely not as convenient for on-the-go use (unless you have a pre-rolled joint), and that unmistakable cannabis smell will follow you around.
There are also concerns associated with smoking raw plant material and the toll this can take on your lungs. Is THCa safe to smoke? Any sort of smoke can cause irritation, whether it’s from THCa flower or anything else.
However, some of these concerns can be mitigated by sourcing high-quality THCa flower from a trusted brand like BudPop. This way, you at least know you’re not putting any contaminants into your body.
THCa Vape vs Flower: Which Consumption Method is Right For You?
We want to be clear in saying that both THCA vapes and flower have a special place in our heart. There’s nothing like a nice pre-roll shared with friends, or a quick hit of a vape while you’re on the go and want to take the edge off.
That said, there are differences in the overall experience each provides, and we want to help you choose the right consumption method for your personal preferences. Here’s what you need to know about the THCA vape vs flower.
Effects and Intensity
Let’s address the elephant in the room right away – do THCa carts get you high? Absolutely! These are no different than your average THC vape in that the THCa is converted to delta 9 in every puff you take.
You can expect a genuine cannabis high with euphoria, relaxation, an altered sensory perception, etc. Effects hit quickly, but they also fade a bit faster than THCa flower.
It’s also important to note that not all THCa vapes are created equal. Those made with distillate will not provide the most authentic cannabis experience since you’re not getting strain-specific cannabinoid and terpene profiles. The high might feel somewhat “flat” or “one dimensinoal.”
But THCa flower, on the other hand, can produce the most complex, true-to-strain high. It’s preferred by purists for that reason. You’re getting not just THCa but other cannabinoids and the exact terpene and flavonoid profiles for a nuanced high that builds slowly and lasts longer.
If you enjoy a traditional cannabis high with some ebb and flow, flower might feel more natural. If you want speed and precision, vapes take the cake.
Harm Reduction
Like we said earlier, there’s no denying the potential irritation that smoking causes. You’re burning plant material and that combustion may produce harmful byproducts that aren’t ideal for regular use.
Vaping THCa, on the other hand, avoids this risk altogether since you’re not burning anything. You’re inhaling vapor since the THCa oil is heated at a much lower temperature. No tar, ash, or carbon monoxide. It’s gentler on your throat and less likely to irritate your lungs over time.
There is a middle ground between vaping and smoking, though – dry herb vaporizers. Because we prefer flower, these are our favorite way to enjoy THCa.
These act like an oven, “baking” the flower so to speak at a lower temperature so you can activate all the cannabinoids and terpenes without the downsides of smoking.
Still, it’s important to remember that anytime you’re inhaling anything besides air, there’s risk for irritation. THC gummies are really the only way to completely eliminate harm with cannabis from the lungs’ perspective.
Flavor, Aroma, and Terpene Preservation
You’ve heard us reference terpenes a few times throughout this THCa vape vs flower comparison. That’s because they’re just as important as the cannabinoid itself. They not only bring taste and aroma to the cannabis but also shape effects.
That’s why flower tends to offer the richer, more nuanced experience – especially when vaped. You’re getting the plant’s full terpene profile, unfiltered and intact. Each strain has its own characteristics, from citrus to diesel to earthy pine. That complexity shines through when handled right.
Now, THCa vapes can appeal to those who want something smoother without the plant taste. Many brands will use curated blends of terpenes, often strain-specific, to mimic or enhance the strain’s natural flavor profile. It’s not quite the same, but it’s a close second.
In short: flower brings more depth and subtlety while vapes bring clarity and consistency. As we said from the start, each has its place and it’s just a matter of which resonates more!
The Convenience Side of Things
This is where you’ll see the most obvious difference between a THCa vape vs flower. You can bring your vape anywhere you want for a quick puff with no grinders, rolling papers, lighters, or ashtrays. They’re smell-minimized, discreet, and ideal for on-the-go use.
THCa flower is always going to call for some level of prep work. Even if it’s just stuffing your vaporizer or packing a bowl in your pipe, you need to first grind the flower down. It’s a bit more involved, and maybe that’s something you enjoy. The ritual of preparing for a session is fun.
But there are inevitably going to be instances where you don’t have time to deal with this, and a vape would be a much better choice. They’re easier to travel with and the undisputed champ when it comes to convenience and discreetness.
The Cost Conversation
THCa flower usually offers more sessions per gram, especially if you’re using a dry herb vape and stretching your stash. It’s generally a better value on a per-hit basis, assuming you’re not overpacking bowls or joints.
THCa vapes cost more upfront, and the high tends to be more short-lived. So they’re not the best “value” choice, unless you look at is as paying for convenience. Still, heavy hitters will burn through carts fast, and that will add up financially.
However, it’s worth noting that you technically get every last bit of THCa you pay for with a cart. There’s a bit more waste with flower, be it leftover roaches or resin.
Either way, make sure you’re not choosing THCa vapes or flower based on price alone. You get what you pay for. Here at BudPop, you gain access to the best selection of THCa flower and vapes at unbeatable prices relative to the quality of our products!
Whether You Want THCa Flower, a Vape, or Both, BudPop Has the Best Selection Online!
Whether you’re team flower, team vape, or still on the fence, we’re here to provide you with nature’s finest. BudPop is your trusted source for top-shelf THCa flower in exotic strains like Space Junky, Mac 1, and Sex Panther, available as whole buds or convenient pre-rolls.
Or, you can try our vapes, ranging from Ice Cream Gelato to Blue Dream. They’re packed with clean, additive-free THCa and delta 8 oil with strain-specific terpenes for flavorful, reliable hits every time.
No matter your choice, everything is lab-tested, Farm Bill-compliant, and shipped fast – 100% legally, too! Browse both collections and give each a try; we’re confident you won’t be disappointed in either of these collections at BudPop.
Wrapping Up Our THCa Flower vs Vape Comparison
In closing, both THCA flower and vapes have their place. Flower brings rich aroma, ritual, and full-spectrum depth. On the other hand, vapes are convenient, cleaner, and more discreet. It just comes down to which factors matter most to you in the cannabis experience.
The good news? With BudPop, you don’t have to choose blindly. You can explore both with confidence. Browse our catalog and find your new favorite way to enjoy cannabis, legally!