What Are THCA Flower Smalls, Minis & Popcorn Buds?

THCA flower smalls / minis / popcorn buds refers to smaller, less visually appealing buds or nuggets that are harvested from the cannabis plant. These terms are often used in the cannabis industry to describe the size and appearance of the buds. It’s just like THCA weed you’d find at the dispensary, but sold under a hemp license.

This raw form of cannabis technically has 0.3% delta-9 THC by dried weight, and under the US Farm Bill, you can legally buy THCA flower for sale online and have it conveniently shipped to your home.

Shop our curated selection of high THCA buds and experience the benefits of dispensary-grade flowers delivered to your home.

THCA: The Precursor Cannabinoid To THC

THCA, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a cannabinoid found in raw and live cannabis plants. It is the precursor to THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis consumption. THCA itself does not have psychoactive effects.

In live cannabis plants, THC is not present in significant amounts; instead, the plant produces THCA. When cannabis is heated through processes such as smoking, vaporization, or cooking (decarboxylation), THCA loses a carboxyl group and is converted into THC. This conversion process, known as decarboxylation, activates the psychoactive properties of the compound.

It’s worth noting that THCA has been the subject of interest for potential therapeutic applications, and some people consume raw cannabis or cannabis juice to obtain the potential health benefits of THCA without experiencing the psychoactive effects of THC. However, research in this area is still ongoing, and the therapeutic effects of THCA are not as well-established as those of THC or other cannabinoids.

THCA Flower Smalls, Minis, & Popcorn Buds

Let’s break down each term:

1. Smalls: “Smalls” is a term used to describe small-sized cannabis buds. These buds are often smaller than the larger, more visually appealing colas found at the top of the cannabis plant. Smalls may be collected during the trimming process and are sometimes sold at a lower price compared to larger buds. Like popcorn buds, smalls can still be high in cannabinoid content.
2. Minis: Similar to smalls, “minis” refer to small-sized cannabis buds. The term “minis” is often used interchangeably with “smalls.” These buds may be collected during the trimming process, and they are considered a more budget-friendly option for consumers.
3. Popcorn Buds: Popcorn buds are small, dense nuggets of cannabis that resemble popped popcorn. They are typically found on the lower branches of the cannabis plant and may not have the same size or visual appeal as the larger, top colas. Despite their smaller size, popcorn buds can still be potent and contain cannabinoids like THC or THCA.

These buds may be suitable for consumption or for use in various cannabis products, such as pre-rolls, concentrates, or edibles. The smaller size and potentially lower price make them an attractive option for consumers looking for a more economical choice without sacrificing potency.

How Can You Use THCA Flower?

If you want to experience the psychoactive effects, you’ll need to convert THCA to THC. Here are some ways to do that:

Smoking THCA Flower:

1. Traditional Smoking:

   • Break up the THCA-rich flower and roll it into a joint or pack it into a pipe.
   • Apply heat with a lighter while inhaling to combust the flower.
   • The heat from combustion will decarboxylate THCA into THC.

2. Water Pipes or Bongs:

   • Using a water pipe or bong can help cool the smoke and provide a smoother inhalation experience.
   • Follow the same steps as traditional smoking, lighting the flower with a lighter.

Vaping THCA Flower:

1. Dry Herb Vaporizer:
   • Use a dry herb vaporizer designed for cannabis flower.
   • Grind the THCA-rich flower and load it into the vaporizer chamber.
   • Set the vaporizer to an appropriate temperature (around 240°F to 315°F or 115°C to 157°C) to activate THCA into THC without burning the material.
2. Dabbing:
   • Dabbing involves using a specialized rig, a nail (usually made of quartz or titanium), and a torch.
   • Heat the nail with the torch until it’s very hot.
   • Apply a small amount of THCA concentrate to the hot nail, and inhale the vapor through a dab rig.
   • This method can provide intense and immediate effects.

Making Edibiles with THCA Flower:

Here are different ways to decarboxylate THCA flower:

1. Oven Decarboxylation:
   • Method:
     1. Preheat your oven to around 240°F (115°C).
     2. Break up the THCA-rich flowers and spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
     3. Bake for about 30-45 minutes, checking and stirring the cannabis every 10 minutes to ensure even decarboxylation.
     4. Once the cannabis has turned a light golden brown, remove it from the oven.
2. Sous Vide Decarboxylation:
   • Method:
     1. Place finely ground THCA-rich flowers in a vacuum-sealed bag.
     2. Set a sous vide precision cooker to 203°F (95°C) and immerse the bag for about 1-2 hours.
     3. This method provides precise temperature control, reducing the risk of overheating and degrading cannabinoids.
3. Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot) Decarboxylation:
   • Method:
     1. Grind your THCA-rich flowers and place them in a mason jar.
     2. Seal the jar and place it in a slow cooker filled with water.
     3. Set the slow cooker to the “Low” setting and let it simmer for 4-6 hours.
4. Microwave Decarboxylation:
   • Method:
     1. Grind the THCA-rich flowers finely.
     2. Place the ground cannabis on a microwave-safe dish and microwave on a low setting, checking and stirring every 10-15 seconds until decarboxylated.
5. Instant Pot Decarboxylation:
   • Method:
     1. Place finely ground THCA-rich flowers in a mason jar.
     2. Seal the jar and set your Instant Pot to the “Low” setting with the vent open. Cook for approximately 1-2 hours.
6. Double Boiler (Stovetop) Decarboxylation:
   • Method:
     1. Use a double boiler to heat finely ground THCA-rich flowers over simmering water.
     2. Stir frequently and monitor the temperature to prevent overheating.

Important Notes:

• Temperature Control: When vaping, it’s crucial to use a vaporizer with temperature control. Lower temperatures (below 315°F or 157°C) are preferable to avoid combustion and preserve the delicate flavors of the flower.
• Safety Precautions: Be cautious when using torches or heating elements for dabbing. Safety is paramount, and proper handling of equipment is necessary to avoid accidents.
• Decarboxylation: It’s essential to control the temperature to avoid over-decarboxylation or excessive degradation of cannabinoids. Precise decarboxylation helps maximize the conversion of THCA to THC without losing other valuable compounds.

Regardless of the method you choose, experimentation and attention to detail are key to finding the method that works best for your needs.

Sativa, Hybrid & Indica THCA Flower

The terms “hybrid,” “indica,” and “sativa” are used to categorize different varieties or strains of the cannabis hemp plant based on their characteristics, including plant morphology, effects, and potential uses. It’s important to note that these distinctions are somewhat broad, and individual strains can exhibit a wide range of effects. Additionally, advancements in cannabis breeding have led to many hybrid strains that combine characteristics of both indica and sativa varieties.

1. Indica:
   • Appearance: Indica plants are generally shorter and bushier with broader leaves compared to sativa plants.
   • Effects: Indica strains are often associated with relaxing and sedative effects. They may be used for relaxation, stress relief, and sleep promotion.
   • Terpene Profile: Indica strains often have higher levels of myrcene, a terpene believed to contribute to sedative effects.
2. Sativa:
   • Appearance: Sativa plants are typically taller and have narrower leaves compared to indica plants.
   • Effects: Sativa strains are often associated with uplifting and energizing effects. They may be used for enhancing creativity, focus, and daytime activities.
   • Terpene Profile: Sativa strains may have higher levels of terpenes like limonene or pinene, which are associated with uplifting and energetic effects.
3. Hybrid:
   • Appearance: Hybrid plants can display a combination of characteristics from both indica and sativa plants.
   • Effects: Hybrid strains are bred to combine the effects of indica and sativa strains. The specific effects can vary widely depending on the specific genetics of the hybrid.
   • Terpene Profile: Hybrid strains can have a diverse terpene profile, combining terpenes from both indica and sativa parent strains.

It’s important to recognize that the effects of a particular strain are influenced by various factors, including the plant’s cannabinoid and terpene profile, individual tolerance, and the method of consumption.

Interested In Other THCA Products?

Don’t worry, we got you! Shop our curated selection of THCA flower strains, THCA prerolls & THCA concentrates.

All the THCA products in our menu are produced from Farm Bill-compliant hemp and come with third-party lab certificates to prove its potency and safety.

Shop our line of premium THCA Flower Popcorn, Smalls & Minis above, or view our full menu of THCA Products.