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THC Vs. THCa: What is the Difference Between the Two?

If you know about cannabis, chances are you know about THC. Officially known as Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis that results in people feeling that their mind has been “enhanced,” altered, or that they’ve gotten “high.” THC and THCa may sound similar. After all, all that’s different is the addition of one letter, right? Wrong. These two share similar chemical compositions but their effects yield different results.

Understanding THC: Tetrahydrocannabinol

THC is typically the most important factor people consider when choosing certain cannabis strains and products. They evaluate the amount of THC content in a product and use that to help them decide how much of an effect they want to receive.

While there are lots of other cannabinoids in cannabis itself, THC is seen as king amongst those seeking its psychoactive properties. So what happens when you introduce another letter into the equation? You guessed it: we’re talking about THCa.

Understanding THCa: Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid

The “a” in THCA stands for acid but there’s more to understanding THCa than just that. While THCa and THC are both derivatives of the same cannabinoid, the slight alterations in their chemical makeups mean that they deliver different effects to the people consuming them.

By definition, THCa is an inactive cannabinoid that can be found in the trichomes of freshly-harvested, live cannabis plants. This differs from THC, which cannot be found in fresh cannabis plants.

THC vs. THCa: How the Two Differ

Knowing that one comes from freshly-harvested cannabis and one does not is good information, but that doesn’t tell us everything we need to know about how THC and THCa are different. The two share similar chemical compositions except for the fact that THCa has an additional carboxyl group. This matters because of the way it impacts the endocannabinoid system.

Whereas THC binds with the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors, THCa does not. THC is able to deliver the euphoric “high” that so many people seek because it  fits into a CB1 receptor but THCa does not. This is why THC will give you a certain psychoactive effect while THCa won’t.

THC vs. THCa: When Two Become One

The interesting thing about understanding the differences between THC vs. THCa really comes when you dive into converting one into the other. THCa is essentially the precursor to THC in its pre-decarboxylation stage. Decarbing THCa removes one carboxyl group (the extra carboxylic acid), which converts it to THC. This simple change in chemical structure is all that’s needed to go from low to “high.”

If you’re not sure which one is right for you, the place to experiment is Black Tie CBD. Our products are all third-party tested and approved. We make all our lab analyses available to our customers so they can make educated decisions about their THC vs. THCa purchases. We offer a wide variety of THC and THCa products, including smokables, edibles, tinctures, and more. To get started with THCa, we recommend exploring:

Shop for THC and THCa products at Black Tie CBD today!

[1] https://www.insider.com/guides/health/what-is-thc

[2] https://www.crescolabs.com/cannabinoids/thca/#:~:text=THCA%20is%20an%20effective%20neuroprotectant,from%20cachexia%20and%20anorexia%20nervosa.

December 12, 2022
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Best Hemp Flowers of 2022: A Roundup of the Best | Black Tie CBD

A roundup for 2022 hemp flowers already? Time is flying! It’s crazy to think that we’re just a few months away from the end of the year. As the colder weather approaches and with the holiday season hovering, now is the perfect time to take inventory of what you’ve been doing for the past year. How have things been going? What have you liked, disliked, and what lessons have you learned?

Here at Black Tie CBD, we know that while there’s always room for improvement, it can be good to reflect fondly on the past to see how far you’ve come. Reviewing some of your favorite 2022 hemp flowers from the past year is the perfect opportunity to remind yourself that you may be due to reorder, or to learn about a new strain you haven’t yet experimented with. Explore the newest strains we added to our hemp flower collection in 2022 before the year ends and take advantage of their availability before time runs out!

1.    Grandaddy Purple (Indoor) CBD Hemp Flower

This CBD-rich hemp flower is made with a hemp strain that contains over 23.80% cannabinoids. Rich in terpenes like Myrcene, the Grandaddy Purple (Indoor) strain produces effects that are immediately noticeable. This indica-dominant hybrid has a scent that is best described as “purple.” Its floral aroma has strong nodes of berries and candies to deliver a mouth-watering flavor that’s both thick on the palate and smooth on the throat.

2.    Orange Cookies (Indoor) CBD Hemp Flower

Dial down the stress and see a real improvement in your mood with the Orange Cookies (Indoor) CBD Hemp Flower. This 2022 hemp flower addition became an instant favorite amongst users. It has a sativa-dominant hybrid marijuana strain with a flavor profile that is a cross between good fold Orange Juice and Girl Scout Cookies. Orange Cookies’ dominant terpene is Terpinolene; piney, floral, and slightly citrusy, this 2022 hemp flower brings it all.

3.    Delta8 Infused Sour Diesel CBD Hemp Flower

Sleep easy knowing the Black Tie CBD now offers Delta8 Infused Sour Diesel CBD Hemp Flower as part of our 2022 hemp flower repertoire. Sour D is a sativa-dominant cross between Chemdog 91 and Super Skunk. The flower’s chunky, forest-green buds give off a shine that is only further enhanced by the Delta8 coating. With a caryophyllene terpene dominance, Sour D stands to offer a host of potential medical benefits. Users beware: go slowly with this one.

These are just a few of the 2022 hemp flowers Black Tie CBD added to our online shop over the past year. We can’t wait for you to try them and see for yourself why they stand out. While you’re at it, don’t forget about your tried and true favorites.

Shop CBD, CBG, THC, Delta8, and so much more all online right here at BlackTieCBD.net. For questions about product offerings or to find out about the latest drops coming your way, send us an email or contact us. Email support@blacktiecbd.net to get started.

October 19, 2022
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What is CBG Flower?

Lots of people are familiar with CBD and THC nowadays, but how about CBG? Not only is CBG flower an important cannabinoid to get to know, but equally important is finding out where to buy cbg flower online. Black Tie has all the details you need right here.

Known by many as the mother of all cannabinoids, cannabigerol or CBG flower has actually been around since the 1960s. Despite its longevity, CBG has not received quite as much attention in the mainstream media as its CBD and THC counterparts. Now is the time to learn more about it so you can reap all of the flower’s potential benefits.

The Science Behind CBG Flower

CBG flower is based on cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is the chemical parent of both THC and CBD. What makes CBG different from THC and CBD is that those come from more mature cannabis plants, giving them lower concentrations of CBG. This is due to the fact that the CBG has already been converted into either CBD or THC by the time it gets derived from these plants. When in its pure CBG form, however, CBG is derived from a young cannabis plant that has yet to develop into other forms.

Comparing CBD Flower to CBG Flower

If you put CBD flower vs CBG flower up against one another, you’ll find that there are many similarities between the two. Still, they are not one in the same. Both CBD and CBG are low-toxic components of the hemp plant. Neither are said to be addictive substances from a chemically dependent standpoint.

Similarities Between CBD and CBG

Both CBD and CBG are low-toxic components of the hemp plant. Neither are said to be addictive substances from a chemically dependent standpoint. Both CBD and CBG have been shown to provide potential health benefits for users, some of which include:

  • Stress and anxiety relief
  • Mood and relaxation
  • Productivity and concentration
  • Appetite stimulation
  • Pain relief and management
  • …and more!

Additionally, CBG and CBD are both available in a variety of forms, including smokables and edibles.

Differences Between CBD and CBG

Despite their many similarities, the chemical makeup of CBD and CBG are different. This yields different effects when using one versus the other and may be the reason to buy CBG online or CBD online, depending on your goals and needs.

Users say CBG flower tends to be more potent than CBD flower; taking it may be just what you need if you’re looking for something stronger after getting comfortable with CBD. The availability of CBG is also an important factor; CBG is less readily available than its CBD counterpart because it is a rarer hemp cultivar. This makes it harder to acquire unless you know where to buy CBG flower online from trusted sources like Black Tie CBD. Finally, the ways in which CBD vs CBG interact with the endocannabinoid system are unique from one another. CBG flower’s molecules connect directly to the human cannabinoid receptors, whereas CBD’s molecules connect indirectly.

When you’re looking for a reputable place to buy CBG flower online, the first stop should be Black Tie CBD. All of our products are third-party tested and lab approved. We even provide our lab test results directly on our site so you can review them for yourself!

Shop for CBG flower online at Black Tie CBD to get premium grade products today!

October 19, 2022
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Breaking Down the Different Strains of CBD Hemp Flower

Smoking CBD should never be a one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone who smokes hemp flowers does so for different reasons. Plus, the way CBD affects people may differ from person to person. In addition to regulating the amount of hemp flower you smoke, it’s also important to be aware of the different CBD flower strains that are available. Knowing more about CBD strains could help you enjoy your smoking experience even more and get the maximum benefits from your CBD.

Basic Information About Hemp Flower Strains

The first thing to know about CBD flower strains is that they are hemp derived. This is in contrast to THC, which is derived from cannabis. Hemp flowers have a high concentration of CBD, typically ranging between 5%-20%. They’ll also have low concentrations of THC. In order to legally purchase CBD flower online, the THC content must be equal to or less than 0.3%.

A common misconception about hemp is that it is the same as marijuana; this is not true. The hemp plant does not yield psychoactive effects. So, to answer the age-old question, no hemp flower will not get you high. The different strains of CBD hemp flower, however, may produce unique effects based on an individual’s body chemistry, their tolerance, and many other factors.

CBD Strains: Indica vs. Sativa

Now that you know a little more about hemp flower strains, it’s time to get into the nitty gritty about the two major strain families: Indica and Sativa. Indica strains tend to be more relaxing, which makes them perfect for nighttime use. Sativa strains, on the other hand, are more energizing, which can make them great for helping with concentration.

Every CBD and hemp flower retailer will have their own twist on a CBD flower strain. For example, Black Tie CBD offers a wide variety of strains ranging from Amnesia Haze CBD Hemp Flower (a sativa-dominant hybrid) to Cherry Pie CBD Hemp Flower (an indica-dominant hybrid strain) and everything in between.

How to Choose the Right CBD Hemp Flower Strain

The first thing you need to do before buying any strain of hemp flower is to determine how you want to feel. Do you want something that will pick you up or calm you down? Knowing this will put you on the right track towards a successful hemp flower purchase.

Then you can look into the finer details. We mentioned this before, but it bears repeating that every retailer’s hemp flowers for sale will have strains unique to them. That’s part of why you might go with one CBD retailer or manufacturer over another. Black Tie CBD, for example, makes all of the information about what we put into our CBD strains fully available to the public. We’re transparent with our customers so they know exactly what they’re getting into. We’ll show you the total CBD and THC content of your hemp flower before you buy, as well as the intended effect it will have on your mood, mind, and body.

The best way to find out what you like is to experiment with a few different hemp flowers for sale. Find everything you need for CBD and more when you shop with us here at Black Tie CBD today!

October 19, 2022
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Will Delta-8 THC Show Up on a Drug Test?

One of the many questions Delta-8 newbies ask is, “Will Delta-8 THC show up on a drug test?” This is a valid question and one that deserves a bit of explanation. While Delta-8 isn’t necessarily new, in the overall world of cannabis, CBD, and THC in general it is newer than its counterparts. A lot of people aren’t even sure if Delta-8 THC is legal where they live. If you’re one of them, we have some insight from one of our blogs that might help clear it up. Still, depending on your occupation and your individual circumstances, you may be subject to drug testing. Here’s what you need to know if you’re concerned about Delta-8 THC showing up on a drug test.

What to Know About Delta-8 THC

Delta-8 THC is known by many as Diet Delta-9 or Delta-9 Lite for the less potent, milder effects it has when compared to its counterpart. Delta-8 THC comes in many forms, including edibles, Delta8 infused hemp flowers, dab sauces, and even Delta-8 tinctures. People enjoy Delta-8 for its relaxing, euphoric effects, and because many say it helps them bypass the paranoia that may come with Delta-9 THC products.

Is Delta-8 THC Legal?

While Delta-8 THC is considered legal on the federal level (because of the fact that it is derived from the hemp plant as opposed to the marijuana plant), it is not legal in all 50 states in the US. This means that there’s still the possibility of facing criminal prosecution if you are found in possession of Delta-8 in certain states. In order for any cannabinoid to be legal, it must be sourced from hemp; that way it can be regulated in the same manner as CBD products that have a THC concentration of up to 0.3%.

Drug Tests and Delta-8 THC

Now that you have some basic information on Delta-8 THC, it’s time to get to the heart of the matter: will Delta-8 show up on a drug test? In other words, will you fail a drug test if you have Delta-8 THC in your system?

The answer is not as definite as you may have hoped because 1) it depends on the type of drug test and 2) it depends how long it’s been since you’ve consumed the Delta-8.

Urine drug tests come in two forms:

  1. The Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) test, which uses gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to deliver accurate results. The downside to using a GC-MS test is that it takes longer to get the results.
  2. The Immunoassay (IA) Test, which is a biomechanical test that checks for macromolecules in a urine sample. While this is quicker, it often yields inaccurate results

There are also hair follicle drug tests, blood tests, and saliva tests that may be used to test for illicit substances.

Unfortunately, Delta-8 THC will show up on urine drug tests in the same way that Delta-9 THC shows up because modern urine tests are not advanced enough to tell the difference between the two.

If you’re taking a blood test, Delta-8 THC may not show up unless you consumed it just a few hours before taking the test. The best way to pass a drug test and have Delta-8 THC not show up is to abstain from using it for at least 30 days. Keep in mind, however, that some drug tests may detect Delta-8 for up to 90 days. While we are certainly proponents of always enjoying high quality Delta-8 THC, we also recognize the importance of staying responsible in the face of a drug test.

Find the Delta-8, Delta-9, and CBD products you want and need online when you shop with us at Black Tie CBD today!

September 27, 2022
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Should You Try Microdosing Delta-8 THC?

You may have heard about microdosing, probably for LSD and psychedelics, but what about microdosing Delta-8? Taking mini amounts of Delta-8 could be just what you need if you want to reap the benefits of the cannabinoid without losing productivity or going full force. Learn more about how to microdose Delta-8 below.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Before we get into the weeds about what is involved in microdosing Delta-8, it’s always good to have a handle on the basics of the topic. For those not in the know, Delta-8 is commonly referred to as Diet Delta-9 or Delta-9 Lite for its softer, milder effects when compared to its Delta-9 THC counterpart. Fun fact about Delta-8: it’s actually legal in more parts of the country than you might think. There are various forms of Delta-8, all of which can be consumed through microdosing.

What is Microdosing?

That leads us to our next point: what exactly is microdosing? Most people talk about microdosing when they’re referring to psychedelics and mushrooms, but you can microdose pretty much anything, cannabis included. Microdosing just means consuming a substance in mini (micro) doses than what is considered standard or average. The goal is to get a significantly milder effect – think of it as having your cake and eating it too, except the cake is Delta-8.

Benefits of Microdosing Delta-8 THC

The reasons to microdose Delta-8 go back to why people microdose anything: it allows them to take in the substance more regularly and still enjoy its benefits without losing productivity. This allows for a better ability to focus and overall enhanced mental clarity. Most of the information is self-reported, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less useful. Microdosing Delta-8 may also help you keep up your CBD tolerance to maintain the efficacy of the cannabinoid. This is due to the entourage effect, which involves using multiple cannabinoids together to increase their effectiveness.

How to Microdose Delta-8

The best way to microdose Delta-8 depends on what you want to use it for. Think about your goal: what effects are you trying to achieve by microdosing Delta-8? If you want to feel it just a little, give it a try. It’s also great for people who want to slightly boost productivity and focus.

As for the proper dose for microdosing Delta-8, that is subjective and depends on the user’s tolerance, age, weight, and their body’s chemical composition. For most people, microdosing Delta-8 means taking half the usual dosage, but if you’re just starting out, you may want to go even less than that.

Interested in getting started? Black Tie CBD is the place to go. We sell Delta-8 in edible, tincture, and smokable form, so you can microdose to your heart’s content. All of our products have been third-party tested and lab approved for your safety. Shop today on blacktiecbd.net!

September 27, 2022
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