THC & The Farm Bill:

The Farm Bill and THCA: Understanding the Legal Framework

The 2018 Farm Bill, formally known as the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, is a monumental piece of legislation that redefined how hemp is treated under federal law. It’s also the reason you can legally purchase THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) today. This article will break down what the Farm Bill says, how it applies to THCa, and why this matters to you as a consumer.

What Is the Farm Bill?

The Farm Bill is a comprehensive legislative package passed every five years to address agricultural and food policy in the United States aka its for our farmers. While the bill covers everything from crop insurance to food assistance programs, the 2018 version made headlines for how it redefined hemp.

Before the Farm Bill, hemp was classified alongside marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The 2018 Farm Bill changed this by legally separating hemp from marijuana, creating a new category for cannabis plants and derivatives that meet specific requirements.

Hemp Defined

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp is defined as:

“The plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including seeds, derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.”

In simpler terms, hemp includes all parts of the cannabis plant as long as it contains 0.3% or less delta-9 THC by dry weight.

What Makes THCA Legal?

THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a naturally occurring compound in raw cannabis. It’s the precursor to THC, meaning it converts into THC when heated (a process called decarboxylation).

Here’s why the Farm Bill applies to THCA:

• Delta-9 THC Is the Key: The law specifically regulates delta-9 THC, not THCa. If a product contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis, it qualifies as hemp—even if it has high levels of THCa.

• Raw Cannabis Is Non-Intoxicating: In its raw form, THCA doesn’t produce psychoactive effects. This makes it compliant with the legal definition of hemp, provided the delta-9 THC levels stay within the allowed limits.

Federal vs. State Laws

While the Farm Bill legalized hemp at the federal level, states were given the authority to establish their own rules regarding the cultivation, sale, and use of hemp and its derivatives. This means that while THCa is federally legal, some states may restrict or prohibit its sale.

As of now, a few states do not allow THCa products to be sold or shipped. This is why it’s important for consumers and sellers to be aware of the laws in their specific state. Lucky for us, we can purchase all the THCa we want!

How We Comply with the Farm Bill

At LeafLife, we take compliance seriously. Here’s how we ensure our THCA products meet the standards set by the 2018 Farm Bill and consumers:

• Lab Testing: Every product is tested by a third-party lab to confirm it contains less than 0.3% delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.

• Documentation: We include a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with every order, providing you with proof of compliance.

• Transparent Practices: We monitor and adhere to state-specific regulations to ensure all our products are shipped legally and responsibly.

Why the Farm Bill Matters

The 2018 Farm Bill didn’t just legalize hemp—it opened the door for innovation in the cannabis industry. By clearly defining hemp and separating it from marijuana, the bill allowed for the legal market of products like THCa products, and other hemp-derived cannabinoids.

For consumers, this means greater access to legal cannabis products that they know and love, from reputable brands instead of the days when you just asked ‘the plug’ for some ‘weed’.

THCA in Everyday Use

If you’ve ever purchased cannabis flower from a dispensary, you’ve purchased THCa. Most cannabis flower contains high levels of THCa and low levels of THC in its raw form. It only converts to THC when heated, aka you smoking it, vaporizing it, or ‘decarbing’ it. The same is true for federally legal hemp-derived THCA flower. The only difference is between hemp products and marijuana products are whether they meet the federal delta-9 THC limit, making them legal or not under the Farm Bill.

No matter how you like to consume your cannabis, LeafLife is here to help! Find us at 2510 Pennsylvania Ave, on the North/East side of Madison!

A New Era for Hemp

The 2018 Farm Bill changed everything for hemp and its derivatives, including THCa. By creating a clear legal framework, it allowed consumers and businesses to explore the benefits of hemp without fear of breaking the law.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the world of cannabis, check out our educational library [here].

When you buy from LeafLife, you’re not just purchasing a product—you’re participating in a legal, compliant, and transparent industry built on the foundation of the Farm Bill. We’re here to answer any questions and help you enjoy the benefits of hemp with confidence.