Written by Joshua Sosin

As THCa flower and concentrates take over the hemp scene, more people are asking the big question — does THCa show up on a drug test?

If you're shopping for potent pre-rolls or stocking up on eighths, it’s smart to know what you’re getting into — especially if you're subject to regular testing. THCa is legal hemp, but it can still affect the results of drug tests if you use it within the detection window.

Here's what you need to know about using THCa before a drug test.

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Table of Contents

• What Is THCa?

• Is THCa Psychoactive?

• How Drug Tests Detect Cannabis

• Will THCa Trigger a Positive Drug Test?

• Does the Way You Consume THCa Matter?

• How Long Does THCa Stay in Your System?

• Can You Pass a Drug Test While Using THCa?

• Final Thoughts

What Is THCa?

THCa stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid — the non-psychoactive form of THC found in raw cannabis and hemp.

In its raw state, THCa won’t get you high. That’s why at Mood, you can find legal THCa flower, pre-rolls, diamonds, and more — all made from federally compliant hemp with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.

But when you expose THCa to heat — whether by lighting a joint, torching a dab rig, or baking into brownies — the effects get amplified.

That’s what makes THCa flower so popular. It’s hemp by the law — but high-grade by experience.

Is THCa Psychoactive?

By itself in raw cannabis? No.

But when you smoke, vape, or dab THCa, you’re unlocking its full potential.

That heated THCa delivers effects very similar to classic Delta-9 THC — meaning it can absolutely shift your mindset, spark creativity, and settle you into a deep body buzz.

That makes THCa a favorite among cannabis traditionalists who want the real experience, but still want to shop legally.

How Drug Tests Detect Cannabis

Most standard drug tests — like urine tests, blood tests, or hair tests — aren’t testing for THC directly. They’re actually trying to detect THC metabolites — specifically THC-COOH, the byproduct your body creates after processing Delta-9 THC.

Here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter what type of THC you consumed. If it turns into that metabolite, it can trigger a positive result based on how most drug tests work.

And that’s where THCa gets tricky for some folks.

Will THCa Trigger a Positive Drug Test?

If you’re smoking, vaping, or dabbing THCa — yes, it can show up on a drug test.

Once you heat it up, THCa delivers the same compounds your body processes when consuming Delta-9 THC. That means your system is still producing THC metabolites like THC-COOH — and most drug tests don’t know (or care) that it came from hemp.

Bottom line: THCa can lead to a positive result, especially when consumed in ways that amplify its effects.

Does the Way You Consume THCa Matter?

Absolutely.

If you’re consuming raw THCa — like in fresh flower, raw tinctures, or unheated concentrates — you’re not activating its psychoactive properties. That means fewer (if any) THC metabolites, and less chance of triggering a test.

But let’s be real — most people aren’t chewing on raw flower or taking cold dabs. If you’re heating your THCa, your body is processing it similarly to Delta-9 THC, which can definitely flag a test.

To keep it simple:

• Unheated THCa — unlikely to show up

• Smoked/vaped/dabbed THCa — likely to show up

How Long Does THCa Stay in Your System?

Once THCa is heated and processed by your body, it behaves just like Delta-9 THC in your system.

That means it can linger for days to weeks, depending on how often and how much you consume.

Here’s a general timeline for THC metabolites in urine tests:

• Occasional use: Up to 3 days

• Regular use: Up to 10 days

• Frequent/heavy use: 30+ days

Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different — metabolism, hydration, body fat, and other factors all can influence drug test results.

Can You Pass a Drug Test While Using THCa?

If you’re using THCa products without heat, the chances of failing a test are much lower.

But if you’re smoking THCa flower, hitting a vape, or enjoying a THCa-infused dab — there’s a real risk of a positive result. Even though the product is federally legal hemp, most tests won’t distinguish that from traditional cannabis.

So if you're getting tested for any reason — job requirements, athletic leagues, or legal situations — it’s safest to avoid THCa altogether until you’re clear. To play it safe, we recommend avoiding any type of cannabis compound (including CBD) for 90 days before a test.

Grab Legal THCa From Mood

So, does THCa show up on a drug test?

It can — especially if you’re smoking or dabbing it. While THCa itself isn’t psychoactive and may not produce THC metabolites on its own, once it’s heated, your body treats it like Delta-9 THC.

However, if you’re not facing any testing worries, THCa is one of the most potent and flavorful ways to enjoy hemp legally.

At Mood, we’re all about transparency — and we always encourage mindful consumption. Whether you’re exploring THCa for the first time or adding it to your regular rotation, we’ve got the flower, dabs, and carts to take your sessions to the next level.

Use the code "FIRST20" to get 20% off your initial order from the Mood Shop.