Written by Shepherd King

There are plenty of different cannabis strains to try, and each one has its own unique flavor, aroma, and effects. Part of the joy of cannabis is exploring all of these amazing options.

It’s tough to know where to start, though — especially if you’re new to hemp products. We're here to help. Below, we’ve put together a list of 23 of the best THCa strains to order online.

Not sure what THCa is? No worries. We’ll cover that first.

Visit the Mood Shop to pick up premium cannabis with high THC content and potent effects. Subscribe for recurring orders to save 15%.

What Is THCa?

THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the chemical precursor to Delta-9 THC. It’s a cannabinoid — a chemical compound naturally found in the cannabis plant. Some cannabis strains have higher THCa content than others, which can impact your smoking experience.

On its own, THCa doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. However, when it’s exposed to heat through smoking or vaping, a chemical reaction turns the cannabinoid into THC, which gets you high.

Is THCa Legal?

The Farm Bill, which was passed in 2018, changed the way that products containing THCa are regulated.

Under the Farm Bill, THCa products are labeled hemp as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight.

Thanks to the Farm Bill, products in the hemp category are now available at dispensaries and online in many states. However, anything above hemp’s THC level is classified as marijuana, which is federally illegal.

The Farm Bill transformed the cannabis industry and gave hemp enthusiasts access to their favorite products. Everything you’ll find in the Mood Shop meets the bill’s standards for hemp, which means you can order online from many parts of the US.

Before you order, make sure you know your state’s specific regulations for cannabis products.

How Is THCa Different From CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is another popular cannabinoid that has built up a reputation because of its relaxing effects. It isn’t psychoactive, but it can have an impact on your high, balancing out the effects of THC for a more mellow experience.

THCa and CBD coexist in some strains of cannabis, especially Sativa and hybrid strains. You can also use CBD on its own in the form of a topical or a tincture.

Get a 1oz Ultimate Relief CBD Tincture (5000mg) for just $99. Subscribe to save 15%.

How Does THCa Make You Feel?

The effects of THCa can vary quite a bit depending on the other cannabinoids in the cannabis you picked out.

For example, THCa combined with another cannabinoid, THCv (Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabivarin) can have appetite-suppressing effects, while CBD and THCa can be a calming combination.

The strain of cannabis that you choose can make a difference, too. A Sativa-dominant hybrid, for example, might have more uplifting effects, while an Indica strain will be more sedating.

Learn more about how it feels to be high from the Mood Blog.

The Best of the Best: Our 23 Favorite THCa Strains Right Now

Now that you know a bit more about THCa and what to expect from it, it’s time to pick out some flower.

These are our top recommendations for THCa strains, and they’re all available now in the Mood Shop.

1. Dante’s Inferno

This flower tastes like strawberries and cream and provides an uplifting, relaxing high. It’s perfect for boosting your focus, soothing your body, and getting into the zone.

Dante’s Inferno is an Indica-dominant hybrid grown in Washington state. Its high terpene content gives it a complex flavor profile that includes fruity strawberries, nutty cookies, and black pepper.

Grab 3.5g of Dante’s Inferno for just $54. Subscribe to save 15%.

2. Super Buff Cherry

Super Buff Cherry is our go-to strain for absolute bliss.

It’s a high-potency 50/50 hybrid that produces an amazingly happy high. Grown in Oregon, this strain is a crossbreed of Blackberry and Tropicana Cookies plants, which give it its high THCa content

Super Buff Cherry has a scent of juicy cherries, dark tangerine, and vanilla, and its flavor is both citrusy and earthy. It’s a fantastic introduction to hybrid cannabis.

Get 1g of Super Buff Cherry for just $17. Subscribe to save 15%.

3. Pluto

This potent strain can help you get into a creative flow. It’s one of our favorites for any time we need to feel inspired.

Grown in California as a crossbreed of Gelato #33 and 1991 Triangle Kush, this strain has a complex scent with notes of sour lemon, fresh pine, and sour diesel. It’s a 70/30 Indica-dominant hybrid, which gives it some calming effects.

Save $60 or more when you grab 14g of Pluto for just $178. Subscribe and save 15%.

4. Tropicana Cherry Cookies

A crossbreed of Tropicana Cookies and Cherry Cookies plants, this strain was grown in California as a 60/40 Sativa-dominant hybrid. It’s powerful and aromatic, with a scent like ripe cherries, sweet and sour citrus, and earthy nuttiness.

We grab Tropicana Cherry Cookies when we want cannabis with invigorating, energizing effects. It’s a high-potency strain with 26.06% THCa.

Pick up 3.5g of Tropicana Cherry Cookies for just $40. Subscribe and save 15%.

5. Birthday Cake

This THCa flower is the perfect end-of-day treat. With a sweet and creamy flavor and scents of caramelized sugar, sweet almond, and earthy vanilla, it’s a powerful 50/50 hybrid with 23.18% THCa content.

Birthday Cake is a high-potency strain that produces a euphoric mind and body high. Grown in California, it’s a crossbreed of Girl Scout Cookies and Cherry Pie plants.

Save $15 or more when you grab 7g of Birthday Cake for just $75. Subscribe to save 15%.

6. Trap Cherries

If you want to feel sensual and ready for intimacy, Trap Cherries is the strain for you. It’s an invigorating Sativa-dominant hybrid grown with love in mind in Oregon.

This Sativa-dominant strain has a scent like sweet cherry pie, and it’s a crossbreed of three plants: Pablo’s Driver, Secret Weapon, and Starfighter. We recommend this strain for before, during, and after some time in the bedroom.

Save $190 or more when you pick up 28g of Trap Cherries for just $285. Subscribe and save 15%.

7. Oreoz

This Indica hybrid was created to produce a strong, soothing high. Cultivated by growers in Oregon, it’s a 70/30 hybrid with a scent like s’mores, fruity grape, and spicy herbs. At 21.5% THCa, Oreoz is a high-potency strain that’s perfect for any time you feel stressed.

Grab 1 of Oreoz strain for just $17. Subscribe to save 15%.

8. Slurricane

With an invigorating flavor and scent, this high-potency strain is ideal for a chill movie night or a stroll through the woods.

Grown in California, Slurricane is a 60/40 Indica-dominant strain that was created by breeders from Do-Si-Dos and Purple Punch plants.

Its scent is like fresh earth, spicy herbs, and super sweet blueberries. When you smoke it, you’ll taste refreshing lemon and mint thanks to terpenes like myrcene and limonene.

Pick up 3.5g of Slurricane strain for just $40. Subscribe and save 15%.

9. Dark Rainbow

Grown in Washington State, Dark Rainbow is a high-potency 80/20 Indica-dominant hybrid. It’s one of the most popular strains in the Mood Shop because of its classic funky diesel flavor and high THCa content.

Dark Rainbow has a skunk/citrus scent that grows on you the more you smoke. It’s a crossbreed of three different plants: Girl Scout Cookies, Chemdawg, and Rainbow Belts F1.

Save this one for any time you want a powerful, unique high. We recommend Dark Rainbow for relaxing weekends with friends, jam sessions, and winding down at night.

Grab 1g of Dark Rainbow for just $17. Subscribe to save 15%.

10. Gary Payton

Gary Payton is a hard-hitting 50/50 hybrid that provides a long-lasting high. It has a legendary savory diesel flavor and smells like citrus, skunky pepper, and earthy hazelnuts.

Grown in California, this high-potency strain is a crossbreed of Y Griega and Snowman plants. It’ll perk you up right away, leaving you feeling social and energized.

Get 3.5g of Gary Payton strain for just $54. Subscribe and save 15%.

11. Runtz

Runtz is a blissful and uplifting strain with a fruity, sugary flavor and high THCa content. Grown in California as a crossbreed of Zkittles and Gelato plants, It’s a medium-potency strain with scents of tropical citrus, sour berries, and crystallized sugar.

We recommend Runtz for indulging alone or with friends — it’s a fantastic strain to share or save for relaxing on your own. The combination of Sativa and Indica makes this strain equal parts soothing and energizing, so it’s ideal for either AM or PM use.

Get 1g of Runtz strain for just $13. Subscribe and save 15%.

12. Devil’s Mistress

This vibrant purple flower is coated in frosty trichomes, which boost its cannabinoid and terpene content for a powerful high. It’s a 50/50 hybrid grown in Washington as a crossbreed of Oreoz and Girl Scout Cookies plants.

Devil’s Mistress has a THCa concentration of 26.01%, and its scent will remind you of pine, chocolate, and spices. It’s an ideal strain for soothing relief after the gym or some weekend relaxation.

Grab 3.5g of Devil’s Mistress for just $54. Subscribe and save 15%.

13. Jealousy

Jealousy is a 50/50 hybrid that smells like fresh vanilla, sour candies, and sweet cherries. A crossbreed of Sherbet and Gelato 41 plants, it’s a high-potency flower that can help you feel comfortable and confident while socializing.

We recommend this strain for sparking new connections and spending time in groups. It’ll get you ready for your next big adventure or doing stand up comedy for the first time.

Save $15 or more when you pick up 7g of Jealousy strain from the Mood Shop. Subscribe to save 15%.

14. Super Goof

If you need a productivity boost, Super Goof is for you. This 50/50 hybrid has a bright and citrusy flavor with a scent of mild diesel, sweet cherries, and orange.

Grown in Washington as a crossbreed of Black Cherry Punch and Tropicana Cookies, Super Goof is high in THCa at 25.88%. It’ll help you get your to-dos done with some extra motivation and focus.

Try 1g of Super Goof for just $15. Subscribe to save 15%.

15. Ice Cream Cake

This strain is an Indica-dominant hybrid made for relaxing. With notes of citrus and gas and a sweet vanilla scent, it’s one of our favorites for PM chilling.

Grown in California, Ice Cream Cake is a cross between Wedding Cake and Gelato #33. At 25.22% THCa, it’s a powerful strain that will make you feel like you’re tucked into a cozy bed.

Save $35 or more when you pick up 14g of Ice Cream Cake for just $145. Subscribe to save 15%.

16. Gush Mintz

With 27.07% THCa and a gassy, piney flavor, this powerful flower is a 50/50 hybrid grown in Oregon. Its scent is like spicy diesel, minty cookies, and sweet, fruity cherries.

We reach for Gush Mintz when we need help relaxing and winding down before bed. The mix of Indica and Sativa characteristics makes this strain soothing without making you feel tipsy.

Grab 1g of Gush Mintz for just $17. Subscribe to save 15%.

17. Rainbow Runtz

Created with relaxation in mind, this strain tastes like tropical berry and has a high THCa concentration for a chill high. It’s an Indica-dominant hybrid crossbred from Skittlez and Do-Si-Dos plants and grown with love in California.

Rainbow Runtz gets its name from its amazingly sweet and eclectic scent — it has a smell like diesel, candy, tropical pine berry, and grapefruit honey.

Save $20 or more when you pick up 7g of Rainbow Runtz strain for just $83. Subscribe and save 15%.

18. Purple Punch

This soothing strain grown in California is a medium-potency Indica-dominant hybrid.

A crossbreed between Larry OG and Grand Daddy Purple plants, it smells like grape candy, sweet muffins, and tart fruit punch. Its melty, sour flavor and mouthfeel will keep you coming back for more.

Snag 1g of Purple Punch strain for only $15. Subscribe to save 15%.

19. Counting Sheep

Sweet, minty, and high in THCa, this Indica-dominant hybrid was created to help you relax before bed. A cross between Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Cookies plants, it smells like sweet vanilla, citrusy lemon, and earthy mint.

Get 1g of Counting Sheep strain for just $17. Subscribe and save 15%.

20. Eureka

If you need help clearing your mind for some deep work, Eureka is the strain for you. This Indica-dominant hybrid has a herbaceous flavor and an invigorating scent that is just the right amount of skunky.

Grown in California, this strain is a crossbreed of Girl Scout Cookies, Chemdawg, and Lurch plants. At 21.83% THCa, it’s a high-potency flower that’s perfect for getting in the zone.

Save $50 or more when you pick up 14g of Eureka strain for just $150. Subscribe and save 15%.

21. Pink Lemonade

This Indica-dominant hybrid has an amazing sweet and sour citrus flavor that will perk you up right away. A cross between Lemon Skunk and Purple Kush, it’s a California-grown, medium-potency strain that’s both uplifting and soothing.

Pink Lemonade is one of our top strains for cultivating connections and feeling like the life of the party. Unlike many Indica strains, it doesn’t have sedating effects, so it’s a fantastic choice for daytime use.

Grab 1g of Pink Lemonade strain for just $15. Subscribe and save 15%.

22. Sub Zero

Sub Zero is an Indica-dominant hybrid with a sweet and earthy flavor and medium levels of THCa content. Grown in Oregon as a cross between Super Boof and Oreoz, it smells like tangy cherries, skunky diesel, and rich chocolate.

Calming and intoxicating, Sub Zero is perfect for chilling out and relaxing at home. If you want to experience the euphoric effects of THC without feeling too energized or too sleepy, it’s one of the best strains to try.

Pick up 1g of Sub Zero strain for just $17. Subscribe and save 15%.

23. Gushers

If you want an easygoing, happy high, Gushers is the strain for you.

This Indica-dominant hybrid has a sweet and citrusy flavor and high THCa content. It’s a cross between Gelato #41 and Triangle Kush grown in California, and it’ll help you reach that blissed-out apex that makes cannabis so incredible.

Try 1g of Gushers strain for just $17. Subscribe and save 15%.

FAQs About THCa

Q: Is THCa psychoactive?

A: THCa isn’t psychoactive in its raw form. However, when it’s exposed to heat, the cannabinoid converts into Delta-9 THC and becomes more potent.

When you enjoy THCa flower with a pipe, bong, or another tool, you’re heating up the THCa and initiating the chemical reaction that produces its psychoactive effects.

Q: Is marijuana different from THCa?

A: Recent legislation in the US changed the way that cannabis products are classified and regulated. Under the Farm Bill, any cannabis products with more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight are classified as marijuana. All marijuana strains are still illegal in the United States.

On the other hand, all of the THCa products in the Mood Shop are classified as hemp since they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Thanks to the changes made by the Farm Bill, you can order hemp products online or pick them up from a local dispensary.

Q: Are Sativa and Indica really that different?

A: Sativa and Indica strains have unique cannabinoid and terpene profiles, which makes their effects vary. You might not notice a dramatic difference between Indica and Sativa at first, but as you explore cannabis more, you’ll start to get a sense of how strains affect you.

Find high-quality cannabis products, including flower, edibles, concentrates, and more, in the Mood Shop. Subscribe to save 15%.

Prices subject to change.