Decarboxylation

Decarboxylation is the reaction in which heat strips a carboxyl group from THCA and converts it into Δ9 THC — the intoxicating compound. It happens fast at combustion and vaporization temperatures and slowly over time in storage. This is the plainly stated center of the category: raw THCA flower tests under the 0.3% Δ9 hemp threshold, and the moment you heat it, it becomes THC and it is intoxicating. Any marketing that implies otherwise is either confused or hoping you are. It is also why “total THC” math applies the 0.877 mass-loss factor.