Is THCA Legal to Ship? Essential Things You Should Know
You might be wondering, “Is THCA legal to ship?” In fact, it’s not an easy yes or no. According to the federal Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 or 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-extracted materials are authorized as long as they do not contain more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis, including Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA).
Each state has its own rules, which don’t always follow federal standards. If you’re shipping THCA flowers over state lines, it can be a legal risk to you as well if the state where they land doesn’t have similar laws around THCA.
Key Takeaways
- According to federal law, THCA made from hemp can be legally shipped provided that it has a 0.3% or less delta-9 THC content.
- THCA shipping legality is complex. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived products with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC are federally legal, but interpretation and enforcement can vary.
- Before purchasing THCA online, you need to check both the laws of the state in which the product will be shipped and ensure that your purchase conforms with label, lab testing, and shipping documentation requirements.
- Laws are evolving fast — and staying up to date on them is critical so you don’t have any surprises.
Can You Ship THCA? Legal Considerations
When it comes to shipping THCA flower, there are two main layers of regulation: federal law and state law.
Federal Law
Cannabis that, as defined in the 2018 Farm Bill, does not exceed 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. This is usually interpreted to mean that hemp (which comes in under the 0.3% D9THC threshold), THCA are legal and can be shipped interstate in accordance with federal law.
But THCA is not universally addressed in statute, let alone explicitly covered by law, and because it can be heated to Delta-9 THC (decarboxylated), some regulators hope to take a more cautious approach with it.
State Law
Though federal law sets a floor, each state can write its own rules about what products derived from hemp, such as THCA, are acceptable. So a federally legal product is still an illegal one in a given state.
Some states have prohibited smokable hemp, and some restrict how much THCA can be in it, because heat can render it psychoactive. So shipping THCA could be a risk to some states if you aren’t 100% sure it’s legal.
Can THCA Be Shipped in All States?
The legality of shipping THCA flower depends on where you’re sending it.
States That Generally Allow It
Some states have adopted the federal hemp guidelines and allow products with ≤ 0.3% Delta-9 THC. These states are typically easier to work with when it comes to THCA shipments.
States That Restrict or Ban THCA
Some states have even tighter laws in place and would potentially consider THCA-rich hemp flower marijuana due to its psychoactive potential once decarboxylated. States like South Dakota, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and West Virginia have more strict limitations.
If you ship or receive THCA in a restricted state, your product can be seized, and you could find yourself embroiled in legal trouble — although your product is federally compliant.
How to Check the Legality of THCA Products in Your State
The most effective approach is to conduct thorough research.
Here’s how to check:
- Check your state’s hemp and cannabis laws on the government website.
- Look for any laws regarding smokable hemp, hemp flower, or THCA.
- Ensure that your state has a “total THC” (THCA + Delta-9 THC) rule, not just Delta-9 THC.
- Verify the product has a Certificate of Analysis (COA) added that confirms the level of Delta-9 THC is below 0.3 percent.
- Remember to ensure the vendor has good labelling or legal disclaimers, even.
Choosing a Reputable Retailer for Safe THCA Purchases
Not all retailers follow the rules — and that can put you at risk.
Here’s what to look for when choosing where to buy THCA:
- Lab-tested products with clear COAs showing Delta-9 THC levels.
- Transparent labeling with ingredients, cannabinoid percentages, and legal disclaimers.
- A shipping policy that excludes restricted states.
- A proven track record with reviews, customer service, and compliance transparency.
At Utoya, we’re committed to transparency, safety, and quality. We test all our THCA products to ensure they meet federal standards and clearly communicate where we ship. If you’re unsure whether your state allows THCA products, give us a call at 813-697-4747.
The Future of THCA Shipping Laws
Shipping laws for THCA are still changing. While federal regulations allow hemp-derived cannabinoids, individual states are continuing to revise their rules — some becoming more lenient, others more restrictive.
Some possible changes in the future include:
- States are updating hemp definitions to include “total THC,” which could restrict THCA.
- More states are placing specific bans on smokable hemp or THCA-rich products.
- Clearer carrier policies on documentation and packaging requirements.
Keeping up with the latest legal shifts is essential. Whether you’re a consumer or retailer, staying informed is the safest path forward.
Last Thoughts About Shipping THCA Products
At the federal level, hemp-derived THCA is legal if it contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. But your state’s laws — and even the shipping carrier’s policies — could say otherwise.
At Utoya, we take compliance seriously. Our THCA flower, edibles, and vapes are third-party tested and labeled correctly to meet both federal and state guidelines. We don’t ship to states that restrict THCA, and we’re here to help answer your questions before you place an order.
Contact us at 813-697-4747 or browse our full selection of hemp-derived THCA products online.
Frequently Asked Questions About THCA Carts
What is THCA?
The non-psychoactive cannabinoid in raw marijuana is THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). When it’s heated, it turns into the stuff that gets people high, THC.
Is THCA federally legal?
Yes. THCA is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill if it is derived from hemp and contains a Delta-9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3% by dry weight.
Is THCA legal to ship to any state?
No. Some states have banned or regulated THCA products, especially smokable flower. As always, check local laws before you order or ship.
So what happens if I order THCA to a restricted state?
Your product could be seized and tested, you could be fined, or even get in trouble with the law. Some will also reject delivery.
