The best THCA flower to get you high, for those located in a state where it’s legal. These recommendations on the best THCA flower are made by Leafly Picks editors after extensive research, internal debate, and expert consultation. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.
We’ve been grinding hard—rolling and smoking hard, too—doing our best to find you the very best high-THCA hemp flower. Read on to find our picks for the best brands providing hemp happiness and some choice strains that you can find online and order straight to your door.
A quick look at the best THCA flower
- Best top-shelf: Lucky Elk, White Runtz
- Best high-potency options: Bay Smokes, Zoap
- Best classic strains: Arete, Sour Diesel
- Best selection: The Green Dragon CBD, Gary Payton
| Brand | Strain selection | Amounts | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Elk | White Runtz | 1g, 3.5g, 7g, 14g, 28g, 112g | starting from $14.00 → |
| Arete | Sour Diesel | 3.5g, 7g, 14g, 28g | starting from $35.00 → |
| Bay Smokes | Zoap | 3.5g, 7g, 14g, 28g | starting from $40.00 → |
| The Green Dragon CBD | Gary Payton | 3.5g, 7g, 28g | starting from $39.95 → |
We here at Leafly Picks are thrilled to report that the hemp revolution isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. The industry is certainly making progress fast enough to make your head spin even when you’re sober, but never fear, our team of experts puts their lungs on the line every day to keep up with the latest and greatest developments.
The best THCA flower of 2025: Reviews and recommended products
Best top-shelf: Lucky Elk, White Runtz
Price: $40.00 | THCA: 31.55% | Type: Hybrid| Effects: Tingly, relaxed, euphoric
Use LEAFLY15 for 15% off at Lucky Elk.
White Runtz THCA
$40.00 (3.5g)|33.94% THCA
White Runtz is one of the most highly demanded strains on Lucky Elk’s storied roster, a triumph of modern cannabis genetics that has propelled itself into the stratosphere in recent years. This icy purple beauty is a candy strain par excellence—a hybrid descended from Gelato and Zkittlez that boasts a sugar fruit and vanilla nose and a whisper smooth finish that consumers have been going crazy for since the strain arrived on the scene. White Runtz is a strain to savor, and Lucky Elk’s rendition is second to none.
| • Choice selection of exotic and AAA strains |
| • Organically grown using sustainable farming practices |
| • Hemp sourced from world-famous Oregon cannabis country |
“Lucky Elk represents the best of the PNW. Their green thumbs make us feel like we’re the lucky ones.”
Our pick for the true hemp connoisseurs out there, Lucky Elk elevates THCA into an art form. Lucky Elk considers themselves to be a team of farmers first and business people second, and as such, maintaining a vibrant connection to the Oregon hills is of paramount importance to this enterprising brand. In our writers’ opinion, this dedication to the land has paid off about a hundredfold—Lucky Elk hemp is some of the best in the world, and the crew at Lucky Elk treats their precious product with the respect it deserves. Ordering from Lucky Elk provides a plant-focused experience rare in the industry—try it yourself and experience what hemp is truly capable of when grown by master hands.
Use LEAFLY15 for 15% off at Lucky Elk.
Best classic strains: Arete, Sour Diesel
Price: $35.00 | THCA: 28.1% | Type: 90/10 sativa dominant | Effects: Euphoric, uplifting, relaxing
Sour Diesel
Recommended strain
Arete knows how to play the hits. Sour Diesel is an all-time favorite 90/10 sativa-dominant strain that’s earned household name status, and Arete’s rendition is one of the finest in the hemp world. Sour Diesel is aptly named—it’s got an attention-grabbing sour and diesel nose that turns heads and makes any other name unthinkable. The iconic strain is a cross between Chemdawg and Super Skunk, an impressive pedigree where the strain gets its distinctive scent and rugged good looks.
More on this strain:Sour Diesel had its heyday back in the ’90s, but just like grunge, it will live forever in our hearts. Arete’s flower is indoor-grown in living soil, and the results are more than worthy of this strain’s elevated status. You can expect trichome-coated buds with deep purps and a dreamy, creative, cerebral smoking experience—some very sweet effects for a very sour strain.
| • Huge selection of classic, famous strains |
| • Dedicated to all-natural farming methods |
| • Exceptional customer service |
“For true strain heads, Arete’s store page reads like the hemp hall of fame and thanks to them, these legendary strains are available to more people than ever before.”
Our pick for the best source for classic strains that have cemented themselves as true legends, Arete has quickly risen to become one of the most talked-about brands in the THCA flower game. If you’re a newbie to this world with an interest in hemp history, THCA, or any of its cousin cannabinoids, then Arete has the classic strains that you need to try to begin your training to become a true hemp connoisseur. Arete prides themselves on providing a dynamic selection of hemp flower that includes modern, exotic strains as well as an extensive repertoire of classics.
Best high-potency options: Bay Smokes, Zoap
Price: $40.00 | THCA: 32.87% | Type: Indica-dominant hybrid | Effects: Relaxing, giggly, euphoric
Use LEAFLY20 for 20% off at Bay Smokes.
Zoap
Recommended strain
Zoap has been inspiring desire in eager consumers for a few years now, but Bay Smokes has made it easier than ever to get a taste of this sumptuous strain. Our team loved how quick and easy Bay Smokes made it for us to get our hands on some stunning Zoap nugs. Shipping was fast and discreet, and our gorgeous green and orange flower arrived wholly intact. If you’ve been finding yourself coveting something new to remind you of what made smoking so special, check out Zoap from Bay Smokes and help your wandering heart find some contentment.
More on this strain: A California-native strain with a devoted following, Zoap is a rapid-onset hybrid powerful enough to clean your clock. Bay Smokes’ rendition of this famous strain has a gobsmacking 32.87% THCA, enough for even experienced cannabis aficionados to take pause. If you’ve got the tolerance to tango with Zoap, however, you’ll find that it’s a hell of a dance partner, with a sweet and fruity flavor with notes of, yes, soap. While that may sound a bit strange, we heartily recommend not knocking Zoap before you try it—this cross between Rainbow Sherbert and Pink Guava has certainly earned a spot in our hearts, and we think it might just charm you as well.
| • Woman-owned |
| • Wide selection of several different THCA products |
| • California quality at affordable prices |
“Bay Smokes has good vibes in spades and some of the best THCA to be found. They make for an impeccable companion when all you want to do is watch the tide roll by and waste time.”
Bay Smokes is a brand that proudly proclaims that a bright new era of hemp is dawning, and we at Leafly are 100% here for it. A minority/woman-owned outfit dedicated to providing hemp of the highest quality, Bay Smokes has carved out an impressive niche for themselves in the THCA flower market, as well as offering a respectable selection of edibles and extracts. For high THCA hemp flower with that legendary California charm without those legendary California prices, choose Bay Smokes.
Use LEAFLY20 for 20% off at Bay Smokes.
Best selection: The Green Dragon CBD, Gary Payton
Price: $39.95 | THCA: 28.7% | Type: 50/50 hybrid | Effects: Euphoric, Relaxing
Use LEAFLY20 for 20% off at The Green Dragon CBD.
Gary Payton
Recommended strain
Gary Payton is a near-perfect 50/50 hybrid and generally a bit less potent than some of the other strains on this list, so if you’re new to the world of smoking THCA flower, Gary Payton may be a perfect place to start. The Green Dragon CBD brings their Gary Payton to you from Hemp Living, a premium supplier noted for their quality, so rest easy knowing that you’ll be getting only reputable, third-party lab-tested hemp from The Green Dragon.
More on this strain:Gary Payton is one of the most popular recent strains to emerge onto the scene, a multiple cannabis cup champion winner that is worthy of bearing the name of the legendary Seattle Supersonics player. Just like the man himself, Gary Payton is smooth throughout and finishes clean. We found Gary Payton to be an uplifting, strain that left us with an easy euphoria, helping conversation flow much more easily and good times come faster. This makes Gary an easy invite to any sort of social gathering, from a movie night with a few friends to an all-night banger.
| • Truly impressive selection |
| • Regular sitewide deals |
| • Significant educational resources |
“The Green Dragon CBD has one of the best hoards of THCA goodness around, and you don’t have to slay anything to get your share.”
Don’t let the name fool you, The Green Dragon CBD has heaps more than just classic CBD. They possess one of the widest selections of hemp products that you are likely to find online these days, with THCA, CBD, delta-8, HHC, and even more cannabinoids making an appearance. They’ve got more hemp than Santa Claus has toys, all reputably sourced and distributed by The Green Dragon’s expert team. Spend an afternoon perusing their site, and you’ll be presented with a veritable buffet of hemp goodness.
Use LEAFLY20 for 20% off at The Green Dragon CBD.
What is THCA flower?
While the high-THCA flower on this list looks, tastes, and smokes, extremely similar to cannabis flower (the same stuff that our readers who live in adult-use states can purchase from a dispensary), all of these picks are 100% Farm Bill-compliant hemp flower. That means that this THCA flower has all the euphoric, psychoactive benefits of traditional cannabis, as well as the access and ease-of-purchase of hemp products like CBD or delta-8 THC dominant items.
Here’s the essential takeaway that you need to know: High-THCA hemp flower is federally legal weed that will get you high if you smoke it that can also be shipped to your door in most US states with no medical card required. Sounds pretty good, no?
If you’re interested in the technicalities of what exactly THCA is, the differences between THCA and the THC you may be more familiar with, or how exactly any of this is legal, head over to the Leafly cannabis glossary. Our glossary is the single greatest source for cannabis and hemp knowledge on the internet, and has everything you need to know about hemp, THCA, THC, CBD, and maybe even life itself. Now, that may be an overstatement, but who’s to say? You’ll have to read the whole glossary to find out.
How we made our selections
We curated this list of the best THCA flower based on a combination of quality, transparency, and reputation. Here’s a breakdown of the criteria we used to evaluate and select each product.
Lab testing and safety
We looked for brands that had:
- Third-party lab testing for potency and purity
- A valid Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming cannabinoid content
Strain diversity & genetic information
We gave preference to brands that had:
- A wide variety of strains on offer, including both classic and exotic strains
- Accurate information regarding the genetic information of strains
Growing techniques
Good flower starts with good growing. We looked at:
- Lack of pesticides
- Environmentally conscious farming techniques
Brand integrity & transparency
We prioritize brands with:
- A strong track record of quality and consistency
- Transparent COA location
- Positive reviews and responsiveness to customer concerns
Flavor, aroma, and potency
How flower tastes and smells is important, so we looked at:
- Taste and smell of buds before and after smoking
- Potency roughly matching posted THCA content
- Personal preference amongst our team
Consumer experience
We wanted to see brands that had:
- Short shipping times
- Robust customer service network
- Reasonable price point
- Easy-to-navigate website
Availability and accessibility
We ensured that our selections are able to:
- Stock most of thier listed strains most of the time
- Ship to many US states
Things to consider when buying THCA flower
Keep these factors in mind when you decide which brands to purchase from.
Desired effects
- Strains and terpenes can all influence effects
- Experiment with different strains to discover your favorites
THCA content
- Newer consumers should consider a strain with less than 20% THC to avoid being uncomfortably high
- Experienced consumers should look for strains with higher than 20% THC to overcome their increased tolerances.
- Always start slow and be careful.
Amount and price point
- Quality can vary between brands and strains. Set a budget and go from there.
- Flower is available in a variety of sizes, from eighths all the way up to full ounces (and sometimes even more).
- Don’t forget to factor in the cost of shipping
FAQ
Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about THCA flower.
Is THCA flower legal?
THCA flower is federally legal, but state regulations can vary. As THCA flower is sourced from hemp (cannabis with a delta-9 THC concentration of no more than 0.3% by dry weight), it was legalized at the federal level in the 2018 Farm Bill, but many states have since passed restrictions. Check out what the laws are in your state before purchasing.
Will THCA get me high?
Yes. While THCA is not intoxicating in its standard form, adding heat by smoking, vaping, or baking THCA will transform it into THC, which will then get you high.
Is THCA flower as strong as regular weed?
How potent any given THCA flower is depends on the strain and growing conditions, just like traditional cannabis. Remember to be careful when trying a new strain, and start with a small amount.
Can THCA flower show up on a drug test?
You bet. After smoking or vaping THCA, it will be chemically identical to THC, which drug tests will flag.
Adult-use cannabis is not legal in my state. Can I still buy THCA flower?
If your state has not passed any regulations specifically restricting the purchase of THCA flower, then yes.
Where can I find THCA flower?
THCA flower is available online from many reputable resources, as well as brick-and-mortar hemp and CBD dispensaries.
Why you can trust Leafly Picks
Leafly is the world’s leading cannabis discovery platform and provides a vast library of content from some of the most respected voices in cannabis. Leafly Picks prioritizes accuracy and integrity in our selections, working through mountains of research and testimonials to source products you can trust.
Morgan Rosendale: Content Editor
Morgan Rosendale is a Seattle-based writer, editor, and lover of all things cannabis. She’s been with Leafly since 2022, where she works as the site’s Branded Content Editor. She spends her time writing about and researching the wide and wonderful world of weed, surfacing innovative brands and products that treat both cannabis and the consumer with respect. She has been writing professionally for nearly a decade, primarily covering food and wine before her time at Leafly. You can often spot her at the movie theatre or smoking Super Lemon Haze out of the weirdest bong she can find.
Anna Elliott: Senior Content Editor
Anna Elliott is a writer, editor, and longtime cannabis nerd based in Seattle. She joined Leafly in 2021 and currently works as the brand’s Senior Content Editor, where she helps shape stories about the best in weed from must-try strains to standout gear and gifts. Before Leafly, she spent nearly a decade reviewing products, covering emerging brands, and championing the people behind them. She’s passionate about making cannabis content accessible, fun, and genuinely helpful. And yes, she really does believe Space Mints hits different when you’re alphabetizing vinyl by mood.
Learn more about THCA
More Leafly Picks
Final thoughts
And that’s all, folks, the very best THCA flower available today. As we’ve said, this field changes by the day (sometimes by hour) and the race for the best flower never stops, so make sure to check back in on this article regularly to see if there’s something new for you to fall in love with. And don’t forget to check out the rest of our Leafly Picks to see our selections for the greatest finds in the wide world of cannabis. Be well!
For business inquiries, please direct messages to affiliate@leafly.com.
Availability subject to law.
