Is the Federal Government Banning THCA? (November 2025 Update)

So, the U.S. government might actually ban THCA federally? For real. If you’re into the hemp scene (or just enjoy the legal highs from hemp products), you’ve probably heard some chatter about this. We’re here to break down what’s going on with this possible federal ban on THCA, why it’s happening, and what it could mean – all in plain English, with the latest info up to today’s date.

What Is THCA, and Why Has It Been “Legal” Anyway?

THCA stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid – basically the raw form of THC found in cannabis flowers. By itself, THCA isn’t psychoactive. But when you heat it (like when you smoke or vape it), THCA converts into Delta-9 THC, the classic cannabinoid that gets you high. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, “hemp” was defined only by its Delta-9 THC content, not total THC. That meant if you had cannabis flower loaded with THCA but below 0.3% Delta-9 THC, it technically counted as legal hemp. This loophole gave birth to a booming market of THCA hemp flower.

Why Does the Government Want to Ban THCA?

In one word: safety. Regulators and law enforcement argue that the industry exploited a wording loophole to sell intoxicating hemp-derived products that mimic marijuana. Key concerns include:

• Kids and Public Health: Officials cite increased poison control calls and marketing that appeals to minors.
• Unregulated Potency: Products like Delta-8 and THCA can be as strong as dispensary weed but lack oversight.
• Legislative Intent: Lawmakers, including original hemp supporters, claim they didn’t intend to legalize intoxicating hemp products.

How Washington Is Cracking Down (So Far)

Several federal actions have targeted THCA and similar cannabinoids:

• DEA Interpretation: THCA is not hemp. The DEA’s 2024 memo clarified it should count toward total THC limits.
• House Bill: The 2026 agriculture spending bill included a redefinition of hemp to ban anything with quantifiable THC or THCA.
• Senate Moves: A bipartisan Senate bill nearly banned most hemp-derived products, with a one-year grace period.
• Attorney General Pressure: 39 state AGs sent a letter to Congress urging immediate bans on intoxicating hemp cannabinoids.
  
  
  
  

What’s Likely to Happen Next?

Most experts expect the federal government to update hemp definitions within the next year. The likely scenario:

• Redefining Hemp: Include total THC (THCA + Delta-9 + other isomers) in the 0.3% threshold.
• Implemented via Farm Bill: Changes could come through the 2025 Farm Bill or new legislation.
• Enforcement Ramps Up: Expect FDA, FTC, and DEA to begin taking action against non-compliant products.

Best-Case Scenario for THCA Fans and Businesses

• Reasonable regulations replace bans: age restrictions, potency caps, labeling, lab testing.
• Grace period for compliance and clear guidelines from regulators.
• States model frameworks like Minnesota’s regulated hemp edible market.
• Hemp brands like Puff Tartz can continue to operate with legal, compliant products.

Worst-Case Scenario (Full Federal Ban)

• Total THC limit enforced at 0.3% – bans all THCA flower, Delta-8, and full-spectrum CBD.
• No transition period – immediate product removals, potential enforcement actions.
• Impact on farmers who grow THCA-rich hemp strains without protections.
• Industry collapse and consumer shift to unregulated markets.

Final Thoughts

Federal action on THCA is coming – it’s just a matter of when and how hard. At Puff Tartz, we support thoughtful regulation and transparency, not overreach. Our team will keep offering quality, lab-tested hemp products as long as the law allows, and we’ll adapt as needed.

For now, stay informed, support hemp-friendly legislation, and choose your sources wisely. Visit our THCA flower shop or check out our THCA pre-rolls while they're still legal.