Wholesale THCA Compliance Hub

Who This Hub Is For

• Dispensaries & multi-store retailers consolidating compliant supply.
• Distributors & brokers coordinating multi-state shipments.
• Processors & pre-roll brands standardizing inputs and QC.
• Extractors balancing total-THC compliance with potency yield.

Key Definitions (Fast Reference)

• Hemp (federal): Cannabis with Δ9-THC ≤ 0.3% dry weight.
• THCA: Non-decarboxylated precursor to Δ9-THC; many regulators treat it within “total THC.”
• Total THC formula: (THCA × 0.877) + Δ9-THC (dry-weight basis).
• COA: Certificate of Analysis—batch-matched lab report covering potency and safety panels.
• Water activity (a_w): Quality/safety indicator for dried flower; typical target ≈ 0.55–0.65.

Federal Framework (Orientation)

At the federal level, hemp is defined by Δ9-THC ≤ 0.3% (dry weight). THCA itself is not Δ9, but many programs and carriers evaluate products using total THC. Federal agencies update guidance periodically, and enforcement priorities may shift. Always pair federal orientation with destination-state rules and carrier policies.

We do not provide legal advice. Use this hub with your counsel for program-specific requirements.

State-by-State Rules (Link Out)

Every shipment must comply with its destination state. Some states treat THCA flower as cannabis; others allow it under hemp rules; some ban smokable hemp entirely. Use these references before you ship:

Is THCA Legal in the USA? · 50 individual state pages (A–Z) from your sitemap.

Testing, COAs & Standards

Require batch-matched COAs from credible labs. Minimum expectations for wholesale flower:

• Potency: THCA, Δ9-THC, total THC (dry-weight basis) with method and uncertainty disclosed.
• Safety: pesticides, heavy metals, microbials (incl. Aspergillus spp. where required), mycotoxins; residual solvents if applicable.
• Optional but useful: terpene profile; water activity (a_w) for shelf stability.

Lab credibility signals:

• Clear methods (e.g., HPLC for cannabinoids; HS-GC/GC-MS for solvents).
• LOD/LOQ and measurement uncertainty listed on COA.
• Evidence of accreditation and proficiency testing participation.

Deep-dive guide: How to Read a THCA COA

Intake QC & Documentation (Buyer Checklist)

1. On delivery: photograph sealed cases, labels, and scale readings.
2. Visual & aroma: check for mold, off-odors, excessive stems/seeds.
3. Moisture/a_w: test; target ≈ 0.55–0.65 for dried flower.
4. COA match: batch IDs on packaging and COA must align.
5. Recordkeeping: archive COAs and intake photos alongside invoices and bills of lading.
6. Variance sanity check: if numbers seem anomalous, spot-test with a reputable lab before full sell-through.

Tools & SOPs: Refunds & Returns · Claims

Shipping & Chain of Custody

• Carriers: use accounts configured for hemp shipments; confirm they accept your destination.
• Packaging: vacuum-sealed, odor-barrier; plain outer boxes; tamper-evident for pallets.
• Docs in box: invoice, batch-matched COA, bill of lading; chain-of-custody if requested.
• Insurance: declare value and consider riders for high-value lots.
• Timing: avoid weekend holds; confirm receiving window.

Details: Shipping & Packaging · Shipping Policy

Packaging, Labeling & Age Controls

• Clearly display strain, lot/batch ID, net weight, and COA QR.
• Include dominant terpenes (if tested) and date of packaging.
• Age gate at 21+ where required; maintain signage and website gating.
• Follow destination-state rules for warnings and marketing restrictions.

Risk Management & Insurance

• Carrier insurance: match coverage to declared value.
• Product liability: consider coverage for recalls and adverse events.
• Contract terms: use holdbacks pending intake QC; define claim evidence and windows.
• Supplier vetting: references, repeatability across harvests, and capacity SLAs.

More: Insurance & Risk · Terms & Conditions

Compliance Playbooks

Playbook A — New Vendor Onboarding

1. Collect business license, tax ID, and any state hemp/cannabis credentials.
2. Request 2–3 buyer references and two recent COAs from separate harvests.
3. Verify lab credibility and ensure dry-weight reporting.
4. Start with a pilot lot and run full intake QC.
5. Set SLAs for fulfillment, split shipments, and claim resolution.

Playbook B — Pre-Shipment Compliance Review

1. Confirm destination-state rules (legality hub).
2. Validate batch-matched COA and total THC math.
3. Arrange carrier + insurance; schedule to avoid weekend holds.
4. Insert invoice, COA, bill of lading; add chain-of-custody if needed.
5. Record pallet photos and seal numbers (if applicable).

Playbook C — Intake QC & Claims

1. Photo evidence on unboxing and scale tickets.
2. Check a_w, visual/auditory (freshness, off-odors, contamination).
3. COA verification; note any variance or labeling mismatch.
4. Submit claims within 48 hours for damage/shortage; 5 business days for quality issues.
5. Outcome options: refund, replacement, credit—see policy.

FAQs

Is THCA legal to ship nationwide?

Federally, hemp hinges on Δ9-THC ≤ 0.3% (dry weight). However, states differ and many apply total THC. Use our state pages before each shipment.

Which COA details matter most?

Dry-weight basis, total THC math, method, LOD/LOQ, measurement uncertainty, safety panels, and accreditation/proficiency signals.

Do carriers require specific documents?

Typically invoice + batch-matched COA; sometimes chain-of-custody. Always label discreetly and insure high-value lots.

How do I reduce compliance risk?

Pilot lots, intake QC within 24–48h, clear SLAs/holdbacks, and avoid shipping to restricted states.

What if my intake tests don’t match the COA?

Open a ticket with photos, scale tickets, and your lab results. Follow the claims policy timelines.

Resources & References

THCA COA Guide · Claims Policy · Shipping Policy · Refunds & Returns · Terms & Conditions

Next Steps

Align specs, confirm state rules, and request a pilot lot you can evaluate with intake QC.

Browse Wholesale Strains · Request Compliance Review