THCA diamonds are crystals of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid. The crystals hold little THC until heat removes a carboxyl group. Use them in a dab rig, a concentrate vaporizer, or on a hot nail at 450°F to 600°F. The heat melts the crystal and converts THCA into THC. Eat a THCA diamond raw and you get no intoxicating effect.
What THCA diamonds are
Diamonds form when THCA separates from a terpene-rich solution and grows into faceted crystals. Labs report purity of 95% to 99% THCA. Many jars hold diamonds in a pool of sauce. The sauce is high-terpene extract. Some producers sell the crystals alone. Solventless versions come from mechanical separation with heat and pressure.
Methods
Dab rig
Heat the banger with a torch. Let it cool to 450°F to 600°F. An infrared thermometer gives a read on the surface. Drop a piece about the size of a rice grain onto the hot surface. Inhale through the mouthpiece. A carb cap holds vapor in the banger.
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E-nail or vaporizer
Set the coil or device to 450°F to 600°F. Load 10 mg to 25 mg. Wait for vapor, then inhale. Temperature control removes the torch and the guesswork.
Add to flower
Break off a small piece. Place it on top of ground flower in a bowl or a joint. The flame supplies the heat. The crystal melts into the flower.
Edibles
Decarboxylate first. Put the diamond in an oven-safe dish at 220°F for 30 to 45 minutes. The crystal melts and THCA turns into THC. Mix the melted oil into butter, coconut oil, or a finished dish. Eating undecarbed THCA does not produce a high.
Decarboxylation numbers
THCA loses a carbon dioxide molecule when it converts to THC. The mass drops. One gram of pure THCA yields about 0.877 grams of THC. Heat drives the reaction. A temperature of 220°F for 30 to 45 minutes works for most home kitchens. Higher heat converts faster and destroys more terpenes.
Dose
Start at 10 mg of THC after conversion. That is about the size of a grain of rice. Wait 15 minutes before another dose when inhaled. Wait 1 to 2 hours when eaten. Diamond crystals vary in size. Weigh small pieces on a milligram scale.
Storage
Keep diamonds in a glass jar with a tight lid. Store at room temperature, away from light and heat. Heat, light, and air speed decarboxylation. A jar left in a hot car can lose potency.
Safety
THCA diamonds test at high THC after heating. Effects can be strong for people with low tolerance. Do not drive after use. Keep jars away from children and pets. Cannabis is legal in some US states and not in others. Check local law.