Hemp 101
What is hemp, and how is it different from cannabis?
Hemp and cannabis are the same plant species — Cannabis sativa — but they're defined differently under federal law. Hemp is cannabis that contains 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC by dry weight. That single distinction is what makes hemp federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
In practical terms: hemp can produce many of the same compounds as cannabis — cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids — just within tightly regulated THC limits.
───
What is THCA?
THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is the raw, unactivated form of THC found naturally in the cannabis plant. In its raw state, THCA is non-intoxicating. When exposed to heat — through smoking, vaping, or dabbing — THCA converts to Delta-9 THC through a process called decarboxylation.
This means hemp flower with high THCA content can produce similar effects to dispensary cannabis when smoked or vaporized, while still complying with federal hemp law in its unactivated form.
All of our THCA products are hemp-derived and Farm Bill compliant. Lab results are available on every product page.
───
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in hemp. Unlike THCA, CBD does not convert to an intoxicating compound when heated. It's one of the most researched cannabinoids and is found in many hemp products including flower, concentrates, and oils.
Note: We make no medical claims about CBD or any other cannabinoid. The FDA has not evaluated these products for safety or efficacy.
───
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. The plant produces over 100 known cannabinoids, each with its own characteristics. The most commonly discussed include:
• THCA — raw precursor to THC, converts when heated
• Delta-9 THC — the primary intoxicating cannabinoid in cannabis
• CBD — non-intoxicating, widely researched
• CBG (cannabigerol) — often called the "mother cannabinoid," present in early plant growth
• CBC (cannabichromene) — non-intoxicating, found in full-spectrum products
• CBN (cannabinol) — mildly intoxicating, forms as THC degrades over time
Many hemp products contain a combination of cannabinoids — sometimes called a "full-spectrum" or "broad-spectrum" profile — which some users prefer over single-cannabinoid products.
───
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give hemp (and all plants) their distinctive smell and flavor. They're found in everything from lavender to citrus to pine trees.
In hemp, terpenes play a major role in how a strain smells, tastes, and feels. Two strains with identical cannabinoid levels can have completely different characters based on their terpene profiles.
Common terpenes include myrcene (earthy, musky), limonene (citrus), linalool (floral, lavender), and caryophyllene (spicy, peppery). We've built a full terpene guide to help you understand each one.
───
Is hemp legal where I live?
Hemp-derived products are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, some states have passed their own laws restricting or banning certain hemp-derived cannabinoids.
We cannot ship to the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington.
If your state is not on this list, we can ship to you. When in doubt, we recommend checking your local state laws.
───
Will hemp products show up on a drug test?
This is one of the most common questions we get, and the honest answer is: possibly, yes.
Standard drug tests screen for THC metabolites — and THCA flower, when smoked or vaporized, converts to Delta-9 THC which your body metabolizes the same way. If you are subject to drug testing, we strongly advise against using any THCA or THC-containing products.
We never want a customer to be caught off guard. If drug testing is a concern for you, please factor that in before purchasing.
───
How do I know your products are safe and compliant?
Every product on Gold Main Street includes a current Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent third-party lab. COAs confirm cannabinoid levels, verify Delta-9 THC is within legal limits, and test for contaminants including pesticides, heavy metals, and microbials.
You'll find the COA link on every product page. We encourage you to read them.