For us, “Higher Science” means that we strive not only to cultivate cannabis but also to cultivate progress, pushing the boundaries of science and our understanding of this powerful plant. We are thrilled to share one of many incredible accomplishments from our lab – the successful cultivation of a pure THCa crystal, weighing in at an incredible 4.26 ounces (121 grams) and measuring 6” x 5” x 4” (15.24cm x 12.7cm x 10.6cm) – roughly the size of a baseball.
THC vs THCa – What’s the Difference?
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or THCa, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid compound found in the raw cannabis plant’s trichomes. Contrary to popular belief, raw cannabis is not psychoactive, and it’s THCa, not THC, that predominantly exists in the plant in nature.
It’s only when heat is applied, in a process known as decarboxylation, that it transforms from THCa to THC, the psychoactive compound associated with cannabis. During this process, the carboxylic acid functional group is removed from the cannabinoids, converting the compound into the usable form, THC.
The Art and Science of Growing THCa Crystals
Growing a THCa crystal (also known as a THCa diamond) in a lab involves a delicate, exacting process of extraction and careful control of environmental factors throughout the process. The accomplishment of nurturing a crystal to the size of a baseball underscores the scientific expertise and dedication of our team.
Creating the Perfect Environment
Growing pure THCa diamonds requires a lab environment with control over precise temperature, pressure, and purity. Just as a pearl needs time, patience, and the right conditions to grow in an oyster, so too does a THCa crystal need the perfect set of circumstances to reach huge proportions.
Growing a THCa Crystal
The process begins with combining a cannabis concentrate from a single strain through our hydrocarbon process, which is commonly referred to as BHO. A series of processes are used to remove unwanted plant materials like lipids (fats), other cannabinoids, and even terpenes! The resulting mixture is then processed in a special reactionary vessel that uses heat, pressure, and agitation to evaporate the solvents out of the Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinolic acid.
Finally, the leftover solution undergoes a process called chromatography to remove leftover impurities, and again lab techs process the solution in the reactionary vessel to further refine the mixture. Ultimately, the pure THCa molecules bond together to form a crystalline structure.
In order to grow a crystal that reaches epic proportions, the technicians repeat the exacting process multiple times, each time, the structure grows larger as more THCa molecules bond to the existing structure.
Introducing the Masterminds Behind the Crystal
As we peel back the curtain on this groundbreaking achievement, we believe it’s important to hear directly from those who made it possible. The creation of our remarkable THCa crystal was not a solo effort. Our lab team’s passion and expertise have propelled us to this moment.
Matt Ryan, our Lab Manager at our Delevan, Illinois cultivation facility, and his team combine a rigorous scientific approach with an unwavering commitment to advancing cannabinoid science, which was instrumental in this achievement
Let’s delve deeper into the creation of this massive THCa crystal, the challenges encountered, and the drive that led to this achievement.
Q: Why did you decide to grow this THC crystal and how did you come up with the idea?
We decided to grow this crystal as a side project in the lab for some excitement. There are crystals around us every day, but no one thinks that there can be a “weed” crystal!
Q: Could you describe in layman’s terms the process of growing a pure THC crystal and what makes it distinct from other methods of cannabis extraction?
The process of growing a THCa crystal involves repeated recrystallizations with the same crystal!
Q: What were the key challenges you faced when trying to grow this crystal, and how did you overcome them?
Our biggest challenge we faced was getting an appropriate-sized vessel so that the crystal wouldn’t get stuck.
Q: How long did the entire process take from conception to the final growth of the crystal?
The entire process took approximately a month. If we were to repeat this process, I think we could get it done in about 2 or 3 weeks.
Q: Can you share any unique or unexpected findings that arose during the experiment?
The most unique part of this process was truly how simple it was to make this crystal.
Q: What are the potential applications or benefits of growing this pure THC crystal?
We can break this crystal down into smaller sizes to sell in dispensaries, but the main purpose of this THCa crystal is for it to be a showpiece for Enlightened.
Q: What is the purity of this THC crystal?
This crystal tested at 98.2% THCa and 98.5% cannabinoids.
Q: What types of safety measures or precautions are necessary when handling and working with THC in this pure, crystalline form?
The main safety measures are proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), well-ventilated fume hoods, and proper containers.
Q: Is it commercially viable to produce pure THC crystals like this on a larger scale?
An interesting and increasing trend in the industry is producing THCa crystals and then decarbing the crystals to replace distillate. I think in the near future, more and more labs will be producing larger quantities of THCa crystals.
Q: Is there anything else you want to share about this incredible experiment?
This experiment first started when we brought a consultant onsite who goes by the name @dred_pirate on Instagram. He came to Revolution for 4 days and had a lot to show us so I just wanted to give him a quick shoutout for helping make this possible! Also, none of this would have been possible without the lab team. The lab team played a vital role in growing this crystal because without a team there is no lab in Delavan.
How Can We Use THCa Crystals?
One of the most exciting aspects of pure THCa crystals is their potential application in the pharmaceutical industry. Research into the health and wellness benefits of cannabis is ongoing. What we do know is that a product of pharmacological grade purity could be a game changer for cannabis researchers. Pure isolated cannabinoids in a lab setting could potentially set the stage for some serious advancements in the medical community’s understanding of the therapeutic value of cannabinoids like THC.
Final Thoughts
The achievement of growing a baseball-sized, 121-gram pure THCa crystal represents more than just scientific prowess. It embodies our commitment to innovation, our belief in the potential of the cannabis plant, and our dedication to producing the best products on the market. This milestone, as with all our achievements, points to our constant quest to advance cannabis science for the betterment of all who, like us, love this amazing plant.
Moving forward, we will continue our journey of exploration and discovery. Today, a baseball-sized THCa crystal – tomorrow, who knows? Stay tuned as we continue to push boundaries, open minds, and cultivate progress.
Interested in learning more about cannabis science? Check out this article – What Are Trichomes? Exploring The Science Behind These Small but Mighty Structures!
Sources:
Optimization of the Decarboxylation Reaction in Cannabis Extract
