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Tag: THCA Flower

“Bad Science, Bogus Raids, and Bad Bills:

 

Over the past year, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has made no secret  of his disdain for the legal hemp industry in Texas. He’s called it the  “backdoor to marijuana legalization” and accused retailers of “selling  drugs to kids” under the guise of legality. At a February 2024 press  conference, he declared, “We’ve got to shut this down. These are drug  dealers hiding behind a hemp license.”

Senator Charles Perry, the author of Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), doubled down  during committee hearings, claiming, “This isn’t about regulating—this is  about stopping a problem before we end up like Colorado.” Both men  warned of a crackdown, and now, true to their word, that crackdown has  arrived—not in the form of tighter regulatory oversight or better product  labeling standards, but in pre-dawn raids, guns drawn, and headlines  accusing small business owners of felony drug trafficking.

Behind the media blitz of cash seizures and confiscated gummies lies a  quiet but consequential abuse of scientific process. The state is relying on  flawed laboratory evidence—obtained through secretive “undercover”  purchases and tested using questionable methods at Armstrong Forensic  Laboratory, a private facility in Arlington contracted by law enforcement.  The result? Lawful, state-registered hemp products, each batch  accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a DEA-registered and  ISO-accredited lab, are being re-tested and declared “hot” by Armstrong  using outdated and inappropriate methods. Raids follow. Arrests follow.

Then come the photos of seized product, weaponry, and headlines about  “drug busts”—all as the Legislature debates whether to ban the very  products being smeared.

The Heart of the Dispute: What Makes a Product Legal? 

Under both federal law (2018 Farm Bill) and Texas Agriculture Code, a  hemp product is legal if it contains no more than 0.3% delta-9  tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by dry weight. Importantly, that threshold  applies to delta-9 THC only—the psychoactive compound in marijuana.  The presence of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), a non-psychoactive  precursor to THC found in raw cannabis, does not make a product illegal —unless it is converted into delta-9 THC through a process called  decarboxylation.

State-licensed hemp manufacturers know the rules. That’s why their  products are tested at licensed laboratories using High Performance  Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), a method that measures delta-9 THC and  THCA separately without converting one to the other. These tests provide  a transparent, scientifically valid snapshot of the product’s compliance  before it reaches store shelves. These are the COAs issued by DEA registered labs and required by Texas Department of State Health Services  for sale.

But when those same products end up on the desks at Armstrong Labs— often acquired through undercover purchases by law enforcement—the  story changes. Armstrong frequently tests these samples using Gas  Chromatography (GC), a technique that involves heating the sample,  which automatically converts THCA into delta-9 THC, artificially inflating  the measurement and pushing otherwise compliant products above the  legal threshold.

The Forensic Science Commission Weighs In 

In April 2025, the Texas Forensic Science Commission (TFSC) issued a  final report on a complaint related to this exact practice. The case involved  a man convicted based on a GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass  Spectrometry) test performed on a vape cartridge. The lab’s method  caused all THCA in the product to decarboxylate into delta-9 THC,

resulting in a THC concentration that would not exist under normal use or  storage conditions.

The Commission wrote plainly:

“GC-MS testing of cannabinoids that does not use a derivatization agent  causes decarboxylation of THCA to delta-9 THC. This is not a limitation of  the instrument—it is a result of the methodology.”

They further concluded: 

“In this case, the reported result is based on a method that converted  THCA to THC, and therefore reflects ‘total THC’ rather than just delta-9  THC… Prosecutors and courts must be made aware that testing  conducted in this manner does not distinguish THCA from THC.”

In a just system, this warning would stop prosecutors cold. Instead, law  enforcement agencies—coordinated by the Texas Department of Public  Safety (DPS)—are proceeding with search warrants and prosecutions  based on these flawed lab reports. And when asked by reporters whether  they are concerned about the reliability of the THC testing methods used,  one senior officer reportedly replied, “We’re not getting into a scientific  debate.”

The Real Strategy: Prohibition by Perception 

This isn’t about public safety or scientific certainty. It’s a political  operation, coordinated from the top, timed to influence legislative  decision-making as Senate Bill 3 advances through the House. With the  session set to adjourn in mere weeks, raids across the state are producing  splashy headlines, SWAT-style photos, and allegations of criminality meant  to cast all hemp retailers as bad actors.

The formula is familiar:

  1. Conduct a raid on a registered hemp business based on  flawed lab data.
  2. Seize product, firearms, and cash, regardless of legality or  context.
  3. Issue a press release using terms like “drug trafficking,”  “distribution network,” and “organized crime.”
  4. Let the mugshots and media coverage do the rest.

But the reality is very different. These are not cartel fronts. These are law abiding small business owners, operating under the rules the state gave  them, selling lab-tested and labeled products to adult consumers. Their

crime? Selling something that looks like marijuana but meets the legal  definition of hemp—unless it’s retrospectively declared illegal through  laboratory alchemy.

“As a chemical engineer and hemp entrepreneur, I can tell you flatly: relying on gas chromatography to test post-harvest products like vapes and gummies is not just inappropriate—it’s bad science,” said Nicholas Mortillaro, Co-Founder of CRAFT. “Gas Chromatography (GC) methods always alter the chemical composition of the sample, converting THCA into delta-9 THC during analysis. That’s not measurement—that’s transformation. It’s the analytical equivalent of cooking your evidence. If you’re trying to find the truth, you use a method like High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC,) which keeps the cannabinoids intact and tells you what’s actually in the product. Anything else misleads courts, misleads prosecutors, and criminalizes legal commerce based on lab error. That’s not forensics—it’s fiction.”

The Industry Must Speak 

The state’s actions are not just punitive—they’re pretextual. The goal is to  ban all forms of legal THC, especially THCA flower, by first creating a  public perception of widespread criminality. If the Legislature cannot be  convinced with policy, then perhaps it can be stampeded by sensational  headlines.

But science still matters. Due process still matters. And for the hemp  industry—and every citizen who expects government to wield power  lawfully—it’s time to say: enough. The evidence is flawed. The raids are  political. And the bills being pushed are based on fear, not fact.

Bad science is being used to justify bad bills, enforced through bad faith  raids. Texas deserves better—and the hemp industry must stand up before  it’s too late.

—END—

Bulk THCA Flower: A Convenient and Legal Option for Texas Consumers

As the popularity of cannabis products continues to rise, many consumers in Texas are seeking
simple and legal ways to stock up on THCA flower. Buying THCA flower in bulk has become a
convenient option, with legal avenues now available for doorstep delivery. This shift allows
consumers to easily acquire various strains without leaving the comfort of their homes.

One of the primary benefits of purchasing THCA flower in bulk is the ease of access to a wide
selection of strains. Retailers such as Zaza Distro provide a diverse range of options, offering
both online purchases through their website and direct orders via Telegram. The cost for bulk
THCA flower ranges significantly, from $400 to $1900 per pound, with substantial discounts
available for large orders, making it an attractive option for resellers and heavy consumers
alike.

 

close up view of marijuana buds on white background, panoramic shot

When selecting THCA flower, it is crucial to consider factors such as quality, potency, and
legality. Buying from reputable retailers ensures that the products are lab-tested and compliant
with the Farm Bill regulations, which stipulate that THCA hemp flower must contain less than
0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight. This compliance guarantees that consumers are purchasing
safe and legal products.

The variety of available strains is another compelling reason to consider bulk purchases. Each
strain offers unique characteristics in terms of flavor and effects. Popular strains like Gushers
and Gelato 45 are favored for their taste and strength, while other options such as Blueberry
Gas, Bruce Banner, and Cookie Dough provide a range of experiences from relaxing to
invigorating. With such a vast selection, consumers can tailor their purchases to their specific
preferences and needs.

Bulk purchasing not only offers variety but also comes with additional perks. Retailers often
provide excellent customer support and tracking options, ensuring a smooth buying experience
from order placement to delivery. This customer-focused approach enhances the overall
satisfaction and convenience of buying in bulk.

Pricing structures for bulk THCA flower are designed to accommodate different budgets. For
example, basic packages for quantities of 10 pounds range from $900 to $1,600 per pound,
while larger orders of 21 pounds or more can benefit from custom pricing. These flexible pricing
options ensure that consumers can find products that meet their therapeutic or recreational
needs while staying within their budget.

Buying in bulk also presents significant savings. Retailers like Discount Pharms offer substantial
discounts for large quantity orders, making it a cost-effective strategy for those looking to build
a personal stash or for retailers aiming to increase their profit margins. This approach benefits a
wide range of consumers, from casual users to dedicated suppliers.

When choosing the right THCA flower in bulk, it is essential to prioritize quality and potency.
Products should be cultivated by skilled experts and undergo rigorous lab testing to ensure
purity and effectiveness. Reputable retailers typically offer 100% organic, hand-trimmed, and
Farm Bill compliant THCA flowers, providing a satisfactory purchase experience.

Verifying the retailers reputation is a crucial step in ensuring a legal and safe purchase. Trusted
retailers provide detailed company information and demonstrate their commitment to quality
through lab testing and compliance with legal standards. For example, Zaza Distro is known for
its high-quality assurance and exceptional customer support.


Ensuring that the purchase is legal involves verifying age and adhering to Farm Bill regulations.
Consumers should seek retailers who provide certificates of analysis for their products,
demonstrating compliance with the requirement of less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight.
This verification process ensures that buyers are obtaining high-quality goods within the
bounds of the law.

Buying THCA flower in bulk is a legal, convenient, and cost-effective option for Texas
consumers. With a wide variety of strains available, flexible pricing, and robust customer
support, bulk purchasing meets the needs of both therapeutic and recreational users. By
prioritizing quality, potency, and legality, consumers can confidently make informed decisions
and enjoy the benefits of high-quality THCA flower.

Legal Maverick Adam Reposa

In the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, where the boundaries of legal interpretations and personal freedoms often blur, Adam Reposa stands out as a figure of defiant clarity. Known for his unyielding and audacious presence in the courtroom, Reposa has navigated the legal system’s intricacies for two decades, becoming a symbol of resistance against perceived judicial injustices. His latest endeavor, however, ventures into the contentious arena of cannabis sales, drawing significant attention and law enforcement scrutiny to his operation, ATX Budtenders.

ATX Budtenders, boldly advertised through a website featuring a cannabis menu and contact information, operated out of a distinctive East Austin property marked by a pink ice cream truck. This setup, as provocative as it is transparent, prompted a dramatic law enforcement raid on the morning of January 22. The operation resulted in the seizure of cannabis, THC edibles, psilocybin mushrooms, firearms, and other items, though no arrests were made at the scene. Reposa, undeterred, claims the substances were CBD, a legal derivative of cannabis, challenging authorities to prove otherwise.

The raid, reportedly led by a coalition of the DEA, APD, and TCSO SWAT teams, has sparked debate over jurisdiction and the actual leadership of the operation. Reposa contests the notion of a DEA-led raid, pointing out the involvement of local sheriff’s officers, which, according to him, complicates the federal agency’s direct authority in the matter.

The backdrop to this latest episode is Reposa’s long-standing reputation as a provocateur, not just in legal circles but also in public discourse. His infamous viral marketing and confrontational stance towards the prosecutorial system have made him a divisive figure. Yet, Reposa’s current predicament with ATX Budtenders reveals more than just a legal battle; it underscores his broader critique of cannabis laws and the enforcement strategies that accompany them.

Reposa argues that the raid on his dispensary and the seizure of his products without subsequent charges exemplifies a deliberate attempt to disrupt the local cannabis market. By preventing entrepreneurs from establishing stable market positions ahead of potential legalization and licensing changes, authorities, he suggests, aim to maintain control over the industry’s evolution.

However, Reposa’s defiance goes beyond mere market concerns. He is openly challenging the rationality and justice of cannabis prohibition, questioning the government’s right to criminalize a substance increasingly recognized for its harmlessness. Through his legal strategies and public statements, Reposa seeks to provoke a broader discussion about liberty, rights, and the role of government in regulating personal choices.

While the future of Reposa’s legal confrontation remains uncertain, with Travis County District Court recusing itself from the case, the implications of his actions ripple through the community. Whether seen as a crusader for personal freedoms or a reckless agitator, Reposa’s saga with ATX Budtenders illustrates the ongoing tensions surrounding cannabis law and the quest for a more just and sensible approach to its regulation.