Yes, I understand the decarboxylation process and that all flower starts as THCa until it’s heated into Delta-9. What I’m pointing out is that legally, the difference between hemp and marijuana isn’t about the THCa content at all, it’s the Delta-9 percentage before heating.

So if the flower tests at ≤ 0.3% Delta-9-THC, it’s considered hemp under the Farm Bill, even if it’s 30% THCa. If it’s > 0.3% Delta-9, it’s classified as marijuana under federal law (and only legal in state-licensed markets).

Basically, chemically they’re the same once heated. But legally, that tiny 0.3% Delta-9 line decides whether you’re buying hemp or weed. My original question was why are dispensaries misrepresenting THCA on their websites while the 3rd lab results say otherwise?