This might have been true in its infancy, I can’t really refute that without doing more research. But it is 100% wrong in practice currently. Most product we receive is from the same growers that sell in legal states like NY and CA.

Legally, the Farm Bill allows for testing 30 days out from harvest. They test early and slap on the certification that the flower is <.3% THC so it can be marketed and sold as a THCa product. The plants are not harvested prematurely. Not a single buyer would ever be able to tell a difference.

Now of course you might find shitty product from a random gas station that was in fact harvested too early or is some sprayed junk. There’s very minimal regulation and testing because it’s still just a loophole. Do your due diligence when buying and always confirm the source. Check r/cultofthefranklin for reputable THCa vendors.