The Rise of THCA Smalls in the Cannabis Market
The cannabis industry is witnessing a significant shift in consumer preference, with a growing trend that’s reshaping how people purchase and enjoy their products. THCA flower smalls are rapidly gaining popularity, challenging the long-held dominance of regular-sized cannabis buds. This surge is driven by a simple yet powerful value proposition: cheap thca smalls offer the same premium experience as their larger counterparts but at a more accessible price point. As this trend continues to accelerate across the United States, our brand, Super Greens, is at the forefront, pioneering commercial SCROG (Screen of Green) growing techniques to meet this rising demand. We are proud to offer one of the most extensive selections of THCA smalls strains available to consumers in America.
This shift isn’t just about saving money; it’s about smart consumption. Cannabis enthusiasts are realizing that the size of the bud doesn’t necessarily dictate its quality. Potency, flavor, and aroma are determined by the concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, which are just as abundant in smaller buds from the lower parts of the cannabis plant. This realization has sparked a new wave of interest, particularly in how these affordable smalls can be used beyond traditional smoking. Many are now exploring their potential for creating homemade extracts and edibles, unlocking a new dimension of versatility and value. This guide will explore the benefits and practical applications of using THCA smalls, illustrating why they are quickly becoming a staple for savvy consumers.
What Are THCA Smalls?
Before exploring their uses, it’s important to understand what THCA smalls are. “Smalls,” also known as “popcorn buds,” are simply smaller-sized buds that come from the same cannabis plant as the larger, top-shelf flowers. During the cultivation process, the buds at the top of the plant (the “colas”) receive the most direct light, allowing them to grow large and dense. The buds on the lower branches are often shaded and remain smaller.
Historically, these smaller buds were considered less desirable. However, the reality is that they pack the same genetic and chemical profile as the larger buds from the same plant. They contain the same concentration of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), the non-psychoactive precursor to THC that converts to THC when heated. This means they offer the same potential for potency and effects. The only real difference is their size and, consequently, their price. This makes them an incredibly economical choice for consumers who prioritize quality and value.
Why are THCA Smalls Becoming So Popular?
The trend toward THCA smalls is fueled by several factors that align perfectly with the modern consumer’s mindset. The cannabis market is more educated than ever, with buyers looking for ways to maximize their experience without breaking the bank.
One of the primary drivers is cost-effectiveness. Shoppers are discovering that they can purchase a larger quantity of high-quality THCA flower for the same price they would pay for a smaller amount of regular-sized buds. This value proposition is hard to ignore, especially for regular users.
Another key factor is the understanding that quality isn’t tied to size. Experienced consumers know that the trichomes—the tiny, crystal-like glands that produce cannabinoids and terpenes—are present all over the plant. As long as the smalls are harvested and cured properly, they deliver the same rich aroma, flavor, and potent effects as the premium colas. This growing awareness has dismantled the old stigma associated with smaller buds.
The Benefits of Using THCA Smalls for Extracts and Edibles
While THCA smalls are excellent for smoking or vaping, their true versatility shines when used for creating extracts and edibles. Their lower price point makes them an ideal starting material for home-based infusions and concentrations, allowing you to experiment without the fear of wasting expensive top-shelf buds.
The Decarboxylation Process is Key
To unlock the full potential of THCA smalls for edibles or extracts, the first and most crucial step is decarboxylation. THCA in its raw form is not psychoactive. The “A” stands for acid, and this carboxyl acid group must be removed through heat to convert THCA into the well-known psychoactive compound, THC.
This process is simple to do at home. You just need to grind your THCA smalls and bake them on a parchment-lined tray in an oven at a low temperature (typically around 220-245°F or 105-118°C) for about 30-45 minutes. This gentle heating process activates the cannabinoids, making them bioavailable and ready for infusion into fats like butter or oil.
Making Potent Edibles with THCA Smalls
Once your THCA smalls are decarboxylated, you can infuse them into a variety of fats to create the base for your edibles. Cannabutter and cannabis-infused coconut oil are the most common choices.
To make cannabutter, you would gently simmer your decarbed smalls in melted butter for a few hours, allowing the activated THC to bind with the fat molecules. After simmering, you strain the plant material out, and the resulting infused butter can be used in any recipe that calls for it, from brownies and cookies to savory dishes.
Using THCA smalls for this purpose is highly advantageous. Since edibles often require a significant amount of flower to achieve the desired potency, using more affordable smalls makes the process much more economical. You can produce a large batch of potent cannabutter without the high cost, giving you more bang for your buck.
Crafting High-Quality Extracts at Home
Beyond edibles, THCA smalls are also an excellent choice for creating homemade extracts. While solvent-based extractions like BHO or PHO should be left to professionals due to safety risks, there are several solventless methods that can be safely performed at home.
One popular method is creating rosin. This involves using heat and pressure to squeeze the resinous sap from the cannabis flower. You can purchase a personal rosin press or even use a hair straightener and parchment paper for a small-scale, DIY approach. The affordability of THCA smalls means you can press a good amount of material to yield a respectable quantity of high-quality, solvent-free rosin. This rosin can then be dabbed, vaped, or added to a joint or bowl for an extra kick of potency.
Another option is making tinctures. By soaking your decarboxylated THCA smalls in high-proof alcohol (like Everclear) for a period of time, you can create a potent, fast-acting liquid extract. Tinctures offer discreet and precise dosing, making them a popular choice for both recreational and medicinal users.
Super Greens: Leading the Way with Quality and Variety
At Super Greens, we recognized the growing demand for high-quality, affordable cannabis early on. We’ve dedicated ourselves to mastering cultivation techniques that allow us to produce an abundance of premium THCA smalls. Our use of the SCROG (Screen of Green) method is central to this effort. SCROG involves training our cannabis plants to grow through a horizontal screen, creating a flat, even canopy. This technique ensures that more of the plant, including the lower branches, receives optimal light exposure. The result is a higher yield of dense, trichome-rich smalls that are nearly indistinguishable in quality from the main colas.
This commitment to advanced cultivation allows us to offer one of the most diverse selections of THCA smalls strains in the American market. Whether you’re looking for an uplifting sativa, a relaxing indica, or a balanced hybrid, we have a strain to fit your needs. By providing consumers with a wide array of options, we empower them to explore the full spectrum of cannabis effects and flavors without the premium price tag. We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality cannabis, and our focus on THCA smalls is a direct reflection of that belief.
Your Next Steps with THCA Smalls
The rise of THCA smalls represents a smarter, more economical approach to enjoying cannabis. These potent and versatile buds prove that great things do come in small packages. Whether you plan to smoke them, vape them, or use them as the base for your next batch of homemade edibles or extracts, THCA smalls deliver a premium experience at an unbeatable value. By understanding their benefits and how to use them effectively, you can elevate your cannabis journey and explore new creative possibilities. As you venture into the world of homemade infusions, remember that starting with high-quality material is key. Discover the wide variety of premium THCA smalls from Super Greens and see for yourself why this trend is taking the industry by storm.

