Prop 64 Dispensaries vs. THCA Hemp: Why the Hemp Market Is Winning

Since California passed Prop 64, legalizing recreational cannabis, licensed dispensaries have become the face of the state’s cannabis industry. But over the last few years, a new competitor has emerged—THCA hemp products sold under the 2018 Farm Bill.

And if you’ve noticed more people choosing hemp over traditional dispensary options, you’re not imagining it.

The hemp market is booming, and for good reason. From pricing to access to product quality, it’s changing how people shop for high-potency flower, vapes, dabs, and more.

Let’s Break It Down

What is Prop 64?

Prop 64, passed in 2016, legalized recreational cannabis in California. It created a tightly regulated system for licensed dispensaries, growers, and manufacturers. In theory, this was supposed to be the future of legal weed.

But high taxes, complex licensing, and strict limitations have driven up costs and pushed many brands out of business. For consumers, that means less selection and higher prices at state-licensed dispensaries.

What is THCA Hemp Under the 2018 Farm Bill?

The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp products containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. But here’s the catch: THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is non-psychoactive until heated—meaning raw THCA flower can legally be sold as hemp, even though it converts to THC when smoked or vaped.

That legal loophole opened the door to a massive new market. Now, you can find lab-tested, high-THCA flower, dabs, and vapes—all made from hemp and shippable nationwide.

Why More People Are Choosing the Hemp Market

1. No Heavy Taxes

One of the biggest differences is price. Dispensary cannabis is taxed at every level: cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and retail. In some cities, that adds up to 30–40% in taxes.

Hemp products? No cannabis taxes. That means you’re paying for the product, not the bureaucracy.

2. No Medical Card or Age Verification Hassles

Want to walk into a dispensary? You need an ID. Sometimes a medical card. Sometimes cash. And sometimes you’re turned away based on local restrictions.

With hemp, adults 21+ can order online with no red tape. No waiting in line. No driving across town. It’s legal to your door, fast and discreet.

3. Same (or Better) Quality

Here’s the part most people still don’t believe: THCA hemp flower and concentrates are often just as good—or better—than what you find in a dispensary.

That’s because many hemp producers use the exact same genetics, grow methods, and extraction techniques as licensed cannabis producers. The only difference is how they’re categorized legally.

Lab-tested. Small-batch. Indoor-grown. And with none of the inflated prices.

4. Nationwide Access

Prop 64 only applies to California. But the 2018 Farm Bill is federal, which means hemp products can be sold and shipped across most of the U.S.

That opens the door for people in restrictive states to access premium cannabis-like products without breaking the law.

Are There Risks?

Yes—just like in any fast-growing market, there are bad actors. Some hemp brands cut corners, skip testing, or mislabel products. That’s why it’s important to buy from trusted sources with COAs (Certificates of Analysis) and transparent practices.

The good news is that more reputable hemp companies (like Malibu) are investing in lab testing, batch tracking, and authentication systems to keep the space clean and trustworthy.

The Bottom Line

Prop 64 dispensaries helped pave the way for cannabis legalization, but the system is bloated, expensive, and limited to a handful of states. Meanwhile, the hemp-derived THCA market is exploding, giving consumers affordable, high-quality, and legal alternatives without the gatekeeping.

If you’re tired of paying too much at the dispensary—or if you live in a state with limited access—hemp just might be your best option.

Same flower. Same concentrates. Same effects.
Fewer taxes. More freedom.