Have you noticed the hype around CBD flower in the cannabis market but don’t know what it exactly is? Our comprehensive guide on CBD flower is here to open doors to non-intoxicating cannabis buds for your health benefits!
CBD, a shorthand for cannabidiol, has taken the cannabis market by storm after great innovation in hemp products. Being a phytocannabinoid, CBD has attracted the attention of cannabis fans in recent years.
The fact that it is a potent anxiety and stress relieving compound has added to the popularity of CBD. Moreover, the CBD flower has earned the status that CBD oil had five years ago in the CBD market.
Therefore, we have developed this guide to help naive cannabis smokers learn about CBD flowers. Stick with us to know why CBD flower should be your next hemp purchase!
What Is CBD Flower?
CBD flower comes from the hemp plant, a subspecies of Cannabis sativa plant like marijuana. However, while THC in marijuana carries intoxicating properties, CBD lacks the psychoactive effects. Many users prefer CBD flowers over marijuana flowers, thanks to their non-intoxicating nature.
Apart from this one factor, the CBD flower resembles THC-rich cannabis buds in every other way, from looks to smells and feels. Since CBD does not alter the mind, it is perhaps the best, cleanest, and most efficient way to enjoy the benefits of this cannabinoid.
Most cannabis enthusiasts vape or smoke CBD flowers. However, using the hemp nugs is also viable for making CBD edibles and topicals, CBD oils, and CBD tea. The flowers of the cannabis plant have a high concentration of CBD. That’s why manufacturers use them to make almost all the CBD products available on the market.
Contrastingly, if you are to formulate CBD products in your kitchen, you should lace yourself with the technical know-how. Only then will you be able to extract high-quality CBD oil without risking the benefits of this cannabinoid.
CBD Flower Terms
Vaping cannabis flower is the best way to enjoy the benefits of CBD in addition to enjoying a pre-roll CBD product. Before we delve deeper into the characteristics of CBD flower, let’s learn about the terms that revolve around it.
Non-Intoxicating: CBD flower does not cause paranoia like smoking weed or marijuana flowers.
Hemp Flower: Since marijuana is illegal, all the CBD flower products on the market are obtained from hemp. Thus, the CBD flower is actually a hemp flower.
Terpenes: These organic compounds impart different flavors to the cannabis plant.
Flavonoids: Flavonoids resemble terpenes and give CBD buds their antioxidative properties.
Manicured: This term indicates that hemp buds are high quality since they are hand-trimmed instead of machine trimming.
Sativa-Dominant: It is a hemp strain with energizing and uplifting properties.
Indica-Dominant: This hemp strain induces relaxation and calmness.
CBD Flower Buds?
CBD flower often referred to as CBD hemp buds, is a dried and cured form of Cannabis sativa flower. The farmers breed CBD flowers in a specific way that increases their CBD content while suppressing the amount of THC.
You might have observed people using the terms hemp and marijuana interchangeably. Contrary to this notion, hemp and marijuana are both subspecies of Cannabis sativa. The primary difference between both is the concentration of the dominant cannabinoid.
All cannabis plants have a little content of CBD, but that’s not enough to reap its benefits. For this reason, breeders developed a new technique a few decades back to grow hemp plants with significantly higher levels of CBD. Thus, hemp strains with a high concentration of CBD and low levels of THC are easily obtainable from the market, just like CBD-rich strains.
Does CBD Flower Have Terpenes?
Terpenes are natural organic compounds that are present in all kinds of plants. Because of these substances, you can enjoy the flavors and aromas of coniferous and citrus plants.
Like other plants, cannabis plants also have substantial terpenes molecules. One can obtain a variety of plant oils from cannabis. These natural oils offer unique aromas and flavors due to powerful aromatic compounds and terpenes.
In addition to terpenes, cannabis natural oils are categorized as cannabinoids and flavonoids. The major difference between these three is that cannabinoids are only common in cannabis plants. Contrastingly, terpenes and flavonoids are present in many other plant species.
Notably, terpenes significantly impact how well you will enjoy your cannabis consumption. Although some terpenes have a taste different from their smell, most carry a unique flavor. Most importantly, the exact ratio of terpenes in cannabis flowers can yield different health benefits.
Different Aromas Of CBD Flower
As we discussed earlier, the aromas you can enjoy consuming CBD flowers are because of the terpenes. You might be thinking if there are several terpenes in CBD flowers, yes, there are, and the variety of flower flavors is proof of that.
Let’s discover the aromas and smells of various terpenes that you can easily spot in the cannabis market.
Myrcene: Also present in mangoes, myrcene is the terpene that gives cannabis its ‘dank’ smell.
Caryophyllene is one of the most common terpenes and imparts a woody smell to the cannabis plant, similar to cloves.
Pinene: Just as it is named, this terpene has a unique piney smell and is also present in pine trees.
Limonene: Some strains of the cannabis plant have a sharp and fruity aroma, just like citrus peels, thanks to limonene.
Linalool: Also found in lavender, this terpene has a distinctive floral smell.
Terpinolene: It is popular as a “mystery terpene” since terpinolene smells like many different things simultaneously.
Humulene: Humulene has a woody smell similar to many kinds of deciduous trees.
Taste Of Terpenes In CBD Flower
Wondering how all the common terpenes taste in cannabis flowers? Got you covered! Following are the flavor profiles that make CBD flowers savory.
Myrcene: This terpene has a strong and unique taste. Myrcene has a flavor similar to mango combined with dankness.
Caryophyllene: With spicier notes, caryophyllene is spicier than you can imagine. It provides a flavor sensation similar to peppermint.
Pinene: Luckily, pinene has no hints of pine sap, but its flavor is somewhat minty or earthy.
Limonene: You might expect limonene to taste like citrus juice, but it does not. Instead, limonene has a relatively sweet taste in the mouth.
Linalool: Linalool covers your throat with a light, crisp flavor similar to the taste you enjoy while eating lavender ice cream.
Terpinolene: While some consumers appreciate the fruity flavor of terpinolene, others state that it has more high herbal or floral notes.
Humulene: Humulene has an earthy taste but also gives a strong hops undertone.
How Does CBD Flower Interact With Your Body?
CBD has soothing and relaxing benefits on the body. Although it is from the same family of cannabinoids as THC, it does not offer a mind-altering high.
When you smoke or vape CBD flower through portable dry herb vaporizer. It interacts with your system to produce the effects it is famous for. The human body has endocannabinoids that have a structural resemblance with the cannabinoids present in cannabis plants.
Our body makes endocannabinoids naturally that trigger many bodily functions, including pain, memory, mood, stress, etc. Since CBD is a potent cannabinoid, it can interact with the human brain’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
However, the effects of CBD are somewhat less potent than THC. When you consume THC-rich flowers, the THC content travels through your blood and reaches the sites where endocannabinoid receptors are present.
CB1 and CB2 are the receptors at the core of ECS. These two neuroreceptors induce the high paranoia common to THC. Since THC has a higher level of compatibility with both of these receptors, its effects are strong and long-lasting.
Contrary to that, when you consume a CBD-rich hemp flower, you will not be paranoid, and there won’t be any side effects like THC. CBD has somewhat soft effects because it does not activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Instead, CBD interacts with two other receptors, 5-HT1A and TRPV1. The 5-HT1A receptor controls heart rate and mood in your serotonergic system. On the other hand, TRPV1 receptors primarily deal with pain and inflammation in the body. Consequently, you feel the soothing, anxiety-relieving, and pain-killing benefits of this cannabinoid on consuming CBD flower or any CBD product.
Potential Benefits Of CBD Flower – Is CBD Flower Good?
CBD is accessible in many different products due to the advancement in technology. Still, if you ask us for the best CBD product for the fastest effects, we cannot overlook CBD flowers.
CBD flower offers instant delivery of CBD to your system, thus, providing healthy effects on the spot. In short, the CBD flower is not like any other CBD product.
For instance, when you consume a CBD-rich product, say CBD gummies, the CBD in these gummies has to pass through your liver first. If it passes the security check, your liver will let it absorb into the blood to reach your brain.
However, if you vape or smoke CBD flower, CBD directly reaches your lungs without getting through the liver. Since the lungs are linked to your brain via large blood vessels, CBD gets to your brain easily and instantly.
And if you are curious about how long-lasting CBD’s effects are, let us tell you. The effects of a high-quality CBD bud should last about half an hour to one hour, given the effects are visible immediately.
Vaping or smoking CBD flowers bypasses the liver, which reduces the effectiveness of most chemicals. Because of this, you will experience much stronger effects of CBD flower, contrary to other products.
However, in the meantime, there is nothing to worry about its potential effects as CBD is primarily non-intoxicating. Thus, enjoying a strong dose of CBD won’t make you paranoid or hallucinate. Understand that smoking CBD flowers will make you sleep. Still, an enjoyable and mild experience should be the first impression of CBD hemp flowers on your body.
Besides, CBD in hemp flowers induces anti-inflammatory, relaxing, blood pressure lowering, and anti-cancer properties. CBD hemp flower is mostly used for treating anxiety, depression, and smoking addiction.
Is CBD Flower Legal To Smoke?
The legality of CBD hemp flowers is in the gray area, similar to many other cannabinoids in the hemp industry. While the cultivation of hemp and manufacturing of hemp and CBD products are legal on the federal level, the law varies from state to state.
CBD was a part of the Controlled Substance Act as a Class B drug. However, the 2018 Farm Bill excluded CBD from the definition of marijuana. Therefore, the act has made all CBD products legal as long they have less than 0.3% THC.
CBD is legal enough that even the TSA has allowed travelers to enjoy their favorite non-intoxicating cannabinoids on planes. Nevertheless, we expect a further explanation of the current regulatory status of this cannabinoid.
Regarding recreational marijuana, some states have legalized CBD, but others have banned its sale and consumption. The legal status of CBD will be muddy unless the federal government makes meaningful changes to the cannabis law. Meanwhile, loose regulations are assisting many reputable hemp brands on the market to flourish. Due to this, manufacturers can deliver top-notch CBD flower products in all 50 US states.
Does CBD Flower Have Side Effects?
Everything in the world has its boons and banes. Keeping up with that notion, it is safe to say that CBD flowers also have some bad sides. Although CBD has many relaxing and pain-killing benefits, if abused, this cannabinoid can have a toll on your health.
Some of the common side effects are as follows:
Tooth Decay
Whether you are using nicotine or cannabis for smoking, tooth decay is a problem you can’t avoid. Even if you shift from smoking cigarettes to smoking CBD flowers, you will have to compromise your teeth’ health.
If you smoke your cannabis buds excessively, it will demineralize your teeth’ enamel. Due to this, you will have a hard time whitening your teeth and getting rid of the smoke stains. Furthermore, too much CBD smoking can reportedly lead to gum diseases you would not want to deal with.
Vomiting
Gastrointestinal issues, nausea, and vomiting are common adverse effects of THC toxicity. But if you exceed your CBD oil dosage, you might provoke these bad effects. If serious, these mild symptoms can even turn into diarrhea, dizziness, and digestive problems.
Cardiovascular Disorder
CBD does not have a direct relation with cardiovascular diseases. However, the interaction of CBD with certain other medications can result in severe health issues like cardiovascular disorders.
Hence, if you take too much CBD, consider the likelihood of a reduction in the efficacy of nitrates, beta-blockers, warfarin, calcium-channel blockers, and some statins.
Apart from that, CBD may have some general side effects like:
- Dry mouth
- Red and dry eyes
- Mood swings
- Mild pulmonary ailments
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
In conclusion, smoking hemp is a safe alternative to cigarettes if you keep tabs on your CBD consumption. Still, inhaling incinerated plant materials can lead to serious health risks. Therefore, try to opt for the hemp manufacturers that make organic and highly safe products.
If you experience the negative effects of cannabinoids, seek your physician’s consultation immediately. Perhaps, reducing the dose of CBD or putting a stop to it together will help you get your health back quickly.
Despite all the potential side effects of CBD, it has received a green signal from laboratories. Hence, it is better to pick a product tested by third-party labs for its exact potency, purity, safety, and efficacy.
CBD Flower Vs. Marijuana Flower
If you lack substantial information on marijuana and hemp, you will probably be deceived by their appearances. CBD hemp and marijuana flower buds share nearly the same appearance and smell. Still, the effects of both cannabinoids highlight the border between them.
While marijuana buds are notorious for their psychoactive high and euphoric effects, the CBD flower is cherished for its calmness. CBD flower has a THC content within 0.3% limit by dry weight; there is more safety surrounding it than marijuana buds. Hence, you can safely smoke CBD flowers without worrying about the mind-bending effects of marijuana.
Types Of CBD Flower Based On THC
Depending upon the legal status of CBD in several states, it is possible to acquire CBD flowers with or without THC.
CBD Flower Without THC
CBD flower is obtained from hemp plants, and hemp plants have little amounts of THC. As per law in the United States, CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal. If a cannabis plant exceeds the legal concentration, it comes under the marijuana definition.
So, not only CBD flowers without THC are safe from side effects, but they also shield you from possible legal penalties.
CBD Flower With THC
In the states that have legalized the use of recreational marijuana, many manufacturers offer CBD flowers infused with THC. You might want to avoid THC altogether, but the right ratio of CBD and THC can produce significant health benefits.
Most strains in such states are sold as 1:1 CBD: THC, which is effective for some patients due to an entourage effect. In addition to its intoxicating features, THC can worsen psychosis and lead to cannabinoid addiction. Therefore, use your best judgment when purchasing CBD flowers with THC.
Chemical Profile Of Full Spectrum CBD Flower
CBD flower features the full-fledged benefits of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes in the cannabis plant. Unlike isolated or broad-spectrum products, full-spectrum CBD oil offers the value of all-natural oils upon consumption.
Broad-spectrum or isolated CBD oils are processed to limit their chemical profile, which affects their efficacy. In contrast, the CBD flower comes naturally and contains all the plant cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
CBD Flower Strains
Similar to marijuana, hemp can be either sativa or indica. Hence, CBD flower is also available in two different major hemp strains. Understand that the uniqueness of cannabis strain is due to specific terpenes and not cannabinoids.
Indica
Terpenes are the key players in deciding whether you will experience indica or sativa effects. Indica dominant CBD flower is helpful to induce relaxation and instills a sense of tranquility in users. However, it does not mean losing track of reality; you will not. Thus, if you struggle with sleep or want to unwind after a tiring day, an indica-dominant CBD flower can be your best friend.
Sativa
Sativa-dominant CBD flowers are best for users who want to replenish their energy levels. Most sativa-dominant CBD flower products have a fruity aroma that makes your energy recharge more sweet and smooth.
What Is An Organic CBD Flower?
The presence of unwanted or harmful chemicals affects the potency of CBD flowers and causes side effects. Manufacturers and growers use sustainable farming methods to avoid this and make CBD flowers safer.
An organic CBD flower is grown under natural, non-GMO, and organic conditions. Hemp can accumulate toxins in the soil, including pesticides and fertilizers.
However, when grown under organic farming conditions, its effectiveness increases in levels of useful compounds. Thus, organic CBD flowers should be your top choice whenever you want to bag a potent yet safe CBD product.
Conclusion: Does CBD Flower Buds Offer Euphoric Effect?
The CBD industry is growing thanks to the innovative approach of hemp manufacturers exponentially. The market has seen a surge in CBD products after the legalization of this cannabinoid at the federal level.
Today, hundreds and thousands of notable brands and startups are stepping forward with their CBD products. CBD flowers are the most revered of all CBD products because they instantly offer soothing sensations.
If you intend to buy CBD, choose the best brand to deliver the lab results and top-quality products. Only then can you enjoy the lightheadedness and paranoia-less benefits of CBD flower without welcoming any side effects.
