What Is CBD Flower: Comprehensive Beginners Guide
August 31, 2022
You may have wondered “what is a CBD flower” after seeing it for sale online or in a dispensary. CBD flower is the unprocessed, flowering part of the hemp plant that contains high levels of CBD and low levels of THC.
While they look and smell similar to marijuana, CBD flowers won’t make you high.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about CBD flower, including how to use it and its potential benefits.
CBD Flower 101: Definition and Usage
CBD flower is the unprocessed, raw form of Cannabis sativa. It contains high levels of cannabidiol (CBD) and low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
In other words, vaping a CBD flower will not get you “stoned” or “high.” Instead, the CBD flower provides a clear-headed, relaxed feeling without the intense head change.
CBD flowers can be smoked or vaporized. They are also available in pre-rolled joints and edibles.
CBD Flower vs Marijuana Flower
CBD flower and marijuana flower look almost identical. However, if you want to make a CBD flower vs THC flower (marijuana) distinction, pay attention to the following:
- The shape of the plant — Unlike marijuana plants, which are bushy and short, hemp plants are thinner and taller. They also produce fewer, more sparse flowers.
- Formation — Compared to the CBD flower, the marijuana flower has more crystal formations and deeper complexity.
- Size of the leaf — Hemp plants have thinner leaves.
- Levels of CBD and THC — CBD flowers have low levels of THC and high levels of CBD. With marijuana flowers, it’s the other way around.
How to Use CBD Flowers
You can consume CBD flowers in various ways:
- You can eat the flowers (in the form of cookies) or take them in capsule form.
- For those who love tea, there is the option of making CBD flower tea.
- You can smoke CBD flowers in the same way as a regular weed (joints, pre-rolls, pipes).
- You can vape CBD buds.
Vaping and smoking are the most common ways of consuming CBD flowers.
How to Smoke CBD Flowers (And How Much to Take)
You can smoke CBD flower in several ways, including:
- Joints and pre-rolls
- Pipes
- Bongs
If you’re new to smoking hemp, we recommend starting with a small pipe. This way, you can take a few hits and then put it down if you need to.
Follow these steps to prepare the flower:
- Grind the flower with or without a grinder.
- Pack the ground flower into a smoking tool (joint, pipe, or bong).
- Light the flower and take a hit. Inhale deeply and hold the smoke in your lungs for a few seconds before exhaling.
- Wait a few minutes to see how you feel, then take another hit if needed. Continue this process until you feel the desired effects.
CBD flower effects kick in within three minutes, and last anywhere between 60 to 90 minutes.
How to Vape CBD Flowers
When it comes to vaping, many people opt for it to avoid the harsh smell often emitted when smoking a CBD flower.
Temperatures above 392°F (200°C) provide higher concentrations of cannabinoids that have positive effects on the body, such as CBD, CBC, and CBN. On the other hand, lower temperatures produce a higher proportion of the type of cannabinoids that impact your head, such as THC.
In other words, when vaping CBD flowers, you should opt for higher temperatures. The best temperature for vaping a CBD flower is between 392°F (200°C) and 428°F (220°C).
Not only does vaping preserve terpenes and flavonoids, but it also intensifies the flavors, which leads us to the next section.
CBD Flower Flavors
The flavor of the CBD flower will be determined by the terpenes in the flower. Some of the most common terpenes in CBD flowers are:
- Caryophyllene (peppery taste)
- Myrcene (undertones of mango and cloves)
- Limonene (citrusy)
- Pinene (minty and piney)
- Humulene (earthy, bitter “hoppy” taste)
- Linalool (spicy, woody, or floral)
- Terpinolene (herbal and floral).
Most Popular CBD Flower Strains
There are three main types of CBD strains:
- Sativa — These strains are stimulating and energizing. They act as energy boosters and can help with improving focus.
Popular sativa strains: Sour Diesel, Pine Walker, and Sour Space Candy.
- Indica — They are more relaxing. They are incredibly beneficial for people suffering from anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
Popular indica strains: Special Sauce, Bubba Kush, and Marathon OG.
- Hybrid — A mix of the two. They provide a balance of energy and relaxation.
Popular hybrid strains: Kush Mintz, Sour Glue, and Goliath.
These three further branch into many variations, each with its unique CBD content, terpene, and flavor profile. Depending on what your issue is (physiological or physical) and the effect you wish to achieve, you can pick a suitable CBD flower to help you reach that goal.
Advantages & Potential Side Effects
Now, let’s take a look at how your body (and mind) can benefit from using CBD flowers, and if there are any downsides to taking CBD.
CBD Flowers Benefits
CBD flowers offer a wide range of medical benefits. They can help with:
- Stress and anxiety — CBD is a natural relaxant that can ease anxiety and stress.
- Pain relief — CBD is a great pain reliever because it targets both the central nervous system and inflammation. As a natural painkiller, CBD flower can help with various types of pain, including chronic pain, joint pain, and muscle pain.
- Mood management — CBD can improve your mood and promote feelings of calmness and well-being.
- Insomnia — CBD is known for improving sleep quality and duration.
When it comes to other benefits of CBD flower, one study even suggests consuming CBD flowers can help people quit smoking cigarettes. According to research, inhaling CBD reduces cigarette smoking by 40%.
As mentioned before, CBD flower won’t get you high because it contains very little THC. Moreover, unlike marijuana, CBD flowers are legal under federal law (as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC).
CBD Flower Side Effects
CBD’s adverse effects can include:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Mood changes
- Red eyes
CBD can also interact with other medications, such as blood thinners. If you’re thinking about trying CBD flower, be sure to talk to your doctor first.
Now that you’ve become acquainted with the main side effects of smoking CBD flower, you should also be aware that CBD can stay in your system for up to five days, depending on your metabolism, BMI, and the water content in your body.
In addition, smoking CBD flowers for a longer period of time can, in fact, cause you to fail a drug test since CBD flowers do contain small traces of THC (0.3%).
Conclusion
CBD flower is a great way to consume CBD, especially if you’re looking for fast relief from anxiety, stress, or pain. Unlike marijuana, CBD flower won’t get you high, although it does contain small traces of THC (0.3%).
If you’re thinking about trying CBD flowers, start with a small amount and increase your intake as needed.
FAQs
Do CBD plants get you high?
The short answer is no. CBD flowers contain minimal THC (less than 0.3%), the compound in marijuana that gets people high.
What does CBD flower do to your body?
CBD flower regulates various bodily functions, including sleep, pain, and inflammation. CBD flower is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not produce a high. Instead, it has a calming effect.
How many hits of CBD flower should I smoke?
You’ll typically need to take 1–2 hits per session, 3–6 times per day. However, this is not a rule set in stone. You’ll want to experiment and see what works best for you. For example, people who suffer from anxiety usually take 3–5 puffs per session.
Is CBD flower considered a drug?
No, CBD flower is not considered a drug. First, it doesn’t produce the “high” associated with THC. Namely, CBD flowers contain less than 0.3% THC. Secondly, CBD flower is legal in all 50 states.
However, it is not FDA regulated and is not meant to treat, cure, or diagnose any medical condition.
So, what is a CBD flower? CBD flower is a raw form of the Cannabis sativa plant that’s rich in CBD and low in THC.
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