Flowers, or buds, are the heart of the cannabis plant and set the stage for the smoking experience. In this beginner's guide to CBD flower, we'll highlight what you need to know about the potential health advantages and medicinal properties of one of the most popular CBD products on the market.
What is CBD flower?
CBD flower is the bud of the hemp plant. Hemp is cannabis with less than 0.3% THC, the part of the marijuana plant that gets you high. While THC can drastically alter your mood and perception, the cannabinoid CBD may treat a variety of aches, pains, and other conditions. For this reason, hemp-based CBD has become a sought-after foundation for therapeutic oils. CBD compounds mixed with essential oils are frequently used as creams, tinctures, and blends for massage therapy and other uses.
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Similar to CBD oil, hemp flowers have very low THC content and little to no psychoactive effects. CBD in flower form may offer health benefits regardless of how it's consumed.
How does CBD flower make you feel?
If you're smoking CBD hemp flower with very low levels of THC, your body could still experience a synergy between the two potent cannabinoids, though not as profoundly as when you smoke cannabis. Along with fragrant, flavorful terpenes such as carene and geraniol, the cannabinoids work together to create the entourage effect. Through the entourage effect, CBD influences the actions of THC and vice versa, which leads to the enhancement of any benefits they may offer, such as lowering stress and anxiety levels.
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Due to its extremely low THC concentration, hemp-derived CBD flower will not produce psychoactive effects in most users. For perspective, strains that are considered high in THC can reach levels of 20% or more. Since CBD hemp flower contains only a fraction of that amount, it is a good choice if you don't want to get high. High-CBD strains known to yield tasty flowers include Bubba Kush and Sour Space Candy.
What does CBD flower do?
Research on cannabis is emerging and CBD has been studied for numerous possible health benefits, such as relieving minor aches and inflammation.
While most of the available research has been conducted on animals, the benefits may extend to humans, although further studies are essential to understand the exact relationship between CBD and the human body.
Is CBD flower good for you?
Any health advantages that CBD offers may also be present in CBD hemp flower. In addition, because hemp flower contains negligible THC, it is not addictive. While hemp products may not produce the euphoria that many cannabis users seek, they also do not lead to unwanted side effects like brain fog and memory issues.
Consumption method also influences how beneficial flower can be for you. If you have a respiratory condition, such as asthma, smoking or vaping flower would not be the best choice. Instead, consider cooking with flower or adding it to a simple dish like a salad or bowl of fruit. If you enjoy baking, cookies are a popular treat for cannabis lovers. For a sweet reward, start with homemade cannabutter and swap it for the dairy or vegan butter in your favorite cookie recipe.
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CBD may cause certain side effects, though they are uncommon. Mild side effects, such as dry mouth, have been linked to CBD usage, along with more unpleasant issues like vomiting. Tooth decay has also been associated with CBD, most likely due to the consumption of sugary edibles. However, tooth decay could result from excessively eating any high-sugar foods, not just those that contain CBD. Always check with your doctor before starting a CBD regimen.
Can you fail a drug test due to CBD flower?
It is unlikely for CBD hemp flower to show up on a drug test, but it is possible. Flower contains trace amounts of THC which could lead to a positive result in rare instances. The quality of a CBD product can influence whether a drug test comes back positive or negative, with higher quality products less likely to produce unwanted results. If you have recently been using flower in combination with other cannabis products, then it is more likely that you could fail a drug test.
Where can I find CBD flower?
You can easily find CBD flower online, but you want to be sure that you're buying from a reputable dispensary. Brick and mortar dispensaries are another place to find flower, but again you'll want to ensure that you're purchasing from a retailer with a solid reputation and one that abides by all local and state laws. If you want a consistent supply of flower on hand, you can grow your own hemp if it's legal to where you live.
The information contained in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any illness. Please speak with your health care professional before using CBD hemp flower.