Hemp and CBD flowers are one and the same. These come from the hemp species of the cannabis plant. The species produces flowers in the same way that marijuana does. Hemp is dominant in cannabidiol cannabinoids, while marijuana has an abundance of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Click here to learn how to identify hemp buds.
For this reason, the non-intoxicating hemp flowers are often called CBD flowers. While all the flowers have at least a trace amount of THC, which is the ‘high-inducing’ component of marijuana, the level must stay at or below a legal limit of 0.3% for cannabis sativa to have a hemp label.
Cannabis with a THC amount exceeding that limit deems marijuana. CBD flower strains are beneficial in that they provide the purported therapeutic properties associated with THC but without the adverse reactions.
Growing hemp CBD flowers
Ideally, incorporating organic methods in the growing process for CBD flowers is the safest and will result in the best quality because the plant is known as a ‘bioaccumulator’. Anything surrounding hemp’s soil accumulates into the plant, including toxins like pesticides or other contaminants and fertilisers.
The flower can be either sativa or indica in the same way that marijuana can. The terpenes determine this instead of cannabinoids when using cannabis. A CBD bud that is indica-dominant allows for a sense of relaxation without an altered consciousness.
An abundance of sativa will increase energy. These strains typically offer a more citrusy aroma with a rush of energy, similar to that THC-rich strains would, but there is no anxiousness or paranoia with this CBD.
In the not-so-distant past, breeding hemp resulted in a bud with up to 10% cannabidiol. In today’s market, you can find high-quality strains with as much as 25% going toe-to-toe with some of the highest-grade THC-rich concentrates of marijuana strains.
What are CBD buds?
When the cannabis Sativa plant matures, the dried, cured flowers that contain less than 0.3% from the hemp species typically become known as CBD buds.
A CBD bud smells, resembles, and has the texture of a THC-rich marijuana bud that you’ll find in states where it’s recreationally legal.
Cannabidiol doesn’t affect consciousness negatively, where THC is adversely mind-altering to the point it can present paranoia and anxiousness. Their hemp bud boasts an efficient and clean alternative for enjoying cannabis.
Hemp and marijuana both classify as cannabis Sativa, despite popular belief. Their dominant cannabinoid is the only differentiating trait. Cannabis Sativa plants all have some CBD. Claims indicate breeders began producing concentrations of a much higher-level decades ago to the point the strains of high CBD and lower THC are nearly as common as marijuana’s high THC options.
People enjoy the flowers either through smoking or vaping. Still, some incorporate the “nugs” into various baked goods or cooking, and others use them to make topical supplies. You’ll find a broad range of product lines online, see https://cheefbotanicals.com/best-cbd-strains/, and on the open market that manufacturers created using the plants. But to do so at home takes a certain degree of skill and a substantial amount of time.
What does CBD feel like?
Cannabidiol doesn’t create intoxication like THC. CBD interacts with the 5HT1A receptor, which helps control the heart rate and mood as part of the serotonergic system, and the TRPV1 receptor, which works with inflammatory pain. THC is an ‘intoxicating phytocannabinoid’ that activates the receptors that create the intoxicating effect, which is CB1 and CB2.
Phytocannabinoids (made in a plant) affect endocannabinoids (made in the body), but each plant-made cannabinoid reacts differently within the body. While CBD won’t create a ‘high’, the flower can bring a sense of relaxation and soothing.
A bud is the fastest, most efficient method for absorption, providing nearly instant, potent results that last up to an hour. Typically, CBD products don’t reach the brain until they pass into the liver. But when smoked or vaped, the cannabinoid goes directly to the lungs, which have blood vessels attached, leading straight to the brain.
The substance boasts properties consistent with helping symptoms associated with wellness from the mild end of the spectrum to even severe conditions. Among the most common uses is assisting with indications of pain. There are suggestions that it is beneficial for both neuropathic and inflammatory.
CBD bud strains side effects
If you choose to smoke CBD buds, the indication is there are no significant adverse effects from CBD with the possibility for fatigue and dry mouth. But as a rule, smoking is a general health risk. Though hemp is less so than cigarettes, ‘incinerated plant materials’ would still pose a similar risk.
Manufacturers who lean towards more organic products will produce a better option for smoking than any other. As always, it’s wise to research your choices and always select among the highest quality CBD flower strains from those trusted, reputable companies. Side note: Vaping is always a possibility if you want to stay away from burnt matter and simply heat it.
Final thoughts
CBD hemp strains are a better alternative to marijuana strains simply because they allow you to remain lucid with no adverse reactions. Vaping might be a bit better than smoking simply because you’re not putting burnt particles into your body but instead merely heated vapour. Organic is always the top choice. You never want to go for a lesser quality.
Helen Bradfield did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.
