What Is CBD Flower? The Ultimate Guide To Hemp Flowers

CBD could arguably be the most popular wellness product in history.

Wildly popular on the mainstream market, this non-psychoactive alternative to THC has taken the world by storm.

Without CBD hemp flower, however, there would be no CBD.

CBD rich hemp flower is the reason millions of people worldwide are able to benefit from the huge variety of CBD products available today.

This comprehensive guide was written to offer everything you need to know about CBD hemp flower. Including where it comes from, why female plants produce the best hemp buds, cannabis flower legal issues, potential health benefits of hemp flowers and more.

Key Takeaways

• CBD hemp flowers, sometimes referred to as hemp buds, are the budding blooms found on female hemp plants.
• CBD hemp flower contains high concentrations of CBD and other cannabinoids that contribute to the entourage effect.
• The federal government has classified hemp as cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3% THC, while THC concentrations above this are considered to be a marijuana plant.
• There are several ways to consume CBD hemp flower, from smoking hemp pre rolls and packing a pipe or vape with hemp buds, to vaping CBD oils extracted from hemp flowers.

Where Does CBD Hemp Flower Come From?

Wondering where CBD flower comes from?

These beautiful blooms all begin with the humble hemp plant.

But what exactly is a hemp flower, and why is it so important?

Hemp flowers are the buds of female industrial hemp plants, and contain significant concentrations of CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids.

These coveted blooms are used to create the wide array of CBD products available on the legal market, which range from oils and topicals to edibles, tinctures and more.

Hemp flowers are the heart and soul of the CBD industry, as without them there would be no CBD.

The Importance Of The Female Hemp Plant

When it comes to cannabis, it’s female plants that produce the resinous flowers famous for their cannabinoid content.

This means female hemp plants are extremely important for CBD flower production. It’s the ladies that grow the flowers, while male hemp plants simply produce pollen sacs.

Male plants can actually reduce the CBD content of female plants if they fertilize them with their pollen.

That’s right. Unpollinated female plants produce more trichomes, meaning they contain more beneficial cannabinoids compared to plants that have been pollinated.

CBD Hemp Flower Trichomes

Trichomes are the tiny, crystal-like resinous structures found on the surface of all cannabis flower, including hemp flower and marijuana flower. Plants rich in these resinous trichomes are the goal when it comes to the cultivation of female industrial hemp plants.

Why?

Because trichomes create and store the beneficial cannabis compounds like cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.

In nature, trichomes also play an important role in protecting plants from predators with their pungent smell and bitter taste.

Hemp Flower Cannabinoids

Hemp flowers contain a higher concentration of CBD in their trichomes, while trichomes on marijuana flowers are known to produce high levels of THC.

To be considered legal under federal law, hemp flowers must contain less than 0.3% THC.

That said, there are more cannabinoids to hemp flowers than CBD and trace amounts of THC.

Hemp flowers are rich in other beneficial cannabinoids that may increase the overall benefits of CBD use, something commonly referred to in the industry as the entourage effect.

The Legal Differences Of CBD Hemp Flower vs Marijuana Flower

Hemp and marijuana are both considered plants from the Cannabis sativa L. species, but there are some big legal differences when it comes to the types of flowers these different plants produce.

Although both plants belong to the same family, they contain a significantly different THC content.

The 2018 Farm Bill played a huge role in shaping the legal CBD market when it defined hemp as cannabis plants that contain no more than 0.3% THC.

This legislation ultimately federally legalized the cultivation and sale of hemp and hemp-derived products such as CBD.

Keep in mind that states can make their own rules when it comes to CBD use, including smoking hemp flower, consuming CBD oil, indulging in CBD gummies or other infused edibles and even applying CBD topical creams.

Before using any CBD products, it’s recommended to check local and state laws.

The Impact Of The 2018 Farm Bill On Hemp Flower

The 2018 Farm Bill was a game-changer for the CBD market. It did legalize the cultivation of hemp flower and sale of hemp products at the federal level, after all.

Legislation in the bill included low-THC cannabis compounds such as CBD, ultimately legalizing CBD products derived from hemp flowers legal in all 50 states.

The bill doesn’t apply to marijuana, however.

Any cannabis flower containing over 0.3% THC is considered a Schedule I substance under federal law.

That’s right. Flowers from marijuana flowers are federally illegal, while flowers from the hemp plant are federally illegal.

Related Read: CBD VS THC Flower

THC Content: A Key Difference

The THC content in cannabis buds is the key difference between a federally legal product and a federally illegal product.

THC and CBD are the most abundant cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, but they have vastly different effects on the human body.

Especially when it comes to getting high.

THC is famous for the plant’s psychoactive effects. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and won’t produce the same feelings of intoxication as THC.

CBD: Properties and Effects

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of over 100 cannabinoids that naturally occur in cannabis plants.

Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t get you high. This has made it an attractive option to people who want to experience the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis without intoxication.

There are several potential benefits of CBD, but clinical research is still in its early stages.

Some of the top reasons people take CBD are stress relief, relaxation and sleep. Others find potential benefit for pain management, supporting immunity, maintaining the function of the digestive system and more.

Non-Intoxicating

One of the biggest reasons CBD is so popular is that it doesn’t get you high. This makes CBD an appealing option for individuals interested in the potential health benefits of cannabis who aren’t down with its intoxicating effects.

The reason CBD doesn’t cause you to get high like THC does all comes down to the way it interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The reason THC causes intoxication is because it has a strong binding affinity for CB1 receptors. CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors, meaning the compound can’t and won’t get you high.

Potential Health Benefits

CBD is praised for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, pain relief, and relieving anxiety.

Unfortunately, the federal classification of cannabis has limited studies on CBD and other cannabinoids. Even though research is still in its early stages, anecdotal evidence and preliminary research both suggest CBD could contain some serious potential.

It’s essential to note, however, that even though it shows so much promise, more research is needed to make any real health claims.

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, we can expect even more CBD research to start to emerge, which can shed light on this remarkable compound’s potential.

Consuming CBD Rich Hemp Flower

Smoking hemp flower is one of the most popular options of CBD hemp flower consumption.

There’s a big market for smokable hemp, and many growers produce CBD for this very purpose. But smoking hemp flower isn’t the only way to enjoy the popular compound.

CBD hemp flower is used for extracting CBD-rich oils that can be taken on their own or used to produce other products.

Following are a few different ways that CBD hemp flower can be consumed.

Smoking and Vaping

Smoking and vaping hemp flower are popular because they offer rapid and powerful effects.

When you smoke or vape hemp flower, CBD enters the bloodstream quickly and allows you to feel effects almost immediately.

There are other ways to enjoy hemp flower without inhaling smoke or vapor, though. Edibles, tinctures, and topicals are all popular alternatives.

Alternative Methods to Enjoy CBD Hemp Flower

For those who don’t want to smoke or vape hemp flower, edibles, tinctures and topicals can be used.

Infused edibles like gummies, cookies, and brownies, offer a tasty way to consume CBD.

Tinctures are extracts taken orally, and make up a large portion of the market.

Topicals like creams and lotions are applied directly to the skin for localized relief.

Each of these alternative options to smokable hemp have their own unique advantages, which is why it’s essential to consider your personal needs when it comes to using cannabis.

Terpenes and the Entourage Effect

Terpenes are aromatic compounds in hemp flowers and other plants.

They’re produced in trichomes that cover cannabis flowers, and are largely responsible for flower fragrance.

Terpenes are also suggested to contain their own therapeutic benefits.

It’s terpenes coupled with cannabinoids and other plant compounds that lend to the entourage effect, a theory that cannabis compounds work better together than their isolated counterparts.

The entourage effect is widely accepted in the scientific cannabis community, offering an understanding the synergistic relationship between various compounds in the cannabis plant.

What Are Terpene Profiles?

Terpene profiles are the unique combination of terpenes that can be found in various CBD flower strains.

These aromatic compounds lend to the flavor and aroma of the flower, as well as its therapeutic potential.

Common terpenes found in CBD flower include myrcene, alpha-pinene, linalool, beta-pinene, and limonene.

Because of various terpenes, different hemp strains will contain various fragrances, ranging from floral and fruity to cheesy, gassy or skunky.

These distinct aromas are all due to specific terpenes present in a strain.

Synergistic Benefits of the Entourage Effect

There’s a certain synergy that occurs when terpenes, cannabinoids and other compounds in the hemp plant get together.

It’s known as the entourage effect.

Some of the suggested benefits of entourage effect synergy include relief from anxiety, pain and depression, increased anti-inflammatory activity and more.

This phenomena is truly a testament to the incredible complexity and versatility of cannabis and the potential the plant contains.

Navigating the CBD Flower Market

There’s no shortage of CBD flower on the market.

This means finding flower can be a daunting task. How do you know the real difference between flower quality when shopping online?

Unfortunately, the hemp industry is still largely unregulated, which is why it’s essential to do your research before making any purchases.

Third party lab results are the only way to guarantee you’re purchasing quality products.

Next, we’ll take an in-depth look the legal status and state regulations of CBD flower, as well as tips for buying CBD flower online.

Legal Status and State Regulations

While CBD flower is legal on the federal level, its legal status varies from state to state This is because states have the power to make their own CBD laws regardless of the compound’s federal legality.

These restrictions are the remains of outdated cannabis policy, ultimately put in place to discourage cannabis use. But one of the most notable effects of CBD is that it doesn’t get you high.

If you want to smoke hemp, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with your local and state regulations before purchasing or using CBD products. There are a handful of states that do prohibit the use and sale of smokable hemp flower.

When shopping for hemp flower online, it’s essential to check for the product’s corresponding lab test results. Full panel lab tests will include information on cannabinoid levels, as well as any potential contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides and residual solvents.

Definitely do your research before you commit to purchasing hemp flower so you can enjoy the full benefits of this amazing plant.

Buying CBD Flower Online

Before buying any hemp flower online, look for the product’s corresponding test results or Certificate of Analysis (COA). They offer all the information consumers need about the flower’s cannabinoid and terpene profiles.

If full panel testing has been performed, COAs will also include the presence of any potential contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, mold and more.

Third party testing is really the only way to make an informed decision and ensure that you’re purchasing high-quality, safe hemp flowers.

By taking the time to research products, check for test results and familiarize yourself with your state’s regulations, you can confidently navigate the CBD flower market and enjoy all these beautiful blooms have to offer.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to legal hemp products, there are plenty of options to choose from. CBD flower is one of them, and it’s an extremely popular option for those who want to feel cannabidiol’s effects fast.

When it comes to CBD-rich flowers, it’s the female plant responsible for these beautiful buds.

If it wasn’t for the CBD hemp flower, there wouldn’t be any CBD products on the market. Yes, hemp flowers are a really big deal.

If you’re interested in smoking hemp flower, whether it’s THCA flower, CBD flower, THC flower or something in between, always insist on hemp buds from trustworthy brands who offer products that have been third party tested.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil?

No, hemp oil is not the same as CBD oil. Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant and doesn’t contain cannabinoids. CBD extract is derived from the leaves, stalks and flowers of both hemp and marijuana plants and contains an array of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Is all CBD flower from hemp?

No, all CBD flower does not come from hemp. The compound can also be derived from marijuana. Hemp flowers are rich in cannabidiol and contain 0.3% THC or less. CBD flowers from marijuana plants, on the other hand, can contain concentrations of THC up to 5% or higher

What is hemp flower used for?

Hemp flower can be used in so many different ways! You can smoke hemp flower, extract its precious oil, decarboxylate it to make edibles and much, much more.

How strong is hemp flower?

Some hemp flower is incredibly strong, and can boast serious concentrations of CBD. Skywalker OG is one of the most potent (and popular) CBD strains, with average CBD content of 20.94%.

Are hemp and marijuana the same?

No, hemp and marijuana are not the same. They come from the same plant species, but aren’t the same plant. Hemp contains much lower levels of THC than marijuana, while marijuana plants are prized for high THC levels.