Hemp flower is starting to surge in popularity. But many people don’t understand the difference between this new hemp/CBD (cannabidiol) flower and traditional cannabis. This guide explores the details and differences you need to know. From legal status, to safe consumption – you’ll understand everything you need to know about hemp flower.
What qualifies as hemp/CBD flower?
Hemp flower is a bud that looks very similar to normal cannabis/marijuana by external appearance and similar smell. The primary difference is the amount of CBD and THC present (or not present).
Traditional cannabis flower contains 15-30% Delta-9-THC on average and between 1% and 4% CBD (4% being considered a high CBD strain.)
Hemp flower contains Delta-9-THC levels that are lower than 0.3%.
The hemp/CBD product should be lab-tested and verified to confirm total levels of cannabinoids. Ensure the lab used is a trustworthy third-party not associated with the company you are buying from.
Most hemp flower consumers seek a high amount of your desired cannabinoid(s) alternative to THC – typically CBD will be the dominant cannabinoid in fresh hemp flower, though there are CBG strains with 10%-15% CBG and low CBD that are becoming increasingly popular.
True hemp flower will be difficult to distinguish with the naked eye and a keen nose. So make sure you are buying from a reliable source with proper testing protocol.
Is hemp/CBD flower legal?
Hemp/CBD flower is 100% legal when it contains less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC. While our CBD flower products resemble cannabis flower in both appearance and smell, all products are hemp derived and comply with the U.S. Farm Bill containing less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC content. THCa (THCa, or tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a non-psychoactive compound found in raw and live cannabis) is currently not included in the Farm Bill ruling for hemp. It seems that this may change in the future to include THCa in a “<0.3% total THC content” ruling. THCa converts to Delta-9-THC when exposed to heat through decarboxylation. The smokable hemp flower industry will adapt to those new laws when the time comes. While most full-term hemp strains contain less than .5% THCa, breeding flower with a slightly lower overall cannabinoid potency, or harvesting before the cannabinoids reach their full potential may solve the problem for the future of the smokable hemp flower industry.
According to the 2018 Farm Bill implemented under President Trump – Cannabidiol (CBD) is to be treated under agriculture and nutrition policy. Not federal drug/substance policy.
This bill helps protect farmers and researchers by allowing them to work with hemp without fear of prosecution. It also helps consumers by enabling more legitimate sources and products to be available.
With legal leniency and proper regulation, the CBD industry is primed to be a multi-billion dollar market in the coming decade. CBD products currently transcend across diet, health, nutrition, and wellness markets with different purposes.
In the coming years, more products will fill a specific purpose and reduce the ambiguity of uses.
What are the potential effects of hemp/CBD and why do some consumers choose flower?
The following statements are from third-party sources and research not affiliated with Primary Jane. We are not making any direct claims regarding the effects of CBD products.
Cannabidiol (CBD) does not make you feel “high” like traditional cannabis. Therefore, hemp/CBD flower will give you a different experience sometimes referred to as “the entourage effect” – known as a “shoulder dropping”, relaxing and euphoric feeling. Researchers believe CBD may improve mood which renders it a highly sought product in our current fast-paced and high stress society.
The bioavailability of CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids from the hemp plant is much greater when smoked or vaped. Bioavailability refers to the rate and quantity of absorption into the blood stream. The bioavailability of edible CBD products is fairly low – somewhere around 6%-12%, while it can reach as high as 45% when inhaled directly into the lungs. This is why vaping CBD oil and smoking CBD flower has risen in popularity over the last few years. CBD oil tinctures are best taken sublingually and kept under the tongue for 60 seconds which provides a higher bioavailability than other orally consumed edibles – reportedly around 30-40%.
Another commonly reported side effect of hemp flower is fatigue or drowsiness. This is sometimes an intentionally desired effect depending on the user and context. Many consumers have been known to take their CBD at the end of a long day to unwind.
Hemp flower with a strong cannabis scent and a frosty appearance will provide an abundance of terpenes that can hold important effects of their own. Because of terpenes hemp flower can be classified as Indica or Sativa the same way traditional cannabis flower would be. Terpenes are aromatic oils that color cannabis varieties with distinctive flavors like citrus, berry, gas, and pine. Terpenes also play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains. Indica strains are typically best for calming effects and are known for night time use. Sativa terpenes provide some more alert, focused, and creative effects which is why a Sativa would be a popular day time strain.
Is Hemp/CBD flower safe?
If your hemp flower is from a reliable source, it should definitely be safe. Always look into the location a product is sourced from. If a company doesn’t reveal their product source – ask why, or don’t buy from them.
Also check to make sure the product is lab-tested and verified by a third-party. Reliable lab results will ease your mind when seeking a quality CBD product.
How do you consume hemp/CBD flower?
In short, you can consume hemp flower in the same ways as normal cannabis.
Inhalation requires a combustion/heat source (typically vaporizer or lighter + pipe.)
Dry herb vaporization is advised for temperature control and efficiency of utilizing flower material. This method is a new way of inhaling the flower, having a strong advantage when it comes to concealing the actual act of smoking as well as reducing smell.
Traditional flame is advised for convenience.
Both dry glass pipes and water pipes work equally well for consuming hemp/CBD flower. And the process is simple.
Load around a half-gram of hemp flower material into your pipe or vaporizer. Inhale the smoke/vapor for about 1-3 seconds then exhale. Wait a short duration before repeating.
Where to buy hemp/CBD flower online?
More companies and stores are offering new types of CBD each month. Hemp flower is certainly no exception. It is becoming a popular alternative to traditional cannabis and or medications.
Be careful of low-quality products trying to cash in on the trend. The hemp flower prerolls we manufacture are triple sifted for sticks and seeds for a slow even burn. Our flower is from top shelf hemp strains grown by farmers who take pride in their craft, hand-trimmed and organically treated. Check out the lab results of all our CBD flower strains.
Primary Jane Hemp Flower is a reliable CBD product you can trust consistently. Find your favorite strain by reading about the flavor and effects offered by each, then set a hemp flower subscription for even more savings.
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