Use of raw CBD flowers - a beginner’s guide
Disclaimer: All information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. The article only describes possible uses of CBD flowers, since these flowers do not contain more than 0.3 % THC. The purpose of this article is in no way to seduce, encourage or incite anyone to abuse any addictive substances. The article is not suitable for people under 18 years of age.
What is a CBD flower?
Let's start this beginner's guide by answering the fundamental questions; What is a CBD flower, and what are the main differences from regular cannabis? Hemp CBD buds usually look and smell the same as regular cannabis. Thus, it is almost impossible to see the difference. They both are cannabis products, though. As it was indicated, there is one main difference between the two. Regular cannabis contains a higher concentration of THC, which is a psychoactive compound, and is low in CBD, a non-psychoactive compound. On the other side, CBD buds are low in THC and high in CBD. Mostly, CBD flowers contain traces of THC, not higher than 0.3 percent. Thus, there is no such thing as a CBD flower purely without THC.
The effects of a CBD flower. Is it psychoactive?
If you have never tried it before, it must take your interest in how the effects are and whether CBD flowers are psychoactive. CBD is not psychoactive. Whereas THC shows such effects. Since CBD flowers are low in THC concentration, as it was explained earlier, you will not feel any psychoactive effects. However, some individuals may still experience a slight intoxication due to low traces of THC, other cannabinoids, and terpenes. The sensitivity of your metabolism and the amount you use determine the intensity of the experience.
Yet, this state is not even close to what an average user of marijuana may experience. Most people describe it as a relaxed feeling that does not affect normal functioning, keeping their minds clear. Depending on the variety, such feeling might show sedative or energetic effects. The effects are described in more detail further in the text. You can use CBD buds not only for health benefits but also for sheer recreational purposes as most people like the pleasant effects. Still, if you are afraid that the state would be too intensive, it is recommended to start with smaller amounts of the flower in order to try out the reaction of your metabolism.
Is it legal?
Simply put, yes, it is legal as long as the concentration of THC does not exceed 0.3 percent. In most countries in the world, CBD flowers are also legal. Yet, there could be some exceptions. The law gets amended continuously when it comes to CBD buds; therefore, you should get updated on the law status from time to time.
If you are based in a country where the law speaks in favor of CBD flowers, you should still be discreet. As it was described above, CBD flowers look and smell the same as marijuana. This means that police will not recognize the difference at first sight without testing it. It is, therefore, very likely that your CBD flowers will get mixed up for illegal weed. Police officers do not have the testing equipment provided in the field. Therefore, it is in your best interest to stay away from unnecessary problems.
How to use CBD flowers?
They can be used in a number of ways. Among the most common are:
- Foods: CBD flowers can be eaten (for example, in the form of biscuits or capsules).
- Tea: Some use CBD flowers for tea preparation.
- Smoking: As with regular cannabis, CBD buds can also be smoked.
- Vaping: CBD buds can be used in vaping devices (also known as dry herb vaping).
Differences between smoking and vaping
Smoking and vaping are the most common ways of using CBD flowers. Although they are two completely distinct methods, some people are still not aware of the differences. Let’s clarify them: Smoking involves the same procedure as with regular cannabis - grinding, rolling, and lighting up. Vaping is performed using a vaping device, a vaporizer that is primarily made for dry herbs vaping. These vaporizers differ from the liquid vaping devices. The main difference between smoking and CBD flower vaping is that combustion occurs during smoking, whereas not during vaping. Vaporization is carried out by heating the hemp flower to the point where it does not burn but creates steam containing activated cannabis compounds.
Although hemp CBD flowers do not contain harmful substances, such as nicotine, inhaling smoke created by burning is never healthy for your lungs. A significant advantage of vaping is that you will avoid breathing in by-products resulting from burning, such as tar. The material prepared from CBD flower does not burn; there is no smoke, just barely visible steam. This is why CBD flower vaping is less conspicuous than smoking. This makes it much more suitable for indoor use where allowed. Since the material prepared from CBD flower does not burn, it results in the steam that is much smoother and more pleasant than irritating smoke. The taste is also better.
When vaping CBD flowers, the material also lasts longer. Whereas it is gone in no time during smoking. You can keep vaping the CBD flower until it becomes darker. Most of the cannabinoids are gone when it turns dark brown color. The spent CBD flower can also be reused for food preparation. Smoking and vaping are very effective methods of using CBD for their high bioavailability. However, the effects can vary in each method. CBD flower vaping often becomes a purer experience, whereas smoking can show a stronger, not necessarily better effect on you. It is probably because of the burnt by-products you breathe in, which may have additional side effects on your body, including the mental state. The only disadvantage of vaping may be the purchase price of dry herb vaporizers. However, it is an investment that is worth it in the long run.
Varieties of CBD hemp (indica, sativa, or hybrid?)
Some might think that all the plants are the same. There are, however, thousands of varieties. As with conventional strains, there is a number of different varieties of hemp flowers too. Each of them has a unique chemical profile, resulting in its individual effects, taste, and smell. So you can choose from a wide range!
Many people (including some retailers) still use the terms indica, sativa, and hybrid in order to identify CBD buds. Although these terms were relevant some years ago, their weight has changed over time. When it comes to CBD buds, these terms do not have much valid meaning. Back then, indica varieties provided sedative effects due to high levels of CBD and low levels of THC. This is why they would be mostly used in the evenings. Sativas, on the other hand, tend to provide an energy/uplifting effect due to low CBD levels and high THC levels. Therefore, sativas would usually be taken during the day. This makes them to be used mostly during the day.
Due to crossing, the difference between the two has been more or less removed. Most varieties are rather hybrids nowadays, thus the combination of both types. Currently, it is, in fact, hard to run across pure indica or sativa. Moreover, even pure variations can show unexpected properties if they are grown in different conditions. So even if you get hold of pure sativa or indica flowers, the potential effects are determined by chemical composition. It is, therefore, not ruled out that sativa will give you a calming effect as opposed to an energetic effect given by indica. CBD flowers are usually derived from sativa as they are high in CBD and low in THC. The only real difference between indica and sativa nowadays is in the appearance of the plant. Thus, you should no longer use these terms to determine the potential effects.
So it still stands that some varieties provide energetic effects (best during the day), some have sedative effects (suitable for the night). But it is not due to differences in sativa and indica anymore. What is more important for determining the effects (in addition to the content of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids) is mainly which terpenes are present. Besides the variety, the chemical composition is influenced by several other factors (such as climate, soil type, fertilization method, and harvest time). This means that each bud yielded from the same harvest may have slightly different effects.
After reading this article, you may be wondering now how to find out what effects a certain CBD bud has. The first thing you should do is read the description and reviews (not only) on the producer’s website. If you pay a visit to a brick-and-mortar store, ask the staff. In order to find out what effects the strain generally has, you can always find out about the particular variety and the terpenes it contains on the Internet. However, people can react differently to the same variety. The best way to find out more is to purchase several of them, try them out, and see which one gives you the desired effects. If you are trying a CBD flower for the first time, and you do not like the effects, you can always try another one until you find the one that suits you best.
Vaping liquids and CBD oils vs. flowers
As it was mentioned at the beginning of this text, CBD oil and e-liquids are the most common alternatives to CBD flowers. The most important reasons why to prefer CBD flowers over CBD oils or liquids are described below: According to many Reddit users, including us, the effects of CBD flowers are way more intensive than the effects of CBD oils or CBD liquids.
As the flower is a raw product obtained from the plant, no other substances are added into the preparation, and no extraction is needed. CBD buds are, therefore, pure and natural products. Contrary to that, other ingredients are added into CBD oils and liquids during the preparation. Moreover, certain solvents may be present, which can potentially become toxic when heated. You can simply avoid this when using dry CBD flowers. The production processes of CBD oils and e-liquids can also destroy some essential cannabinoids and terpenes.
Because CBD oils and liquids are made of other ingredients, their actual content of CBD is usually lower than in CBD flowers.
All these data explain why the effects of CBD flowers seem to be stronger than the effects of CBD oil and liquids. This is why the use of CBD buds is generally cheaper in the long run than using high doses of CBD oils or e-liquids in order to achieve similar effects.
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