CBD has been used for years, but its popularity doesn’t die down, its mild effects and low THC levels pose as an attractive option to people looking for a subtle high. In this article, we give you information about CBD flowers, its benefits and how you can smoke it.
If you’re a cannabis enthusiast, you’ve probably heard of CBD. However, its popularity has been dying down in recent years, but it seems to have renewed with the massive interest in CBD flowers. But what makes these CBD flowers so special, that cannabis users and smokers still keep them relevant?
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most active ingredient in the marijuana plant. Even though it has been an essential component of medical marijuana, it is derived from hemp plants or manufactured in a laboratory. CBD on its own does not produce a high or exhibit signs of drug abuse or dependency. With lower levels of THC and zero traces of nicotine, CBD is considered one of the safest options for consuming marijuana.
What are CBD flowers?
CBD flowers are directly derived from the hemp plant. CBD flowers come from the female bud of the hemp plant. They can be grown indoors or outdoors, however, indoor farming is proven to be more potent and of high quality. Once they have bloomed, they are harvested and frozen. The quality of these flowers depends entirely on how they’re grown and the nature of the plant.
Benefits of CBD
CBD is an attractive alternative for people who love smoking or vaping but without the risk of nicotine. Taking CBD has many more benefits than just the blissful effects you may experience. Here are a few of the benefits you will derive from the CBD hemp flower.
· CBD has soothing properties
CBD flowers are best known for their soothing and relaxing properties. Once you take a few puffs of these, they come in direct contact with your bloodstream allowing you to relax after an exhausting day at work.
· It helps with depression and anxiety
CBD users have expressed that smoking CBD helped them in dealing with depression and anxiety. It helps in coping with mental and psychological distress. While everyone may not have a similar experience, most users reported a positive impact on their mental well-being. However, it has not been scientifically proven and much research has to be taken in this area.
· No psychoactive effect
CBD flowers carry little to no THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a popular ingredient derived from marijuana that is a popular psychoactive stimulant. It is well-tolerated among humans and when taken responsibly it is not dangerous.
· Promotes healthy sleep
CBD is popular for inducing healthy sleep. It helps in mitigating stress and fatigue, thereby allowing you to relax. There are tons of strains available that specialize in helping you sleep. When you are too tired, but cannot sleep we suggest taking a few puffs of CBD flowers for a good night’s sleep.
· CBD comes with medical benefits
Various studies show that CBD has visible medical properties. CBD has neuroprotective properties that help in alleviating pain and treating muscle spasms. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. So, if you’re suffering from a headache or muscle pain, CBD can help in relieving the pain to an extent. All these benefits are not scientifically proven but there are some studies and clinical trials exploring this area. Something to keep in mind.
· Doesn’t give you a “high”
Worried about being tied to your apartment all day? Don’t be. CBD does not get you high as it affects your brain differently than THC, but it does alter your consciousness. Since it carries very low levels of THC and no nicotine, it doesn’t make you high. You may experience subtle dizziness, reduction in pain, and inflammation. It is not intoxicating in nature.
· Comparatively cheaper
Buying marijuana can get pretty expensive, but CBD flowers with high CBD content provide a much cheaper option. These are also available in an array of flavors that help make your experience a memorable one.
· Gives instant results
Unlike consuming CBD orally, smoking or vaping CBD flowers gets you results faster. You will start experiencing the effects almost immediately. Once the flowers are inhaled, the onset is rapid, taking just about 10-15 min.
How can you take CBD?
Like other drugs, CBD too comes in different forms. These include oils, extracts, capsules, patches, vapes, and topicals. Depending on your preference and need, pick an option that suits you the best. For those who do not enjoy the typical bitter taste, there are a number of delicious strains available in the market for you.
You can enjoy CBD flowers in three ways
· Smoking- this is the most preferred way of ingesting CBD flowers. If you are looking for a quick fix, smoking these flowers is ideal for you. The effects would last about 30-60 mins. Roll a perfect joint, and enjoy!
· Vaping- if you are looking for a more intense outcome, you should try vaping. As vapor gets absorbed in your lungs better than smoke giving you a more potent result. Vape batteries are available in the market.
· Eating- this is an unusual way of consuming CBD, because even when it’s dried and cured, CBD can leave a bitter taste in your mouth. But if you do want to try eating it, make sure it is heated properly so that the cannabinoids it contains have been properly decarboxylated (activated). For a better experience try making brownies or cakes out of it for a delicious treat.
Dosing recommendations
CBD affects different people differently. While trying CBD flowers for the first time, we recommend taking small doses of 2-5mg. Start with a small dose and gradually build your way up. It is always safe to consult a physician first. Here we give you information about the average dose. Check with your doctor before trying.
· Low dose-6-8mg
· Mild dose-8-18mg
· Standard dose-18-24mg
· Heavy dose -24-32mg
· Very heavy dose-32mg+
Factors that might affect your dosage
· Weight
· Age
· Tolerance level
· Health history
· Medications
We suggest starting slow, then slowly increasing your intake.
Smoking v/s vaping: Which is better?
There are differences in the delivery method among these two forms of consuming CBD flowers. Vaping and smoking directly ingest CBD in your bloodstream. Vaping has a higher absorption rate as it gets absorbed directly into your lungs and bloodstream faster than smoking. Hence it is also more potent and gives faster results than smoking. Vapes are a discreet way of enjoying CBD without worrying about anyone’s judgement. But vaping devices can heat cannabis just below the point of combustion, so it is not entirely safe.
Can you consume too much CBD?
Yes, like any other substance you can over consume CBD. Even though it’s well-tolerated, overdosing could cause some serious side effects. These include
· Dry mouth
· Drowsiness
· Fatigue
· Diarrhoea
· Reduced appetite
· Low blood pressure
Consult your doctor if you are using any other medications, as CBD can interact with other medications.
Is it legal?
CBD is readily available in most US states. But their legality remains in a gray area. As long as the THC level is less than 0.3%, the sale of CBD products is allowed with varying state restrictions, according to the 2018 Farm Bill.
Is it safe?
CBD flowers are safe when taken responsibly and are well-tolerated. People taking high doses show abnormalities and side effects. FDA does not regulate the safety of all products, so there can be unknown elements. Be sure to buy CBD flowers from credible sources.
Where can you buy CBD flowers?
The market for CBD products is expanding, there are various online stores or local stores that sell CBD flowers as joints, vapes, and edibles. Since FDA does not regulate CBD products, we recommend purchasing from a few select stores. Here is a brand to consider:
DivineHemps is a high-quality CBD brand that offers a wide range of products tailored to your needs. It is a brand focused on health and well-being promoting a stress-free lifestyle. They ensure every ingredient is organic, chemical-free, non-GMO, and non-psychoactive (less than 0.2%).
The brand is thorough about what goes into the products and provides adequate information, keeping your best interests at heart. They do third-party lab testing, offering complete transparency.
The bottom line
CBD is an amazing substance, but it should not be used as an alternative medication. Much research is required to understand the benefits of CBD, so if you are trying CBD products, buy only from trustworthy sources. Stay informed to stay safe!
References
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0968089615000838/
https://accp1.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jcph.1387
