Even though cannabis and hemp share a lot of common traits, they are not similar. There are some significant differences between the two and hemp is actually considered a cousin of the cannabis plant. Perhaps the most significant difference between them is the presence of the psychoactive compound THC in recreational cannabis. Although there are many cross strains and varieties, the variants of cannabis with very low THC levels and high CBD levels are known as industrial hemp.
With the explosion of CBD products on a global level, smokable CBD hemp flower is now in the spotlight for its relaxing effects. Although research is still inconclusive, this could be an exciting alternative for people who want to experience the soothing effects of CBD, without any of the psychoactive effects of CBD. In this article, we are going to take a closer look into the chemistry and traits of smokable CBD hemp flower.
The Difference Between Hemp Flower and Cannabis
Since hemp and cannabis share a lot of the same genetics, they can easily mislead people into thinking they’re the same.
Hemp
Since hemp is a close relative to the cannabis plant, it looks very similar; however, there are some differences in appearance. Hemp flower can grow in a variety of climates, and it can reach heights of 20-feet tall. You will also see more leaves towards the top of the plant. It can also grow with other plants and requires minimal care. They tend to be taller and thinner than its relative cannabis, and when compared side by side, it’s easy to tell the difference.
For centuries, hemp flower has been used for manufacturing textiles, paper, and other products, but it also had some medicinal purposes that were used in ancient times by different cultures who saw its benefits first hand. Since hemp flower is a high yielding crop that requires little care and has a wide range of applications, hemp farmers reap the benefits as this product is in high demand. Additionally, hemp flower contains less than 0.3 percent of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and has no psychoactive properties.
Cannabis
Indica and sativa cannabis plants are generally a lot shorter and bushier than hemp plants, and they can grow up to 12-feet in the right conditions; however, some sativa strains have been known to reach 20-feet, where indica strains are typically a little shorter and wider than sativa strains. Cannabis plants have a network of branches with leaves and buds close to the stems that produce the psychoactive compound THC, which is what gets people high. Most THC levels in cannabis plants are generally between five and 35 percent, and they’re mostly grown in controlled environments.
Cannabis plants that are grown for recreational and medical purposes can be cultivated indoors and outdoors. Both conditions require a lot more care and pruning as the plants develop and change from their vegetative state to the flowering stage. Additionally, cannabis plants for home use and mass production are fed a variety of nutrients and enhancers to increase the yield and potency of the cannabis flower. Whereas, hemp flower is more autonomous, and grows more like a weed.
Why is CBD Hemp Flower a Good Option?
One of the biggest benefits of smokable CBD hemp flower is there are no psychoactive effects, which makes them safe for anyone of legal smoking age in their perspective country to use. A lot of people who enjoy the tradition of smoking also enjoy the benefits of smoking a product that provides the medical benefits of CBD without the high of THC.
Smokable CBD hemp flower is currently trending in the marketplace as a reliable alternative to both recreational cannabis and traditional tobacco products. Cigarette smokers are discovering that smokable CBD hemp flower is helping them kick their nicotine habit, while at the same time replacing their habit with a healthier alternative.
Is Smokable CBD Hemp Flower Legal?
In the United States, CBD derived from industrialized hemp flower is legal; however, CBD derived from cannabis flower is not. In June of 2018, the DEA and FDA recently amended the third circumstance to the Farm Bill that makes CBD legal under federal law when they approved the natural CBD derived drug called Epidiolex. All products that come from industrial hemp are legal on a federal level, as long as they contain less than 0.3 percent of THC.
Methods to Consume Smokable CBD Hemp Flower
There are many ways to consume CBD hemp flower. One option is the traditional method of smoking it in a bowl or by using rolling papers to roll a joint. There are also pre-made hemp cigarettes that are identical to regular ones. Vaping is a newer trend, but it offers a healthier alternative since you don’t have to ingest the byproducts of combustion.
Although smoking CBD hemp flower is a lot safer than smoking tobacco products, it produces some toxins from the burnt plant material. Vaping CBD hemp flower allows you to inhale the beneficial compounds without the toxins and carcinogens.
Vaping CBD Hemp Flower
Vaping CBD hemp flower also has some other advantages like being able to adjust the temperature of the vapor, which can help those who don’t like the harshness of smoke or the lung expansion associated with smoking hemp flower by using the traditional methods. A lot of CBD hemp flower patients who vape will adjust the temperature to a mellow 365 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and increase the temperature to a balmy 420 degrees Fahrenheit for a stronger effect during the evening.
Vaporizing CBD hemp flower also comes with an extended benefit known as “already vaped bud” (AVB). AVB is the compound that’s leftover after vaping CBD hemp flower. Vaping hemp flower will turn it from its natural green color to a brownish color. The AVB is rich with leftover compounds that can be made into butter, used a spread for sandwiches or added to a salad. This is a great way to recycle valuable medicine and receive the oral benefits of leftover AVBs.
The Importance of Terpenes and Other Cannabinoids
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic oils that contribute to the taste and fragrance of hemp and cannabis. They also have a variety of health benefits that can enhance the effects of cannabinoids. Terpenes have been widely used as an ingredient in the cosmetic, food, drink, and pharmaceutical industry for decades, but have become more well-known for their association in the cannabis and hemp industry. There are over 20,000 different types of terpenes found in nature, and about 200 in cannabis and hemp plants. Some terpenes that are present in CBD hemp flower and cannabis include:
- Nerolidol: has sedative and calming properties that has antimalarial effects, and it can also be used in creams that are absorbed through the skin.
- Humulene: has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It’s also been known to reduce appetite and aid with weight loss.
- Linalool: can be found in the lavender plant, and it’s been used for centuries to aid insomnia and relieve stress. Linalool has sedative, anxiolytic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps those who suffer from insomnia, pain, and anxiety.
- Limonene: is well-known for relieving anxiety and depression as well as having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
- Pinene: has neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, and it also aids those who suffer from respiratory diseases like asthma.
Cannabinoids
There are more than 113 different types of cannabinoids found in the cannabis family. Cannabinoids are the active chemicals found in hemp and cannabis plants, and the help with health problems such as appetite, pain, insomnia, stress, depression, anxiety, skin diseases, muscle spasms, joint and bone aches, and other medical conditions. Some of the most common cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis include:
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
Where to Get CBD Hemp Flower
When it comes to smoking or vaping CBD hemp flower? The choice depends on the user and how they prefer to consume their CBD hemp flower medicine. Check out Industrial Hemp Farms for a large strain selection of wholesale CBD hemp flower.
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