What is hemp flower, and how do you use it?
What is hemp flower, and how do you use it?
Nowadays, hemp products have become so common that you can even find them in regular stores. Companies are trying their best to incorporate this wondrous plant into their formulas.
This is especially true within the cosmetic industry, where hemp extract is now one of the main ingredients for soaps, creams, Body Butter and other items. Furthermore, hemp is frequently used for edibles and dog products.
One of the main parts of hemp is its flower. It is full of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other wellness compounds. You can use hemp flowers by either vaping or smoking them. Customers can buy from our online store Joy and Hemp.
In this article, we will go through some of the hemp flower’s main characteristics and how you can benefit from it. Check it out!
How is hemp different from cannabis?
Most people don’t realize this, but there is a difference between hemp, and "marijuana."
Cannabis is a biological term used to describe a genus of leafy, green plants. It can be split into 3 main species and numerous strains.
When we talk about species, we have hemp (cannabis sativa), marijuana (cannabis indica), and cannabis ruderalis, or auto-flowering cannabis. Some people use the term “cannabis” to describe marijuana, which is where the confusion comes from.
You can easily differentiate between hemp strains used in textiles and fibers, and other cannabis varieties. Hemp used for industrial purposes is planted close together and grows tall and skinny with wide spread leaves. These varieties are very sturdy, and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Cannabis varieties grown for cannabinoid content (found in the buds or "flower") tend to grow much bushier foliage, and have large, dense buds. High CBD and THC flower is indistiguishable without lab testing to determine cannabinoid content. Some strains do better indoors, some do better outdoors. It is important to know what type of climate the strain you are growing enjoys.
However, the biggest difference between these two is in their chemical composition. While both hemp and marijuana have a lot of cannabinoids and terpenes, they can vary significantly in terms of CBD and THC.
CBD or cannabidiol is the focal point of the medical hemp industry. While hemp has other potent cannabinoids, it is especially rich in CBD. CBD and THC both start as the same precursor compound (CBGa). Certain genetic factors determine which compound is produced during flowering. The 2018 Farm Bill states, "The term “industrial hemp” means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of such plant, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis."
What makes hemp flower so interesting?
Hemp flower has the highest CBD concentration of all hemp parts. When you use hemp flower for vaping or smoking, you are utilizing an unprocessed plant.
Although the effect of vaping hemp flower is similar to sublingual consumption of CBD oil, some people prefer this type of administration. Smoking or vaping is the route of administraion with the fastest effect. When you smoke it, you will get access to a full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other substances.
Experts claim that it's much better to use all these chemicals together in unison. That way, you can achieve the "entourage effect," where the whole is more potent than the sum of its parts.
Hemp flower will have a limited amount of THC. These products don’t go beyond 0.3% THC content, which isn’t enough for most people to get high.
When is the best time to use hemp flower?
Like with other cannabinoids, the optimal time for smoking hemp flower depends on what you want to accomplish. Generally speaking, most people will take it either in the early morning or late evening.
If you're suffering from excess stress or you have trouble going to sleep, it is much better to smoke CBD hemp flower in the evening. If you need a boost to your energy or focus, you should take it in the morning. There are also cases where hemp flower can be used after experiencing anxiety, inflammation, or suffering from another issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
Different varieties will have different concentrations and ratios of terpenes and cannabinoids. This will cause different effects for everybody, as we all have unique body chemistry. It is important to try different methods and varieties to find what works best for you.
What is better: smoking or vaping hemp flower?
Some experts claim that vaping hemp flower is even better than smoking as it would allow you to enjoy terpenes a bit more. On top of that, vaping seems like a safer way to consume the flower.
People who are struggling with lung issues find it much easier for the body to vape compared to smoking. When they administer cannabinoids in such a manner, they are less likely to cough.
Vaping is especially great for people who need to use the substance throughout the day and want to be discreet while doing it. You can easily put a vaporizer in your backpack, purse, or even pocket. When vaping, the smell is greatly reduced (although still potentially noticeable.)
Then again, there are those who prefer that smell and strong flavor that comes with certain hemp strains. Sometimes, vaping devices can be a nuisance as they require knowledge about using the device, as well as an electrical source (batteries, plug, etc.)
If you have never vaped or smoked, it is recommended that you try both of these methods. Each one of them has its pros and cons, and only by trying can you decide which one is better for you.
What are the potential issues and side effects of hemp flower?
Hemp flower can provide the same side effects as any other CBD product. You might experience problems such as dry mouth, drowsiness, change in blood pressure, change in appetite, etc.
Furthermore, you might also have minor eye irritation due to smoke. Most of these issues are minor and don't require medical treatment. In fact, they will likely stop when you stop the consumption.
Be sure to trust your source, and use hemp flower responsibly.