Hemp Flower in Bella Vista, AR
CBD Hemp buds are the flowers of female hemp plants which have been specially bred to contain very high levels of cannabidiol and low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). They should not be confused with cannabis buds which can produce psychoactive effects and are illegal in many countries.
If asked the difference between the hemp plant and the cannabis plant, many marijuana consumers can be forgiven if they admit that they don’t really know. The two names have been used interchangeably in culture, and both are only recently becoming legalized again in America. Even more confusing, both produce flowering buds because both are varieties of the species Cannabis Sativa. Hemp plants produce more CBD whereas cannabis plants produce more THC. All this raises the question: since both plants flower, and with CBD in the spotlight for its many positive effects, is smoking hemp flower a good way to consume the beneficial cannabinoid? Since hemp-derived CBD recently became legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, we thought we’d take a closer look.
CBD buds are the flowers of female hemp plants which have been specially bred to contain very high levels of cannabidiol and low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
They should not be confused with cannabis buds which can produce psychoactive effects and are illegal in many countries.
Hemp and cannabis are closely associated with each other because of their origins. Both plants belong to the same family Cannabaceae and both are genus cannabis. From a non-science perspective, this makes it look like they are the same or at least produce the same effect. This commonly held belief could not be more mistaken.
True hemp (Cannabis Sativa L), is not the same plant as Marijuana. True hemp is grown specifically for industrial purposes. Its first recorded usage dates back to ten thousand years ago when it was spun as a fibre and used as a food source.
Hemp has over 25,000 known uses, making it one of the most versatile plants on the planet. Some products that are made from hemp include:
Paper, textiles, clothing, biodegradable plastics, food, paint, oil, insulation, and biofuel. It is also used as animal feed. And it is now also possible to buy CBD buds, the potent flowers of cannabis sativa L.
How To Use Hemp Flowers?
CBD buds are not much different from marijuana when it comes to their look and smell. This is because CBD buds contain the same terpenes, flavonoids and other compounds as cannabis flowers, just with lower THC levels.
So you can use hemp flowers the same way you would cannabis flowers!
The more popular ways of consuming Hemp flowers include vaping, smoking and using them as a cooking ingredient.
Vaporizing is very effective, and younger generations consider it a “cool” method of consuming Hemp buds. Vaping is also safer as there is no combustion. CBD, as well as other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, are absorbed via the bloodstream from the lungs ensuring that they reach the brain quickly. Because of the potential analgesic properties of CBD, vaping high CBD hemp flowers is also attractive to those who are searching for a quick and effective way of relieving pain.
Smoking CBD buds, like vaping, is a quick and effective way to boost the level of cannabinoids in your endocannabinoid system with the phytocannabinoids (plant cannabinoids) present in hemp.
Dried, raw hemp flowers can also be used as a cooking ingredient. Just like marijuana, they can be added to a variety of recipes. Some people enjoy using CBD oil for cooking as it is easy to mix and more convenient to use, although many prefer the raw flowers for the unique herbal taste.
Are There Benefits Of Hemp CBD Buds?
One reason why CBD hemp flowers are so popular is due to their rumoured anti-anxiety properties. Because of their high CBD/CBDA content, it is believed that using them may give users a subtle relaxed feeling. This should not be mistaken for the mental high that marijuana is known for. Users describe the feeling as being like a “body high” with a focused and clear sense of relaxation.
It’s considered by many to be far more enjoyable than drinking a few glasses of wine.
This relaxing quality is particularly attractive to those who are suffering from anxiety and those who experience anxiety attacks during the day.
What Are The Effects Of Hemp CBD Flowers On The Endocannabinoid System?
The cannabidiol present in the flowers of Cannabis sativa L (hemp) interacts with the human endocannabinoid system.
The human endocannabinoid system has two types of receptors for cannabinoids, CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are present throughout the body and deal with the body’s coordination, movement, pain, emotions, mood, thinking, appetite, memories, etc. THC attaches to these receptors and produces the infamous “high” that marijuana users love.
CB2 receptors are also found throughout the body and help modulate inflammation, mood, fertility, hunger, and pain as well as many other neurological and bodily processes. Cannabidiol, however, does not attach to either of the receptors but instead directs the body to use more of its own cannabinoids, thereby boosting the level of available cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system.
Cannabidiol has been the subject of extensive studies to determine if it has anti-inflammatory properties. Many studies are being conducted on how potent and effective cannabidiol really is. Because of how recently CBD was discovered, the results are still not backed up by a significant number of human trials and repetitions, although the initial results seem promising.
Conclusion
Hemp flowers are rapidly becoming popular.
They are being chosen those who do not enjoy the anxiety or paranoia that can be caused by the use of cannabis.
When large-scale human CBD studies have been completed, we will have conclusive proof of how CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to affect the progression of illnesses or as a preventative measure. It should then be easier to push for its commercial and medicinal use.
CBD buds along with other CBD products will be more widely accepted when science recognizes the potential benefits.
The public also needs to be better educated on cannabidiol and the endocannabinoid system, to enable them to make better-informed decisions regarding their own health and lifestyles.
