Can you smoke hemp?
Yes, you can.
The CBD flower market has exploded over the past few years with premium-grade smokable hemp flower becoming more widely available, both online and in stores.
Whether you’re wanting to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of CBD, or are just looking for tasty smokable herbs without the “high”, hemp flower may be just what you’ve been searching for.
Today we look at what smokable hemp is, how to shop for it, as well as some of the benefits of CBD. We will also dive into strains and genetics, giving you our top 5 favorite hemp strains!
What Is Smokable Hemp Flower?
CBD Hemp flower are the flowers from female, specifically bred hemp plants that contain high CBD (Cannabidiol) and low THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
In order to be considered legal, hemp flowers must contain less than .03% THC.
These hemp plants are a type of cannabis but they are not classified as marijuana, which contains high THC and low CBD.
THC is the commonly known compound that produces the “high” associated with cannabis and is illegal in many states across the U.S.
Both hemp cannabis and marijuana cannabis plants belong to the same family Cannabaceae and share many of the same natural compounds.
They contain over 100 (and still counting) other phytocannabinoids like CBG, CBN, THC, and THCa, along with terpenes, flavonoids, plant proteins, essential fatty acids, and other phytonutrients.
When all of these individual components of hemp/cannabis are consumed together, they work in harmony to create a synergistic process scientists have called the entourage effect.
As you can see in the picture below, hemp flower looks almost identical to marijuana. Click on the photo below to learn more about the difference between CBD and marijuana.
So, Is Smokable Hemp Flower Legal?
By law, all hemp flower that has less than .3% THC is federally legal.
Hemp is not just for smoking. Industrial hemp strains are grown for many uses, from paper, to building material, to fiber and more. It’s an extremely versatile plant with many uses beyond the stereotypes about hemp for smoking.
Despite this, hemp is often confused with marijuana, so there is still some stigma towards it.
This stigma has led a few states like North Carolina and Texas to actively try banning smokable hemp. This is unfortunate considering that smoking hemp has a myriad of mental and physical health benefits.
Without a comprehensive lab test, it is sometimes impossible for police to tell the difference between marijuana and hemp joints, which makes enforcement very tricky.
Even though hemp is technically legal, the police may have probable cause to investigate depending on what state you’re in.
Yes, smoking hemp is federally legal, but that doesn’t mean you won’t face legal issues from uneducated law enforcement if you’re caught smoking it.
In the end, the lab tests will prove that it was legal hemp flower and not marijuana, but you still might have to deal with the annoying and costly legal process to prove your innocence.
Given this current legal climate, we recommend hemp smokers lay low and use discretely if they’re in a state with tough marijuana laws, or if they are otherwise distrusting of law enforcement.
The Science Behind Smokable Hemp Flower
Hemp/cannabis has been used for thousands of years to provide relief for a number of different ailments.
Thanks to modern science and technology we are finally starting to understand how this process works.
Hemp flowers have a unique combination of natural compounds that work with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to aid the body in reaching homeostasis.
The ECS is a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring the effects of cannabis on the human body.
You can think of it as a set of locks located throughout your body that are each responsible for a different function.
Cannabinoids like CBD and THC are the keys that allow the body to access each lock.
Experts are still trying to fully understand this intricate system, but so far, we know it plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including:
- sleep
- mood
- appetite
- memory
- reproduction
- pain management
Without the ECS, our bodies wouldn’t be able to process all the beneficial compounds that are found in hemp/cannabis and we wouldn’t be able to enjoy their many therapeutic properties.
Benefits of Hemp Flower
Some would say that smoking hemp flower allows you to consume the plant the way mother nature intended. This is because smoking hemp leads to hundreds of known compounds working synergistically.
- Firstly, CBD and hemp flower offer relief for a series of ailments, including but not limited to:
- Chronic pain
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Mood disorders
- Depression
- Headaches
- While it depends on your preference, many say that smoking CBD flower is one of the most enjoyable ways to consume CBD, as opposed to oils, gummies, creams, or other consumption methods. Good quality smokable hemp flower is extremely aromatic and a delight for all the senses. Similar in many ways to its famous sister marijuana, when grown correctly hemp can look, smell, and taste delicious!
- Smoking hemp flower is the perfect solution for anyone looking to benefit from the use of cannabinoids but want to avoid the psychoactive effects that occur when smoking marijuana.
- Through smoking hemp flower rather than consuming it otherwise, you will feel the effects almost immediately. Inhalation provides the highest bioavailability, second only to intravenous injection. This means that your body will be able to use more of the plant than if you were to use tincture, capsules, edibles or any other product.
- When smoked, there is very little chance for the cannabinoids to breakdown before they enter the bloodstream.
- While many consumers may choose to opt for CBD-only products like a Pure CBD oil, CBD-rich flower may be more effective in treating certain problems because of the entourage effect. For instance, when taken together, CBD has been proven to enhance THC’s pain-relieving and anti-seizure properties.
CBD Smokable Hemp Flower Dosing
Usually, when it comes to hemp oils and tinctures, the guesswork of how much you should use is eased with an available dosage guide.
However, when it comes to smoking hemp flower, there is no one size fits all guide to speak of, which makes it’s almost impossible to estimate how much you’re consuming.
For this reason, it is recommended to start smoking in small amounts and increase your consumption little by little until you reach the desired effects.
The last and most important thing to mention is that you can’t overdose on CBD or any other compound found in hemp flower.
According to clinical research, CBD is generally extremely safe. It would be very difficult to reach toxicity levels, but even if you did, you would not run the risk of overdosing. Side effects of toxicity levels might include diarrhea, sudden fatigue, disorientation, nausea, or stomach problems. For that reason, it is recommended to start with small doses and work upwards.
Will CBD show up on a drug test?
The short answer is no, but it’s not that simple…
By law, hemp flower can have up to .3% THC. While this isn’t enough to feel any of the psychoactive effects, THC is fat-soluble, so in theory, it could potentially build up in your body over time from prolonged habitual use.
According to multiple studies, hemp flower showing up on your drug test depends on the amount of hemp consumed and the levels of THC in the hemp plant.
This is another reason that it is so important to do your research and buy from a trusted source. We’ve compiled a list of the most trusted sources of hemp flower and CBD products here.
Smokable Hemp Flower Buyers Guide
In a perfect world, you’ll find a supplier that can offer you premium, top-shelf bud at any given time. But in reality, you should be careful about your source. Use our buyer’s guide to make sure you only buy from the best.
How to find the best CBD flower companies
There are a few things you can look out for that will help identify a quality supplier, such as:
- Lab Results – If the supplier doesn’t make third-party lab results available online, then don’t bother considering them. Lab reports are easy to obtain and provide much-needed insight into the quality and makeup of each strain. They will show you the level of each cannabinoid present and ensure that there are no unwanted pesticides or toxic chemicals.
- Brand Research – Before you jump the gun and order from the first site you come across, take a few minutes to look into the brand and their values. One of the things that we always look for is transparency. Do they give you information about the strains, grow technique (indoor, outdoor, greenhouse), and go the extra mile to showcase the quality? If so, then chances are you found a winner!
- Start Small – Always start off buying small quantities when trying a new company. There are very few businesses that accept returns on hemp flower, so if you buy 1 lb hemp flower and it’s not up to your standards, you’re probably stuck with it.
To ensure that you buy hemp flower from a trusted source, check out our online directory, where we personally try every product we recommend, and we connect you with the brand that is perfect for you.
Our Favorite Strains of Smokable Hemp Flower
Whether you’re looking for high CBD hemp strains to help with anxiety or insomnia, or you’re just getting started in the world of smokable hemp, here are some recommendations based on your wants and needs.
Sour Space Candy – Space Candy is a result of crossing the classic strain Sour Tsunami and Early Resin bud from Oregon CBD. The breeding of these two strains has produced a unique aroma of mint, apple, and sour candy. Although a hybrid, Sour Space Candy tends to have more uplifting effects and users report it is best used during the daytime. Its buds are bright green and feature streaks of purple with red hairs throughout.
Blood Diamond –A special phenotype of Suver Haze, and the most potent strain we have ever hunted, Blood Diamond is for those looking to get the best CBD flower experience possible. Most users report strong calming, yet uplifting effects, while others feel ready for a nap. The sparkling pinkish-white buds are sure to impress any cannabis aficionado, with strong aromas of pine, mint, pepper and earth.
Papaya Nights – Fresh fruit on a hot summer night? enter Papaya Nights. An uplifting sativa, this strain is rich in sweet, juicy flavors like papaya, peach, and pear. One of our most requested strains, users report its impressive ability to uplift and provide a positive mood boost throughout the day. Enjoy.
Secret OG – A powerhouse strain with the classic look and smell of OG cannabis varieties, Secret OG is a staff favorite known for its strong indica leaning effects, bringing on relaxation and sleepiness. Its buds are silver and green with streaks of purple throughout, and it has underlying flavor notes of gassy lemons and earth.
Sour Gummi – A balanced hybrid strain, Sour Gummi is the perfect option for those seeking relief without overwhelming stimulation or couch lock. It has a strong aroma of sweet and sour candy, with hints of earth and pine. Its buds are large and sticky and will provide a smooth smoking experience for all to enjoy.
Conclusion
Although we have years before hemp flower genetics catch up to traditional cannabis strains, they’ve come a long way in a very short period of time and fill an important void that marijuana can’t.
With a host of potential benefits and high-quality strains hitting the market that rival the marijuana industry, hemp flower has solidified itself as a safe, effective, and non-psychoactive alternative to its controversial sister.
Whether you’re looking for relief from a specific disease or are just in need of a safe herbal smoke without the “high”, hemp flower may be just what you’ve been searching for and is more readily available both online and in stores than ever before.
Buy hemp flowers from our directory of trusted sources, start out with small doses, and see if the magic works for you.
Pros:
Unique CBD Rich Strains
100% Organic, No Pesticides, No Additives
Premium Dispensary Grade – Grown Indoors
Hand Trimmed to Perfection
Small-Batch, Bi-Weekly Harvests, Ensure the Flower Is Always Farm Fresh
Cons:
✖️Popular Strains Sell Out Quickly Due to High Demand
Secret Nature Indoor CBD Flower
Review Breakdown
Quality
Flavor
Price vs Value
Experience
Company Reputation
Smokable Hemp Flower FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Does hemp flower produce buds?
Yes, hemp produces buds when they reach full bloom. This part of the plant has the highest concentration of cannabinoids.
How does smoking CBD flower make you feel?
The feeling you get after smoking hemp flower will depend on the strain, and how it interacts with you personally. However, generally, you can expect that it will make you feel calm and relaxed when not used excessively.
CBD does not have the same psychoactive component that THC has, so you will not experience the same “high” that you feel after smoking marijuana.
If you are experiencing symptoms like headaches, chronic pain, or anxiety, smoking hemp may feel similar to taking a pain-killer like Advil. You might notice your symptoms are gone a few minutes after smoking, without feeling particularly different. It is for this reason that CBD is recommended for people suffering from depression, chronic pain, and other ailments.
Is it bad to smoke CBD flower?
No, there is nothing morally wrong with smoking CBD flower, and humans have been taking advantage of hemp’s health benefits for thousands of years.
Along with not being morally wrong, you cannot overdose on CBD, and CBD is 100% federally legal in the U.S.
With that being said, inhaling smoke can be damaging to your lungs, and is best done in moderation. If you are worried about inhaling smoke, you can consume CBD in a variety of different ways, such as with oils or gummies.
And although you cannot overdose on CBD, you can reach toxic levels of CBD in your body which could lead to stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and disorientation. But to reach those toxic levels you would need to consume 200 bottles of CBD oil at once, so it would be very difficult to do.
When it comes to smoking CBD flower, start out slow and see how the doses interact with your body. Over time, you can work your way up to a greater dose if necessary.
Does smoking CBD flower help with anxiety?
Yes.
Based on recent scientific studies, CBD can help significantly with anxiety, and a number of other psychological and physical disorders.
What does hemp flower smell like?
The smell of hemp flower will depend on the strain, but the smells can be divided into three categories.
- Natural, which smells herbal, like wood or earth
- Pungent, which smells strong, like spices or tea
- Fruity, which smells sweet, like citrus
Does CBD flower make you paranoid?
No, CBD generally does not cause paranoia.
Paranoia is considered to be a psychoactive symptom. But CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects. For this reason, psychoactive effects, like getting high, or experiencing paranoia, is instead associated with THC.
To be sold legally, THC must contain less than .03% THC. These low levels of THC are the reason it’s so important to buy from a trusted source, especially if you are prone to anxiety. Try buying from a database of legitimate sources.
