How Do I Choose a CBD Flower? – What to Look For & Where to Buy

The counter of a cannabis dispensary with 5 different jars filled with different strains. From left to right the strains are: Shark Shock, Sour OG, Cracker Jack, Sour Diesel, Harlequin

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There are hundreds, if not thousands, of CBD flower options on the market to choose from. How do you know which is right for you, and where can you buy them?

When choosing a CBD flower option, it’s wise to look out for price, seller, strain, and the conditions under which it’s grown, among other things. Being aware of these factors can help ensure the product you buy meets your needs and doesn’t sacrifice quality.

If you’re new to the world of cannabis, all that goes in to finding a flower option that really works may seem overwhelming or strange. CBD flower really is a complex and ever-evolving product, so sellers and consumers alike are eager to do all they can to maximize the efficacy of their flower.

Does Sativa vs. Indica Really Matter?

For many CBD fans, distinguishing between indica and sativa strains is indeed a worthwhile effort. Indica and sativa strains tend to produce different effects that are appropriate for some situations, but not all.

Mycerene, a terpene found in cannabis plants, determines whether a strain is considered an indica or a sativa. High levels of mycerene in a strain means it’s an indica, and low levels indicate the plant is a sativa.

Terpenes like mycerene can influence the smell, taste, and overall experience associated with any given strain of CBD flower, so even within indica and sativas, there are lots of individual flower options to choose from (each with its own unique experience to offer)

Indica

Flower that’s classified as an indica generally has higher levels of mycerene, about 0.5% in volume. 

These strains tend to come from shorter, fuller plants with wide leaves. Once harvested, the bud from these strains tends to pack a punch, bringing effects such as:

  • Pain and inflammation relief
  • A whole-body feeling of relaxation
  • Increased appetite
  • Sleepiness
  • Better mood

Because they tend to cause drowsiness or a “couch potato” type of feeling, indica strains are generally best for night time use. They’re great aids if you’re looking to tackle insomnia or other related concerns.

Sativa

Sativa strains stray from their indica counterparts right from the get-go; their plants are generally larger and taller, and the leaves they produce tend to be as well. 

Unlike indicas, sativa strains are well-known for their ability to cause a euphoric burst of energy. Other common effects include:

  • Feeling more alert
  • Creative energy
  • Feeling motivated

Where indicas fall short, sativas prosper; these buds are ideal for those looking to use CBD flower during the day

A hemp bud being pulled out of a pop top container held by tongs.

What Should I Look For When Buying Hemp Flower?

Once you’ve decided on a hemp flower strain that works for you, how do you go about ensuring that the product you buy is safe and worth your hard-earned money? 

There are a few key factors to look out for. Let’s take a more in-depth look.

Potency

Potency describes how powerful or how strong your product is. The more potent it is, the more intense the effects it produces will likely be.

Depending on you and your situation, potency may or may not really matter. If you’re looking to kick back and enjoy an herbal smoke with some friends, for instance, potency may not be all that important.

But, if you’re looking to manage things like chronic pain or anxiety, potency can make a real difference. Products that are too weak to produce the effects you’re looking for won’t do you much good!

The higher the concentrations of CBD in your flower, the better your results will usually be.

Terpene/Flavor Profile

Everyone has their own flavor preferences, and this is usually a major deciding factor when choosing CBD flower. 

As discussed, each strain of CBD flower has its own unique terpene profile that creates the delicious flavor associated with cannabis. 

For instance, certain strains like Diesel Puff taste like diesel/gas while others like Papaya Nights taste fruity/sweet. 

Choosing a terpene profile that works well with your personal taste can help make sure that your experience is as pleasant as it can be.

Macro shot of a purple hemp flower bud covered in trichomes and orange hairs.

How Was It Grown (Indoor, Outdoor, Or Greenhouse)

The method used to grow the flower you purchase actually does matter. It’s easy to assume that all CBD flower is grown equally, but this is simply not the case.

Flower that’s grown indoors, for instance, tends to be higher-quality because it’s protected from the elements. Additionally, flower grown indoors can be exposed to only specific and deliberately chosen environments, meaning it won’t suffer due to changes in temperature, moisture, etc.

  • Indoor: CBD flower that’s grown indoors is the way to go if you’re looking for the highest quality option out there.

  • Outdoor: These plants tend to produce the lowest quality bud, but they’re also more common.

  • Greenhouse: The quality of this flower is usually in the middle of indoor and outdoor.

    Seller’s Reputation

    Who you purchase from matters. Because CBD is not regulated by the FDA, it’s up to consumers to be positive that the products they buy are worthwhile and come from a source that’s trustworthy. 

    It’s wise to factor seller reputation into your decision; buying from sellers who are known to sell poor products or misinform consumers is a one-way ticket to stress and disappointment.

    Certificates of Analysis (Lab Tests)

    A certificate of analysis provides a consumer with some much-needed info about just what’s inside of their CBD flower.

    The lab tests that are done on flower and other CBD products to produce these certificates are usually done by a third-party. They’re meant to reveal how much CBD, alongside other cannabinoids, is present in the flower. They may also contain information about terpene percentages.

    Price

    Of course, you’ll want to be sure what you’re paying matches your personal limits and needs. Higher in price doesn’t always mean higher in quality, either.

    Strain Description

    Always look at the strain description to get an idea of how it will make you feel. 

    Every strain will have slightly different effects and reading strain descriptions and/or customer reviews can provide valuable insight into what to expect from each strain.

    What is The Best CBD Flower on the Market?

    Our recommendation for CBD flower comes from Secret Nature, a leader in the industry and in our personal list of favorites!

    Secret Nature produces only the best top shelf, indoor-grown CBD flower. The flower they produce is grown in a specific, controlled environment and, as a result, is rich in both terpenes and cannabinoids.

    Secret Nature’s CBD flower is not only powerful, but unique. Its potent flavors can tantalize even an experienced palate, and with so many batches constantly being produced, the brand always has something new to offer.

    With brands like Secret Nature, there’s no reason to worry about the quality or efficacy of your product. You can simply light up and enjoy!

    Closeup of a Secret Nature sour space candy bud.
    Click to Read Review
    5/5
    5/5

    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

    Closeup of a Secret Nature sour space candy bud.
    Click to Read Review

    Secret Nature Indoor CBD Flower

    Review Breakdown

    5/5
    5/5

    Quality 
    Flavor 
    Price vs Value 
    Experience 
    Company Reputation 

    5/5
    5/5
    5/5
    5/5
    5/5

    Final Thoughts

    Choosing a CBD flower option that works for you isn’t an easy task, but it’s one that’s definitely worth doing. 

    Finding a strain or seller that clicks can be revolutionary, especially if you use your CBD on a regular basis or to manage chronic health symptoms. The experience you get from flower can vary significantly based on its strain and quality, so knowing how to navigate your options is an invaluable skill.

    With so much to choose from on the market, finding a specific strain that ticks all your boxes can take time. You can reduce this time by ensuring you purchase only from reputable sellers, and be sure to choose products that you know fit your needs.

    Finding the best flower is made much simpler by knowing where to look. 

    For product and brand recommendations, product reviews, price breakdowns, and more, be sure to visit our directory. We’ve got all the information you need to make a financially and personally satisfactory decision with just a few clicks.

    Josh Murdoch

    Josh Murdoch

    I was born with Cystic Fibrosis, and although it is incurable, CBD and THC have been allowing me to live my life as a healthy adult now for years. For that reason, I’ve dedicated my career to spreading the good news about cannabinoids. Currently, I work for a cannabis distribution company called Humble & Fume which operates in California. Previously, I worked on two cannabis farms in northern California, one of which was located in the famous Humboldt County. I’ve also managed a medical cannabis delivery service in Marin County, California. I created CBD Facilitator to share what I’ve learned, and to recommend the best products that I have found in this chaotic market.

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    Our Mission

    Our goal is to educate you on all things CBD, enabling you to navigate this vast unregulated industry like a pro. We know all too well how overwhelming it can be to find trustworthy brands in this crowded market, so we’re here to help!

    Shop CBD Products

    Our Favorite Brands

    FACILITATOR25
    (25% Off)

    CBDFACILITATOR
    (15% Off)

    CBDFACILITATOR
    (15% Off)

    FACILITATOR
    (10% Off)

    Topical Cream

    Perfect for Localized Pain and Inflammation Relief!