CBD FLOWER

Different strains of CBD flower have different concentrations of cannabidiol. Most hemp flower contains around 10-20% CBD, but farmers are constantly coming up with more potent strains. The most potent strains typically contain over 20% CBD! Who knows how far we might go in the future?

To give you a better idea of hemp flower potency, here are the four strains we talked about before, ranked by how much CBD they contain.

• Skywalker OG – 20.94% CBD
• Northern Lights – 20.73% CBD
• Sour Space Candy – 20.66% CBD
• Zkittles – 20.38% CBD

CBD and Delta 8 both come from hemp plants, but their effects are quite different. Delta 8 THC (D8) has a similar molecular structure to Delta 9, but they offer different effects. While D9 induces a groggy “high,” D8 is more mellow, encouraging an uplifting, euphoric experience.

Delta 8 is also a cannabinoid, but it only exists in very small amounts, usually less than 1% in the hemp plant. So we use a process called isomerization to convert CBD isolate to Delta 8 distillate. That distillate is then sprayed on the CBD flower. So, Delta 8 flower is simply CBD buds coated in D8.

Cannabis is a dioecious species, meaning individual plants are either male or female. Flowers form on the female plants once they pass the vegetative state, around 5-10 weeks old. These flowers contain the CBD and other compounds we love, but what exactly is inside?

Researchers estimate there are more than 400 compounds in cannabis plants. These elements are categorized as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. These are the three core compounds in hemp plants, and they are densely concentrated in the flowers. This makes hemp flower the most abundant source of these compounds.

Cannabinoids
The most well-known cannabinoids are CBD and THC, but research has uncovered more than 120 different cannabinoids. Each has unique qualities and may help to amplify the synergistic effects of hemp flower.

Terpenes
Terpenes are responsible for the way hemp tastes and smells. These aromatic compounds can be found throughout the plant world, from pine trees and lavender to citrus peels and, of course, cannabis flower. Different hemp strains contain different kinds of terpenes. There are countless aromas and flavors to experience.

Flavonoids
Flavonoids lend color to flowers, be they hemp, marijuana, or tulips. As you explore hemp flower strains, you’ll find vibrant green, purple, orange, and even golden tints, all thanks to flavonoids. Research has shown that flavonoids have antimicrobial properties to protect the plant from bacteria and fungi.

How Is CBD Flower Processed?
Once hemp flowers reach maturity, they must be harvested and processed for retail. Growers “cure” the flower through a gradual drying process, after which the buds are trimmed. Trimming away the excess leaves serves several purposes:

• Visual Appeal: Most people find that neatly trimmed hemp buds have greater aesthetic appeal.
• Easier to Smoke: The small leaves that sprout from the flower buds produce harsher smoke. Trimming these leaves makes the hemp flower easier on the lungs.
• Flowers are More Potent: Flowers have a higher concentration of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids than any other part of the hemp plant.

There are many ways to smoke hemp flowers. Which is best? That’s up to you! Try these various smoking methods and find which one you enjoy most:

• Pipe
• Water pipe (bubbler, bong, hookah)
• Rolling papers/blunt wraps
• Pre-rolled joint
• Vaporizer (one made for plant material, not vape juice)

The onset time for CBD depends on the consumption method. One reason that smoking CBD flower remains the most popular option is how rapidly it acts. When you inhale CBD, it enters your bloodstream quickly through the lungs. You can feel the effects kick in almost instantly. The same principle applies to vapes.

Edibles take longer to kick in because they must first be metabolized in your digestive system. Edibles take about 45-60 minutes to take effect. However, edibles tend to last longer, from 6-8 hours, while the effects of smoking and vaping last 2-4 hours.

A Hybrid strain that leans toward the Indica side, Zkittles offers a deep sense of calm. Feel your mind and body relax more and more with each hit you take. This is an especially good strain to smoke before bedtime for an extra-restful night of sleep.

You’ll be as happy as a kid in a candy store when you smoke this sweet and fruity strain. At the end of a long, hard day, nothing relaxes you more than some Zkittles in your pipe. Inhale and taste the explosion of tropical flavors so that you can release all of your worries.

Yes! While smoking is undoubtedly the most popular way to enjoy CBD flower, it is far from your only option. Vaporizers are an increasingly popular method for consuming CBD flower, some people love cbd vapes as it’s easy to carry. Many people find that vapor is smoother and milder than smoke. Just be sure you get a vaporizer designed for flower, not a liquid vaporizer (like a vape pen).

You can also make your own edibles from CBD flower! First, you must decarboxylate the flower. “Decarboxylation” may sound like it takes a lab coat and master’s degree to wrap your head around, but it’s actually very simple. It involves the process of heating and activating the cannabinoids, so they can provide you amazing benefits! CBD gummies are one of the popular Follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 240° F
2. Finely grind your CBD hemp flower
3. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the ground buds on the tray, aiming for one thin layer of flower.
4. Bake the CBD flower for 30-40 minutes. Every 10 minutes, shake the tray gently to mix up the flower, so it bakes evenly.
5. Remove the tray from the oven and let it cool for 30 minutes.

Once you have decarboxylated your flower, you can add it directly to your food. You can also improve its bioavailability by mixing the decarbed flower with a fat, such as butter or coconut oil.

To make cannabutter, heat equal parts butter and water in a saucepan. Add your decarbed CBD flower and simmer on the lowest setting for 2-3 hours. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth, and, just like that, you’ve got your own cannabutter! Put it to work in brownies, cookies, and anything else your imagination can dream up.