Let’s talk CBD flower. Ever since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp across the country, CBD has been the subject of much-spirited conversation. Today we focus on one aspect of that conversation: CBD flower.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of the hundreds of different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
There are plenty of ways to get this magical substance into your body. You can guzzle down some CBD honey sticks, rub some CBD balm on your skin, or lather up with CBD soap. But CBD flower represents one of the most efficient and pure ways to get CBD into your bloodstream.
What Is CBD Flower?
CBD flower is the dried flower of the hemp plant, which has been bred to contain high amounts of CBD but low (0.3% dry weight or less) amounts of THC.
Hemp is closely related to the marijuana plant. Both are cannabis sativa, but hemp’s dominant cannabinoid is CBD as opposed to THC.
CBD concentration is important — after all, you need to know how much CBD is in your product in order to dose correctly — but what really makes the flower so special is its terpenes.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give different CBD strains their aromas, flavors, and power. Interestingly, these terpenes are also found in other plants like tea, mangos, and citrus fruits, which is why some cannabis strains taste similar to other plants.
When you smoke CBD flower, those terpenes produce potent fragrances that have a dramatic impact on your experience. Every terpene has its own flavor and smell (though some may not taste like they smell).
Different CBD Flower Aromas and Flavors
Let’s start with how different CBD flower terpenes smell. Here are a few examples of terpene aromas:
- Caryophyllene: Cloves, woodiness
- Limonene: Sharp, citrusy, fruity
- Myrcene: “Dank” smell so common to cannabis (also found in mangos)
- Humulene: Woody (also found in deciduous trees)
- Pinene: Evergreen, pine aroma (also found in pine trees)
- Terpinolene: Known as the “mystery terpene,” this one has many different aromas at once
- Linalool: Floral, gentle aroma
Next, here’s how each of these same terpenes tastes:
- Caryophyllene: Spicy and peppermint-like
- Limonene: Not as citrusy as its aroma would suggest, but sweeter
- Myrcene: Tastes like it smells, with notes of mango
- Humulene: Earthy and hoppy
- Pinene: Minty and earthy
- Terpinolene: Depends on your taste buds, but it ranges from floral and herbal to fruity
- Linalool: Lavender, light and crisp
How Is CBD Flower Used?
You’ve got several choices when it comes to using your CBD flower. If it’s high-grade, smokable flower, you can do one of the following:
1. Roll a Joint
Use the exact same technique you’d use to roll a marijuana joint. This is a great way to enjoy CBD flower, and you can even pre-roll several different joints for later use. If you want to get creative, you can mix your CBD flower with marijuana.
2. Bong or Pipe
If you have a bong or a nice pipe, it’s a great way to smoke your CBD flower without having to roll a joint.
Don’t break your hemp flower down as much as you would for a joint — you can give it a light crumble between your fingers to get it ready for smoking.
Note that different bongs and pipes will have different sizes and capacities. If you go with a larger size, you may experience a harsher burn in your throat since more smoke can accumulate in the chamber. If you can splurge on a more sophisticated bong, it will filter and cool the smoke for you.
3. Vaping
New technology now lets you vape your dried herb flower. Look around at battery-powered vapes currently on the market. With these, you can place the smokable herb in a small compartment. The vape pen will heat it to the right temperature to activate the CBD, and then you can inhale it.
4. DIY Oils or Edibles
If you want to try making your own CBD tinctures or gummies, there’s plenty of literature online to do it. This can be a fun way to interact with your dried hemp flower.
Just know that the CBD in your flower won’t have any effect until it’s been properly heated. This process is known as decarboxylation and is essential when you’re turning your CBD herb into products.
Lightly grind your flower and sprinkle it around a baking tray. Heat this in the oven at 215º F for half an hour — after this, your CBD will be activated.
Enjoy this wonderful plant and all it has to offer.
