CBD Hemp Flower Effects
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Author: Jason Beverly
There’s no denying the fact that the whole craze about cannabis and hemp extracts has been on the rise over the past couple of years, and what started as a fad has certainly become mainstream. It is estimated that by 2022, the cannabidiol (CBD) market will contribute close to $2 billion to the U.S. economy. While most people are aware of CBD oil, many are still not so sure about CBD hemp flower. Perhaps it’s due to the idea that it makes the user feel too anxious or paranoid. Fortunately, the good news is that the CBD-rich flower offers numerous benefits just like high-THC flower, but without the whirlwind anxiety and paranoia-inducing effects. CBD flower can offer a lot of benefits from reducing headaches to hangovers, even for those with a known high tolerance.
What is CBD hemp flower?
CBD hemp flower is a bud that grows on the female hemp plant. Once the flower attains full blossom, the bud, as the flower is normally called, produces certain cannabinoids as well as resins that attract pollen from the male plant to produce seeds. Normally, the best option when it comes to producing CBD is the seedless flower. Nonetheless, not all flowers of the hemp plant contain the same amounts of CBD. The precise levels of CBD flower often vary depending on the different strains of different plants. Generally, high CBD hemp flowers are extracted from specially cultivated plants that are carefully propagated to be able to produce larger buds that contain a high level of CBD and low amounts of THC due to compliance purposes.
How is CBD Hemp Flower Extracted?
There are several methods used in extracting CBD from the hemp flower/bud, with each technique having its advantages and disadvantages. However, the two main methods of extraction are CO2 and ethanol extraction. When it comes to CO2 extraction, pressurized CO2 is used to extract CBD from the biomass. CO2 extraction further consists of two subcategories: subcritical and supercritical.
The difference between the two subcategories is an adjustment in CO2 pressure, which ultimately alters the solvency power. For instance, when the pressure and temperature of CO2 are above 1083psi and 88ºF respectively, the method of extraction is regarded as supercritical. When the CO2 temperature falls below 88ºF, the CO2 changes into a liquid form, and the method of extraction is known as subcritical. In both methods, CO2 serves as the agent for separating the cannabinoids from the plant matter.
When it comes to extracting CBD from ethanol, high-grade alcohol is used as a solvent and there are two techniques here: supercooled and room temperature. Room temperature ethanol extraction preserves more waxes and pigments from the CBD hemp flower. On the other hand, extracting CBD using super-cooled ethanol is quicker but damages most terpenes. The best method of extraction will largely depend on your specific needs and budget. Additionally, the kind of end product you intend to have will play a big role in determining which method is best.
Will CBD Hemp Flower Make Me High?
CBD hemp flower has been known to help people feel relaxed without the panic attack-inducing effects. CBD hemp flowers can be used to cancel out the anxiety attack-inducing effects of a high THC product. Typically, today’s cannabis sativa and indica strains consist of as much as 25% THC, which is far more potent than pot from the 60s.
However, THC is merely one of the numerous cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, and CBD also constitutes a significant portion of the plant’s chemical composition. Consequently, it is no surprise that many cannabis farmers have chosen to cultivate CBD for a non-psychoactive and therapeutic experience. The great thing about CBD hemp flower is that it contains significantly low amounts of psychoactive THC as the high amounts of CBD it contains help to regulate the out-of-your-mind high of THC.
Is CBD Hemp Flower Legal?
Many state and federal authorities consider cannabis as industrial hemp whenever it contains THC concentrations of 0.3% or lower. The term industrial hemp is derived from various state-level hemp research programs that have been running for over ten years, which the federal government intended to sanction by differentiating this research from the DEA’s Schedule I status that is given to marijuana.
Research has shown that eliminating THC from marijuana comes with many benefits that go beyond the mere fact that it is legal. As mentioned earlier, THC has psychoactive properties and produces a noticeable high. That said, CBD does not produce a similar noticeable high, which permits users of cannabis containing low concentrations of THC to enjoy incredible benefits without experiencing the mind-altering side effects.
According to federal legislation, hemp refers to cannabis that consists of less than 0.3% THC, and the 2018 Farm Bill states that CBD and hemp are formally eliminated from the Schedule I list of controlled substances. This means that both CBD and hemp are now officially regarded as standard agricultural commodities under federal legislation. Consequently, the farming of high CBD hemp plants is as legal as cultivating tomatoes in your backyard kitchen garden.
Besides, the 2018 Farm Bill makes it legal to not only cultivate CBD hemp flower, but also to transport, purchase, possess, sell, and use in 50 states across the US. In contrast, marijuana remains illegal under federal jurisdiction and it’s only legal for medicinal or recreational use in a selected number of states. The Bill further extends the legality of CBD hemp flower for another five years and once the five years lapse the matter will have to be raised afresh to ascertain its legality.
How does it feel to smoke CBD hemp flower?
According to a 2011 study published in the Journal “Current Drug Safety,” it was established that CBD has no adverse effects on basic body functions including psychological and psychomotor functions, blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, as well as food intake and digestion. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that CBD is non-toxic and human subjects can tolerate extreme doses. No fatalities have ever been reported because of CBD intake. In addition, there have been no reports of severe side effects, even with chronic use of CBD. Users of CBD hemp flowers typically report a relaxed feeling which can result in reduced anxiety, stress, and chronic pain. Occasionally, some people have reported getting a slight body feeling but always a clear mind.
Final Thoughts on Smoking CBD Hemp
If you’re new to CBD, the idea of smoking CBD as opposed to using a tincture might sound crazy, but you’d be surprised to know that it’s more common than you think. Many regular CBD consumers find that smoking CBD is an excellent way to get all the benefits in a quick and effective fashion.
Although more testing is needed, early reports indicate that CBD can relieve certain symptoms like chronic pain, anxiety, stress, high blood pressure, insomnia, among other medical conditions. However, it is advisable to always go slow when first trying out CBD products. This will help to make sure you avoid any adverse side effects associated with CBD hemp flower.
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