After getting exposed to numerous cannabis literature heaping praises on the plant for its diverse therapeutic properties, you’ve finally decided to integrate it into your lifestyle.
Well, congratulations! That’s probably the best wellness decision you’ve made this year.
Now, part of your research also uncovered that the cannabis plant produces over 100 medically beneficial substances known as cannabinoids. One such compound is cannabidiol (CBD), which turned out to be the very focus of your curiosity.
Perhaps you also discovered that there are multiple ways to administer cannabis extracts. And while fancier formulations exist, traditional delivery methods like smoking are no less effective.
You’re now ready to hit the nearest marijuana store and order your first supply of CBD flower. But there are some nagging questions to get out of the way before you start smoking CBD flower.
For instance, what does the experience feel like?
Will smoking CBD flower get me high? And if yes, how long does this cannabinoid stay in my system?
To settle these questions, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to the effects of smoking CBD flower and why many cannabis users still prefer this original delivery method.
What Is CBD?
CBD is an abbreviation for cannabidiol. It’s one of the 100+ phytocannabinoids in marijuana, often compared alongside its equally popular cousin - tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Like other cannabinoids, CBD and THC contain immense therapeutic properties. But they differ fundamentally in their mind-altering effects.
Cannabidiol is non-psychoactive. That explains its popularity with medical cannabis users. Meanwhile, tetrahydrocannabinol is highly psychedelic.
THC is the principal chemical in marijuana that induces the famous ‘high.’ Its euphoric effects can vary by the origin strain, extraction method, overall potency, and specific analog.
What Is CBD Flower?
The term “CBD flower” has nuanced meanings depending on the context.
The most widely accepted denotation is the raw, unprocessed buds obtained from cannabis strains bred to be significantly high in cannabidiol.
Most CBD flowers derive from hemp.
Hemp is a cannabis cultivar that has less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol. It differs from marijuana, which typically contains higher THC concentrations.
Note that the term “marijuana” is also widely applied interchangeably with “cannabis” and “weed.” But when viewed within the context of cultivars, it specifically denotes strains that are significantly higher in tetrahydrocannabinol than cannabidiol.
CBD flower may also refer to any cannabidiol-infused product. This general meaning is widely used within the cannabis community to denote various CBD formulations, including non-smokable ones like herbal teas and tinctures.
How to Smoke CBD Flower
Understanding how to smoke CBD flower is key to unlocking cannabidiol’s therapeutic benefits. And while this may sound like a no-brainer, it might surprise you to discover that many new cannabis users often get it wrong.
First, obtain fresh CBD flower from a reputable cannabis store.
Some outlets sell CBD buds in their raw, unprocessed forms. Others go a step further by preparing the flowers into pre-rolls.
Pre-rolls resemble regular cigarettes, except that they contain crushed cannabis buds.
Light up the pre-roll and take gentle puffs. Inhale the smoke slowly, savoring the flowers’ aromatic terpenes.
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds in marijuana that deliver specific scents and flavors. Examples include;
· Myrcene – Has an earthy, herbal, or musky taste
· Limonene – Citrusy, lemony taste
· Caryophyllene – Spicy, peppery taste
· Linalool – Lavender-like taste
· Pinene – Woody or piney taste
Each CBD flower has a distinct flavor profile, depending on its dominant terpenes.
There are two ways to inhale CBD flower smoke, namely direct-to-lung (DTL) and mouth-to-lung (MTL).
In DTL, you swallow a puff directly without holding it in your mouth. The smoking technique is popular with seasoned cannabis users.
Meanwhile, the MTL method requires holding smoke in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing. Consider this technique if you’re new to CBD flower (or smoking in general).
Once swallowed, strive to hold the smoke in your lungs.
Resist the urge to cough. Besides, don’t engage in activities that may induce a cough. You want every bit of inhaled cannabinoid to enter your bloodstream.
What Are The Therapeutic Benefits Of Smoking CBD Flower?
1. CBD for Pain
Pain is one of the biggest reasons many cannabis users smoke CBD flower.
Cannabidiol alleviates body aches by impacting certain endocannabinoid receptors involved in pain signaling, such as the vanilloid receptor.
A recent study found that CBD can be up to 66% effective against pain. That’s regardless of whether it’s administered alone or alongside other cannabinoids.
Thanks to cannabidiol’s analgesic properties, CBD flower is widely recommended for treating various conditions that present with chronic pain. Examples include osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis (MS), and endometriosis.
2. CBD for Inflammation
Pain and inflammation are interlinked.
So, it’s unsurprising that many analgesic medications also possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Smoking CBD flower may slow down the body’s inflammatory response by inhibiting key pro-inflammatory markers, such as cytokines and chemokines.
Further research shows cannabidiol may also modulate T cell activity and even contribute to the apoptosis of inflammatory cells.
3. CBD for Stress
Stress is a normal part of our daily routines. But if untreated, persistent feelings of nervousness can degenerate into anxiety.
Cannabidiol is a potent stress reliever, which explains why many cannabis users have turned to CBD flower for anxiety.
In previous experiments, researchers have proven that CBD may reduce anxiety without inducing worrying adverse events. That makes it a potential replacement for problematic conventional antidepressants.
Cannabidiol combats stress primarily by restoring the body’s homeostatic balance. It also stimulates the signaling of “feel-good” neurotransmitters like serotonin, while inhibiting the primary stress hormone cortisol.
4. CBD for Insomnia
Insomnia affects millions worldwide. While causes vary, anxiety is a leading trigger.
So, smoking CBD flower for relaxation might help improve your sleep quality, too.
When consumed at bedtime, cannabidiol can quell the racing thoughts associated with prolonged sleep latency. This enables you to drift off to slumberland much faster.
Smoking CBD flower may also shorten REM sleep.
REM stands for rapid eye movement. As the name implies, this is a sleep phase marked by erratic movements of the eyeballs within the eye sockets. It’s also during the REM stage that dreams typically occur.
Now, not all dreams are harmful. But if you suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dreams can present as sleep-disrupting nightmares.
Smoking cannabidiol flower before bedtime can make a significant difference. CBD shortens REM, minimizing the frequency of nightmares.
Further evidence indicates that smoking CBD may treat REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), another severe sleep disorder. RBD is a sleep disorder in which you unconsciously act out your dreams. It’s a leading cause of sleep fragmentation.
5. CBD for Seizures
Smoking CBD flower may help with seizures, too.
Cannabidiol treats seizures by desensitizing neuronal excitability. The compound reestablishes a healthy balance between the brain’s excitatory and inhibitory signals, minimizing seizure episodes.
In a study investigating CBD’s anti-seizure properties, nearly 40% of the subjects reported over 50% reduction in seizure attacks.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has since approved a prescription medication for treating certain forms of epilepsy, known as Epidiolex. This is a significant nod to CBD’s anti-seizure benefits.
6. CBD for Nausea
Cannabidiol’s antiemetic properties are well-documented.
For years, the FDA-approved drugs Dronabinol and Nabilone have helped manage nausea for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
While both medications are THC-based, they can contain significant traces of CBD.
To make the most of CBD flower for nausea, insist on buds that are considerably high in THC. Both cannabinoids can work synergistically to relieve emetic feelings while also stimulating your appetite.
Why Prioritize Smoking?
Any CBD delivery method would get the compound to your system. So, why consider smoking?
a. Rapid Onset
Smoking takes effect remarkably fast. The inhaled smoke gets absorbed into your bloodstream through the mucous membranes in the lungs, a process that starts almost immediately.
While certain factors may influence the exact onset time, you can expect initial results within 5 - 20 minutes of the first inhale.
A faster onset time is particularly useful when you need quick relief. Whether you’ve suffered a devastating muscle sprain or are experiencing erratic nausea, a few puffs might be all it takes to alleviate the condition.
b. Higher Bioavailability
Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a bioactive substance (drug or nutrient) that enters your bloodstream, relative to the total quantity consumed. It’s a critical metric when gauging the efficacy of cannabis delivery methods.
Not only will you feel CBD flower effects sooner. Smoking cannabidiol also delivers more cannabinoids into your bloodstream, optimizing the compound’s therapeutic benefits.
Estimates suggest that between 20% and 70% of cannabinoids get absorbed into your system through inhaled smoke. In contrast, CBD edibles have around 10% - 20% bioavailability.
c. Easy Dosage Control
Many new cannabis users struggle with dosage control.
While it takes time to find your sweet spot, it’s best to understand the serving portions that currently work for you.
As smoking CBD flower delivers near-instant effects, you can immediately determine how much cannabidiol to take. This can help with dosage prediction, minimizing unpleasant reactions.
d. Shorter Duration
The effects of smoking CBD flower are short-lasting. Inhaled cannabidiol smoke typically remains in the system for one to three hours, depending on the doses consumed.
Although that may sound like a deal-breaker, it’s a blessing in disguise.
A shorter duration of effects is particularly desirable when smoking THC-containing CBD flowers. It allows you to unhigh sooner and keep up with your routines.
e. Ease of Use
Another noteworthy CBD flower benefits pertains to its ease of use. Smoking is a traditional ritual that many are familiar with.
Compared to other CBD delivery methods like vaping and tinctures, smoking requires almost no learning curve. Simply whip out your pre-roll, light it up, and puff away.
Besides, the fact that most people are familiar with smoking makes it a discreet way to take cannabidiol (or cannabis in general). You can administer CBD flower in public without drawing undue attention to yourself.
Will Smoking CBD Flower Make Me High?
Pure cannabidiol is non-psychoactive. Therefore, you won’t get high from smoking CBD.
However, that’s only true for carefully processed cannabidiol formulations.
Raw, unprocessed CBD flower will always contain some tetrahydrocannabinol. Even cannabis strains bred to be high in CBD are never entirely THC-free.
So, you’ll inevitably experience some euphoria from smoking CBD flower. It’s the intensity of the high that differs.
To predict the mind-altering effects of smoking CBD flower, start by researching the origin strain. Harlequin, ACDC, Lifter, and Charlotte’s Web are some of the best CBD flower strains.
Next, look out for the words “isolate,” “broad-spectrum,” and “full-spectrum” on each product’s packaging material.
Isolates are CBD products infused with cannabidiol as the only bioactive compound. They’re highly potent, which makes them super effective.
Broad-spectrum CBD contains cannabidiol plus other non-psychoactive cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN). Such products are popular with cannabis users who’re averse to THC’s psychoactive effects.
Lastly, full-spectrum CBD contains cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol, plus several other cannabinoids and terpenes. Pick this option if you’re looking to savor cannabis’s all-around therapeutic benefits.
Some full-spectrum formulations contain lesser-known cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).
Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid is the precursor to THC. However, the compounds differ in their net effects.
THC is psychoactive, whereas THCA isn’t.
More importantly, remember that the designations ‘isolate,’ ‘broad-spectrum,’ and ‘full-spectrum’ generally apply when shopping for other CBD formulations. As mentioned, CBD flower will always contain traces of THC.
Is CBD Flower Legal
Cannabidiol products are federally legal under the Farm Bill. That includes CBD flower.
However, the Farm Bill requires all CBD-based products to be hemp-derived and contain a maximum Delta-9 THC concentration of 0.3%.
Smoking CBD flower is also legal throughout all fifty US states. While each state maintains its own marijuana laws, they all borrow from the Farm Bill’s requirements on maximum THC concentration.
To avoid run-ins with the law, always check with your local jurisdiction before ordering CBD flower.
Final Word
Smoking CBD flower delivers cannabidiol straight into your system. At the same time, the onset time may vary by the dosage consumed and a flower’s potency; effects typically set in within 5 - 20 minutes.
Smoking also presents higher bioavailability. This delivery method gets much more cannabidiol into your system than consuming CBD edibles or tinctures.
Besides, it’s easier to control your dosage. And the fact that smoking is a common ritual means there’s no learning curve to contend with.
However, always go slow on CBD flower to avoid unintended effects.
Pure cannabidiol may be non-psychoactive. But an overdose might trigger unpleasant reactions, such as drowsiness, nausea, and dry mouth.
Remember that CBD flower is never truly THC-free. So, exceeding the recommended doses might induce a stronger euphoria than you’re already accustomed to.
And while cannabinoids aren’t inherently toxic, smoking is. That’s all the more reason to smoke CBD flower sparingly.
