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When I first tried CBD flower, I didn’t know what to expect. Everything from the appearance, smell, taste, and effects were all quite surprising. When it comes to CBD flower vs THC flower, there are some major differences and many similarities we will cover in this article.
When you think of high-end cannabis, you probably imagine strains that are high in THC. Both of these compounds have been found to have their own unique benefits in the world of cannabis. While THC flower is well known for its psychoactive properties and has become synonymous with getting high, CBD flower works in much more subtle ways.
What is CBD flower?
CBD flower is the dried bud of the hemp plant. It is a fragrant, sticky, green (and sometimes purple) nugget of trimmed leaves covered in orange hairs called pistols and small frosty looking crystals called trichomes.
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It’s non-psychoactive compound that is abundant in the most natural form of the cannabis plant – hemp!
What are the benefits of CBD flower?
CBD has become increasingly popular in the medical and wellness space as more research emerges about its benefits. CBD flower in particular comes with its own benefits, such as:
- Reduced stress and anxiety – CBD demonstrates an interaction with multiple neurotransmitters within the brain, which ultimately aids in the processing and balancing of the body’s natural responses to stimuli more effectively.
- Sleep aid – The effects of CBD flower are very relaxing, making it an ideal ally in helping you fall asleep. Additionally, the endocannabinoid system coordinates crucial bodily functions, such as regulating circadian rhythms.
- Anti-inflammatory – CBD has demonstrated an ability to help modulate the immune system. It binds to and rapidly desensitizes TRPV1 receptors, which are widely known to mediate inflammation, body temperature, pain, and sensory perception.
- Immediate effects – Since you smoke CBD flower, the effects are almost immediate. Within a few minutes after smoking, your whole endocannabinoid system lights up like a Christmas tree.
What does CBD flower feel like?
Compared to THC flower, CBD flower is almost like nothing. The effects are way more subtle and not nearly as intense.
Is CBD flower legal?
It looks like weed and smells like weed, but it’s not weed.
The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized the growth and manufacturing of hemp plants. Hemp is classified as a cannabis plant with less than .3% THC. However, there are some states that still don’t allow it, so always double check.
Will CBD flower get me high?
In short, probably not. I’ve always compared it to drinking tea over coffee.
That isn’t to say that CBD flower doesn’t produce any effects at all. Personally, I believe people who are more in-tuned with their bodies feel the effects more than those who aren’t.
However, how a compound affects one person may be different from how it affects another. We’re all wired differently!
What is THC flower?
THC flower is the dried bud of the cannabis plant which looks identical to CBD flower. The only major difference is the amount of THC in it. A cannabis plant with more than .3% THC is classified as THC flower. Once above that level, the plant is no longer considered hemp. Subsequently, it is no longer federally legal, and could be classified as marijuana or weed.
Short for tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is the compound responsible for the euphoric “high” that comes from cannabis consumption.
THC flower comes in a wide variety of different strains, each with its own taste, smell, and benefits.
What are the benefits of THC flower?
THC is the most popular compound in the cannabis world, in part because of the various conditions it helps with. It can relieve pain, nausea, and spasms. THC can also induce feelings of euphoria that can help with anxiety and feelings of depression.
Is THC flower legal?
It is in some states, but it is not federally legal. It is still a controlled substance by the United States government. Those damn bastards.
Which is better, CBD or THC?
Ultimately, I think we should trust nature, and the ratio of the compounds found in hemp is what we should strive for. If left alone to grow in the wild, hemp is the most natural form of the cannabis plant.
I think people should also listen to their bodies. Our individual endocannabinoid systems are as unique as our thumbprints. I personally don’t do well with THC flower. Some of the negative side-effects I get from THC flower are:
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Short-temperedness
- Depression
- Difficulty sleeping
Conclusion
Ultimately, the effects and benefits you receive from any cannabis product will come down to your individual biology. It will take some experimentation to find the right strain with the right balance of cannabinoids that works best for you. CBD flower is what works best for me. However, both THC and CBD are important compounds found in cannabis and you can’t really say that one is better than the other.
