Which CBD flower to choose?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is available in various forms in specialized stores. In particular, you can obtain CBD hemp extracts, including CBD flowers. These 100% natural products offer various therapeutic benefits. Moreover, you can find a wide variety of CBD flowers in dedicated shops. So which CBD flower should you choose?

What is CBD flower?

CBD flower, also known as CBD bud, is the part of the hemp plant used to produce CBD (cannabidiol) products.

As a reminder, Cannabis Sativa L. is the only variety of hemp legally authorized for cultivation in France. This cannabis plant is notably distinguished by its high CBD content and its relatively low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. For information, at a high percentage, above 0,2%, THC is responsible for the psychotropic and addictive effects of marijuana. Extracts of Cannabis Sativa L. and the CBD molecule derived from this hemp plant display a very low THC level. Products based on CBD derived from Cannabis Sativa L. therefore have no narcotic effect. Furthermore, the flower is the part of the Cannabis Sativa L. plant that is richest in cannabidiol.

CBD flower is often used to make oils, tinctures, creams, capsules, and other CBD products. But this hemp plant extract can also be consumed in its raw form.

The different types of CBD flower

There are different varieties of CBD flowers, depending on the cannabis plant cultivation method, potency, and composition.

CBD flower varieties according to cultivation method

The cultivation method of the hemp plant significantly influences the characteristics and quality of CBD flowers. In particular, we distinguish CBD flowers from hemp plants cultivated:

• outdoors: Outdoor CBD flowers are grown in the open air, under natural sunlight. Hemp plants grown outdoors require less attention in terms of environmental control. However, these crops are more exposed to natural elements such as rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. These conditions can affect the quality of the plant;
• indoors: Indoor CBD flowers are grown indoors, in a fully controlled environment. The plants notably grow under artificial lights, adjustable ventilation systems, air conditioning, and humidity control equipment. All these devices create an optimal environment for plant growth. Indoor CBD flowers tend to be of superior quality due to their strict environmental control. If the various parameters are mastered, the plants are generally more robust and richer in cannabinoids;
• in a greenhouse: Greenhouse cultivation is an alternative to indoor and outdoor cultivation. Greenhouses are equipped with temperature and humidity control systems. This helps create a controlled environment for the plants. The crops also benefit from natural sunlight. Greenhouse CBD flowers are of superior quality compared to those grown outdoors. Furthermore, the products are generally cheaper than those grown indoors.

In summary, the main differences between indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse CBD flowers are the growing conditions, quality, and price. Indoor CBD flowers are generally of superior quality but are more expensive than outdoor and greenhouse CBD flowers.

The different compositions of CBD flowers

CBD flowers can contain varying levels of CBD. Extracts displaying a high level of cannabidiol provide optimized effects. Flowers with a low CBD content have fewer effects.

Furthermore, CBD flowers can contain other cannabis compounds. These extracts can notably contain traces of terpenes and flavonoids. These active components of the hemp plant also have beneficial health effects. Thus, CBD flowers containing flavonoids and terpenes generally provide more effects than CBD flowers that do not contain them.

What are the health benefits of CBD flower?

Several scientific studies demonstrate the beneficial effects of CBD flower on health. However, the product's true actions in the body have not been fully evaluated by large-scale clinical studies. Nevertheless, here are some of the potential benefits of CBD flower:

• the reduction of anxiety : CBD has anxiolytic properties that can help reduce anxiety and stress ;
• pain relief: CBD has analgesic properties. The product can therefore help relieve pain, including chronic pain;
• improved sleep: CBD flower is said to be an effective remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders. The cannabinoid would also help improve sleep quality;
• the reduction of inflammation: CBD may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain linked to inflammation;
• the prevention of neurological diseases: Some studies have shown that CBD could help prevent neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.

It is important to note that the effects of CBD flower can vary from person to person. Before starting to use CBD flower to treat a health condition, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine if it is appropriate for you. Seeking the advice of your doctor or a cannabidiol specialist is particularly essential if you have underlying conditions or if you are following a specific medical treatment.

How to use CBD flower?

CBD flower is generally used to enrich specific products such as cosmetics, everyday foods, or oils. Furthermore, CBD flower is also consumed in its raw form. You have a choice between two administration methods:

Consuming CBD flower by inhalation through vaporization

To do this, you must notably equip yourself with a vaporizer. This special device is generally available from wellness product shops.

You must place the dried or fresh CBD flowers in the dedicated compartment. Then set the device's temperature to heat the cannabis extracts to produce a vapor rich in cannabidiol. Be careful, a temperature that is too high can alter the quality of the product. Therefore, adjust the heating temperature between 180°C and 200°C.

Administering CBD flowers by inhalation through vaporization allows rapid and easy absorption of the product into the body. Indeed, the molecule passes directly into the bloodstream via the mucous membranes in the lungs. The effects of the cannabidiol are therefore generally felt within 30 minutes following inhalation. However, the product's effects dissipate quickly.

Consuming CBD flowers orally, by ingestion

Dried or fresh CBD flower can be taken by ingestion. You can indeed use them like aromatic herbs. But before that, you must decarboxylate the hemp extracts. This process optimizes the effects of CBD.

Decarboxylation involves grinding and then heating the CBD flowers. You must notably place the crumbled cannabidiol flowers on a baking sheet and bake them at 120°C for half an hour. Then put the product in a pan with butter or oil, over low heat, for a few minutes. This further activates the CBD. Let the cannabidiol extracts cool before adding them to your cooking recipes.

The assimilation of the CBD molecule via the digestive mucous membrane takes 1 to 2 hours. You must therefore wait a little longer to feel the product's effects in your body if you choose the ingestion method of consumption.