Have you ever consumed CBD flower? It refers to the dried Cannabis Sativa flowers rich in cannabidiol but low in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD flower strains can be smoked in the same way as cigarettes, blended with tobacco, or vaped.
Given the vast assortment of flower strains, buyers should be attentive when purchasing such products. There are numerous factors to be inspected such as the potency of the strain, the source of hemp, terpenes, lab testing, and possible side effects.
These are the essential factors to consider when making a choice.
Potency
The first factor to consider when shopping for a CBD flower strain is the potency of the product. In order for users to enjoy the benefits of cannabidiol to the fullest, the strain is supposed to be of high potency. Those strains containing CBD amount between fourteen and nineteen percent are popular for being the most potent. Besides cannabidiol, the rest of the cannabinoids are expected to account for as many as twenty-four percent of the flower strain. Read here about the effects and differences between cannabinoids.
Every brand is required to provide buyers with detailed information about the exact percentage of cannabidiol and other cannabinoids that compose the flower. Such information can only be obtained through lab testing, which every brand is supposed to perform in a third-party laboratory. In order to gradually get used to the effects of cannabidiol, beginners are suggested to try flower strains with low CBD percentage and slowly work their way up.
Source of hemp
The hemp source is of tremendous importance to consider when looking for high-quality CBD strains. In order for the flower to provide the desired results, the cultivation process is of the utmost importance. Farmers are supposed to use neither pesticides nor herbicides in the course of cultivation for the products to be entirely organic.
Moreover, organic hemp thrives best in warm weather, planted in soil that’s drained properly, and grown by farmers using sustainable farming methods. It’s vital for the products to be labeled non-GMO and gluten-free so as to be considered organic. Nevertheless, labels aren’t to be trusted until one checks the hemp source thoroughly.
Lab testing
Laboratory testing is an indispensable factor to consider when choosing CBD flower strains. Every strain has to undergo lab testing in order for users to be provided with a cannabinoid profile of the product. Established CBD vendors, such as http://www.cheefbotanicals.com/, test their products in third-party labs and provide certificates of analysis to buyers. Keep in mind that vendors providing lab reports from their own laboratories should be taken with a grain of salt, unlike independent labs whose results are more credible.
In addition, laboratory reports contain invaluable information related to the amounts of cannabinoids present in each flower strain, the most important of which are CBD and THC. There is supposed to be at least seven percent cannabidiol to a maximum of twenty-five percent for the product to be effective, whereas THC shouldn’t be higher than 0, 03 %. CBD flower strains with high THC amounts are likely to trigger psychotropic effects in users, which is why they should be avoided. Lab reports also reveal the exact pesticide and fungicide levels.
Terpenes
The terpene profile of CBD flower strains is crucial to take into account, as these compounds are responsible for providing their aroma and flavor. The presence of terpenes is what mostly affects the experience of users, hence being essential in the choice of product.
As strange as it may sound, the smell of terpenes isn’t always identical to their taste. For instance, limonene is a common terpene known for its sharp, citrusy scent, while its flavor is sweet instead of sour. Additionally, myrcene has a damp odor in contrast to its mango taste.
Furthermore, pinene smells like pine trees but it tastes nothing like sap, more like mint. Similarly, caryophyllene has a forest smell while its flavor resembles peppermint. In contrast, certain terpenes make no difference between their flavor and scent. For example, linalool smells and tastes like lavender, while humulene is popular for its earthy odor and taste.
Potential side effects
Another factor buyers are expected to consider is the potential side effects of consuming cannabidiol. Fortunately, CBD is sought-after for its mild side effects, rarely experienced by users. The chances of experiencing light-headedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure are almost minimal.
Nevertheless, CBD flower strains containing THC higher than 0, 03 % are likely to induce adverse effects in users. For instance, anxiety and paranoia are common in individuals subjected to the effects of high amounts of THC. Also, users might experience dry, red eyes because of dilated eye blood vessels. It’s common for individuals to have a fierce feeling of hunger due to the effect THC has on the brain side regulating appetite.
Ultimately, high THC levels might lead to lethargy and temporary memory impairment in users. Therefore, in order not to be affected by any side effects, make sure THC is lower than 0, 03 percent and the dose is calculated correctly. People have different tolerance levels regarding the consumption of cannabidiol, which means you need to determine yours.
Final word
Make sure the product is organic, gluten-free, and lab-tested.
Choose the strain whose smell and flavor you find tasty by analyzing its terpenes.
Research is crucial for making the right decision!