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Smoking CBD Hemp Flower over CBD Oil

Smoking hemp may a stigma attached to it, but for some, it might be worth it.

By Jonathan GPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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CBD oil has been the latest craze, as it gives all the health effects of cannabis while bypassing the undesired effects of THC. On the other hand, smoking high-CBD content hemp flower, commonly referred to as CBD flower, might be a much more efficient means of taking this cannabinoid.

When smoking hemp, the smoke goes directly to the lungs and into the bloodstream, assuring that you will get its effects near instantly. While taking pure CBD oil is fine, you might have to wait at least 30 minutes for it to go through your digestive system before it starts taking effect.

Although CBD oil is an extract, its real bio-availability is below 20 percent, while smoking hemp can be as high as 50 percent. This is because much of it is destroyed in the stomach and liver, much like any other edible drug or pharmaceutical. Other factors, like eating food with your CBD or having digestive health issues, may make it even more inefficient going the oral route.

Don’t forget about the other substances found in hemp that would be missing in a processed product. There are flavonoids, terpenes, essential fatty acids, and other cannabinoids besides CBD.

Cheaper Than CBD Oil? 

With all things considered, high-grade CBD oil will likely end up being quite a bit more expensive than consuming CBD. CBD is breaking into markets outside the sphere of fellow potheads, and there is a premium price to meet the demand.

On the other hand, CBD Flower is an unaltered organic product that you can buy in bulk, and choose what you can do with it. Even a premium supplier with selectively-bred strains will end being a fraction of the price of a small bottle of CBD oil. Roll up a joint, put it in a bong, or vape it for your cheap, daily dose of CBD.

Wouldn’t Smoking Hemp Get Me High?

While there is a resemblance to the same marijuana we’re all familiar with, it isn’t common among recreational smokers, since it won’t get them high. This is why it’s more common for commercial applications, like textiles or health products, rather than being distributed at parties

THC is the psychoactive chemical that gives you that high feeling, and while there is variance between strains, commercial hemp has very little of it. Legally-labeled hemp is less than a 0.3 percent concentration by dry weight, according to Genome Biology.

Some users may experience a calming effect from smoking hemp, but it’s nowhere near a “high." If anything, this should be desirable for those suffering from depression and anxiety.

Is it Safe to Smoke CBD Flower? 

The reality is that smoking just about any substance is carcinogenic, although hemp or marijuana is slightly less harmful than tobacco. This will increase the chance of getting lung cancer, although genetics and other lifestyle factors are at play. Also, keep in mind the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD that could mitigate the nasty effects of smoking.

Vaping (without additives) could be a safer alternative, considering it isn’t carcinogenic. Most studies so far have shown no increase in cancer risk from vaping hemp or marijuana alike, although using flavored juices does pose a slight health risk.

Your best bet is to get a safe, organic source of hemp flowers, and with all things considered, it isn’t a risky activity if done in moderation. Also, be sure to check with your doctor if you are currently taking any other medications, to avoid interactions.

Conclusion

The positive effects of CBD are priceless, regardless of its source. If you value faster and more potent delivery, you may consider smoking CBD hemp flower. If you are a health nut with no desire to light up, the premium for CBD oil may be more appealing. It’s up to you to make an informed decision.

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About the Creator

Jonathan G

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