What Is Hemp Flower? Hemp 101

Hemp flower refers to the flowering part of the hemp plant. Hemp plants and their flowers typically contain high levels of cannabidiol (CBD), depending on the strain, and low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Hemp flowers are dense and sticky, with hair-like trichomes that coat the buds and leaves and contain cannabinoids and terpenes. You can buy smokable hemp flower or hemp buds in dispensaries and online.

Hemp flower is often ingested to achieve specific therapeutic effects and can be used to make CBD-infused products. The stalks can be used to make textile products such as clothing and rope. The hemp plant's seeds, which are rich in protein and do not contain any cannabinoids, are often used in health foods and supplements.

Hemp vs Marijuana: Is Hemp the Same as Marijuana? 

If you are new to the world of cannabis, it's easy to get marijuana and hemp confused. After all, they both come from the same plant species—Cannabis sativa. Although both hemp and marijuana are members of the cannabis plant family, there is an important legal distinction.

According to the definitions laid out in the 2018 Farm Bill, “hemp” is defined as Cannabis sativa plants with no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. “Marijuana” is Cannabis sativa with more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. THC is the psychoactive compound that gives consumers the sensation of being “high.”

Is Hemp Legal? What Is Its Legal Status in the USA? 

In short, yes, hemp is legal in the USA. The 2018 Farm Bill allows farmers to grow hemp for various uses, such as producing fiber, textiles, paper, building materials, and CBD. Since the passing of this groundbreaking bill, the U.S. hemp industry has continued to grow and expand. 

Certain types of THC that can be derived from hemp—specifically Delta 8 and Delta 10—have been offered for commercial sale online and in shops since this bill was passed. This has led to some states explicitly banning these products. There is a hope that the 2023 Farm Bill (which has been delayed until 2024 at the earliest) might address uncertainties about hemp-derived cannabinoids and their regulation. 

Despite the controversy about the aforementioned intoxicating compounds, the market for hemp-based products is predicted to reach US $16.2 billion by the end of 2033. It's also worth noting that while hemp-derived CBD products are legal on a federal level, smoking hemp or possessing it may be illegal, depending on where you live. Always check the legal status of hemp in your state before purchasing any CBD or hemp products. 

A Brief History of Hemp

Hemp dates back to ancient times when it was cultivated and used for fiber or its seeds were cooked as a grain to consume. Certain varieties of hemp flower are high in cannabidiol (CBD), and today, are used to make CBD-infused products including oils, edibles, and topicals. Industrial hemp can also be harvested and processed to produce various commercial products such as textiles, plastics, biofuels, and animal feed.

Origins and Introduction to the New World

Most evidence claims that hemp came from Asia and was brought to the Americas by the Spanish colonists in 1545. By the middle of the 1600s, hemp was a significant fiber crop in the colonies of New England. However, with the introduction of other fiber crops, including cotton, its production drastically decreased. 

Later Changes in Policy

In the 20th century, hemp production declined as a result of additional challenges brought on by the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act and the 1970 Controlled Substances Act. Ultimately, the 2018 Farm Bill changed federal law by removing hemp from the list of prohibited substances. This has brought about a renewed interest in the therapeutic properties and potential applications of hemp.

Can Hemp Flower Get You High?

While it is theoretically possible to get high from smoking hemp flower, you would need to ingest an excessive amount to experience any psychoactive effects. There are much easier ways to get "high" than to smoke a truckload of hemp flowers. For those who want to escape reality and experience a slowed-down perception of time, try one of our recommended psychedelic weed strains or strong indica strains instead.

What Is CBD Flower?

CBD flower refers to the buds or flowers of hemp plants that are naturally high in cannabidiol. Cannabidiol, or CBD for short, is one of the many cannabinoids present in cannabis flowers. It can be derived from both marijuana and hemp plants. CBD does not have the intoxicating properties that are commonly associated with marijuana and will not produce a "high." 

People who want to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of cannabis but avoid its intoxicating effects can achieve this by consuming CBD hemp flower products (again, check your state laws first). Residents of states that have legalized marijuana can also enjoy the therapeutic effects of CBD derived from marijuana plants. 

What Are The Potential Benefits of Hemp Flower?

There are many reasons why individuals decide to try CBD and/or hemp flower. Some studies suggest that CBD may reduce anxiety, help with pain, and have a therapeutic effect for insomnia. Additionally, CBD displays anti-inflammatory properties which could be helpful for arthritis.

In cooking, hemp flower’s highly nutritious seeds can be sprinkled on salads and breakfast cereals or cooked in a loaf of fresh bread. You can also use hemp seeds to make homemade hemp milk, which is a delicious dairy-free, nut-free, plant-based beverage.

Hemp and CBD Products to Try

Hemp flowers can be used and consumed in various ways. They can be smoked in a joint, vaporized in a dry herb vaporizor, or used in foods and beverages. CBD oil, a highly concentrated cannabidiol extract, is another popular hemp product. You can combine hemp with other herbs to make infused products such as tinctures and topical oils. 

If you are interested in ready-made CBD products, we stock soothing CBD creams and balms in our Seattle, WA dispensaries. We also stock CBD tinctures designed to help with everyday body aches and pains. One such product is the Extra Relief-brand water tincture, which has 250 mg of CBD and is easy to incorporate into your daily routine. 

Where Can I Learn More About Hemp Products? 

Since the landscape of the hemp industry is constantly evolving, there are several ways to keep up with news surrounding hemp. Websites like the Hemp Industries Association, a non-profit trade group representing hemp companies, researchers, and supporters in the United States and Canada, can provide consumers with detailed information about hemp cultivation and industry news. You could also attend Hempfest Seattle, which is possibly the biggest yearly cannabis rally in the world. Hempfest Seattle is an important platform for dispelling myths about cannabis, educating stakeholders about its health benefits, and advocating for legalization.

Hemp Is Worth a Try!

Hemp flower offers many of the benefits and aromas of cannabis with only trace amounts of THC. When selecting hemp products, be sure to purchase hemp flower and other hemp-derived products from a reliable vendor to be sure that what you're getting is safe and of a high-quality.

Hemp, in general, provides a natural alternative for those seeking the benefits of cannabinoids without the intoxicating effects of THC. Whether you are looking for new ways to improve your health or relax without getting high, the hemp flower is unquestionably a gift that’s worth exploring!