When it comes to CBD flower vs. THC flower, how do you tell them apart? Both feature green nugs, tasty trichomes, and a pungent smell, so CBD and THC flower are easy to mistake for one another. Since they are considerably different in their effects, we created this guide to help explain how to tell CBD flower from weed.
CBD hemp flower is so near in appearance to its cousin THC that police have seized “marijuana” only to find that it was perfectly legal hemp. Keep reading to learn the difference between CBD hemp flower and THC so that the next time you need cannabis, you can pick the right products!
The Difference Between High CBD flower vs THC flower?
CBD and THC offer therapeutic benefits, especially for the endocannabinoid system, which is crucial for maintaining balance in the body. They also influence appetite, sleep, mood, memory, and fertility.
Medical marijuana flowers vary in THC and CBD content based on factors like harvesting and processing. CBD-dominant flowers typically have 10-20% CBD, while THC-dominant flowers contain about 10-25% THC. Some flowers also feature a mix of THCa and THC. Additionally, balanced strains have approximately 5-10% of each cannabinoid.
These cannabinoids affect the body differently because they interact with different brain receptors. High-THC flowers are highly psychoactive, producing a “high,” while high-CBD flowers do not have psychoactive effects.
Which do you prefer: a high-CBD flower or a high-THC flower?
What is CBD Flower?
Cannabidiol (CBD) flower comes from hemp. CBD is a cannabinoid, which means it comes from the cannabis plants hemp and marijuana. CBD is usually extracted from hemp rather than marijuana because hemp has higher levels of cannabidiol and lower amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Hemp flower has the highest CBD content of any part of the plant. The terms “CBD flower” and “hemp flower” are often used interchangeably, although the word flower is misleading because CBD nugs look less like what you’d find in a bouquet and more like pieces of leafy-green popcorn.
Cannabidiol flower can be ground up into plant material for CBD oil to be extracted from. Hemp-derived CBD oil is the basis for many CBD products. In fact, we’ve been utilizing hemp flower for thousands of years.
The earliest record of cannabis being used for its beneficial cannabinoids dates back to 2737 BC. Sheng Nung, the Emperor of China, often used cannabis-infused tea. Similarly, Queen Victoria is thought to have used CBD to help with menstrual cramps in the 19th century.
What Are the Effects of CBD Flower?
CBD hemp flower promotes soothing, relaxed feelings that may alleviate tension or racing thoughts. It centers the mind without causing you to be under the influence or “high.” It’s no wonder that Sheng Nung, Queen Victoria, and countless people were drawn to the hemp plant over the millennia.
If CBD comes from cannabis, why doesn’t it result in a “high?” CBD on its own is non-intoxicating, which is what draws many to this cannabinoid. Even when CBD products contain trace amounts of THC (0.3% or less), you still won’t feel any intoxicating effects.
Many consumers report sedative properties that help them get to sleep. If you have trouble getting a good night’s rest, CBD hemp flower may be just what you need to get some shut-eye. Best of all, you won’t wake in the morning feeling groggy the way some sleeping medications might make you feel.
Different CBD strains can help with various needs. While some hemp flower is wonderful for sleep, others can assist your morning routine with an energizing boost. CBD products are an excellent start to the morning, especially when used with morning meditation or yoga.
Is CBD Flower Legal?
Yes, CBD flower is legal. The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized the growth and manufacturing of products out of hemp plants. This is good news for people who use products made from the hemp plant because it ensures the crops are grown safely.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the growth of hemp plants in the United States. The FDA imposes regulations that ensure the crops are raised with the public’s health in mind. They also ensure that the hemp flower doesn’t contain more than the legal THC limit (0.3%).
If a cannabis flower has more than this THC threshold, it is considered marijuana and must be destroyed. States that have legalized high-THC products may use these crops, but they are federally illegal. When it comes to THC vs. CBD, this is one major advantage for cannabidiol.
Why Use CBD Flower?
CBD is the safe choice over THC. It is federally legal, non-intoxicating, bursting with benefits, and you can find it in many of the same strains people are used to seeing in marijuana flower. CBD products also come in the same forms as THC (vapes, edibles, smokable CBD hemp flower).
CBD hemp shouldn’t induce disorientation, munchies, or paranoia. You can experience its soothing and relaxing effects as you start your morning, on the drive to work, a lunch break, or as you kick your feet up at the end of a long day.
In comparing CBD vs. THC, did you know there’s a way to have the best of both worlds? Hemp-derived CBD contains trace amounts of THC that amplify its benefits. That means CBD flower is legal, non-intoxicating, and can even contain small amounts of THC!
Which CBD Flower Strains Are the Most Popular?
There are more strains of cannabis than anyone can count. Most of these strains are available as THC flower or CBD flower. Each strain has a different combination of terpenes and flavonoids, giving it a unique taste, smell, and appearance. Let’s discuss some of the most popular CBD flower strains that you can get right here at Cheef Botanicals.
Lifter
Lifter gets its name from its mood-boosting effects. It boasts an impressive 18% CBD. Smoke this Sativa-dominant Hybrid whenever you please — morning, noon, or night — for all-day relief and relaxation.
Take a close look at these buds. Lifter has a ridiculously high level of trichomes, the sticky “fuzz” that coats potent strains of cannabis flower. When you spark up a Lifter pre-roll, you’ll get a deep, earthy aroma that contrasts nicely with the sweet, fruity flavor.
Hawaiian Haze
Take a whiff of this pungent strain, and you’ll see how it got its name. Enjoy the sweet, island-style blend of pineapple and citrus scents that gives way to earthy, floral flavors when you smoke it. Hawaiian Haze is a feast for the eyes as well. Each bud features multiple shades of green mingling with purple streaks.
Hawaiian Haze is a Sativa-dominant strain with gentle, uplifting effects. It is well-suited for smoking any time of day, anywhere you please. Our premium-quality breed has 18% CBD to maximize its benefits. If you want all the benefits of a relaxing tropical getaway without the airfare, this is the strain for you.
Gorilla Glue
Gorilla Glue is one of the most iconic cannabis strains in the world. It is an Indica-dominant Hybrid with powerfully relaxing effects. It’s the perfect strain to smoke at the end of a long, tiring day when you just need to chill out for a while.
Gorilla Glue has a rich terpene profile, giving it a complex flavor and aroma. It smells earthy and a bit like gasoline with a hint of chocolate and coffee. When you inhale, you’ll taste a unique blend of citrus and peppery notes. Pungent and potent, this is a strain for true cannabis connoisseurs.
Cherry Wine
Pamper yourself with this luxurious strain. A true Hybrid, Cherry Wine mixes the relaxing sensations of an Indica strain with the focused effects of a Sativa. It’s a perfect balance. If you aren’t sure whether you prefer Sativas or Indicas, or you just can’t choose between the two, Cherry Wine is the perfect middle ground.
Since Cherry Wine is a “True Hybrid,” perfectly blending Indica and Sativa, it’s great for smoking at any time of day, anywhere you go. The rich terpene profile gives it a strong, distinctive flavor, which many liken to berries and pine. Seasoned cannabis enthusiasts are sure to appreciate these thick, tasty clouds.
Zkittles
Zkittles has a tropical fruity flavor similar to its candy namesake. Sweet and tangy, you can really taste the rainbow in this strain! Zkittles is one of the most potent CBD strains in the world. It packs a whopping 20.382% cannabidiol! If you want maximum impact for your dollar, Zkittles is a great choice. An indica-dominant Hybrid, it is the perfect companion for the end of a long day. Pack a bowl with Zkittles, or better yet, light a Zkittles pre-roll, to wind down and escape from the daily grind.
What is THC Flower?
THC is also a cannabinoid, similar to CBD. You can find it in all cannabis plants, but marijuana is typically used for extraction due to its high THC content. Also known as “weed,” this cannabis flower is gaining popularity in the medical marijuana industry.
Similar to CBD flower, THC flower comes in various strains. Each strain has its own unique flavors, aromas, and benefits. Humans have enjoyed THC for close to 2,500 years. The Greek historian, Herodotus, supplied us with the first recorded instance of people using cannabis flower and seeds to experience euphoric effects. Known as “vapor-baths,” ancient Scythians would toss cannabis onto red-hot stones inside tents, inhaling the smoke.
What Are the Effects of THC Flower?
THC is psychoactive and intoxicating, resulting in a state of euphoria known as a “high.” However, THC also can cause paranoia, dry mouth, and a state of seemingly insatiable hunger known as the munchies.
Experts believe that the munchies may result from THC’s interaction with ghrelin, a stomach hormone that stimulates appetite. THC can also act as a powerful sedative. Though, if you’re having trouble sleeping, we recommend you use CBD over THC to avoid waking up groggy.
Studies have suggested that extended THC use can impair your memory, though further research is needed. The effects of THC are partially dependent on which strain you choose. Some flower promotes creativity, while others result in lethargy.
Is THC Flower Legal?
THC flower is not federally legal. It is legal in some states, but not in all. This is because high THC levels are still considered a controlled substance by the United States government.
While the 2018 Farm Bill made hemp legal, it did not change the legality of marijuana. Hemp is defined as a cannabis plant with 0.3% THC content or lower. If cannabis has greater than 0.3% THC, it is considered illegal marijuana.
The 0.3% threshold is an important distinction because it allows for trace amounts of THC in CBD products. It basically means that, even if you live in a state where marijuana is illegal, you may be able to buy CBD with low THC levels. However, each state has its own rules on CBD and THC products.
This is a helpful map to check the legal status of cannabis in your state. When it comes to THC, cannabis legislation can range from mild to severe. Keep in mind that these laws are subject to change, and you should call a store or manufacturer in your state ahead of time to confirm the laws.
Why Use THC Flower?
While the strain and cannabinoid content play a large role in its effects, THC is generally a good choice for those looking to unwind at the end of a long day. It can help you tune out and get to sleep, though it may also result in paranoia or a dazed feeling when you wake up.
Many people like to enjoy THC in social settings or while doing something creative. Others prefer to use it in private or while watching a movie. However, you use THC, be sure to buy strains that are suitable for the activity.
When deciding between THC vs. CBD, you should also consider that THC will get you “high” in large amounts. If you want to experience low, non-intoxicating levels of THC, consider CBD strains or broad spectrum products (those made without THC).
CBD Flower vs. THC Flower – How to Tell CBD Flower From Weed
Here’s how to tell CBD Flower from weed. The two largest differences between CBD flower vs. THC flower are price and intoxication. Products rich in THC are usually more expensive than CBD products. Moreover, CBD is non-intoxicating, while THC puts consumers under the influence.
THC puts the “high” in high-demand products, and this popularity is part of what causes marijuana products to be more expensive than CBD. Another significant factor in THC’s price is its illegality. Manufacturers often limit production to avoid a surplus of marijuana products, hoping to avoid scrutiny from the government.
Being intoxicated means you cannot function at normal levels. You are less capable of doing things like safely driving a car, completing work to the best of your ability, and working with other people in a professional setting. When compared to CBD, there are much fewer times when it is appropriate to use THC.
In many places, THC is federally illegal in large amounts. Even though the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its flower, marijuana is still illegal in the government’s eyes. If you want legal, clear-headed, and tasty cannabis strains, CBD is the cannabinoid for you!
Does CBD Flower Smell Like THC Flower?
Yes, CBD flower smells like THC flower. CBD comes from hemp, and THC comes from marijuana plants. Both hemp and marijuana are forms of the Cannabis Sativa plant. They look, smell, and taste nearly identical to one another, and the key difference is in their effects.
We mentioned in the introduction that police have occasionally seized hemp buds after mistaking them for marijuana. Unfortunately, it’s easy to mistake hemp flower’s smell for that of marijuana. If you are concerned about your smoke sesh drawing unwanted attention, you might consider another CBD product like edibles, CBD oil tinctures, or scented CBD vape carts.
Are the Methods of Smoking CBD Flower the Same As Smoking THC Flower?
Yes. In reality, CBD flower and THC flower have far more in common with one another than not. Besides their different effects, both forms of flower look, smell, and taste the same, and you smoke them in the same ways. We know, it can get a little confusing — the only difference between CBD and THC flower is the effect. THC intoxicates while CBD does not.
If you’ve smoked any kind of cannabis flower before, you’re well-prepared to smoke CBD. You can use a pipe, bong, bubbler, joint, or blunt. For maximum convenience, grab a pack of CBD pre-rolls. These tightly-packed joints are ready to smoke right out of the box.
Final Thoughts – CBD Flower vs. THC Flower
The cannabis plant has plenty to offer with over 100 different cannabinoids. Two of these, THC and CBD, are bursting with potential benefits. It’s tantalizing to think about what all those other cannabinoids might be capable of, waiting for us to uncover their secrets.
Cannabis has been a part of our lives for thousands of years. Who knows what new and exciting cannabinoids people will discover in the next millennium and beyond? Until then, however, CBD is the clear winner when comparing CBD vs. THC.
