Cannabis flower goes by a bunch of names—bud, nugs, weed. But dispensaries usually call it “flower” because, well, it’s the actual flower of the cannabis plant! Growers pick these flower buds to make all the different cannabis products you find at dispensaries. These flowers come in all sorts of sizes, strains, and forms, which we’ll break down in this article.
What is Cannabis Flower?
For starters, let’s get the basic idea about what actually a cannabis flower is.
Cannabis flower is the smokable part of the cannabis plant, primarily harvested from female plants, and is known for its high concentration of cannabinoids like THC.
Now, you might have heard people talking about grinding cannabis flowers, packing a bowl with them, or decarboxylating them. To understand these terms, it’s important to learn the basics about cannabis flowers. Growers collect the buds from female cannabis plants and dry them to create a product that can be smoked. The buds can also be smoked on their own or used to make other cannabis products.
What is Inside a Cannabis Flower?
Cannabis flowers are super complex, and scientists are still trying to figure out all the compounds in these unique plants and how they affect our bodies. We do know that there are tons of bioactive or psychoactive chemical compounds found in cannabis flowers. In fact, you’ve probably heard of a few of these without even knowing it!
Let’s talk about what we can actually find inside of a cannabis flower.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are these active compounds that the plant secretes through its trichomes. There are over 100 different cannabinoids that scientists have found, but you’ve probably heard of a couple – like the famous Delta-9 THC, THCA (which becomes THC) and CBDA (which becomes CBD). Some of these are psychoactive, like Delta-8 THC and HCC, while others work behind the scenes like CBD and CBN.
Terpenes
Cannabis flower buds are rich in terpenes, which are natural compounds responsible for the plant’s diverse range of fragrances and flavors. These terpene compounds, like myrcene for example, are not only integral to the sensory experience of consuming cannabis, but they also play a crucial role in what is referred to as the “Entourage Effect.” This theory proposes that the various components of the cannabis plant, including terpenes and cannabinoids, work synergistically to influence the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially enhancing the overall therapeutic effects of cannabis consumption.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids, despite their name sounding similar to “flavor,” originate from a Latin root that signifies the color yellow. These compounds play a crucial role in creating a wide array of pigments in plants. In cannabis flowers, flavonoids encompass anthocyanins, which are responsible for producing the stunning purple, red, or blue hues found in popular strains like Purple Haze and Blue Dream.
What Are the Common Forms of Cannabis Flower?
When you’re buying cannabis flowers, dispensaries offer many different options in terms of forms and sizes. They’ve got premium flowers, which they call “top shelf” flowers, made up of carefully selected big buds from all sorts of cannabis plant strains. Each strain has its own special qualities. These premium flowers are grown, harvested, and trimmed with great attention to ensure they’re high-quality products.
Other than the more common buds, there are other forms of cannabis flower that you should be aware of:
Popcorn flowers:
These are also called compact buds and are small, dense clusters of cannabis buds that develop closer to the plant’s stem. Despite being smaller in size, they offer a cost-effective way to sample a variety of cannabis strains. These popcorn buds may carry a slightly different aroma, flavor, and cannabinoid profile compared to larger buds from the same plant, making them an interesting option for cannabis enthusiasts looking to explore new experiences.
Shake Flower:
Shake refers to the small pieces of cannabis that are collected at the bottom of containers or bags during shipping or processing. It varies in strength and quality and is often used to make pre-rolled joints. It is usually less expensive than other forms of cannabis flower.
Trim:
After harvesting cannabis buds, the leftover trimmings consisting of bits of cut-off buds, sugar leaves, and pieces of trichomes (also known as kief) are called trim. Trim usually has lower amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. People often keep trim for making edibles, creating hash, or making topicals and tinctures.
How Do You Smoke Flower?
When it’s time to kick back with some good old cannabis flower, there are plenty of ways to do it. Fans often say that how they light up depends on things like the time of day, where they are, and the specific strain they’re using. So, let’s check out a few popular ways to smoke cannabis flower:
Joints & Blunts
Joints and blunts are among the most popular ways to consume cannabis flowers. With a joint, you roll ground cannabis in a thin paper, while a blunt involves using a tobacco leaf or a hollowed-out cigar filled with cannabis.
You can buy pre-rolled joints or blunts at a dispensary, or you can get the cannabis flower and rolling papers or cigar wraps to make them at home. Rolling your own joints or blunts lets you choose the cannabis strain and ensures a fresh and tailored smoking experience.
Hand Pipes
Hand pipes are a super easy way to smoke your newly bought flower. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can find one that really fits your style. Usually, these pipes have a bowl at one end to hold the flower as you light it up and take a puff. If you want a quick sesh, one-hitters are awesome for smaller amounts of flowers.
Bong
Bongs, also known as water pipes, have a bowl where you put the flower and light it up. The thing that sets them apart is that the smoke goes through the water at the bottom of the bong, which cools it down before you inhale it. This process makes the smoking experience smoother and more enjoyable for users.
Medical and Recreational Use
Cannabis flowers, also known as medical cannabis, have both medical and recreational uses. Medical cannabis is often prescribed to help with conditions like chronic discomfort, anxiety, and sleep disorders. It is believed that compounds like THC and CBD in cannabis provide relief. On the other hand, people who use cannabis for fun seek the relaxing and euphoric effects of THC. The use of cannabis for medical and recreational purposes has been the subject of much debate and research in recent years.
More Information on Cannabis Flower
Cannabis strains are categorized into Indica, Sativa, and hybrid strains, each offering unique characteristics and effects:
Indica Strains: Known for their relaxing and sedative effects.
Sativa Strains: Typically provide uplifting and energizing effects.
Hybrid Strains: Combine traits of both Indica and Sativa for balanced effects.
Storing Cannabis Flower
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and potency of cannabis flowers. It should be kept in an airtight container in a dark place with controlled humidity levels to preserve its flavor profile and prevent degradation.
Benefits and Effects of Cannabis Flower
Known for its high concentration of cannabinoids, including THC, the primary psychoactive compound, cannabis flower offers a variety of therapeutic and recreational benefits.
Physical Relief:
Smoking cannabis flower is effective in managing chronic aches and sore muscles. The chemical compounds in cannabis interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to potentially reduce pain signals and inflammation.
Anxiety and Stress Reduction:
Many users find that cannabis flower helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress. Indica strains, in particular, are known for their relaxing effects, making them ideal for reducing anxiety.
Improved Sleep:
Cannabis is often used to treat sleep disorders. The sedative properties of certain strains can help individuals fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful sleep.
Appetite Stimulation:
One of the well-known effects of cannabis consumption is increased appetite, commonly referred to as “the munchies.” This can be beneficial for individuals undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, which often suppress appetite.
Anti-inflammatory Properties:
Cannabis flowers have anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
Euphoria and Relaxation:
The primary psychoactive compound, THC, provides a sense of euphoria and relaxation. This makes smoking cannabis flower a popular method for recreational use.
Enhanced Creativity and Focus:
Some strains, particularly Sativa, are known for their uplifting effects. These strains can enhance creativity and focus, making them popular among artists and professionals.
Social Interaction:
Cannabis use can enhance social experiences. Sharing a joint or smoking cannabis in a social setting can foster a sense of community and relaxation.
Final Thoughts: What Is Cannabis Flower?
Cannabis flower, the smokable part of the cannabis plant, offers numerous therapeutic and recreational benefits. From pain relief and anxiety reduction to enhanced creativity and social interaction, the benefits of cannabis flowers are diverse. Understanding the different strains, consumption methods, and proper storage can enhance your cannabis experience, making it a valuable addition to your wellness routine.
Legal Disclaimer:
By reading this information presented, you agree to release the author of any liability that comes from using this data. This post contains no legal advice. Claims about cannabinoids have not yet been approved by the FDA. Read the full legal disclaimer here.
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References:
- Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill – 07/25/2019 | FDA
- The Controlled Substances Act (dea.gov)
- (THCA-A) reduces adiposity and prevents metabolic disease
- THC is a potent PPARγ agonist with neuroprotective activity
- THCa markedly alleviates liver fibrosis and inflammation
- THCa inhibits prostate cancer tumor growth
FAQs About Cannabis Flower Varieties
Female cannabis plants produce the flowers that are used for smoking and other cannabis products, while male plants create seeds and are generally not used for consumption.
Medical cannabis, which includes flower, is used to treat various conditions like chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and inflammation. It can also help with sleep and appetite issues.
There are various cannabis plant strains available in the market, primarily categorized as Indica, Sativa, or hybrids. Each strain has unique effects, with Indica strains being more relaxing and Sativa strains being more energizing.
Yes, smoking cannabis flowers can have side effects such as dry mouth, increased heart rate, and potential respiratory issues from inhaling smoke.
