With CBD taking over the world because of its purported therapeutic benefits, it makes sense why everyone is curious to know the most potent form of CBD product in the market.
While conventional CBD products, such as CBD gummies, CBD capsules, and CBD tinctures, are doing the work for most cannabis users—and they always will remain the OGs of our modern world hemp pharmacopeia—; however, it appears that their potency is not enough for some cannabis consumers.
And here’s when the hunt for the most potent CBD products begins.
In CBD product potency, a spotlight shines on CBD flowers and oils, both deserving of mention.
In this article, we will learn the difference between the two and find which one is more potent than the other.
CBD Flower: All You Need To Know
CBD flowers or CBD hemp flowers are dried buds taken from the Cannabis sativa plant. These buds are specifically bred to be higher in CBD concentration and lower in THC. As defined by the law, all CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC; therefore, CBD flowers have a legal THC concentration and around 25% CBD, with no leaves, seeds, or stalk intact.
CBD flowers undoubtedly stand out as one of the most potent variants of CBD products available. When these flowers are smoked or vaped, they enter the bloodstream—bypassing the first-pass metabolism. This efficient route leads to remarkably enhanced bioavailability, giving quick and effective results—thus, outshining other CBD products.
But here’s one thing
Despite their strong punch, CBD flowers won’t get you high. Mainly because their THC levels stay below 0.3%, keeping them well within the non-intoxicating zone, even though they come with that top-notch bioavailability.
How To Use CBD Flowers?
There are two consumption methods for CBD flowers. You can inhale their smoke through cigarettes or use a dry hemp vaporizer. In either case, you’ll experience nearly instant effects from the very first puff.
That means it takes a matter of seconds after vaping or smoking CBD flowers before you start feeling the effects of CBD taking hold.
And since CBD flowers are smoked and vaped, the one big question comes, “Is it safe to use CBD flowers?“
Smoking is injurious to health as it affects the lungs. However, CBD flowers are not as damaging or harmful compared to inhaling or smoking tobacco.
But here’s another aspect to ponder over
Are CBD Flowers Legal?
Given the existing laws regarding CBD and cannabis products, it is fair to say that the legality of CBD flowers is a bit convoluted.
In the United States, CBD flowers are federally legal. This indicates that federal laws require industrial hemp to have a THC concentration of less than 0.3%.
However, the legality of CBD flowers differs across different states. Since not every U.S. state has given the green light to CBD products, smoking or vaping CBD flowers could get you in serious trouble since there are stricter regulations due to their resemblance to traditional cannabis.
And now, as we consider this aspect, people curious about the whole CBD flower vs. CBD oil debate will find themselves leaning more toward CBD oil.
Understanding CBD Oil: What You Should Know
Quite simply, CBD oil is an extract derived from the cannabis plant. And since it’s fat-soluble, it requires an oil-based carrier to be effectively absorbed by the body, resulting in increased bioavailability.
Therefore, when putting it up for the market, the cannabis extract is blended with inert carrier oils, such as hemp seed, sunflower, organic MCT, etc.
Additionally, there are three CBD oil forms available in the market
1. CBD Isolate Oils
The word “isolate” pretty much defines the exact nature of this oil.
CBD isolates are all about pure CBD, with no other compounds from the cannabis plant, as they are extracted during manufacturing. And thus, they do not produce the entourage effect.
2. Broad-Spectrum CBD Oils
Broad-spectrum CBD oils have everything, from terpenes and flavonoids to cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC. However, THC is only present in trace amounts, indicating that THC (present in natural proportions) is removed, leaving only a small amount behind.
Thus, broad-spectrum CBD oils result in an entourage effect.
3. Full-Spectrum CBD Oils
Much like broad-spectrum CBD, full-spectrum CBD is a hemp extract that contains CBD, and other hemp compounds present naturally in the cannabis plant. These compounds include flavonoids, and THC, albeit in small quantities.
However, it is worth noting that the THC in full-spectrum CBD oils is within the legal limit, i.e., less than 0.3%, but is present nevertheless.
Want to try the Full Spectrum CBD Products? Shop here.
How To Use CBD Oils?
There are several ways to use CBD oils for their calming effects. These methods include:
1. Taking CBD Oils Orally
The traditional way to take CBD products, whether they are CBD edibles, gummies, capsules, tinctures, or oils, is by consuming them orally.
For a good night’s sleep, take a drop or two of CBD oil 30 minutes before bed.
2. Taking CBD Oils Sublingually
Another common and undeniably the most effective way of taking CBD oils is through sublingual consumption. This involves keeping a drop or two of CBD oil under the tongue for about 20 to 30 seconds and swallowing later.
Sublingual consumption of CBD oils or tinctures is a more effective method of taking CBD products orally, as the CBD does not go through the first-pass metabolism in the liver. Therefore, no ingredients are lost during the passageway.
3. Adding CBD Oils To Your Drinks
If you are a big fan of smoothies, fruit shakes, and juices, you can add CBD oils, 1-2 drops in the drink.
Taking fruits and vegetable smoothies mixed with drops of CBD oil in the morning will help reduce anxiety and other work-related worries.
And the best part? You won’t even feel the taste of CBD in your drink!
4. Applying Directly On The Skin
To treat certain skin conditions, such as inflammation or redness, incorporating CBD oil into your lotions and then applying it to the targeted area can be helpful. In addition to that, CBD-infused creams can also help alleviate joint pains.
Furthermore, shampoos infused with CBD oils can help promote hair growth while relieving dandruff issues.
Are CBD Oils Legal?
Yes.
Hemp-based CBD oils are federally legal to purchase only if they have a THC concentration of less than 0.3%.
However, state laws regarding the legality of CBD products vary globally. And this is why it is wise to conduct your research before buying any CBD product, especially in the state where you reside.
CBD Flowers VS CBD Oils: Which Packs a Stronger Punch?
Without a doubt, CBD flowers have more potency than CBD oils.
Why?
CBD flowers are inhaled and not ingested, so they absorb more into your system—and rather effectively—than conventional CBD products, such as CBD tinctures, gummies, or capsules.
According to a study, when CBD flower is inhaled, its bioavailability can range from 2% to 56%. However, CBD accounts for rather low oral bioavailability, between 4% and 20%.
But it’s worth noting that these percentages may vary depending on certain characteristics, such as the CBD product, individual metabolism differentiation, and the method of administration.
The bottom line is that inhaling CBD flowers proves to be quite impactful and more potent. When you breathe in the CBD smoke, the cannabinoids reach your brain in just a minute. This means you’ll start feeling the effects much faster than when you consume CBD products orally, which usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour to kick in.
However, it is also important to note that the effects of CBD flowers wear off as quickly as they come. Therefore, smoking CBD flowers might not be your option if you’re looking for long-term results.
CBD Flower VS CBD Oil: The Takeaway
No matter which path you opt for – whether it’s CBD flowers or CBD tinctures – remember that both beat CBD edibles, gummies, capsules, drinks, or creams in terms of effectiveness. And it’s fair to say that CBD flowers are potent contenders in their own right.
Yet, it’s worth mentioning that CBD flowers have a slight edge when it comes to potency, as they deliver a more holistic approach. Alongside CBD, these hemp flowers have other compounds, such as terpenes and flavonoids. This intricate mix is believed to enhance the overall effects, capitalizing on the synergistic nature of these plant compounds.
However, the choice between CBD oil and CBD flower ultimately boils down to individual preferences.
So, our advice? Before purchasing CBD products, ensure you’re well-versed in your state’s laws. Once you’ve done your work, put your trust in the best CBD brand among the multitudes of pre-existing ones in the market.
And speaking of the best CBD brands, why not look at Healthy Vibez CBD products?
