Posted by Jami Schultz on Jan 16th 2024

Can You Smoke Hemp Flower?

If you don’t already smoke, you may not think of it as an option for something like CBD. What may not work for one person could be that golden ticket of relief and comfort for the next. It's good to think outside the box sometimes, too, even when it comes to our health.

The normalization of smoking hemp is growing every day, but those who partake face many stigmas. Maybe it’s been the intimidating smell of hemp that has held you back since it bears the same distinct odor as Marijuana or the simple fear because it's "taboo."

If you live in a state where cannabis laws are still in the stone age, some stigmas could've scared you away. We totally get that, and we’ve got you covered. The CBD smoking selection today offers easy consumption and is also one of the most economical options for your bank account. So let us help ease those anxieties that have been holding you back.

Why Choose Hemp Flower?

Most commonly, we see hemp flower being chosen by those to help relieve symptoms of chronic pain, inflammation, seizures, anxiety, and even MS (multiple sclerosis). Smoking gives you a higher bioavailability, meaning it absorbs into the body much quicker than other methods. This results in a nearly instant effect. Communicating through our Endocannabinoid System (ECS), CBD and its entourage of cannabinoids are looking to create balance throughout our body. Our ECS is the system in charge of that balance.

Benefits of Smoking CBD

The Entourage Effect is how we describe the enhanced effects of cannabinoids working synergistically towards that overall balance within us. All of the components of the hemp plant working together; cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes, communicating to the other systems in the body through receptors in our ECS. CBD is often referred to as the key to the endocannabinoid system.

The British Journal of Pharmacology published a review in 2011 that found taking terpenes and cannabinoids together can prove to be more beneficial compared to using the cannabinoids alone. Cannabinoids and terpenes working together are what help to get you that synergistic feeling of balance. Homeostasis is what we are striving for—what a great reason to get back to the basics of hemp.

Will I get high?

One of the most asked questions when it comes to hemp flower is, will it get me high? The short answer is no. Legal hemp products can contain <0.03% Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9) or THC-Δ9 for short. That's the federal amount that is allowed to be in legal hemp products.

There is a naturally occurring amount of THC Δ9 in all hemp flower, but not enough that could make you feel the intoxicating effects of THC.

Consumers who smoke CBD Flower often describe it as more of a body relaxation rather than a buzz. Each strain can also be unique to each person by the various cannabinoids and terpenes in the plant as well. Just like taking other forms of CBD, effects and effectiveness can vary per person.

How do you smoke CBD flower?

CBD oils to refillable carts and even concentrates from traditional hemp flower, there are many options that offer relief. The hemp industry has come a long way in a short time. As prohibition begins to end, innovation begins to grow.

The process of exposing your cannabis product to high temperatures when smoking, dabbing, or vaporizing is known as decarboxylation and is critical when using smokable products. That heat is what activates the cannabinoids present in flower for consumption.

Methods of Smoking:

Pre-roll - Sometimes mistakenly called hemp cigarettes, these will contain ZERO tobacco. This should be 100% hemp flower and zero tobacco that can sometimes be included in “cigarettes.” You should always trust your source. Learn more about finding a trusted source in our blog post, "Pure CBD or Snake Oil."
Hemp Cigarettes – An alternative to cigarettes for some, smoking a hemp cigarette instead has helped some people to quit smoking nicotine altogether. True hemp flower cigarettes should contain zero nicotine. A study in 2005 found that cannabis and tobacco smoke are not equally carcinogenic [2]. Another study in 2013 reported that “Adults who inhale cannabis alone reported significantly better health outcomes than those who smoke tobacco or a combination of both substances [3].”
Pipes – Glass pipes, bubblers, and bongs are all options for smoking via pipe style. Research has shown that smoking with a water pipe (a bubbler or a water bong) can reduce the negative effects of carcinogens associated with inhalation. [4]
Vaporizing - These delivery systems can be called e-cigs, mods, vapes, vape pens, or Betty, if you choose to name her.

Smoking Tip: With any smoking product, be sure to inhale slowly and deeply to fill the lungs with a good amount of smoke. You can take in a deep breath between puffs to help reduce the health risks associated with smoking.

Is hemp flower safe to smoke?

Research shows that hemp and hemp-derived products are safe and approved for our consumption. Since smoking does involve inhalation of smoke into the lungs, smokable hemp may not be the most practical option for someone with past lung or respiratory issues. Smoke can typically exacerbate those types of problems.

Overall, smoking and vaping hemp is a safe and fun way to consume the cannabinoids you need for that almost instant effect. Deciding on an option that’s best for you can be a little overwhelming when it’s not your norm.

Talk to a reputable cannabinoid consultant about all the different methods and what might be an option for your desired effect. We should always be open to learning and growing. The benefits of CBD are endless.

Disclaimer: According to The American Lung Association, inhaling the smoke of any kind is considered harmful to the lungs, regardless of what kind of smoke it is. Although CBD flower has a good safety profile, pregnant and breastfeeding women or people on medications should be careful before taking any CBD products.