One of the best things about being a newcomer in the arena of CBD is that, really, it’s not too difficult to understand. While other methods of pain relief or wellness support can be complex, CBD is refreshingly straightforward, both in its makeup and its effects.
According to a report released in 2020, around two-thirds of people who have used CBD say it has benefitted their overall health or helped with a specific medical condition. Specifically, users report that CBD eases their anxiety, arthritis, stress, and chronic pain, with more than 65% also reporting better sleep.
In many ways, the CBD flower is a primed, effective tool that delivers in one of the most natural and unprocessed forms available. All you have to do is decide what works for your body – and that often comes down to how you consume it.
There are many ways to consume CBD, of course. While some prefer to smoke or vape for more fast-acting relief, others opt for edibles or oils that offer a slower, longer-lasting effect. As a beginner in the world of CBD, it’s important to make the right choice in your consumption, especially if you have a specific issue that you’re hoping CBD will target.
With this in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to write our very own beginner’s guide to CBD consumption, and how exactly the consumption method affects the flower itself.
CBD Flower: Explained
The first port of call in our CBD flower shop is the flower sold in its purest, most unaltered form. This is CBD in its raw essence – aromatic, terpene-rich, and ready to be enjoyed however suits you best.
If you wanted a little more information on the CBD flower before you purchase, however, the flower refers to the bud of the hemp plant, which has been carefully cultivated to contain high levels of cannabidiol and only trace amounts of THC. That means you get all the calming, anti-inflammatory benefits of the plant without the intoxicating effects.
On our site, you’ll find a range of different flower products, including ‘Cherry Pie’, ‘Blueberry Cupcake’, and ‘Biscotti’, all of which have slightly different flavours and percentages of CBD – the higher the percentage, the stronger the potential effects. You can then use these flowers in whatever way suits you best: roll them into a joint, use them with a pipe, or infuse them into butter, oils, or even tea. It’s all about what works for your lifestyle and preferences, although as you’re about to find out, you don’t necessarily have to do it yourself!
Pre-Rolls and Vapes
Perhaps the most popular consumption method on our site is the ‘pre-roll’ – perfectly rolled joints that are ready to smoke right out of the box. This, in many ways, is one of the most direct and efficient ways to consume CBD, with many reporting a full spectrum, speedy experience.
When you smoke CBD flower in a joint, of course, the cannabinoids and terpenes are rapidly absorbed into your bloodstream, with the quick delivery meaning you’ll typically feel the effects within minutes – compared to other methods like edibles or tinctures, which need to be processed through the digestive system first.
This is also true for vapes, and for this reason, both pre-rolled CBD and vapes can be a good option if you’re looking for fast relief for a specific problem. Let’s say, for instance, you’re suffering from arthritis and you have a particularly painful flare-up. Pre-rolled CBD can be a fast, effective way to target that pain, offering immediate relief within just a few minutes.
Edibles
Speaking of edibles, this is another popular method of consumption, especially for newcomers. Compared to pre-rolls, edibles typically take the shape of gummies crafted with a precise 25mg of CBD, offering a convenient and discreet way to consume CBD without having to inhale it.
As we mentioned before, however, unlike smoking, edibles have to be processed through the digestive system, which means they take longer to take effect – typically anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours.
Because of this, however, people have found that the effects of CBD gummies tend to last longer, making them a great choice for people looking for extended wellness throughout the day or night. For instance, if you’re having difficulty sleeping, a CBD gummy before bed could potentially ease your stress and provide you with hours of relaxation and calm.
Concentrates
While the flower is the most natural source of CBD, there are other, more potent forms of CBD to talk about, including concentrates, which are extracted from the hemp plant to deliver a highly concentrated dose of cannabinoids.
Unlike edibles, concentrates are usually consumed through ‘dabbing’, where a small amount of the concentrate is heated and inhaled, allowing for more rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Once again, this quick delivery means you’ll feel the effects almost immediately, only with a much higher potency compared to smoking.
With their strength in mind, it’s important to be mindful of dosage. While our pre-rolls have a specific, labelled dose of CBD, it’s up to you to manage your intake and avoid overwhelming your system. Concentrates can be perfect for those who need a stronger, more immediate effect, but if you’re new to the world of CBD, opting for a more controlled dose like a gummy or pre-roll is probably the smarter choice.
Oils and Balm
One last method of using CBD is through oils and balm, both of which have their own distinct qualities. CBD oils, for instance, are typically taken sublingually – under the tongue – which provides a balance between speed and potency. On the other hand, CBD balms are primarily topical products designed for targeted relief. These are applied directly to the skin and absorbed by the body.
In terms of why you would use CBD oils compared to edibles or pre-rolls, it really comes down to personal preference and specific needs. When you smoke or vape the CBD flower, the heat activates the cannabinoids, including CBD, which are then rapidly absorbed into your bloodstream.
When using oils, however, the CBD is absorbed more gradually, offering a balanced combination that can be better for those looking for consistent, longer-lasting effects. In the same way, CBD balms are beneficial for those looking for targeted relief without systemic effects, which makes them a good choice for individuals dealing with specific areas of discomfort, such as joint pain or muscle soreness.
With this in mind, the type of CBD that you use will depend on your own circumstances and preferences. You know now what each method does and how it affects the flower, so all you have to do is pinpoint what kind of experience you’re seeking, and choose the method that suits you best!