Humans and the hemp plant have had a long, interconnected history. Thought to be one of the first plants grown to make textile fiber, archaeologists have found hemp cloth dating back to 8,000 BC in what was once ancient Mesopotamia.
Ancient humans didn’t use hemp for just clothing, either. The first recorded medicinal use of hemp dates back to 2737 BC in China.
After years of being stigmatized, people have been waking up to the incredible power of this plant.
Are you interested in hemp smoking but aren’t sure what to expect? Let’s take a look.
What’s the Difference Between Hemp and Cannabis?
There’s a lot of confusion about what the difference is between hemp and cannabis. Actually, hemp and cannabis are not two different distinct species, but rather two different names for the cannabis plant.
While there is no scientific distinction between hemp and cannabis, there is a legal distinction between the two plants.
What distinguishes cannabis from hemp in legal terms is the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present in the plant.
There is a long list of cannabinoids present in cannabis. THC is the cannabinoid that is mainly responsible for the mind-altering effects that are associated with ingesting cannabis.
Within the legal definition of hemp, the cannabis plant must contain equal to or less than 0.3 percent THC content. Any hemp with a higher THC content than that is considered cannabis.
Why People Use High-CBD Hemp
Many people are interested in enjoying the benefits of smoking hemp without the high associated with high-THC cannabis. For this reason, it has become increasingly popular to ingest high-CBD hemp.
There are a number of different reasons someone might ingest hemp. These include:
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
- Pain
- Acne
- Cancer treatment
- Antipsychotic effects
According to a Gallup poll released in 2019, 14% of Americans have used CBD products of one kind or another. It is most common on the west coast and with people between the ages of 18 and 29, but hemp use can be found across all age groups and around the whole country.
The same survey found that 40% of those who have used CBD used it to treat pain. The second most common purpose for using high-CBD hemp was for anxiety. After this, sleep problems or insomnia, arthritis, migraines and headaches, and stress were the most common reasons.
The Different Ways You Can Ingest Hemp Flower
There are a number of different ways that people choose to ingest high-CBD hemp flower.
CBD Oil
When people take CBD oil, they take it sublingually. This means that they hold the oil beneath their tongue for a period of time before swallowing it.
Some people find this to be an easy way to take CBD. Since this is a popular form of ingestion, it’s easy to find CBD oil on the market. This is also a good way for people new to CBD to start with a low and accurate dose.
CBD Edibles
Edibles are another popular way of consuming CBD. It’s possible to make your own edibles or to purchase pre-made edibles. Buying premade edibles is a more expensive way of consuming CBD than other methods, because you’re paying for the processing the company has done.
When you ingest CBD with edibles, it takes longer for the effects to set in. Once they do set in, though, the effects can last longer.
CBD Capsules
This is essentially a way to take CBD oil without the earthy flavor. With the oil encapsulated in a capsule, you can by-pass the taste if it isn’t to your liking.
Topical CBD
If you’re interested in using CBD for localized pain or aches, you might be interested in topical CBD. This comes in the form of salves or balms that can be applied directly to the spot where you’re experiencing issues.
It isn’t as easy to get a specific dose when you apply CBD topically. The effects also don’t last as long as with other methods.
Vaping CBD
Some people believe that vaping is a healthy alternative to smoking because it doesn’t involve combustion. With this method, it isn’t that easy to keep track of your dosage.
Smoking CBD
Are you here to answer the question: can you smoke hemp? You sure can!
This is a great method to use if you’re looking for the medicinal benefits of cannabis without the mind-altering effects of THC.
The Effects of Smoking Hemp
When you smoke hemp, you’ll feel the effects faster than when you use other methods of ingestion. At the same time, the effects don’t last as long as some of the other delivery methods.
What are some of the benefits of smoking hemp? Why would you choose smoking hemp over the other options?
Higher Bioavailability
When you’re smoking hemp, the compounds of the plant are much more bioavailable to your body than through other means. This means that the compounds are absorbed into the bloodstream at a higher rate.
Affordability
If you’ve looked around online at buying CBD-products, you might notice that the price can be a bit steep for what you get. One of the cheapest ways if not the cheapest way to ingest high-CBD hemp is to buy the flower and smoke it.
With all other types of CBD, you’re paying a surcharge for the processing done to it. When you buy the flower, you are buying the rawest form of the product. This keeps it affordable.
Quick Effects
With most other methods, you have to wait quite a while to feel the effects of hemp. With smoking, the effects come on nearly right away.
Relaxation
Many people find smoking hemp to be incredibly relaxing. It’s a great way to unwind at the end of a long day without the mind-altering effects of high-THC cannabis.
The Ritual
Many people simply enjoy the act of smoking. Smoking high-CBD hemp flower can be a great way for people who have quit tobacco and cannabis to be able to partake in the ritual of smoking.
Hemp Smoking: Is It Right For You?
One of the great things about high-CBD hemp flower is that there are tons of different ways to ingest it. That means you have a wide range of options to choose from.
