The Chronic Chronicles: How to Distinguish CBD Flowers from Weed
Learn how to spot key differences between two of the most popular cannabinoids in the cannabis crew.
In this world, cannabis users usually fall into one or two categories — hempies who like to get stoned and CBD normies who don’t.
And the last thing either of them wants is to end up with a flower they assumed was one thing, but was in fact, another.
While it may seem only marginally significant, it’s an issue that is quickly developing into a hot-button subject.
From hair-raising tales of crooks attempting to sell CBD flowers disguised as a ‘loud pack’ and quickly ending up in the crosshairs of a pissed-off buyer to law-abiding hemp companies having entire inventories seized after having unfortunate run-ins with law enforcement officers not trained to spot the difference.
Serious cannabis connoisseurs should make an effort to familiarize themselves with how to differentiate between the two nearly identical plants.
For the untrained eye, it is nearly impossible to tell them apart when compared side by side.
Both are small, green nuggets sprinkled with bits of orange, sparkling trichomes and have the distinctly earthy ganja smell.
Fortunately, as it turns out, there are a few distinct ways to tell a CBD flower from weed.
So, keep reading to learn surefire ways to spot the difference between the two.
But before we dive into the differences, let’s first explore some fundamental background basics.
What is a CBD flower?
Often interchangeably referred to as ‘hemp flowers,’ CBD flowers are aptly named because their buds originate from female hemp plants.
Hemp typically has a much higher cannabidiol content than it has Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
In fact, the hemp flower has the highest CBD content when compared to other portions of the flower.
What are the expected effects of CBD flowers?
CBD reportedly has a calming, relaxing effect on its users.
It can help release tense, anxious feelings and has even shown promise in fighting depression.
CBD flowers work with our brain’s innate endocannabinoid center to help center the mind’s racing thoughts, allowing for a serene feeling of contentment without feeling ‘under the influence.’
It also boasts a sedative effect, helping aid in a better night’s rest for the weary.
Why use CBD flowers?
Aside from its many already noted benefits, CBD has the most significant advantage of being 100% legal and free from the paranoia-inducing levels of THC found in marijuana.
Plus, smokable CBD flowers are continuing to grow in popularity as it is the fastest way to notice the effects of CBD.
What is a THC flower?
The highly potent cannabinoid THC is present in all cannabis flowers in varying amounts.
For example, weed is a THC flower since it contains more THC than CBD. In addition to its known psychoactive effects, marijuana has also been shown to have vast healing and therapeutic properties.
What are the expected effects of THC flowers?
This intoxicating plant is both revered and shunned for its psychoactive effects.
It’s notorious for stimulating late-night appetites due to its role in manipulating our hormones responsible for hunger and satiety.
In addition to aiding in pain management, weed also has a sedative effect that eliminates the need for prescription drugs for many suffering from chronic pain or insomnia.
However, too much of anything is never good.
Long-term, heavy usage is traditionally associated with poor memory recall.
Why use THC flowers?
As marijuana becomes decriminalized, legalized, and more mainstream, it has cemented its reputation as the ultimate relaxation herb.
It helps us unwind after stressful situations, aids in the creative process, and is popular in social settings by helping to keep the mood light, unlike alcohol.
Some of the best conversations, meals, and memories occur in the presence of authentically good, mellow weed.
What are the key differences between CBD flowers and weed?
Physical Differences
The key physical differences between CBD flowers and weed lie in the length and width of their infamously shaped leaves.
Hemp leaves appear long and thin with plants that grow exceptionally tall, with most leaves focused near the top, while marijuana leaves are shorter and sport broader fingerlike leaves taking on a more bush-like shape.
And even though some of the healthiest weed plants can grow just as tall, marijuana will still maintain its bush-like shape, with the thicker leaves more concentrated towards the base of the plant.
Chemical Differences
The main chemical differences between CBD hemp flowers and weed are legally defined.
Hemp must contain 0.3% THC or less to be within legal limits, while weed usually has a THC content of 5% or higher, depending on the strain of the plant.
In addition, while weed can be of either the sativa or indica cannabis lineage, CBD hemp flowers originate exclusively from the sativa line.
And while getting CBD and weed chemically analyzed is likely not feasible for the average user, it is an option nonetheless for the hardcore, sciencey cannabis heads.
Decades-old prohibition laws quickly crumbling in the 21st century
The 2018 Farm Bill was unprecedented.
For the first time since the 1937 Marijuana Tax, hemp was now able to be cultivated on a large scale to make products available for sale in America.
And it seems that marijuana is on the path to eventually being federally decriminalized and legalized.
As of 2021, 18 states allow for the recreational use of marijuana, while 39 states have legalized marijuana for medicinal use.
The FDA currently regulates the nation’s hemp cultivation.
As legalized CBD flowers and marijuana decriminalization continue to allow safer access to nature’s miracle plant, it’s helpful to know ways to differentiate between these nearly identical twins.
It’ll certainly come in handy as the CBD industry continues to expand and old weed laws become defunct and obsolete as mainstream medicine can no longer ignore their seemingly endless health benefits.
Health Disclaimer
All information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material provided, is intended for your general knowledge and is for informational purposes only. While I have extensive medical knowledge and experience as a registered nurse, the information herein is not intended to replace medical advice offered by physicians. Always consult your physician regarding personal medical concerns. Never delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website.
