For thousands of years, humans have cultivated and used the hemp plant for a myriad of different purposes. Fibrous hemp stalks were essential to early human papermaking and textile production. Today, hemp remains one of the most eco-friendly industrial crops and can even be used to create sustainable building materials and alternative fuel sources. But what about smoking hemp? Hemp’s cousin, marijuana, is notorious for getting sparked up. Can you smoke hemp the same way?
What Is Hemp?
When we talk about hemp, we’re talking strains of the cannabis sativa plant that contain a negligible amount of the intoxicating cannabinoid THC. The 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp on a federal level, defines hemp as cannabis containing less than 0.3% THC per dry weight.
If hemp doesn’t contain any THC, why would anyone want to smoke it in the first place? Generally speaking, hemp has historically been cultivated for its fibers. However, the bulk of modern hemp growers are after something else—CBD.
CBD vs THC
CBD is a cannabinoid like THC; however, it doesn’t produce the intoxicating effects associated with marijuana use. Despite not getting users high, CBD does have plenty of benefits. Studies indicate that CBD can be effective at relieving chronic pain, as well as anxiety. Research also suggests that CBD may help insomniacs get a more restful night sleep. Some people take CBD at night to relax after a hard day’s work. Others use it in the morning to stay focused throughout the day. Effects will heavily depend on the individual user, as well as the particular strain.
What Is Smokable Hemp Flower?
Smokable hemp is exactly what it sounds like—hemp that you smoke!
Just like with marijuana, hemp buds are covered in trichomes which are rich in cannabinoids. Legal hemp flower can be ground and smoked the way traditional marijuana is—packed in a pipe, loaded in a bong, or twisted up into a satisfying hemp roll. Hawaiian Haze and CBD Kush are examples of popular smokable hemp strains. Your local hemp shop likely sells hemp flower pre-rolls, so even those inexperienced in the art of rolling can enjoy a hemp flower joint.
The stelo™ used with E1011 Labs’ innovative CBD delivery device, the elon®, are chock full of sun-grown, artisanal CBD flower, making elon® an excellent choice for those who want easy access to curative hemp flower.
What Are Smokable Hemp Concentrates?
Hemp joints are great, but what about hemp concentrates? Are there CBD dabs?
As cannabis has become more mainstream, we’ve seen highly potent forms of the plant become more readily accessible. Similar to THC, CBD extracts are becoming increasingly available at your local vape shop or dispensary.
CBD distillate is the purest form of CBD. All of the terpenes and other cannabinoids are refined away, leaving only the CBD. Because distillate doesn’t give users the entourage effect, it is one of the least preferred forms of CBD concentrate available. However, for those worried about consuming even a small amount of THC, distillate may be a good option.
Other forms of CBD extracts include CBD shatter, CBD wax, CBD oil, and CBD e-juice.
Where To Find Smokable Hemp?
Hemp is now legal federally, which means it’s easier than ever to find hemp and CBD products. However, because the industry is unregulated, consumers need to be careful when purchasing. Always look for a reputable CBD vendor, and whenever possible, buy straight from the manufacturer. Avoid online third-party sellers, especially Amazon.
Searching for “CBD dispensary near me” is a great way to find legal CBD buds in your area. The expert budtenders in these hemp stores will be able to help you find artisan hemp flower and reputable CBD products. If buying online, look for a COA (Certificate of Analysis). A COA will show potential customers that their hemp flower has been tested not only for potency, but also for dangerous pesticides, microbials, heavy metals, residual solvents, and mycotoxins.
