Smokable hemp flower vs. tobacco—which is better?

Are you a cigarette smoker considering switching to smokable hemp flower? In case you need a gentle push in that direction, this post will give you ample reasons to quit smoking tobacco and start smoking hemp instead. 

Face it. Tobacco smoking is a deadly practice. And quitting smoking can be rough. But there is an alternative. Smokable hemp flower and hemp cigarettes are not only less harsh on your heart and lungs, but millions of people actually smoke hemp flower for their health. 

What is smokable hemp flower?

So what is hemp flower? You’ve probably heard of marijuana, the smokable plant that causes intoxication and euphoria. Marijuana is not actually a plant, it’s a product produced from a plant — just like corn. 

In the same way that corn is the product of the maize plant, marijuana is a product of the cannabis plant. And just as there are different types of corn that come from different strains of maize, there are also different strains of cannabis that produce different types of cannabis flower. 

To be specific, marijuana refers to the resinous, aromatic, sticky, flower clusters (aka buds) of the female cannabis plant. And hemp refers to the same product except without the high.

Cannabis flowers are high in two families of compounds that are responsible for the medicinal properties attributed to cannabis:

• Cannabinoids - Compounds such as THC, CBD, CBG, etc. 
• Terpenes - The aromatic resins produced in the flowers. 

Both cannabinoids and terpenes can mimic the effects of neurotransmitters and other signaling molecules produced naturally by our own bodies. 

The most famous cannabinoids are THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). 

• THC is the cannabinoid that is responsible for the high experienced when smoking or eating marijuana. 
• CBD may contribute to feelings of calm, and preliminary research shows it may be beneficial in pain relief*

Basically, smokable hemp flower comes from cannabis strains that are nearly devoid of THC (less than .3%, by law). As a result, hemp flower may provide many of the same benefits of marijuana except without the high*. 

Smokable hemp flower is grown in the same way and using the same methods as those used to grow marijuana. 

Hemp flower looks like marijuana and smells like marijuana. That’s because, essentially, it is marijuana except without the THC.

• Marijuana - Cannabis flower that contains THC and causes a high
• Hemp flower - Cannabis flower that contains negligible amounts of THC and does not cause a high

You get the point.

So what makes smoking hemp flower such a great alternative to smoking tobacco?

Health issues associated with smoking

The most obvious reason to switch from smoking cigarettes and vaping tobacco to hemp is to avoid dangerous chemicals, pesticides and heavy metals. Of course, it's vital to shop for CBD flower that is third-party tested, grown in the USA and organic. Here are some other things to consider:

Hemp doesn’t get you high

Some people worry that smoking hemp is going to make them high. As we mentioned, hemp is THC-free, and therefore smoking hemp does not cause a high. In fact, some people looking to cut back on their THC intake may switch to CBD flower.

CBD flower is not addictive

As we all well know, nicotine, the compound found in tobacco that affects the brain, is highly addictive — even more so than cocaine or heroin say some studies. Withdrawing from nicotine can be an extremely unpleasant process. Hemp-derived CBD flower, on the other hand, is non-addictive. If you ever decided to quit smoking hemp, you should be able to stop “cold turkey” without a problem. 

Smoking hemp is relaxing

A lot of people say they smoke tobacco because it makes them feel less stressed out. However, nicotine is not an anxiety suppressor. The reason nicotine relieves stress is that it takes away the craving caused by the addiction to smoking. On the other side of the coin, THC has been known to cause feelings of anxiety and paranoia in certain instances.

On the other hand, millions of people use CBD and CBG to relax*. In fact, that’s the number one reason that people give for using medical cannabis. 

Where to buy smokable hemp flower

We hope you’re convinced that CBD flower is a good alternative to smoking tobacco. Hemp flower is non-addictive, non-toxic, and non-intoxicating. Experiment for yourself—with CBD pre-rolls or loose flower—and see what you think!

In both cases, Half Day CBD has got you covered!

 

*Half Day CBD is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult with a physician before use if you have a medical condition or use prescription medications. A doctor’s advice should be sought before using this and any supplemental dietary product. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.