It’s estimated that hemp production brings in nearly $824 million per year. When you consider the versatile nature of hemp, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Hemp can be used in everything from clothing to rope.
However, in recent years it’s grown in popularity in the recreational and medicinal community as a legal alternative to marijuana.
So how is hemp different from traditional THC flower products? And when shopping for hemp flowers, what things should you look out for to ensure you’re getting a quality product? In this guide, we’ll answer these questions so new users can discover what they need to enjoy this exciting product.
How Is Hemp Flower Different From Marijuana Flower?
Before we learn more about hemp flower products, it’s important to first understand the difference between hemp and marijuana. Marijuana refers to cannabis plants and products that have Delta 9 THC in them.
This is the psychoactive component of marijuana that causes high feelings of euphoria. Hemp falls under a similar category to cannabis plants. However, the main difference is that it contains little to no Delta 9 THC in it.
Because of this, the United States government passed the Hemp Farming Act of 2018. This law legalizes hemp cannabis products as long as their Delta 9 THC levels contain less than 0.3%.
However, hemp products still contain lots of other great cannabinoids that can have potential health benefits. The popular non-psychoactive CBD falls in this category.
So does Delta 8 THC, which can be thought of as a cross between CBD and Delta 9 THC. It can be a bit confusing, but hemp flower is a legal way for many people to enjoy cannabis if legalization hasn’t rolled around to your state yet.
Questions to Ask When Buying Hemp Flower Products
Hemp flower, as well as most CBD and Delta 8 products, aren’t regulated by the FDA. Unfortunately, this lack of regulation means that there are a lot of sketchy products out there.
Because there are little to no safety requirements, the hemp you buy might contain additives, harmful extraction methods, or just plain wrong percentages of Delta 8 THC or CBD.
That’s why you need to know what to look for when shopping for hemp products. In this section we’ll be going over some questions you should ask yourself before buying from a supplier.
Does It Come With a Lab Analysis?
As we mentioned, the hemp industry remains unregulated. Because of this, it falls on the sellers of hemp to test their products for safety and accuracy. Different types of lab analysis will reveal different things.
However, most will disclose things like cannabinoid percentages, chemicals present, and whether any harmful additives were found. When shopping for hemp flower products, it’s vital to only purchase from sellers who perform this type of analysis from a verified, third-party source.
Remember that it’s not enough to take their word for it. If the supplier is committed to quality, they’ll have no problem displaying the lab analysis results for all to see. This is one of the primary ways you can separate good sellers from bad ones.
Does the Seller Have a Wide Variety of Strains?
There are many different cannabis hemp strains to choose from. You want to shop from a seller that offers a wide variety of them. This is important because different strains have different cannabinoid percentages.
That means that they can be stronger or weaker depending on your preferences. If it’s your first time trying hemp flowers, you might want to start with a milder one.
Or if you’ve been smoking for years, you probably prefer stronger strains. And that’s not even getting into the different taste and smell components that various strains bring to the table.
So look for sellers that have a diverse collection of strains for you to choose from.
Do You Want Delta 8 THC Flower?
On their own, most hemp products typically don’t contain much Delta 8 THC. Now some people might prefer this if they’re trying to cut down on their THC consumption, or are only interested in non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD.
However, other people want to get the buzz and pain-relieving effects that come with Delta 8 THC. If you fall in this category, then you should shop from suppliers like Blue Ridge Extractions (BRE) that provide infused cannabinoids.
That way you get a more concentrated product that delivers the experience you want from smoking hemp flowers. If you want, you can explore some of our infested products here.
What’s the Flavor Like?
Like beer, different hemp strains will bring different flavor profiles to the table. Some might taste like citrus fruits or pineapples. Others could contain hints of chocolate or floral elements.
It will take some trial and error to find the taste preferences that you prefer. We recommend trying a popular one and then working your way around from there. Eventually, you’ll find the perfect flavor profile for your tastes.
What’s the Appearance Like?
You likely inspect fruits or vegetables before buying them. Hemp flowers should be no different. The cannabis flower color will vary depending on the specific strain. Most of the time, it’s a solid green.
However, other times it can be darker or contain yellow-green shades. In some cases, there can even be hints of purple or white.
Just make sure the cannabis flower isn’t an unattractive brown color. The presence of trichomes on buds is also a good visual sign that you’re in for a treat.
Interested in Trying Hemp Flower? Shop at Blue Ridge Extractions (BRE)
We hope this guide helped you learn more about hemp Delta 8 THC flower products. Unfortunately, it is important to know what to look for because the industry can feel like the Wild West.
Here at Blue Ridge Extractions (BRE), we were fed up with unregulated products that lacked safety protocols or used harmful cultivation methods. Our company started as a way to bring safe hemp products to our family.
These days, we’ve expanded to deliver the same quality to our communities. If you have any questions about our products, please reach out to us today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Hemp Flower Different From Marijuana Flower?
Hemp flower and marijuana flower are both derived from the cannabis plant but differ primarily in their Delta 9 THC content. Marijuana contains high levels of Delta 9 THC, the psychoactive component that produces euphoria, while hemp contains very low levels (less than 0.3%), making it legal under the Hemp Farming Act of 2018. Hemp still offers beneficial cannabinoids like CBD and Delta 8 THC, which can provide potential health benefits.
What Should I Look for When Buying Hemp Flower Products?
When shopping for hemp flower products, it’s essential to consider the following:
- Lab Analysis: Always purchase from sellers who provide third-party lab analysis to verify safety, cannabinoid percentages, and the absence of harmful additives.
- Variety of Strains: Choose sellers that offer a diverse selection of strains to cater to different strengths, tastes, and preferences.
- Delta 8 THC Content: Decide if you prefer products with higher Delta 8 THC for its buzz and pain-relieving effects. Some suppliers specialize in infused cannabinoids for a more potent experience.
- Flavor: Hemp strains come with various flavor profiles. Starting with a popular strain and exploring from there can help you find your preferred taste.
- Appearance: Inspect the color and presence of trichomes on the buds. A healthy cannabis flower should not be brown but may vary in color depending on the strain.
Can Hemp Flower Products Get You High?
Hemp flower products contain Delta 8 THC, which is psychoactive but less potent than Delta 9 THC found in marijuana. While they can provide a mild buzz and pain relief, they are unlikely to produce the intense euphoria associated with high-THC marijuana strains.
Are Hemp Flower Products Legal?
Yes, hemp flower products are legal in the United States as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC, in accordance with the Hemp Farming Act of 2018. However, legality can vary by state, especially concerning products infused with Delta 8 THC, so it’s important to check local laws.
How Do I Choose the Right Hemp Flower Strain?
Choosing the right hemp flower strain depends on personal preferences for strength, flavor, and effects. For beginners, it’s recommended to start with milder strains and gradually explore different options to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider sellers that offer a wide variety of strains and provide detailed descriptions and lab analyses for each.
