When it comes to comparing the benefits of smokable hemp flower versus marijuana there are a few things that should be addressed.
The first is what the heck is the difference between hemp and marijuana? Another thing to examine in depth would be the benefits of hemp for the body. And the last but not least is what are the benefits of marijuana for a user? Only after piecing together the answers to these questions will we be able to make a fair assessment of hemp and marijuana.
Unfortunately there’s an unlimited supply of misinformation online. And this proves to be problematic since online is where the majority of us get our information.
Let’s face it, the industry is chock-full of confusing buzz-words with no shortage of puffery, and trying to find the correct and science-backed answers to your questions can be discouraging.
But I have good news for you.
If you’re here to learn about any of the aforementioned questions, you’re in the right place!
First thing’s first.
Let’s Get Clear On Hemp, Marijuana, And Cannabis
The terms hemp, marijuana, and cannabis are oftentimes confused with one another. In light-hearted conversation with your buddies it doesn’t really matter what you call it. However, if you’re someone who wants to incorporate a wellness regimen that utilizes the properties of the cannabis plant, then it’s best you take the time to learn the differences in these terms.
So, hemp, cannabis, and marijuana all refer to plants within the Cannabaceae family but there are some botanical and cultural differences that should be noted.
- Hemp - also commonly referred to as CBD flower is a specific type of cannabis plant known as Cannabis Sativa L. The hemp plant contains a plethora of CBD and low levels of THC and is legally defined as containing no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
- Marijuana - refers to cannabis plant material that contains levels of THC that exceed 0.3%. So marijuana holds more THC and less CBD.
- Cannabis - is a more broad umbrella type of term that blankets both marijuana and hemp plants.
What Is It Like To Smoke Marijuana?
Now that we know marijuana is cannabis containing higher amounts of THC, let’s talk about what that experience is like.
Smoking marijuana is similar to smoking tobacco. It can be rolled up as a pre-roll or ground up and packed into a pipe. Technically there’s little to no difference in the way that marijuana flower looks vs CBD flower. Especially when it’s all broken up and ready for enjoyment.
Healthline suggests that the majority of the health benefits that come from marijuana are actually related to the CBD it contains.³ These benefits include anti-inflammatory effects for the central nervous system. This in turn can mean a plethora of benefits in the body.
The active THC compound involved in smoking marijuana will cause an effect on your judgement, coordination, and attention span.² THC is psychoactive and therefore intoxicating to the user. Too much THC is often associated with prolonged feelings of paranoia.
In addition to paranoia, THC can also inflict both stimulating and or depressant effects in individuals which make some people feel that the THC factor in marijuana might be a psychological risk.
According to the Mayo Clinic some other negative side effects commonly associated with marijuana use are:
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Increased appetite
- Disorientation
- Increased heart rate
What Is It Like To Smoke CBD Flower?
The physical act of smoking CBD flower is physically done in the same exact manner as smoking marijuana.
The inhalation method starts with the applying heat to the flower and ends with the cannabinoids connecting to your brain receptors. After the flower is heated up the compounds are activated and delivered to the bloodstream and streamlined to the brain.
It should be noted that most of the population that try CBD typically report a good experience. In the rare events when users report negative effects it’s often due to CBD’s reaction to medications prescribed.
CBD is different from THC in the way that its non-intoxicating and is unlikely to leave feelings of paranoia. CBD binds loosely to CB1 receptors and this doesn’t overload the amygdala, which as we mentioned earlier, is what causes feelings of paranoia and anxiety.
How Do the Benefits Compare Between Smoking CBD VS Smoking Marijuana
Now that we’ve gone over the individual benefits and risks, let’s chat about the overall comparison.
If marijuana and CBD both have the ability to deliver amazing therapeutic benefits like anti-inflammatory properties, and feelings of decreased anxiety, one may point out that there’s a place for both forms of consumption.
However when you dig deeper into the psychological problems that are often associated with THC, it’s enough to make one lean towards simply smoking the CBD. The fact that marijuana holds the potential to become addictive is another reason some might call CBD the winner.
In the end it may come down to personal preference and finding a strain that’s right for you.
Final Thoughts
So now you know the differences between the terms hemp, cannabis, and marijuana.
And when all the math is said and done, it would appear that not only is smoking hemp is associated with less negative side effects than smoking marijuana, but also less addictive and leaves a less harmful impact on our brain.
The idea that you can take on basically all of the benefits without running the risk of becoming addicted or paranoid is enough to make one lean toward smoking CBD. What do you think?
Sources
- Leafly
- MayoClinic
- Healthline
Leave a comment