There is more to cannabis than getting “high.” CBD is one component of cannabis that is touted as a miraculous medical remedy that can be attained without the “high.” For this reason, CBD has been used in many ways to help alleviate certain pains.
One of the most common ways to consume CBD is as a flower, otherwise known as CBD herb, more info is available here. The CBD herb can be used like regular cannabis nugs, and therefore, can be used in edibles, used to make oils or alcohol topical solution, or can be simply smoked as a plant or as a CBD Vape juice.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the two main compounds found in Cannabis plants. The other compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is known as the psychoactive that causes a “high.” CBD does not create a “high,” even though it comes from the same plant as THC.
CBD is derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant (Marijuana) or from Hemp. The main distinction between Hemp and Marijuana is the amount of THC. Hemp is the part of the Cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC, while Marijuana is the part of the plant that contains more than 0.3% THC.
Since CBD does not contain THC, you get all of the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive component. This makes it a great natural remedy for many pains and aches. Some of the health benefits of smoking CBD are that it helps with inflammation, pain, psychosis or mental disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, nausea, migraines, depression and anxiety.
The main reason why CBD is a great natural drug is that, unlike its counterpart THC, it has little to no side effects if overused. According to the World Health Organization, CBD “exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.” It is for these reasons that CBD is mostly used as a medicinal remedy.
What is CBD Herb?
CBD herb, sometimes referred to as CBD flower, is the bud of the hemp plant. It looks, smells, and tastes like the cannabis (marijuana) plant, but contains very little THC content and has no psychoactive effects.
Since CBD herb is just like marijuana, it can be consumed in the same ways. It can be used to cook with, it can be infused with oils or alcohol for topical application and it can even be smoked in any way you like, you can even get gummies infused with it at shops like koi CBD.
How do you smoke CBD Herb?
CBD herb is most commonly smoked and there are four main ways to do so.
1. Joints
The most common way to smoke CBD herb is in a joint. CBD joints can be rolled by the smoker using wrappers or empty cones and CBD herb, or they can be purchased pre-rolled. By rolling the joints yourself, you can control the amount of CBD consumed as well as obtain a smoother and more even smoke.
Some of the pros of using joints is that it is portable, discrete, and easy to use. There is no complicated process. You light the joint, inhale, and release your breath after a few seconds.
2. Bongs
Another way to smoke CBD is through a bong. Bongs, or water pipes, are devices generally used for smoking cannabis, tobacco, or herbal substances. They work similar to a hookah, but are usually smaller.
Bongs work by using water to filter out big compounds, like stems and seeds, by “bubbling” the smoke in the water before releasing it up into the long, tall chamber intended for inhaling. Having the smoke pass by water before inhalation not only helps with filtration, but it also cools the smoke for less damage on the throat.
Some of the pros of using bongs is they are easier on the throat and are usually the best method for smoking. Bongs are touted as being the better method for obtaining a bigger hit of CBD. It should be said that there is a small learning curve for using a bong because of the multi-tasking involved.
3. Pipes
Pipes are another way to smoke CBD herb. These are my personal favorites since they are small, portable, easy to use and usually colorful. Pipes are made of glass and are simple to use. Pipes contain a bowl area where the CBD goes, and a chamber that allows the smoke to be inhaled.
Pipes require a bit of a learning curve since it is more important to know how to properly burn the CBD. It is for this reason, that using a good lighter is just as important as technique. If using a pipe, all you do is cover the hole next to the bowl, place the inhalation chamber to your lips, light the CBD while inhaling and slowly remove the finger covering the hole.
It sounds complicated, but taking it gradually helps get a routine.
4. Bubblers
The final way we will cover smoking in the CBD is Bubblers. Bubblers are a type of water pipe, like a bong, but unique and create a distinct experience.
Much like the common bong, though, bubblers feature a mouthpiece, bowl, a stem, and a chamber that holds water in order for the smoke to travel through. This allows the smoke to become cooled in the process, contributing to a smooth and buttery hit. Some bubblers also contain a percolator, an additional water chamber that assists further in the cooling process.
So like bongs, they are fairly portable, create a bigger hit of CBD, and are easier on the throat and lungs thanks to the cooled smoke.