“Flower” is a general term that refers to the smokable, trichome-covered part of a female cannabis plant. Flower is the most popular form of cannabis due to its versatility, offering numerous consumption methods, such as being smoked using a pipe or bong, or by rolling it in a joint or blunt.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CANNABIS FLOWER
Cannabis comes in many different varieties and with each variety come a multitude of effects and benefits but It can feel a bit overwhelming when choosing your flower for the first time. Should you try Indica? Sativa? Understanding the differences and how cannabis strains can benefit you is easy once you learn the basic differences.
Indicia
Indica plants are usually smaller and bushier than Sativa plants and contain significant levels of cannabinoids. The “high” produced has been described as an enjoyable body sensation. Indica strains can be rather sedative (relaxing) in nature and thus they are effective in treating the symptoms of medical
Hybrids
If neither strain fits your specific needs, a hybrid or cross-breed might be just what the doctor ordered. Hybrids combine specific characteristics from both parent strains in an attempt to produce the perfect blend of traits such as mental clarity and sedative capacity for use in a variety of medical and spiritual practices.
Sativa
Sativa pants are often tall with long and thin leaves and contain significant levels of THC and produce a “high” that is uplifting. Sativa strains can be rather stimulating and thus are often effective in relieving the pain, depression, migraines, and nausea associated with various medical conditions. Due to the alertness and optimism Sativa can produce, many patients prefer to medicate with this type of cannabis during the day.
MEDICAL COMPONENTS TO THE CANNABIS FLOWER
There are, in fact, nearly 500 different compounds found in cannabis and this makes it difficult to highlight exactly which of these offers benefit to the user. However, a number of research projects and studies have taken place to help identify the compounds and their effects on the body.
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the component that gives cannabis its psychoactive effects. It has analgesic properties so is beneficial as a form of pain relief and it is also believed to contain antioxidants. These fight free radicals in the body and can help to prevent a number of illnesses and diseases. It is this compound that leads to memory problems while the user is intoxicated, but that also helps to induce sleepiness.
B-CARYOPHYLLENE
B-Caryophyllene is a CB2 activator and it is CB2 that reduces inflammation in the human body. This element works in conjunction with the other elements found in cannabis to help reduce inflammation which, in turn, can also help to minimize pain and bring relief from other symptoms.
CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a highly regarded element in medical marijuana. Not only does it inhibit the production of cancer cells in the body, but it relieves a wide range of symptoms. It can treat nausea, vomiting, convulsion, inflammation, cough and congestion. Strains that are high in CBD can prove effective for sufferers of MS, anxiety attacks, and even Tourettes. This component is not psychoactive.
CANNABIGEROL
Cannabigerol is especially beneficial to glaucoma sufferers. This component relieves intraocular pressure, which is the primary aim of glaucoma treatment.
QUALITY OF CANNABIS FLOWER
There are many ways to differentiate between “Top Shelf” (excellent quality cannabis) and “Bottom Shelf” (poor quality cannabis). Being able to quickly tell them apart is essential in proving yourself to be a stylish cannabis smoker.
Keep in mind that these are only guidelines and not concrete rules. It’s possible (although unusual) to find bottom shelf cannabis that smells, looks, and feels great. Occasionally, a less knowledgeable cannabis smoker may be fooled. However, if the cannabis doesn’t deliver the “high” of top shelf cannabis, it’s not top shelf cannabis.
Four distinguishing traits of top shelf quality cannabis
SMELL
Great cannabis can have a wide variety of smells. The scent of pine trees and skunks, for example, are both common indicators of good cannabis. However, if the weed smells very pungent and “grassy,” it may have been picked prematurely. (When a cannabis plant is harvested before reaching maturity, it often lacks the potency of a fully-grown plant.)
LOOK
A quality jar of cannabis usually consists of medium to large buds with little or no stems. Top shelf buds may also have a crystalline quality that creates a “sparkle” under direct light. These buds will often be bright green with orange, red, or purple hairs. If the bud is brown, turn it down.
FEEL
Quality weed is usually soft, light, and sticky to the touch.
HIGH
Finally, you can always tell a fine weed by the “high” you achieve after testing a sample. Great weed should inspire you creatively without that heavy “burnt-out” feeling sometimes associated with lesser quality marijuana.
Bottom Shelf Cannabis
TOO WET
A less common, but more troublesome problem is wet weed. If you try to smoke weed that is too wet, the bud will burn slowly and won’t stay lit. (This kind of saturated condition usually occurs when you don’t give your homegrown enough time to dry.)
Here are a few options to help you adjust the moisture:
Open container. If you aren’t afraid of getting caught with your weed, simply leave your container open, exposed to air, heat and light. (Leaving your weed exposed to the elements can ruin the quality of the bud, so be careful not to leave it out longer than necessary.)
Add paper. When you need to keep the weed hidden, add a finger-sized piece of paper to your stash. The paper will absorb some of the moisture from the buds. Then, remove the paper from the bag when you think the weed is ready to smoke. If the weed remains wet, continue to add paper (one piece at a time) until you reach the desired level of moisture.
Other containers. Placing your weed in a tightly-sealed wood container will allow the pot to dry at a slow and steady pace.
TOO DRY
If you allow your weed to remain unprotected for long (exposed to air, heat, and light), it will become dry and brittle. When dry, your bud will burn too fast and the hits will be harsh. To keep your weed in prime condition, place your “stash” (supply of marijuana) in an airtight container or a plastic bag. However, even when you’re careful, your buds can loose a little moisture. So, if you notice your weed is getting too dry, add a sliver of orange or lemon peel to your bag, and seal it up tight for a few hours. The weed will sap the water from the rind and become re-hydrated. (Be careful not to leave the peel in for too long, as it could mold and ruin your weed.)