10 Best CBD Flower
Top-Rated of 2023

Paul James Updated on December 31, 2022 Affiliate Disclosure Some links are specifically formatted for which we may receive a commission on resulting sales or clicks from affiliate partners (“Affiliate Links”).

CBD flower comes in a variety of strains – each of which offers different cannabinoid and terpene profiles which may provide support for various health conditions.

Cannabidiol (CBD) can be consumed in several ways – from tinctures to topicals. CBD flower, one of the most popular methods, is considered by many to be the purest method of CBD consumption. CBD flower refers to the hemp buds picked off the cannabis plant and dried prior to consumption. These hemp buds can be used in several ways, but are most popularly smoked.

Smoking CBD flowers is one of the quickest ways to feel the effects of CBD. This is because CBD inhalation causes it to enter the bloodstream through our lungs, typically occurring within seconds and providing users with near-instant relief.\

Furthermore, CBD flowers come in a variety of strains – each of which offers different cannabinoid and terpene profiles that may provide support for various health conditions. Throughout this article, we’re going to share with you our favorite CBD flower products and brands currently on the market.

However, like the smoking of any plant or substance, there are some health concerns associated with smoking hemp flowers. Despite the health risks, many CBD users still opt for smoking as it can be one of the most relaxing ways to consume CBD. This is particularly true for users who also smoke cannabis or tobacco as it provides a familiar sensation.

We invite you to follow along as we take a deeper look into the best CBD flower.

What is CBD Flower?

CBD flower is the flower of the female hemp plant. When the plant reaches maturity, it will produce a bud (also referred to as a flower) that contains numerous cannabinoids and terpenes. While the natural purpose of these compounds is to attract pollen from male plants, they’ve also been found to have potential health benefits when consumed by humans.

Not all hemp buds will look the same or have the same effects. This is due to the cannabinoid and terpene profile which varies from one strain to another. Different strains will have different concentrations of CBD, cannabigerol (CBG), and numerous other cannabinoids.

What is the Difference Between Hemp Buds and Marijuana? 

Hemp and marijuana are nearly identical and both are considered cannabis plants. What separates the two is their cannabinoid levels, particularly the levels of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Marjiuana contains higher levels of THC which is responsible for the “high” people often associate with cannabis. On the other hand, hemp buds contain higher levels of CBD which does not produce the psychoactive effects and does not get its users high.

Under federal law, a cannabis plant can only be defined as hemp (or hemp seed) if it contains 0.3% or less THC – a percentage low enough that it will not cause psychoactivity or impairment typically associated with marijuana.

Is it Legal to Purchase CBD Flowers Online?

Under the 2018 farm bill, industrial hemp became 100% legal to sell and purchase. As mentioned above, these plants must contain less than 0.3% THC in order to qualify under this regulation.

At the same time, it is important to note that if you live in a state where marijuana is recreationally legalized, you may come across higher THC concentrations in some hemp buds. To be certain of the contents of the flower you’re buying, we suggest you look at a manufacturer’s certificate of analysis (CoA) for the particular strain you’re getting. This will identify the cannabinoid profile of the originating plant and indicate CBD and THC levels.

Smoking CBD flower is a powerful way to get your dose of cannabidiol. Because it enters the bloodstream directly through the lungs, effects are almost instant!

What Does Smoking CBD Flower Do?

Smoking CBD flower will have similar effects to other CBD products. Many users report feeling a sense of relaxation, both in the mind and body. Additionally, numerous studies have reported that CBD can help with several health conditions, including anxiety, pain, and seizures.

One of the perks to smoking CBD flowers as opposed to other methods of consumption is the fact that it enters your bloodstream quicker through the lungs. This subsequently produces almost immediate effects. Such instant relief is ideal for those with conditions that require prompt attention, such as anxiety.

When it comes to the best CBD flower for anxiety, we recommend indica strains that help to relax the brain and body.

What Are The Best CBD Flower Strains?

The answer to this question is ultimately a matter of preference. Some people prefer a strain that will wake them up and keep them focused while others will favor strains that help them relax and get to sleep.

In order to identify which strain is best for you, we highly suggest you do some research into your particular ailment or needs alongside with cannabinoids and terpenes that have been found to help with related symptoms. From there, a quick Google search will inform you of the strains that have high concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes you should be seeking.

To give you an idea of how different hemp strains work, here are some of the most notable strains out there:

  • ACDC – also referred to as AC/DC, this hemp strain is known for its relaxing qualities without causing users to feel drowsy or sleepy.
  • Cherry Wine – known for its enticing aroma, Cherry Wine is considered a well-rounded hemp flower for its balanced CBD and cannabinoid profile.
  • Hawaiian Haze – known for its pick-me-up qualities, Hawaiian Haze is an ideal strain for those looking for something that will keep them focused and energized.
  • Lifter – as its name suggests, this strain boosts calming energy which many refer to as “lifting the spirits.” Due to its versatile cannabinoid count, Lifter has the ability to produce an entourage effect.
  • Special Sauce – While Special Sauce is known for its great flavor and scent, it’s also a fan favorite for its relaxing effects.

Our Criteria for Best CBD Flower Companies

When it came to choosing the best CBD flower online, we had 4 important criteria in mind. These are:

  1. Growing Method – We made sure every hemp bud on this list was grown organically. This means no pesticides or trace chemicals were found in the final product.
  2. Certificate of Analysis – It’s important for us to know exactly what is in our hemp buds. One way to identify the cannabinoid and terpene count with each strain is by looking at the certificate of analysis (CoA). This can also inform you if the product contains any contaminants or traces of pesticides.
  3. Company Reputation – Being as the CBD industry is currently unregulated, we made sure to only look at well-known brands that are known for taking their product development and customer safety seriously.
  4. Customer Service – We understand that there are a lot of newcomers to CBD who will most likely have a lot of questions to ask. With that said, we made sure to only choose companies that offer quality customer service.

Safety and Side Effects of CBD Flower

Admittedly, smoking anything is not exactly good for your lungs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cannabis smoke “can harm lung tissues and cause scarring and damage to small blood vessels.”

With this information, it is important to understand that smoking hemp long-term (i.e. on a regular basis for a long period of time) can have negative effects on the lungs. For this reason, if you plan on using CBD regularly, we suggest going with an alternate consumption method like tinctures or edibles.

However, the occasional hemp pre-roll is likely safe enough to be enjoyed. And seeing as CBD flower can have a different effect from other CBD consumption methods, we suggest giving it a try.

CBD is often hailed for having little to no side effects in comparison to prescription medications. However, some users have reported mild feelings of the following side effects coinciding with their consumption of CBD:

  • Appetite changes
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Weight changes

 

If you are currently on any prescription medication, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor before consuming CBD – flower or otherwise. While rare, there are some medications that have been reported to have negative interactions with CBD.

Finally, there currently is not enough evidence of CBD’s safety for pregnant or lactating women. Therefore, if you happen to be pregnant or lactating, we would recommend you avoid consuming CBD entirely.


Paul James

Paul James is a seasoned cannabis and CBD writer and expert. He is a mental health blogger who advocates CBD as a natural alternative to prescription medications. You can read more about this and other natural alternatives on his blog: https://bedlamite.co/."

Frequently Asked Questions

Our list above provides you with what we believe is the best CBD flower currently on the market. While there are certainly other excellent brands and products, these were our picks from top-quality companies that grow all their high CBD flower organically.