CBD flower is the dried bud of the hemp plant, naturally rich in CBD and very low in THC (under 0.3%). It looks and smells like cannabis but is non-intoxicating, so it will not get you high. People choose hemp flower for the full-plant experience: the natural aroma, the ritual, and the range of cannabinoids and terpenes found in the whole bud. This guide explains what CBD flower is, the main types, and how to choose a clean, lab-tested one.
What is CBD flower?
CBD flower is simply the flower (bud) of a hemp plant that has been bred to be high in CBD and compliant with the federal limit of less than 0.3% THC. Because it is the whole, unprocessed bud, it contains the plant’s natural mix of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds, rather than an isolated extract. That whole-plant profile is what people mean by “full spectrum.”
Does CBD flower get you high?
No. Hemp-derived CBD flower contains less than 0.3% THC and is non-intoxicating. It is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, though a few states have their own rules, so it is worth checking your local laws.
Why do people use hemp flower?
People reach for hemp flower for the same reasons they enjoy other forms of CBD, plus the ritual of the whole bud. Many enjoy it as part of a wind-down routine or a moment of calm. As with any CBD product, experiences vary from person to person.
CBD flower vs CBG flower
You will see two main kinds of hemp flower:
- CBD flower is rich in cannabidiol (CBD), the most common hemp cannabinoid.
- CBG flower is rich in cannabigerol (CBG), often called the “mother cannabinoid” because other cannabinoids form from it. CBG flower is rarer and has its own distinct profile.
If you want to try the classic experience, start with a CBD bud like our Kush Craft CBD Flower. If you are curious about the less common cannabinoid, our Craft CBG Flower is a great place to start.
What about CBD herbal smoking blends?
A CBD herbal smoking blend mixes hemp flower with other botanical herbs for a smoother, more aromatic experience and a tobacco-free, nicotine-free alternative. Blends are a good option if straight hemp flower feels too strong on its own, or if you simply enjoy a layered herbal character. Ours are small-batch and built around specific moods:
Smoking blends can be used just like regular flower: rolled in a joint, or smoked in a standard or water pipe. Because other herbs and botanicals are in the mix, you will notice stronger floral elements. Puff slowly and try a little at a time to observe the effects!
Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate?
Flower is naturally full-spectrum because it is the whole bud. If you see “broad-spectrum” or “isolate” on a hemp product, that usually refers to an extract, not raw flower. For flower, the things that matter most are how it was grown and whether it was tested, which brings us to quality.
Note: Whenever you see a flower variety marketed for one specific cannabinoid, like common Delta-8 Flower, there one important thing to know: some flower is sprayed. What this means is an extract is applied to the flower itself. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but you’ll want to then have BOTH the test results for the flower itself and the concentrate that was used to ‘infuse’ into the flower.
How to choose a high-quality CBD flower
- Third-party lab testing (COA): every batch should have a Certificate of Analysis confirming cannabinoid content and screening for contaminants.
- US-grown, organically grown hemp: quality starts with the plant and the soil it grew in.
- Hand-trimmed, small-batch: careful curing and trimming make a real difference to aroma and smoothness.
- Clear cannabinoid content: the label should state CBD (or CBG) percentage and confirm less than 0.3% THC.
Our smokables are craft, small-batch, and grown with organic practices in Oregon, and every batch is third-party lab-tested. View our results.
Frequently asked questions
Is CBD flower legal?
Hemp-derived CBD flower with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Some states have additional restrictions, so check your local rules.
Will CBD flower make me fail a drug test?
Full-spectrum hemp contains trace THC. While it is non-intoxicating, heavy use could in theory affect a sensitive drug test. If that is a concern, take that into account before use.
What is the difference between CBD and CBG flower?
CBD flower is rich in cannabidiol; CBG flower is rich in cannabigerol, a rarer cannabinoid with its own profile.
What is a CBD smoking blend?
It is hemp flower combined with other botanical herbs for a smoother, tobacco-free, nicotine-free smoke.
Is your flower lab-tested?
Yes, every batch is third-party lab-tested. You can view our results on our testing page.
Where is your flower from?
As often as possible, we source our flower from East Fork Cultivars, an organic farm here in Oregon that we’ve been working with for nearly 10 years. The team at East Fork is highly passionate about sustainable agriculture, high quality hemp, and frankly, really good flower. This is the same flower we use in our capsules, tea, and other products.
Ready to explore? Browse the full CBD smokables collection.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Hemp products are for adults only. Keep out of reach of children.*
Jesse Richardson is a brother and co-founder of The Brothers Apothecary. Jesse studied Political Science at the University of California, Los Angeles and Medicinal Plants & Ethnobotanical Research at Cornell University. He is an avid student of nature and is always working on something new at The Apothecary!
