5 different ways to use hemp plant buds
Though hemp plants do not produce giant colas like cannabis plants do, they do still create buds that can be useful for a host of different things. The main reason that people choose to use hemp is the medicinal benefits that CBD can offer. CBD is an element that is often associated with marijuana, but it is actually found in the highest concentrations in a few industrial hemp strains. The best part about hemp is that it is entirely legal in many regions that still maintain regulations against cannabis use. Below you will find a list of CBD benefits, alongside five different ways that you can use hemp buds at home.
The benefits of using hemp buds
Despite its lack of popularity until relatively recently, there are so many different ways that you can use hemp buds, and many of them are similar to those that are possible with a marijuana plant. The most significant differences are that hemp lacks the psychoactive THC element that is found in marijuana plants, and also provides a host of medicinal benefits. Below is a list of some of the most common issues that hemp products can help to treat.
- addiction
- depression
- anxiety
- pain
- inflammation
- seizures
- nausea
- insomnia
1. Smoke them
Hemp products like buds can be smoked, though if this is the method of preparation that you choose, it is most recommended to use specially designed hemp strains that contain higher than average amounts of CBD. The flowers can then be rolled into a joint, cigarette tube, packed into a bowl, or added alongside some marijuana plant products for an additional cannabinoid boost.
2. Make edibles
Both primary cannabinoids THC and CBD require the application of heat to unlock the benefits. This happens typically with marijuana plant buds when they are torched with a lighter, but if you aren’t smoking the hemp buds, than you will need to complete a step called decarboxylation. Once that is complete, it is time to select a base for the infusion. Generally, high-fat ingredients like coconut oil or butter are preferred, as the cannabinoids bind much more efficiently to fat molecules. When your infused base is ready to use, you can transform all your favorite recipes by using it instead of the regular called for fat-based ingredients. For example, 1 cup of CBD butter can be added as a substitute for 1 cup of average butter.
3. Create your concentrates
That’s right; you can make all of the same concentrates that you typically would with marijuana plant materials with hemp buds. You can even use cannabis concentrate recipes, just remember, that hemp buds contain minimal amounts of CBD, so for potent hemp products you might need a bit more for plant materials.
4. Vaping
Vaping is the most recommended way to inhale hemp buds, as the goal of using this type of product is generally for health reasons. A vaporizer will use substantial amounts of heat to warm the CBD molecules just enough that they begin to dance across the metal coils. The pressure that is created when you inhale from the mouthpiece draws the CBD infused vapor into your lungs, and it is immediately absorbed.
5. Tinctures
It isn’t exactly a common occurrence to come across CBD tinctures that are offered by a local budtender. That is because of the alcohol base, which keeps its potential uses quite limited. However, tinctures are an easy and safe way to extract the cannabinoids, and they offer a consistent delivery of relief that can be taken pure or added to other drinks like coffee, or your favorite cocktails.
