Hemp flower, also known as CBD flower, is the bud of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), a CBD-rich variety of cannabis with less than 0.3% THC. And if you're after top-quality flower, have a look at our guide to the best CBD buds selected by Cannactiva.
Its minimal THC content (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) lets you enjoy its properties without the psychoactive effect of cannabis. As it has no psychoactive effect, it is legal in Spain; in most European countries cannabis with THC is not legal and each country has its own rules, and in some, such as the UK, hemp flower is controlled even with low THC.
Beyond the interest in CBD, hemp flower is valued for its exceptional quality and its wide range of aromas, from citrus, fruity and floral notes to more robust scents such as diesel, glue or wood.
In this guide we cover all the properties of hemp flower and its uses. If you're looking for specific strains, here are the best CBD buds of the year.
What is hemp flower?
Where it is permitted, hemp flower is the best legal cannabis option on the market today. It is also called CBD flower, CBD cannabis flower or CBD weed: a high-quality natural product from a cannabis strain with less than 0.3% THC. As the name suggests, it is the flower of the hemp plant, hand-trimmed for a clean, well-defined bud.
With more than 30 strains in our range, we select each one for the highest possible CBD-rich resin content and a wide variety of terpene profiles.
Hemp flower composition
Hemp flower is where the trichomes are concentrated: microscopic, mushroom-shaped structures that contain an aromatic resin rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.
Cannabinoids are a family of compounds being researched for their possible analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Cannabis produces more than 100 different cannabinoids; the most studied are CBD and THC. The aroma of cannabis comes from terpenes, which are also concentrated in the resin.
Difference between hemp flower and cannabis buds
Hemp flower differs from cannabis buds in its cannabinoid make-up: hemp is rich in CBD with less than 0.3% THC, whereas cannabis contains between 10% and 25% THC, the psychoactive compound. That difference is what gives hemp a different legal position and lets you make the most of its benefits without any psychoactive effect. Find out more about the differences between CBD and THC and between hemp and cannabis.
Properties and benefits of CBD-rich hemp flower
CBD-rich hemp flower is valued for its aroma profile and for the interest in cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is most researched today.
CBD and wellbeing: what the research says
CBD is one of the most studied cannabinoids, and the scientific literature has explored its link with various aspects of wellbeing. The most active lines of research include:
- CBD and chronic pain: one of the most studied areas, for its possible role in modulating persistent pain.
- CBD for anxiety and stress: its interaction with the body's stress response is being researched.
- CBD for rest and sleep: studied for its possible influence on the quality of rest.
- CBD for athletes: its role in recovery after exercise is being analysed.
It's worth remembering that these are lines of research. Cannactiva's CBD hemp flower is not a medicine and has no therapeutic purpose, and the information in this article does not replace the advice of a health professional.
Indica and sativa effects of hemp flower
The effects of flower are traditionally described as uplifting (sativa profile) or relaxing (indica profile). The CBD and THC content and the terpene profile shape that indica or sativa character.
On top of that, each strain's unique terpene make-up gives a wide range of aromas, from citrus and floral to “diesel” notes.
Growing methods and hemp flower quality
The growing method determines the density, resin and CBD concentration of each flower. We distinguish three main categories – indoor, outdoor and greenhouse – each with its own balance of quality and price:
- Indoor: controlled indoor growing; the highest resin density and the highest CBD percentages in our range. Premium category.
- Greenhouse: a glass greenhouse that makes use of natural sunlight; very high quality and the best value for money.
- Outdoor: dependent on the weather; rarely reaches premium level in aroma and resin.
At a glance, you can spot a quality bud by its dense structure, its glistening trichomes and careful trimming. We explain what to look for in how to tell if a bud is good quality, and why it's best to avoid PGR cannabis.
To keep the flower's aroma intact, storage is key: an airtight jar in a cool, dark, dry place.
How CBD flower is produced and used
Hemp plants are grown until they flower, when the plant is harvested. It is a hardy plant that, in the right conditions, can be grown organically, without pesticides.
Once harvested, the flowers are hand-trimmed to produce CBD buds. The closest leaves, the sugar leaves, are high in resin and are used to make hemp infusions or CBD shake.
CBD is extracted from the flower to make full spectrum CBD oil. The stalk and branches are used for hemp fabric.
Is hemp flower legal?
Hemp flower with less than 0.3% THC is sold legally in Spain and several other EU countries, usually labelled for technical use or as a collectible. Even so, in most European countries cannabis with THC is not legal, each country has its own rules, and in some, such as the UK, hemp flower is controlled even with low THC. To avoid misunderstandings, it's worth knowing the current framework: we explain it in our guide to hemp and CBD flower regulation in Spain.
Because it looks like cannabis, carrying CBD flower in public can lead to misunderstandings with the police. If you find yourself in that situation in Spain, here's what the law says and how to act: fines for carrying CBD in the street. Once again, the legal key lies in the difference between CBD vs THC.
What is being researched about hemp flower and CBD?
Hemp flower, and especially its CBD-rich extracts, is being researched in relation to various health conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Inflammation
- Period pain
- Migraines
- Bowel conditions
- Epilepsy
- Alzheimer's
- Parkinson's
Note: this is an informative article and is not intended to prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. Its content may complement, but never replace, diagnosis or treatment by a professional. Cannactiva products are not medicines and are intended for external use. Speak to your doctor for personalised advice.
Frequently asked questions about hemp flower
Does hemp flower get you high?
No. Hemp flower has less than 0.3% THC, well below the psychoactive threshold, so it doesn't produce the “high” of cannabis. Its main cannabinoid is CBD, which is non-psychoactive.
How is hemp flower different from cannabis?
In its cannabinoid make-up: hemp is rich in CBD with less than 0.3% THC, whereas cannabis is rich in THC (10–25%). The plant is the same; what changes is the chemical profile.
Is it legal to buy hemp flower?
In Spain, flower with less than 0.3% THC is sold legally, usually labelled for technical use or as a collectible. In most European countries cannabis with THC is not legal and each country has its own rules; in some, such as the UK, hemp flower is controlled even with low THC. See our guide to hemp regulation in Spain.
What is hemp flower used for?
It is used above all for its aroma profile, and to extract CBD oil or make hemp infusions; hemp fabric is made from the plant's stalk and branches. The CBD it contains is also being researched for its possible link with wellbeing.
What is the best CBD hemp flower?
It depends on the aroma and strength you're after. Indoor strains offer the highest CBD percentages; greenhouse strains, the best value for money. Compare the options in the best CBD buds.
Buy top-quality hemp flower
In the Cannactiva shop you'll find the best premium CBD hemp flower, as well as derived products such as CBD hash and full spectrum CBD oil, all of the highest quality. And if you'd like to try several strains, we've put together CBD flower bundles.
