Creative Ways to Utilize CBD Hemp Flower Buds Beyond Smoking

CBD hemp flower buds have gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks to their potential health benefits and non-intoxicating nature. While smoking is a common way to consume these CBD-rich flower buds, it's not the only option available. In this blog post, we'll explore three creative ways to utilize CBD hemp flower buds other than smoking, allowing you to enjoy the therapeutic effects of CBD in unique and enjoyable ways.

First off, let's begin to understand what exactly "hemp flower" is. Like its more famous cousin, marijuana, hemp is in the cannabis family and has a reproductive cycle which is identical to marijuana. Traditional industrial hemp is grown like many agricultural crops in dense stands of tall stalks which are planted by seed in the spring and harvested in the fall for their fiber (stalks) and/or for their seeds (top of the plant). Hemp that is grown for its cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBN...) and medicinal terpenes is grown quite differently. These plants are usually started indoors as seedlings then transplanted outside, at much wider spacings, into horticultural style beds. They are then carefully hand-harvested and dried for their fragrant flower buds.

All cannabis (hemp) plants produce distinctively male or female plants. The male plants produce pollen and the female plants receive the pollen on their flower buds in order to produce seeds and reproduce for another season. However, the CBD growers' main goal is to prevent this pollination from happening. This is achieved by growing feminized (female only) plants or culling out all the male plants from the field. The result is a scenario where the female plants continue growing their flower buds larger and more densely, producing even more flavor, aroma, and cannabinoids. At the peek of maturity, these flower buds are then harvested and dried. Traditionally these buds are either smoked or infused into oils. You can find this "hemp flower" available for purchase on our website or at local smoke shops and CBD stores.

But what if you want to learn how to utilize this amazing natural medicine without smoking? Below are a few different methods for infusing the raw hemp flower in order to make it a bit more versatile for every day use.

Decarboxylation:

Cannabinoids like CBD are not bioavailable (available to your body for absorption) in their natural plant form, so the first step is to make them more bioavailable through a process called decarboxylation. This would happen instantaneously through combustion when smoking hemp but, alas, that is not our preferred method here. So how can we accomplish that without smoking the hemp?

Here is one simple method: Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C) and spread your buds evenly on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 30-40 minutes to activate the CBD. Pro tip: set a casserole dish, with water in it, on a different level of your oven to maintain humidity and not over-dry your hemp during the decarboxylation process.

There are many variations on this method that you can feel free to research and try.

Now you are ready to use your CBD flower in your favorite recipes, such as brownies, smoothies, salad dressings, topicals, and more!

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Idea 1

CBD-Infused Topicals

CBD has shown promise in skincare and pain relief products due to its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. You can create your own CBD-infused topicals like creams, balms, or massage oils using CBD hemp flower buds:

Ingredients:

Decarboxylated CBD hemp flower buds (desired dosage)

Carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil, almond oil)

Beeswax (for balms)

Essential oils (optional, for fragrance)

A double boiler or microwave-safe container

A small jar or container for storage

Instructions:

Combine the decarboxylated buds with your chosen carrier oil in a double boiler or microwave-safe container. Heat gently for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

After heating, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a container.

If desired, add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance or some beeswax to create more of a balm consistency.

Pour the CBD-infused oil into a small jar or container, or add it to your favorite topical cream or massage oil for pain relief and optimal skincare.

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Idea 2

CBD-Infused Tea or Coffee

Start your day with a relaxing cup of CBD-infused tea or coffee. This method offers a mild and enjoyable way to consume CBD without the need for smoking or vaping. Here's how to make CBD-infused beverages:

Ingredients:

Decarboxylated CBD hemp flower buds

Loose leaf tea or ground coffee

A tea infuser or French press

Hot water

Instructions:

Brew your tea or coffee: Place the decarboxylated buds into a tea infuser or French press along with your tea leaves or ground coffee.

Pour hot water over the buds and tea leaves or coffee grounds and let steep for a few minutes.

Remove the tea infuser or press down the French press plunger to strain out the CBD hemp flower buds. Sip and enjoy your CBD-infused beverage.

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Idea 3

CBD-Infused Cooking and Baking

One of the most versatile ways to incorporate CBD hemp flower buds into your daily routine is by infusing them into your favorite recipes. CBD can be easily incorporated into various dishes, from savory to sweet. Here's how to get started:

Ingredients:

Decarboxylated CBD hemp flower buds

Coconut oil or butter (any other fat will work well)

A small saucepan

A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

Your favorite recipe

Instructions:

In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil or butter over low heat. Add your decarboxylated CBD hemp flower buds and let them simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

After simmering, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a container.

Use your CBD-infused oil or butter in your favorite recipes, such as brownies, smoothies, or salad dressings.

CBD hemp flower buds offer a wide range of possibilities beyond smoking. By exploring these creative ways to utilize them in cooking, skincare, and beverages, you can incorporate CBD into your daily routine while enjoying its potential health benefits in a unique and enjoyable manner. Whether you're seeking relaxation, pain relief, or overall well-being, these methods provide convenient and accessible alternatives to smoking CBD.

If you're curious to try this for yourself, check out our varieties of homegrown, organic, hemp flower buds and find the ones you like best! https://www.wildfoxprovisions.com/premium-flower