Written by Marion Law
Published January 11, 2021
The popularity of CBD flower (aka high-CBD hemp flower) has been exploding since the federal government divorced hemp and CBD from their definition of marijuana at the end of 2018. Since that time nearly all 50 U.S. states have submitted their hemp industry regulatory plan to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for approval and begun issuing licenses to hemp farmers and processors, so high-quality products are now common and abundant.
Some states prohibit the production and sale of hemp flower under the premise that law enforcement agents are not able to tell the difference between hemp flower and marijuana without lab testing. However, anyone can order high-quality high-CBD hemp flower online for smoking, cooking, or vaping that is produced in states where it’s legal.
The popularity of CBD flower is gaining so quickly that even big tobacco companies are plotting their entry into the market. After all, as more and more smokers drop tobacco in favor of hemp cigarettes, they are taking market share away from the big guys, and they can’t let that happen. Don’t be surprised if we start seeing Marlboro Hemp Cigarettes appearing on the shelves very soon.
That being said, as with any mass-produced product, the quality won’t match that of the smaller “craft cannabis” brands that we’re going to review in this article. For the best CBD flower, stick with these brands.
Table of Contents
- What is CBD flower?
- How to tell CBD flower from weed (marijuana)?
- How much THC is in CBD flower?
- How to smoke CBD flower?
- CBD Topicals Quick Guide
- Product Selection Methodology
- Green Unicorn
- cannaflower
- Brothers Apothecary
- Secret Nature
- Pure Relief
- Half Day
- Cheef Botanicals
- Savage CBD
- Industrial Hemp Farms
- American Shaman
- How much CBD flower should I smoke?
- How long do the effects of CBD flower last?
- CBD legality
- CBD safety and side effects
- Final Thoughts
What is CBD flower?
The term CBD flower refers to cannabis flowers that are high in CBD with negligible levels of THC. THC is the cannabinoid compound found in marijuana that causes a high. So one might think of CBD flower as buds without the buzz.
Cultivars of cannabis that are low in THC — under 0.3 percent — are referred to as hemp. And there are two distinct categories of hemp. There’s industrial hemp which is cultivated for the seeds and fibers, and there’s what’s known as phytocannabinoid-rich hemp, or PCR hemp, which is high in CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids. The product reviews in this article are all produced from phytocannabinoid-rich strains.
Hemp flower can be used in the same manner as marijuana. It can be smoked, it can be used in cooking, and it can be used in a dry herb vaporizer.
How to tell CBD flower from weed (marijuana)?
High-quality CBD flower is visually identical to marijuana. It looks like marijuana, it smells like marijuana, and it tastes like marijuana. But it doesn’t get the user high like marijuana does.
So, how does one tell the difference between CBD flower and marijuana? Actually, there are only two ways to be sure. The first is to try a small amount and see what the effects are. If it gets you high, it’s marijuana.
However, if a hemp user doesn’t want to risk becoming intoxicated or having THC show up on a drug test, then there’s only one way to be reasonably sure that it’s not marijuana. That is to buy CBD flower from a reputable hemp company that has its products 3rd party tested to assure that they are under the 0.3 percent THC limit.
And, of course, always check the package to make sure you have received the right product.
How much THC is in CBD flower?
In order to be considered hemp, a crop must be tested to assure that it is not “hot.” That’s the term used for hemp crops that test higher than 0.3 percent THC. If a hemp crop tests higher than 0.3 percent THC then the entire crop must be destroyed.
As we mentioned earlier, other cannabinoids aside from THC can be found in hemp flower. Most notably, both high-CBD hemp and high-CBG hemp are readily available online. CBG and CBD flower typically contain anywhere from 15 to 25 percent cannabinoid content, sometimes even higher.
How to smoke CBD flower?
CBD flower can be smoked like any other smokable herb. It can be rolled into cigarettes (or joints, if preferred), or it can be smoked in a pipe or bong. CBD flower can also be vaporized and inhaled using a dry herb vaporizer.
In addition to smoking and vaping, CBD flower can also be used in cooking in much the same way as marijuana. CBD butter and CBD-infused oils are easily produced and can be used in recipes in the same way. However, there will be a distinctive “green” cannabis flavor.
CBD Topicals Quick Guide
Brand | Product | Attributes | Price Per Gram | |
 | Green Unicorn Flower Sample Pack |
| $ | 15% off discount CBDSCHOOL |
 | Cannaflower Rest and Mindfulness |
| $$ | 15% off discount CBDSCHOOL |
 | The Brothers Apothecary Relax Hemp CBD Smoking Blend |
| $$ | |
 | Secret Nature Sour Gummi |
| $$$ | |
 | Pure Relief Raw Hemp CBD Flower |
| $$ | 15% off discount CBDSCHOOL |
 | Half Day Afghan Skunk x The Wife Smokable CBD Flower |
| $ | |
 | Cheef Botanicals Northern Lights |
| $$ | |
 | Savage CBD Lifter Sauce |
| $$ | 15% off discount CBDSCHOOL |
 | Industrial Hemp Farms Casino Cookies |
| $$ | 15% off discount CBDSCHOOL |
 | American Shaman CBG Flower |
| $$ | 20% off discount AMERICAN20 |
Product Selection Methodology
There are a variety of CBD-based products available these days but be warned – not all are as transparent in terms of quality and safety as they claim to be.
So when choosing CBD flower to smoke, or any CBD product for that matter, it’s imperative to keep the following requirements in mind:
Reputable CBD Brands
The top CBD brands have a reputation to keep up. If these companies produce sub par or unsafe products, word would quickly spread causing a drastic drop in sales. For this reason, the more reputable CBD companies will always produce the best CBD flower. Although less reputable CBD companies might also provide high quality CBD flower, it’s always best to stick with these name brands to be sure.
Natural/Non-GMO
The best CBD flower is produced from naturally grown, non-GMO hemp. Because all of the CBD flower products reviewed in this article are 3rd party lab tested, our readers can rest assured that these products are not produced using GMO strains or with toxic pesticides.
Third-Party Lab Test Results
All of the CBD flower brands reviews in this article undergo strict 3rd party lab testing. This is to ensure that the products contain less than 0.3 percent THC and are high in CBD or CBG. These tests also detect toxic substances and impurities that can be harmful. If harmful chemicals are found during testing, the entire batch must be destroyed.
Active and Inactive Ingredients
Although most CBD flower contains only hemp, there are some products that contain additional smokable herbs. These specialty products are somewhat less abundant but there are a couple of brands listed below.
Potency
The best CBD flower should contain at least 15 percent CBD (or CBG). Some brands test at up to 25 percent cannabinoids or higher. Anything below 15 percent cannabinoids is considered sub par. Potency is important when considering price. A one gram hemp cigarette that contains 15 percent CBD will deliver 150 milligrams of CBD, whereas one that contains 25 percent CBD will contain 250 milligrams or more of CBD, usually for around the same price.
Variety of Price
We try to review and recommend a variety of CBD flower products available at various price points to suit every budget. Although the best CBD flower can be costly, we also try to include products that are affordable to anyone.
Extraction Method
Because CBD flower is a raw product, it does not undergo an extraction process.
Top 10 CBD Flower
Green Unicorn
Flower Sample Pack
Strains
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
Lab Report
- The six-sample bundle allows buyers to try various strains in order to find the ones best suited to their conditions or needs.
- Sample six potent, unique CBD and CBG strains with this convenient bundle.
cannaflower
Rest and Mindfulness Pack
Strains
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
Lab Report
- This product is available in a variety pack of three potent Sativa strains – OG Kush, Abacus, and Hawaiian Haze
- This variety pack combines the tranquility-inducing combo of three potent strains: OG Kush, Abacus, and Hawaiian Haze – a fine collection of top-shelf CBD flower strains.
Brothers Apothecary
Relax Hemp CBD Smoking Blend
Blend Includes
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
Lab Report
Secret Nature
Sour Gummi
Strains
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$$
Lab Report
Lab Test Upon Request
- Comes in four sizes – 3.5, 7, 14 & 28 g jars
- Secret Nature Sour Gummi CBD flower Is a powerful, balanced hybrid strain offering anxiety relief without the drowsiness associated with some blends.
Pure Relief
Raw Hemp CBD Flower
Strains
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
Lab Report
Half Day
Afghan Skunk x The Wife
Strains
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$
Lab Report
- These CBD flowers are available in various sizes: 3.5 & 7.5 loose flower sizes, as well as packs of 2 full-size joints and packs of 5 half-joints.
- Afghan Skunk x The Wife is available in 3.5 and 7.5 tins containing loose CBD flower, in addition to packs of 2 full-size joints and 5 half-joints.
Cheef Botanicals
Northern Lights
Strains
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
Lab Report
Savage CBD
Lifter Sauce
Strains
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
Lab Report
Link to COA
- These CBD flowers contain 17-25% CBD and multiple other cannabinoids.
- Lifter Sauce CBD flowers come in 1 gm packages and contain between 17-25% CBD (and other cannabinoids), 40% Indica 60% Sativa. Show More
- It is known to significantly help with reducing pain and tension whilst inducing creativity and relaxation.
Industrial Hemp Farms
Casino Cookies
Strains
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
Lab Report
American Shaman
CBG Flower
Strains
HEMP SOURCE
USA GROWN HEMP
ORGANIC
YES
PRICING
$$
Lab Report
- Highly reputable franchised brand.
- CBD White Widow, one of the strains available, is an Indica-dominant strain famous for its intense sweet and sour kick that blends a flowery flavor with high notes of tangy citrus.
How much CBD flower should I smoke?
The ideal dosage of CBD or CBG varies from person to person based on numerous factors such as body size and physical condition. More importantly, the amount of CBD flower being smoked or otherwise consumed depends on the reason for using the product.
If CBD flower is being used for the purposes of enjoyment or relaxation, then most users will find that one half gram to one gram is more than enough. However, if CBD flower is being used to treat a serious medical condition, then higher dosages are sometimes recommended. In these cases the user should confer with a medical cannabis expert. Ideally a medical user should find a minimum effective dosage by starting small and working their way up until the desired effects are achieved.
How long do the effects of CBD flower last?
Smoking and vaping CBD flower will produce almost immediate effects that will generally start to taper off after a couple hours. The effects will usually diminish completely after 3.5 to four hours. However, if CBD flower is used in cooking, then the onset time will be much longer — anywhere from 20 minutes on an empty stomach to an hour or more when taken with food. The effects of edibles will usually peak about an hour and a half or so after consumption and slowly taper down over the next few hours.
CBD legality
CBD is no longer federally regulated but is now regulated by state. Although some states do not permit the production and sale of cannabis flower within the state, anyone can legally purchase the products listed in this article online.
CBD safety and side effects
CBD, CBG, and other non-intoxicating cannabinoids have been shown in numerous studies to be safe. These cannabinoids are completely non-toxic, non-addictive, and non-intoxicating. At worst, when used in large doses CBD can cause lethargy and drowsiness. That being said, as with smoking any herbal substance, smoking CBD flower can potentially result in increased blood pressure and possibly cause lung conditions such as chronic bronchitis. Smoking is not recommended for patients with high blood pressure or who are experiencing heart and lung issues.
Final Thoughts
The best CBD flower in the world is made right here in the U.S. We have presented in this article reviews of ten high-quality CBD flower products with which we feel our readers will be 100% satisfied. If for any reason a reader is dissatisfied with any of these products we would like to know about it!
