Cannabis flowers (also referred to as buds) are the trichome-rich components of the Cannabis sativa plant. Those trichomes contain the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids responsible for each strain’s aroma, flavor, and beneficial effects.
Humans have been using cannabis flowers for centuries. It wasn’t until more recent years that cannabis use was made illegal. However, over the last few decades, cannabis has gained significant popularity for medical and recreational use. States across the US have begun legalizing it once again as science uncovers its many potential benefits. The industry has exploded, and the market now features a broad range of products in addition to flowers. As a Florida cannabis user, you have more options than ever before.
Cannabis Growing and Cultivation
Cannabis growers can cultivate their plants in a few different ways. While they can choose to grow outdoors, many do so in a greenhouse. An indoor setting allows for control over crucial factors such as light exposure, temperature, humidity, and airflow. Growers can also start their plants from seeds or use cuttings (clones) from other plants. They maintain a careful eye on the plants as they grow and begin producing flowers before finally harvesting the plants.
Today, growers cultivate numerous strains, which fall in one of three categories — Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid. These varieties offer cannabis users even more options for finding the best products for their needs.
5 Ways to Consume Florida Cannabis
Fresh flowers remain one of the most popular cannabis products. These are the whole buds you see on dispensary shelves. After harvesting, they’re dried, trimmed, and cured before being sent to the shop for sale.
Wondering how to consume CBD flower or cannabis flower? The most common way is to smoke them. After grinding the buds, you have a few options. You can roll them into joints, pack them into a pipe, or use a bong. No matter what method you choose, the effects are almost immediate.
While using fresh flowers is pretty quick and easy, it isn’t for everyone. In addition to the prep you need to do, smoking means you’re inhaling ash and carcinogens, too.
Now let’s take a closer look at a few other ways you can consume your Florida cannabis:
1. Pre-Rolls
Fast-acting relief tends to be one of the biggest draws of smoking cannabis. It allows you to experience the flavor and aroma of your chosen strain and provides you with the plant’s full cannabinoid and terpene profiles. However, grinding fresh flowers can be messy, and it’s not always the most convenient.
If you want the benefits of smoking without having to grind and roll (or pack) first, pre-rolls provide a perfect alternative. They’re essentially the same as a hand-rolled joint, just without the prep work. However, it also has the same drawbacks as smoking freshly ground buds.
2. Vapes
Vaping is another form of inhalation, but it’s different from smoking. Instead of combusting plant material, this method involves using lower temperatures to vaporize cannabinoids and terpenes. The process doesn’t create any of the harmful contaminants that combustion does. Instead of smoke, you inhale a cleaner, smoother vapor.
Like smoking, vaping offers fast-acting results. Unlike smoking, there’s less odor, and any smell produced disappears quickly. Initial research shows that it may provide a healthier alternative to smoking, but the long-term effects aren’t known yet. You also need to make sure to charge your vape device’s battery periodically.
3. Tinctures
If you’re looking to avoid inhalation altogether, tinctures offer a different option. Traditionally an alcohol-based extraction, most cannabis tinctures are actually extracts mixed with a carrier oil like MCT, avocado, or hemp seed.
You can consume tinctures in a few different ways. Applying your doses under your tongue offers the fastest-acting results. Alternatively, you can swallow your dose or mix it in with your food or drink. These methods take longer to produce effects.
Tinctures are a more discreet method of consumption. They produce no smoke, vapor, or odor, and they’re much more portable. A built-in dropper makes measuring and taking your doses easy. Proper storage is vital, though, as exposing the liquid to heat or light can degrade valuable cannabinoids.
4. Edibles
The world of edibles has grown astronomically in recent years. These cannabis-infused foods and beverages offer countless tasty ways to consume your dose of cannabinoids. Chocolates are one of the most popular options, but you may also find gummies, soft chews, and many more. If you don’t want to eat a food item, capsules also fall into this category.
One of the biggest draws of edibles is that they provide the longest-lasting effects of any other cannabis consumption method. They’re incredibly discreet, too. However, it can take up to two hours to feel any benefit from your dose.
5. Topicals
Topicals offer a method of cannabis use that doesn’t involve inhaling or ingesting anything. Instead, you apply a cannabis-infused cream or lotion directly to your body. The cannabinoids absorb through your skin to provide localized relief from ailments such as arthritis, muscle aches, and other types of pain.
With topicals, the THC in the product doesn’t travel deep enough to enter your bloodstream. You can apply an infused cream or lotion as often as you need without having to worry about any intoxicating effects. You should make sure to avoid touching your eyes or nose after applying them, though. Some products may contain additional ingredients that can irritate sensitive tissues.
Tips for Choosing and Buying Cannabis
While it’s great to have choices, having too many can make your decision more challenging. After you narrow down your strain options, you’ll want to think about how quickly you want relief. You’ll also need to consider if you would prefer to inhale your cannabinoids or if you’d rather ingest them a different way. If you have any health concerns, such as a compromised immune system, you’ll want to keep that in mind, too.
Before you buy a product, be sure to read its label. Look for testing information, extraction methods, and additional ingredients like cutting agents. For anything that isn’t a flower, you’ll also want to pay attention to whether the product is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or an isolate. Finally, no matter what you ultimately choose, make sure you’re buying your cannabis products from a licensed, reputable dispensary.
Find A Florida Cannabis Dispensary Near You
Cannabis use is a highly personal experience. A particular strain and consumption method that works well for one person might not work at all for you. With so many options, though, you might not know where to start. Considering your needs and personal preferences can help make it easier to find the best solution for your needs.VidaCann offers a broad range of high-quality Florida cannabis products, from flowers and vapes to edibles and topicals. Visit our website to view our selection or stop by your nearest dispensary today.
