What’s the difference between smoking and drinking hemp flower?
Hemp flower, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits, thanks to its rich content of cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) and a variety of beneficial terpenes. Two common methods of consuming hemp flower are smoking and drinking it as tea. Both methods offer distinct experiences and benefits. Here's a comprehensive look at the differences between smoking and drinking hemp flower.
Method of Consumption
- Smoking Hemp Flower:
- How It’s Done: Smoking involves inhaling the smoke produced by burning the dried hemp flower. This can be done using a pipe, a bong, or by rolling the flower into a joint or cigarette.
- Onset and Duration: When smoked, the cannabinoids in hemp flower are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. This leads to almost immediate effects, typically felt within minutes. However, these effects may only last for a few hours.
- Experience: Smoking hemp flower provides a quick and efficient way to experience its effects. The flavors of the terpenes are also more pronounced when inhaled, offering an intense and immediate sensory experience.
- Drinking Hemp Flower:
- How It’s Done: Drinking hemp flower usually involves brewing the dried buds into a tea. This can be done by steeping the flower in hot water, often with added ingredients like lemon or honey to enhance flavor.
- Onset and Duration: When consumed as a tea, the cannabinoids must pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. This results in a slower onset of effects, typically taking 30 minutes to 2 hours to manifest. However, the effects tend to be longer-lasting, often extending for several hours.
- Experience: Drinking hemp tea provides a milder, more gradual onset of effects. The flavor of hemp tea is generally earthy and herbal, which can be soothing and enjoyable for those who prefer a less intense consumption method.
Health Considerations
- Smoking Hemp Flower:
- Pros: The primary advantage of smoking hemp flower is the rapid onset of effects, making it suitable for acute relief of symptoms such as anxiety or pain. The bioavailability (the proportion of active compounds that enter the circulation) is higher when smoking, meaning you may need less product to achieve the desired effects.
- Cons: Smoking involves inhaling combusted plant material, which can irritate the lungs and respiratory system. Long-term smoking can lead to respiratory issues and other health concerns associated with inhaling smoke.
- Drinking Hemp Flower:
- Pros: Drinking hemp flower tea is a gentler method of consumption, avoiding the risks associated with smoking. It is easier on the lungs and provides a more prolonged and sustained release of cannabinoids. This method can be particularly beneficial for individuals with respiratory issues or those who prefer not to smoke.
- Cons: The onset of effects is slower compared to smoking, which might not be suitable for those seeking immediate relief. Additionally, the bioavailability is lower when consumed orally, meaning you might need a larger quantity to achieve the same effects as smoking.
Practical Considerations
- Convenience: Smoking hemp flower requires minimal preparation, while brewing hemp tea can be more time-consuming. However, tea can be prepared in advance and consumed throughout the day, providing flexibility in consumption.
- Discretion: Drinking hemp tea is more discreet than smoking, as it doesn’t produce the characteristic odor associated with smoking marijuana. This can be an important factor for individuals who need to consume hemp in public or professional settings.
- Flavor and Enjoyment: The flavor profile of smoked hemp is typically stronger and more pronounced, providing a robust sensory experience. On the other hand, hemp tea offers a subtler flavor, which can be customized with various additions like herbs, spices, or sweeteners to suit personal taste preferences.
Conclusion
Both smoking and drinking hemp flower offer unique benefits and experiences. Smoking provides quick, potent effects with higher bioavailability, making it ideal for immediate relief. Conversely, drinking hemp tea offers a gentler, more sustained experience without the risks associated with inhaling smoke. The choice between the two methods depends on individual preferences, health considerations, and specific needs. Understanding these differences can help users select the most suitable method to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of hemp flower.