A Comprehensive Guide to Using Cannabis Flower

Since the widespread legalization of medical marijuana, many types of medical marijuana plants and dosage forms have been developed in the hopes of optimizing the consumer experience. In spite of the wide array of dosage forms available, the cannabis flower still retains a cult hero status among numerous users. The reason behind this is not far-fetched. The ban on cannabis in 1937 meant any form of organized production had to stop. The flower buds are by far the most popular in the black market and pre-medical marijuana legalization, smoking the flower buds was about the most popular method of using cannabis. A lot of people still believe that none of the available dosage forms is capable of eliciting the same effects as the flower buds. Vaping with and smoking cannabis flower is now legal in Florida.

Today, you can get marijuana flower buds in your local dispensary as long as you have a medical marijuana card. However, the law does not give room for traditional smoking, although this might change soon. This guide hopes to provide everything you need to know about using the dried flower buds of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

How Can I Use the Flower Buds?

Currently, the legal method for using cannabis flower buds is through vaping. Vaping involves heating cannabis to a temperature that is just below its combustion point. The dried flower buds are converted to a fine vapor which the user then inhales. The general belief is that vaping is a healthier method of using medical marijuana, especially when compared with traditional smoking.

What are Some of the Concerns about Smoking Marijuana?

Recently, smoking any form of marijuana is now legal in Florida, even for medical purposes. This law is currently being reviewed, and there is a high chance it might change soon. Studies have shown that smoking cannabis isn’t nearly as harmful as smoking tobacco. Still, there are certain health concerns that come with smoking medical marijuana or smoking anything at all. A higher incidence of bronchitis has been observed in marijuana smokers. The combustion of the flower buds could lead to the release of toxic substances alongside cannabis. This could put stress on the respiratory system and possibly affect lung function.

There are also concerns over the possible effects of secondary smoking or the fact that the people around may find smoking offensive. Furthermore, a lot of active ingredients escapes alongside the smoke when marijuana is combusted when using cannabis flower. This makes it difficult to standardize the dose of marijuana for smokers. If you are using marijuana for therapeutic purposes, it is important to know the dose that works for you and stick with it. Vaping and using cannabis flower safely is a key factor. When you consider all these factors, you may understand why the government is not eager to legalize smoking medical marijuana.

What Type of Vaporizer Should I Get?

There are different types of vaporizers, and they differ in their construction and purposes. For flower bud users, the dry herb vaporizer would be the ideal option. These kinds of vaporizers come as portable devices. The ones with temperature control features are regarded as the best types.

Alternatively, you could get a stationary vaporizer; a big machine that requires a power outlet. The device usually comes with a plastic balloon or small hose through which you would inhale cannabis vapor. Many stationary vaporizers offer impressive vaping temperature control. However, you should only get one if you do not hit the road a lot as you won’t be able to take your drug whenever you’re not around the vaporizer

How do I Select a Good Strain?

As you would know already, there are different strains of medical marijuana. The strains differ in their CBD to THC ratio and consequently, their therapeutic effects. The major strains of cannabis are Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Cannabis sativa has a higher concentration of THC than Cannabis indica; thus, its psychoactive effects are more potent.

Most dispensaries today hardly stock pure Sativa or indica breeds. What you’ll see on the other hand are hybrids that combine attributes of both strains to varying degrees depending on the cultivation conditions. The attendant at your dispensary should be able to tell you more about the available strains, or you could follow this link to know more.

Usually, discovering the best breed for you is a trial and error process. You may have to sample some of the available breeds to know which would work best for your condition. As a general rule, first-time users should start with breeds that have low THC content due to the ‘high’ you’ll get after using them. Some breeds are also known to work better for certain ailments. Your doctor should be able to enlighten you on the best breed for your condition when you fix an appointment to get your medical marijuana card.

What is the Right Dose to Take?

The right dose of medical marijuana flower would depend on the strain and your condition. If you are a novice, you may start with about two or three puffs to see how your body adjusts to the effects of medical marijuana. If you have to take several puffs before you start feeling the desired effects, you should consider switching to another brand or strain of medical marijuana. Taking more potent cannabis flower is healthier than taking several puffs from a less potent strain

Do I get a Different Experience from Vaping Cannabis Flower?

If you are already used to smoking cannabis, vaping pretty much provides the same experience as vaping. The onset and duration of action are similar and the only difference, if any, would come from the breed of cannabis flower you’re using. You should know that vaping requires a lesser quantity of cannabis flower to produce the desired effect since none of the plant material is wasted with the smoke.

For users that are used to edibles, the effect you get from vaping could be slightly different. Edibles produce a stronger, longer-lasting ‘high’ when compared to the inhaled forms of cannabis. The onset of action for vaping is also much faster, and the effects last for a shorter period.

How Fast is the Onset of Action Using Cannabis Flower?

Vaping cannabis flower produces almost immediate effects. The onset of action is anywhere between 1 to 15 minutes. The time it takes to feel the effects may vary slightly from individual to individual. If you are a novice, the effects could hit you very quickly, and it may take you some time to adjust to the ‘high.’ When you want to vape for the first time, it is better to do it in the presence of an experienced or sober friend.

How Long do the Effects Last?

The effects of vaping linger for about 1 to 3 hours. Individual differences also influence the duration of action of medical marijuana flower. You can expect the peak effects of about an hour or two after vaping. The high you feel is just one of the signs that medical marijuana is kicking into your system. It is wrong to conclude that marijuana is no longer working because you are no longer feeling high. Whenever you vape, avoid driving or operating any moving machinery for several hours after, even if you are no longer feeling any high.

The implication of the short duration of action of vaped medical marijuana is that users may have to increase the frequency of dosing. If your condition warrants vaping several times in a day, it is advisable to explore other longer-lasting methods of taking medical marijuana. Edibles are known to come in handy in this regard.

Does Vaping Have Special Advantages?

Vaping takes care of most of the concerns that come with smoking cannabis. Studies have consistently shown that vaping is a much healthier way of consuming medical marijuana when compared with smoking. Some of the advantages include:

Vaping does not involve the combustion of the plant material. Hence, carcinogens are not produced
Vaping is an efficient method of consuming medical marijuana. About 95% of the cannabinoids present in the plant material are consumed when you vape at the right temperatures
Vaping is pleasantly discreet; there is no smoke, and there is little to no smell
Vaping eliminates the potential health hazards of secondary smoking
Vaping releases the terpenes present in the cannabis flower. You would enjoy a much better flavor and taste.
The onset of action is quite fast
Vaped cannabis flower buds could still be useful for other purposes

What Are Some of the Side Effects of Vaping Cannabis?

While it is true that vaping is much safer than smoking, users of medical cannabis need to know that vaping is less safe than not vaping at all. Constantly inhaling foreign materials into the lungs could put stress on your respiratory system. The more you do it, the more you put your lungs and other respiratory organs at risk.

Enjoying the Best Vaping Experience

Once you start vaping, it is important to take care of your vaporizer if you wish to continue enjoying a great vaping experience. It is recommended that you should clean your vaporizer at least once every week to prevent the build-up of residues. If you’re using an electric vaporizer, ensure you charge it consistently, according to the manufacturer’s instruction. It’ll be a shame if you need your fix of medical marijuana and your vaporizer is out of power.

Vaping is, no doubt, a great way of consuming medical marijuana. However, there is no guarantee that it would be a good method for you. The only way you can find out is by trying. If you have existing respiratory problems such as asthma, vaping should be a no-go area for you. If you have some other chronic health condition that you think may affect your vaping experience, you should, at least, inform your doctor before you start vaping. There are many other methods of consumption you can explore if vaping is not suitable for you.