What is Flower in Marijuana?
When it comes to cannabis, flower is a term used to describe the flowering buds of the cannabis plant. Flower is the part of the plant that is rich in cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
Many who are new to medicating with marijuana will often start with flower due to its versatility and how easy it is to consume. For example, cannabis flower can be:
- Smoked using a pipe (glass, ceramic, or water)
- Ground up and vaped
- Rolled into a joint or blunt
- Used for cooking and baking
Medical Marijuana Flower
Anatomy of Marijuana Flower
Flower buds are the part of the cannabis plant that contain cannabinoids, trichomes, and terpenes. But not all plants will generate flower buds. Only female plants will do so during the flowering stage, which can occur anywhere between 8 to 11 weeks into the plant’s life.
Different Types of Flower
When it comes to the different types of cannabis flower, there are three general classifications:
Cannabis Sativa
Tends to provide an energizing and uplifting effect that can help boost creativity and mental focus.
Cannabis Indica
Tends to provide sedative, full-bodied effects that can promote relaxation and alleviate pain.
Hybrid
Blends of indica and sativa that can maximize the positive effects, while minimizing any undesired effects of certain strains.
Learn more about the different effects and health benefits of indica, sativa, and hybrid strains of cannabis flower.
Cannabinoids
What is it about cannabinoids that makes them so effective, where many traditional forms of medicine have failed? It might just be that our bodies are built to thrive on cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. One of the most well known is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis.
Another well-known cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike THC however, CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect - so it can provide health benefits without providing a high sensation. Some of the benefits that have been attributed to CBD include that it can be helpful in the treatment of:
- Arthritis
- Inflammation
- Anxiety disorders
- Cancer related symptoms
- PTSD
- Seizures
- Chronic pain
- Neurological disorders
Click here to learn more about the potential health benefits of CBD and CBD Oils.
In addition to THC and CBD, there are more than 100 different cannabinoids found in cannabis.¹ Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabichromene (CBC), and Cannabigerol (CBG) are just a few.
Cannabinoids we consume when we medicate with cannabis interact with cellular receptors within our bodies. The two types of receptors we know about, are:
- CB1 receptors – found in our brains – help to control neurotransmitter activity and regulate things like hunger and alertness.
- CB2 receptors – occur mostly in our immune tissues – and play an essential role in regulating immune function.
- Some scientists believe we might have a third type of receptor that remains undiscovered.
Click here to learn more about how cannabinoids can be the key to unlocking your body’s natural healing power.
What Are Trichomes?
Have you ever noticed shiny little crystals on your cannabis flower and wondered what they are?
Well, those are trichomes. In addition to having a nice aroma, trichomes are what produce and contain the cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis. It is believed that the more trichomes a cannabis flower has, the more terpenes it will contain.
Trichomes occur in many different species of plants and serve different purposes. In cannabis, they serve a defensive function.
When a female cannabis plant flowers in the wild, it can become attractive to a range of insects and pests. Due to their bitter taste and strong aroma, trichomes can serve as a deterrent to those pests.
Terpenes & the Entourage Effect
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants and herbs like jasmine, rosemary, lavender, and cannabis. In nature, terpenes help protect plants from animal grazing and infectious germs. They also help to attract pollinators.
Terpenes are bioactive and, depending on their concentration and how a person uses them, can offer certain health benefits. And, those benefits can be enhanced when cannabinoids and terpenes work together.
When you combine the proper kinds and amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes it can create a synergetic effect known as The Entourage Effect, which can provide a more complete cannabis experience. Bloom Medicinals understands this and it is the foundation of what sets us apart from most medical marijuana companies.
Click here to learn how to identify terpenes in products when no lab report is provided.
Where to Get Medical Marijuana from Bloom Medicinals
Through our one-on-one patient consultations, our patient care specialists will take the time to get to know you, your qualifying conditions, symptoms, medications you’re taking, dietary restrictions, activity level, and any specific effects you are looking to experience or avoid.
By doing so, Bloom Medicinals can help you:
- Dial in the unique blend of cannabinoids and terpenes that are right for you
- Identify the consumption methods that best match for your needs and lifestyle
- Find the right products that can help you enjoy a better quality of life
Shop our best deals on cannabis flower near you — and make sure to schedule your free one-on-one consultation at a Bloom Medicinals dispensary today.