6 Surprising Benefits of Smoking CBD You'll Want To Know

Human beings have had a very long and extremely complicated relationship with the humble cannabis plant. In fact, hemp was one of the earliest plants that we cultivated for food, textiles, medicinal and ritual uses.

Remnants of phytocannabinoid residue burned in wooden braziers at the Jirzankal Cemetery (ca. 500 BCE) suggests that cannabis Sativa plants were smoked as part of ritual ceremonies in China over 2500 years ago [1].

Today, there are many ways to use hemp flower products.

You can extract the active cannabinoids and terpenes as concentrates to create a variety of CBD products or you can smoke the hemp flower as-is.

Being aware of the type of CBD experience you want to have will help you choose the best CBD product—as the different routes of administration and potency can affect the effects, the onset time, and how long it lasts.

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Can You Smoke CBD?

Smoking CBD is one of the most efficient ways to deliver the benefits of the compound into our system.

When you smoke, cannabinoids and terpenes enter the bloodstream via the oxygen exchange in the lungs where it interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is an extensive network made up of endocannabinoid messengers, receptors, and enzymes that regulate some of the vital systems in our body to maintain homeostasis (balance).

While smoking cannabis isn't ideal for everyone, it can have some unique advantages.

1. CBD Inhalation Has The Most Rapid Effect

Out of all of the ways you could possibly imagine using CBD, smoking (inhalation) offers the most effective route of delivery. This means that the benefits of smoking CBD can be felt almost immediately after use.

A route of delivery is the phrase used to identify the path that a substance takes when it enters our body.

Other than taking substances intravenously, inhalation is the fastest route of delivery.

Comparatively, when you eat CBD, the digestive system breaks down most of the active compounds before it enters the bloodstream, meaning you're not getting the full concentration of CBD and other phytochemical compounds.

2. Non-Intoxicating/Won't Get You High

CBD-rich hemp flowers closely resemble the appearance and smell of marijuana, because of the terpenes present.

Terpenes are aromatic botanical compounds that give plants their distinct smells.They can also contribute to the flavor and effect profile of your cannabis.

CBD is not a psychotropic compound.

As long as you're purchasing hemp-derived CBD products, you will not experience any intoxicating effects associated with marijuana.

Hemp flowers are CBD-rich and low in THC (below 0.3%), offering a calming and relaxing sensation, without getting you "high."

3. Offers A Natural Alternative To Vaping

When vaping first rose to popularity, many believed that it was a much healthier alternative to smoking cigarettes.

However, this thought has been debunked after a rise in vaping lead to a national health epidemic of lung injuries and illness.

The vaping health crisis caused scientists to take a closer look at common ingredients within vapes, and currently, the ingredient of concern that scientists believe may be the culprit is the vitamin E acetate present within vape solutions, as well as poorly constructed vape devices burn heavy metals that can irritate the lungs.

While low-vapor smoke can help to reduce the heat your lungs are exposed to, it's important to shop for a quality device and vape products that are made with clean ingredients.

4. May Assist Those Looking To Stop Smoking Nicotine Cigarettes

There's no doubt that nicotine is a highly addictive compound. For many people who smoke nicotine cigarettes, the habit of lighting up a stick and inhaling smoke perpetuates the addiction.

Hemp flower CBD cigarettes offer an alternative for smokers when the craving strikes.

In a study, CBD was found to reduce the salience of cigarette craving cues.

5. Support Healthy Inflammatory Function

Inflammation is on everyone's mind these days because, for much of Western society, it's become a chronic issue. Chronic inflammation is known to lead to achy joints, stiffness, and pain, a long list of ailments.

CBD has been shown to help support healthy inflammatory function. In a study published by the Journal of Experimental Medicine, CBD was shown to reduce inflammation and aches in an animal-based study.

6. Supports A Calm Mood

Marijuana has been a go-to for those struggling with stress. However, marijuana isn't always a dependable option.

Recent literature shows that the high amount of THC within marijuana may actually enhance feelings of anxiousness or paranoia.

CBD, on the other hand, has been found to help calm the mind thanks to its interaction with GABA receptors in the brain.

GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to increase the feeling of calm and relaxation. Therefore, the benefits of smoking CBD from a hemp plant might be the better option for those struggling to calm the mind.