Different cultivation methods complicate the selection of CBD flowers
What is CBD flower?
CBD flower is nothing more than the flower of the so-called technical hemp, which is rich in cannabidiol and has a THC content of up to 1%. The limit of one percent has been in force in the Czech Republic since January 2022, while in most other countries the limit is much lower (0.3%). The regulation is constantly changing and it is important to keep an eye on the current figures.
It is a specially bred variety of cannabis in which CBD is dominant. If the offer is too tempting, certification and testing are lacking and the flowers have a high CBD content disproportionate to the price, the seller is most likely deceiving or artificially inflating the CBD in the flowers with an isolate. This takes the form of spraying and has little to do with a quality product.
Apart from CBD flowers, cannabigerol (CBG) dominated flowers are also available on the market.
The label "CBD flower" does not mean that there are no other ingredients in the plant. As in other cannabis products (except isolates), there is an entourage effect, where the effect of CBD on the human body is enhanced by other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN or THC (in minimal amounts) and terpenes, flavonoids or tocopherols.
The quality of CBD flowers and what affects it
CBD flowers are usually of relatively good quality (appearance, taste, aroma, degree of drying and moisture, certification). Even so, there are differences and a number of factors influence the outcome. To be sure of what the plant material contains and that you are buying CBD flowers of the quality you want, we recommend researching analyses and lab tests (examining the proportion of individual cannabinoids or other components), looking at certifications, and searching for reviews and feedback from users before you buy. Information on cannabis products must be transparent.
Neglected curing
The decline in quality can occur during the actual breeding and cultivation as well as during drying and storage. Producers apply various practices, but curing is always in the background. The method is rather lengthy and with uncertain results. When done correctly, however, the level of CBD flowers moves up several notches.
A well-executed harvest and subsequent drying are key to the enjoyment experience in any form. Curing ensures that the terpenes remain in the flowers while protecting them from mould. But that's just the icing on the curing cake. Curing comes into play when there is only residual moisture left in the cannabis (most of it has disappeared when the plants are hung or placed in brown (unbleached) paper envelopes.
The sticks are placed in glass resealable jars (plastic is not suitable) so that they have enough space around them and do not touch the lid. The jars are then placed in a shady, cool place and opened twice a day to allow the accumulated moisture to escape. The process should be repeated for a minimum of three weeks, ideally two months. A freezer is best for storing the flowers. Higher temperatures or too much light are not good for them and they may lose flavour and aroma.
Indoor CBD Flowers Delivery
These are flowers grown indoors and under artificial light, giving growers a great deal of control over the whole process. But that doesn't mean it's fundamentally faster. On the contrary. The first four weeks are just germination and dormancy. Over the next two to three months, the plant grows in size and vigour, matures and begins to flower.
Another advantage of growing indoors is the possibility of changing the environment. Outdoors, the plants are dependent on sunlight, but with indoor CBD flowers there is more variability - growers can set different light intensities and play around with the angle of the light or the temperature, humidity and CO2 levels. In such conditions, even more cannabinoids are retained in the soil, which enriches the flowers.
Outdoor CBD flowers
Flowers from open fields and plantations are often of lower quality, which can affect both the appearance and the taste. There is a risk of pesticide contamination of the flowers - you can easily choose from among the flowers grown in the organic regime and thus really closest to nature. Machine harvesting and too much exposure to the sun and temperature fluctuations are not good for the plants. And the growing process is almost three times as long as the 'indoor version'. But it is the most natural and cheapest way of growing without the need for artificial lighting, tarpaulins or fans to circulate the air. All you need is sun, air and soil.
Greenhouse
Greenhouse growing is an increasingly common method that combines the production of the highest quality flowers with the lowest environmental impact. It takes advantage of natural sunlight and solar deprivation. By using sails, growers prevent the sun from illuminating the flowers, and they are able to bloom faster as a result.
Growing in natural sunlight promotes a full and natural terpene profile in the plants.
The greenhouse method has less impact on natural resources. Cannabis grown in the sun consumes far less energy than all the lights and fans used to power indoor cultivation, promoting sustainability by leaving a much smaller ecological footprint.
There is no need for artificial lights or fans as with indoor growing and growers are not dependent on the vagaries of weather and sunshine as with "pure" outdoor growing.
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