Flower 101: How to Get the Most From Your Cannabis

Cannabis consumption method availability has evolved quickly in the last few years. Everything from THC beverages and candies to concentrates and dabs is now on the market. But cannabis flower is the OG of marijuana consumption. It’s been around for thousands of years and still remains the most popular form of consumption today.

Where does flower come from?

Smokable marijuana flower comes from the floral bud of the cannabis plant. After the cutting stage, it goes through a stringent drying and curing process during harvest. This process helps retain its potency and accentuate the flavor.

How to smoke flower 

There are many ways to smoke or consume flower. The most popular ways to smoke it are by using joints, pipes, and bongs. Here’s a quick breakdown of different ways you can use the flower.

Joint or Pre-roll: pre-rolls are ready-made joints. If you want to make your own joint, you will need rolling papers, a paper filter, and a grinder.

Pipe – To smoke from a glass pipe, break apart the flower, fill the bowl with the flower, light the flower with a flame while gently inhaling air through the mouthpiece.

Bong – Bongs are a popular way to smoke flower. To use one, cover the downstem with water. Pack the bowl with ground flower. Put your mouth over the mouthpiece, light the flower in the bowl, and inhale.

Vape – Dry herb vaping is another great way to smoke cannabis flower and only requires a dry herb vape and flower to get started.

Benefits and what to expect

The benefits of smoking flower include a quick onset, ease of use, and the entourage effect, which suggests a complete synergistic effect of the plant.

You’ll feel the effects of smoking in around 10-20 minutes. The duration of high can vary greatly in the individual, strain, and circumstances. But around 3 hours is a safe average.

How to store 

Storing cannabis is an art form in itself. The main rules you’ll want to maintain are to keep it away from light, air, moisture, and high temperatures. It’s best kept under 78 degrees to keep from molding. Glass jars with airtight seals are your best bet for storage containers. Avoid plastic as it can cause it to ‘sweat’, meaning it will release moisture and cause the bud to become dry and harsh. Be sure to only store flower in your container (keep lighters, pipes, etc somewhere else to avoid flavor contamination). In general, closets are considered the best place to keep your stash.

How to dose cannabis flower

Every cannabis strain is different in potency.  A lot of the THC is lost during the smoking process, therefore, a person can safely smoke much higher rates of THC than they could safely consume in an edible. Finding the right dosage takes time and practice. Always start slow, one hit at a time, and wait 20-30 minutes before deciding if you need another. After practice and reflection from a few rounds, you will be able to more easily recognize the right dosage amount for you.