What CBD buds are
CBD buds are dried flower from hemp plants. Hemp is Cannabis sativa L. with delta-9 THC at or below 0.3% on a dry weight basis, per the 2018 Farm Bill. The buds carry trichomes. Trichomes hold cannabinoids and terpenes. CBD is the main cannabinoid in most hemp cultivars. THC stays low.
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Cannabinoid numbers to check
Labels list CBD, delta-9 THC, THCA, CBG, and total THC. Labs compute total THC as delta-9 THC plus THCA times 0.877. THCA converts to THC when heated. A bud can pass the 0.3% delta-9 limit at the farm gate and still land above 0.3% total THC after decarboxylation. Ask for the total THC number, not only delta-9.
- CBD: common range 10% to 20% by weight. Some cultivars test above 20%.
- Delta-9 THC: 0.3% or less for hemp.
- THCA: varies by cultivar and harvest date.
- Moisture: 8% to 12% keeps buds from crumbling or molding.
Certificate of analysis
A COA comes from a third-party lab. It lists method, sample date, batch number, and results per cannabinoid. Complete COAs cover potency, pesticides, heavy metals, microbials, and residual solvents. The lab name and its ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation number should appear on the document. If a seller shows no COA for the batch you buy, the potency claim is unverified.
How people use hemp buds
Smoking and vaporizing heat the flower. Vaporizers run between 350 F and 430 F. Combustion runs hotter and destroys some terpenes. Some people decarboxylate buds in an oven at 240 F for 30 to 40 minutes, then infuse them into oil or butter.
Effects vary by person, dose, and product. FDA has not approved CBD for general use outside specific epilepsy drugs. Talk to a clinician about interactions with other drugs, including blood thinners and seizure medications.
Storage
Keep buds in an airtight glass jar. Store in the dark at 60 F to 70 F. A 62% humidity pack holds moisture. Light, heat, and air drop terpene content over weeks.
Legal status
Federal law allows hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill. State rules differ. Some states restrict hemp flower sales. Check state law before buying.