What is Cannabis Flower? Everything You Need to Know

Cannabis flower, also known as weed, pot, bud, or simply flower, is the consumable part of the plant for recreational pleasure and medical benefits. It is typically the dried and cured bud that contains a high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.

The cannabinoid contains the most desirable compounds which includes THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is the psychoactive compound in the cannabis flower that makes you high, and CBD contains therapeutic properties for its calming effect. Terpene gives cannabis flower it’s fragrance and aromatic properties.

Whether you’re smoking it, consuming it in edibles, or using it in extracts, cannabis flower serves as the foundation for a wide variety of cannabis products. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about cannabis flower, starting from the basics to its different types, uses, benefits, and how to spot high-quality strains.

Understanding the Basics of Cannabis or Weed Flower

The cannabis flower is the base substance that you can directly consume by smoking it, or you can even process it further to refine and extract a higher concentration of cannabinoids for a more intense recreational experience.

By further processing the cannabis flower, you can make various cannabis-based products such as pre-rolls, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and even CBDs. Whether it’s out of curiosity or keen interest, has it ever occurred to you why it’s called cannabis flower, and which parts of the plant are responsible for its unique effects?

If you're curious about the structure and purpose of cannabis flower, let’s get started with the fundamentals.

Why is it Called Cannabis Flower? 

It is called cannabis flower because it refers to the flowering part of the female cannabis plant, specifically, the buds. These buds contain dense clusters of trichomes, the tiny, crystal-like glands that produce high concentrations of cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes, which are responsible for the plant’s effects and aroma.

It is also called a nug due to its compact, nugget-like appearance once harvested, dried, and cured.

Key Parts of the Cannabis Flower: Explained 

The cannabis flower has several distinctive parts, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts of the cannabis flower.

    • Flower: The flower is the reproductive part of the plant, and it's the most desired part of the plant, mainly due to its high volume of trichomes.

    • Trichome: Trichomes are tiny hair-like structures that cover the surface of the plant, mainly located on the leaves and buds. Typically, it is a crystal-like gland that produces resin, which contains cannabinoids (THC and CBD), terpenes, and other beneficial compounds.

    • Cola: A cola is the central cluster of cannabis buds that grow tightly together at the top of the plant’s main stems or branches. These dense formations are typically the largest and most resin-rich parts of the plant, making them a prime source of trichomes, cannabinoids, and terpenes.

    • Pistils: Pistils are small, hair-like structures on the flower that are responsible for its pollination and reproductive process. Its main function is to catch pollen from the plant’s male part to produce seeds, so in other words, it is the ovary of the cannabis plant. Its color changes from white to orange, red, or brown pistils, indicating whether it’s mature for harvesting.

    • Sugar Leaves: Sugar leaves are small leaves that grow among the cannabis buds. They’re often coated with trichomes, giving them a frosty, sugar-dusted appearance. While they contain some cannabinoids, they are usually trimmed off during harvest to improve the final product's smoothness and visual appeal.

    • Bract: Bracts are small, modified leaves that form around the reproductive parts of the female cannabis flower. They play a protective role and are typically rich in trichomes. Bracts can vary in color, often green, but sometimes showing shades of purple or red depending on the strain and growing conditions.

Types of Cannabis Flower

There are 3 different types of cannabis flower that varies across different strains. This includes indica, sativa, and hybrid. Each strain has a varying composition of THC and CBD, which makes them distinctively unique for different forms of recreational consumption.

Indica 

The indica strain is mainly popular for its therapeutic properties to help you feel calmer and more relaxed, and also experience a smooth high. Most Indica strains are high in THC and relatively low in CBD, with THC levels typically ranging from 15% to 25% and CBD often below 1%.

However, some specially bred Indica-dominant strains have a more balanced THC to CBD ratio (around 1:1), with both cannabinoids in the 5% to 10% range. There are also CBD-dominant Indica strains that feature high CBD content (10% to 20%) and lower THC levels (1% to 5%), which makes the indica strain a more suitable choice if you’re more into the calming effect rather than the strong psychoactive intensity.

    • Indica Strains with High THC and Low CBD (THC: 17% to 27% and CBD: 0% to 1%): Northern Lights, Mendo Breath, Granddaddy Purple, Bubba Kush, and more.

    • Indica Strains with High CBD and Low THC (THC: 13% to 16% and CBD: 0% to 1%): Remedy, ACDC, Lifter, Charlotte’s Web, Cherry Wine, etc.

    • Indica Strains with Balanced THC and CBD Profile (1:1): Pennywise, Incredible Power CBD, CBD Critical Mass, Atlas F1.

Sativa 

Sativa strains are mainly popular for their energizing, uplifting effects, often associated with increased focus, creativity, and a sense of euphoria. This is largely due to their typically high THC content and low CBD levels. On average, THC levels in Sativa strains range from 15% to 25%, though some potent strains can reach up to 35%.

Most Sativa strains contain less than 1% CBD. However, some specially bred Sativa-dominant varieties offer a more balanced cannabinoid profile, with both THC and CBD in the 5% to 10% range.

Hybrid

Compared to both indica and sativa strains, hybrid strains have gained the highest popularity. This is mainly because the hybrid strain includes a combined variety of both indica and sativa strain catering to a more widespread preference. Hybrid strains offer suitable options that’s more specific to personal preference.

So, if you prefer a more energizing and uplifting high then you can go for hybrid cannabis flowers with higher THC. On the other hand, if you want a more relaxing and calming experience, then you can go for hybrid buds that have lower THC and higher CBD. For a more balanced experience, there are hybrid strains offering a more equivalent ratio of THC and CBD.

How is the Cannabis Flower Used for Recreational Purposes?

There are mainly 3 distinctive ways to use the cannabis flower for recreational purposes, this includes smoking, vaping, and eating or drinking as edibles. If you haven’t tried using cannabis flower yet, or if you’re new to the experience, here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand and familiarize yourself with different cannabis flower consumption methods.

Smoking 

You can either roll up a joint or buy a pre-roll to smoke it. The process is of smoking cannabis is quite simple and straightforward. Just hold the joint carefully, light it up, and take slow puffs to enjoy a refreshing cannabis flower smoking experience. If you need a more detailed explanation of the use of cannabis flower, consider reading this guide on how to smoke a pre-roll.

Learn More: What is an Infused Pre-Roll

Vaping

Vaping cannabis is a convenient option for having a great recreational session. All you need is a vape pen to get started. When it comes to vaping, you can’t directly smoke the ground flower. Instead, they come in the form of concentrates, usually liquid oil, or semi-solid wax.

While you smoke your cannabis vape, keep in mind that cannabis concentrates are much more potent than ground cannabis flower. So, make sure to take it slow to understand your ideal dose. If you're new to concentrates, check out our guide on how to use cannabis concentrates for a clearer understanding.

Infused Edibles 

Here’s where it gets more interesting, you can also enjoy cannabis flower with your favorite food, or beverage. Well, not the bud itself, you need to process it, or you can get readymade cannabis concentrates from any trusted dispensary as it’s the key ingredient.

You can even make the cannabis concentrate at home, and for that the base ingredient is the cannabis flower. The process is quite simple, all you need to do is grind the buds, until they turn into a nice powdery mixture. Now, place it on parchment paper on a tray, and heat it in the oven at 240°F for 30 to 45 minutes.

Once the buds turn brownish, it has been decarbed. Bring the tray out of the oven and leave it there for a few minutes to cool down. After that, grab a napkin or a small towel and place the buds in it, and wrap it up.

Now get a bowl, jar or any container and press the towel covering the buds to squeeze the oil out. The oil that fills the container is the concentrate which you can use to make infused edibles. Or you can even mix it in small portions with your favorite beverage to enjoy a refreshing high. If you’re not up for making edibles at home, you can try our delicious cannabis edibles.

4 Benefits of Using Cannabis Flower

The best part of using cannabis flower is, it comes with benefits that’s bound to make you feel elevated, excited, refreshed and relaxed. So, here are the 4 benefits of consuming cannabis flower to make your recreational experience truly worthwhile.

    • Elevates Mood: Using cannabis flower can elevate mood by stimulating the release of dopamine, this can significantly uplift your mood triggering feelings of happiness excitement and joy.

    • Sense of Euphoria: The use of cannabis flower leaves often leaves a euphoric effect, creating an uplifting mental state that enhances mood, heightens sensory perception, and makes recreational experiences more enjoyable.

    • Makes You Feel More Relaxed: Cannabis can calm your nervous system, helping you feel more relaxed both mentally and physically which is perfect for enjoying your recreational experience while winding down.

    • Helps You Alleviate Tension: Another interesting effect of using cannabis flower is, it helps you relieve feelings of tiredness, stress and exhaustion by uplifting your mood, and calming your nerves.

Tips to Identify and Distinguish the Quality of Cannabis Flower

When shopping for cannabis, it's important to know how to identify and assess the quality of the flower. High-quality cannabis flower should be properly cured, fresh-smelling, and free from mold or contaminants to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Here are some expert tips to help you identify and distinguish the quality of cannabis flower.

    • Look at the Color: High-quality cannabis is usually vibrant green with hints of purple, orange, or red. Avoid flowers that look brown, dull, or discolored.

    • Check for Trichomes: A frosty, crystal-like coating on the buds indicates a rich concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes which are clear signs of potency and freshness.

    • Smell the Aroma: Quality cannabis has a strong, pleasant aroma (often earthy, citrusy, or piney). A weak or musty smell may indicate poor quality or mold.

    • Feel the Texture: The flower should feel slightly sticky and spongy, not overly dry or too wet. It should break apart easily but not crumble to dust.

    • Avoid Mold or Mildew: Look closely for any white, powdery, or fuzzy spots. These are signs of mold and make the flower unsafe to consume.

   • Watch Out for Synthetic Chemicals: Be cautious of cannabis that smells overly artificial or chemically treated. Low-quality flower may be sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids or flavoring agents, which can pose serious health risks.

Legal Status of Cannabis Flower in Michigan

If you’re located in Michigan, the good news is cannabis is legal for both recreational and medical use. However, there are some regulations when it comes to the cultivation, purchase, and consumption of cannabis flower in Michigan.

In Michigan, adults aged 21 and over can legally purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower for recreational use. It’s also legal to grow up to 12 cannabis plants per household for personal use. However, the cultivation must take place out of public view, and sharing cannabis without compensation is allowed only among adults.

If you want to know more about the legal status of cannabis in Michigan and throughout the U.S., here’s a detailed article covering Cannabis Legalization by State.

Where to Buy High-Quality Cannabis Flower in Michigan? 

If you’re looking for a Michigan Dispensary offering high-quality cannabis flower, consider exploring Smilez Cannabis Dispensary (formerly known as Joyology). To ensure that you get premium cannabis flowers we’ve partnered with the best brands in Michigan, plus we offer budget-friendly options with daily deals on a wide range of strains.

Visit our website to place an order for convenient curbside deliveries across several locations in Michigan, or drop by our store located in Allegan, Burton, Quincy, Reading, Three Rivers, and Wayne.

FAQ 

Does cannabis flower get you high?

Yes, cannabis flower can get you high due it it’s presence of the psychoactive compound known as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). When consumed, THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce effects such as euphoria, relaxation, altered perception, and heightened sensory awareness. The strength of the high can vary depending on the THC concentration, strain type, and method of consumption.

How long does smoking flower high last?

If you have smoked the cannabis flower for 10 minutes, the high can last from 1 to 3 hours. If you had a longer smoking session, let’s say 30 minutes or so, the high can last 8 to 12 hours depending on the strain and type of cannabis flower.

What’s the Best Way to Consume Cannabis Flower?

The best way to consume cannabis flower depends on your personal preference and desired effects. Smoking is the most traditional method and offers quick onset, while edibles provide a longer-lasting experience but take more time to kick in. Vaporizing is a cleaner alternative to smoking, and sublingual use with infused tinctures offers faster absorption without inhalation.