Chances are you’ve heard of CBD. Since recreational cannabis use was established in California in 2018, CBD has become widely accessible to the general public in more places than one would expect. However, with so many cannabis products available on the market, CBD options tend to get lost in the mix. 

So what explains the craze over CBD? What’s so special about CBD-rich flower? Although it’s not as concentrated as some of the other forms on the market, CBD-dominant flower can still elevate your overall experience, adding benefits that are unique to this popular cannabinoid.

What is CBD-Rich Flower?

“CBD-rich” means that there are equal parts (or more) CBD to THC. Flower that is CBD-rich usually contains on average about 8% CBD. Depending on the strain and growing techniques, this percentage can be as high as 25%. 

Enter Harlequin from Jetfuel Cannabis.This Sativa CBD-rich strain tends to be a 2:1 ratio of CBD to THC, making the “high” almost nonexistent– perfect for mixing into your THC-rich flower to add a few additional benefits to your session, or even to roll up on its own for a bit more clarity, anxiety and pain relief without as much of a high.

Here are 3 reasons to add CBD flower into your smoking routine:

1. CBD and THC work better together.

There are plenty of CBD options available to the public today; but what’s the difference between cannabis-derived CBD and hemp-derived CBD flower? The short answer is that CBD-rich cannabis plants contain different cannabinoids than hemp flowers do. This is important because CBD has a hard time binding to our endocannabinoid receptors all by itself– it needs a little help from its trusty tour guide, THC. THC acts as a guide for CBD and navigates it safely to the proper receptors. That’s why CBD cannabis products that you find in dispensaries tend to have at least a little bit of THC, generally, in ratios of 1:1 up to 40:1 CBD to THC. 

2. Combat Unfavorable Effects of THC

THC is typically the star of the show and it’s no secret why. Its psychoactive effects and various benefits include better sleep, relaxation, and pain relief, among others. But what about those who want to enjoy the benefits of THC without the psychoactive effects?

That’s where CBD comes in. As we know, CBD needs some help from THC getting into and binding with the necessary receptors. That synergy actually goes both ways– CBD can prevent THC from binding to some of those receptors itself and actually blocks the ability of THC to overstimulate your endocannabinoid system. The next time you start to feel anxious or paranoid during a THC high, try smoking some CBD-rich flower to combat these unpleasant effects.

3. Experience the Entourage Effect

THC & CBD have different effects that work together to balance your endocannabinoid system. Combining these two cannabinoids in products like edibles or tinctures can create an elevated experience with less of the unpleasant side effects. 

When it comes to marrying these two cannabinoids in flower form, a few new players get added to the mix: minor cannabinoids and terpenes. Minor cannabinoids like CBG, THCa, and CBDa are components of the plant, just like THC and CBD. They are present in the raw form of the plant and can be extracted and concentrated but they work best when combined. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that create the distinctive scent of many plants, including cannabis, pine trees, flowers, even lemons. They are also generally believed to be responsible for many of the health benefits of the plants they are found in. In cannabis, they are often described as giving each strain their unique flavor and effect profiles. 

This combined effort between cannabinoids & terpenes is often referred to as “The Entourage Effect.” When cannabis gets concentrated and put into edibles, vaporizers, and tinctures, you lose the benefits that minor cannabinoids and terpenes offer.

Fly with Harlequin

The moral of this story is that it takes an entire team to fly a plane. When it comes to gaining the most benefits from the cannabis plant, it’s best for all team players to be present. THC, CBD, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes work harmoniously together to make for an enjoyable, elevated ride. 

Adding CBD into your lineup adds unique benefits that you don’t want to miss out on. Test-fly CBD-rich flower for yourself with Jetfuel’s Harlequin, a 2:1 blend that will have you flying turbulence-free. This CBD-forward strain offers clear-headed, calming effects paired with warm, herbal notes, which makes for a soothing ride that takes you high without being too overpowering for daily activities.