Sometimes the most minor of molecules are the ones with the greatest impact. Such appears to be the case with CBG—the “first” cannabinoid that develops in cannabis. This seemingly insignificant cannabinoid is actually responsible for the creation of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids catching the attention of scientists and consumers the world over.

Usually found in concentrations of <1% in most hemp plants, it’s no wonder this compound hasn’t received as much attention as others. However, that is quickly changing as more information is being unveiled about this once-overshadowed cannabinoid.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at CBG and the role it plays in the production of other cannabinoids. We’ll also explore its unique effects on the body, and how it differs from other hemp-derived cannabinoids.

What is CBG?

CBG, or cannabigerol, is a phytocannabinoid. Unlike endocannabinoids, which are produced by the body, phytocannabinoids are sourced from plants like cannabis. CBG is what's known as a non-intoxicating cannabinoid—it doesn’t get you high.

CBG: a not-so-minor cannabinoid

By the time cannabis is harvested, dried, and processed, it usually contains only trace amounts of CBG (below 1%). Hence, it is generally labelled a “minor” cannabinoid.

However, CBG—or rather, its acidic form, CBGA—is actually the first cannabinoid acid to develop in the cannabis plant. As such, it is sometimes referred to as the “stem cell” of cannabis. It is found in its highest concentrations in flowering cannabis plants. The acidic form is simply CBG with an extra carboxyl group—the “A”.

As plants continue to grow, enzymes convert CBGA into either THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), or CBCA (cannabichromenic acid).

Following harvest, plants are usually dried and processed. The heat or UV light used in these scenarios breaks down these acidic cannabinoids into their non-acidic counterparts, such as THC, CBD, and CBC. This phenomenon is known as decarboxylation—the removal of a carboxyl group.

Decarboxylation also produces many other cannabinoids (at least 100), all of which originally stem from CBGA.

Most of the cannabis strains on today’s market are bred to be high in THC and/or CBD; and the more THC or CBD present in a plant sample, the less CBG. Hence, strains usually contain only small amounts of CBG.

However, some breeders are experimenting with crossbreeding, genetic manipulation, and even unique harvesting patterns to create strains that contain higher levels of this cannabinoid.

Bedrocan BV Medical Cannabis in the Netherlands, for example, has began harvesting some of its plants earlier to create a final product with higher levels of CBG.

What are the effects of CBG?

As we mentioned earlier, CBG is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. Therefore, it does not interact with the endocannabinoid system in a way that interrupts mental faculties. However, just like any other cannabinoid, CBG does interact with the endocannabinoid system in a variety of ways.

CBG has been shown to increase appetite in two rat-based studies conducted by researchers at the University of Reading (UK) in 2016 and 2017.

Some studies also suggest that CBG may inhibit the growth of some tumours, while others show it may have neuroprotective effects. A 2014 study published in the PLoS One medical journal also claims that some CBG-derived products could suppress the body’s immune response.

Dr Bonni Goldstein, a medical doctor specialising in medicinal cannabis, claims that CBG can inhibit GABA neurotransmission in the brain, as well as affect pain, inflammation, and more.

“When GABA [uptake] is inhibited, you actually have muscle relaxation and you have anti-anxiety effects, so it [CBG] appears to promote similar effects that CBD Oil has. It also appears to have antidepressant and some modest antifungal properties” said Goldstein in a video for WeedMaps.

In 2013, researchers from the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Naples Federico II (Italy) tested the effects of CBG on an experimental model of experimental Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The researchers found that CBG has potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).

Unfortunately, because CBG has been overshadowed by cannabinoids THC and CBD, not a lot of research has gone into fully understanding this cannabinoid and its effects. However, that is slowly changing as people begin to realise the potential and importance of this compound.

CBG vs CBD. What is the difference?

Despite originating from CBG Oils, CBD Oil is completely distinct from CBG in both chemical structure and concentration within cannabis plants.

Because it is only found in trace amounts in dried plant material, it is only recently that manufacturers have begun to focus more attention on optimising CBG levels in products like CBD oils, supplements, and salves. It’s clear that CBG is an essential cannabinoid, but it’s yet unclear exactly how to use it to our benefit.

CBG (cannabigerol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are two of the many chemical compounds present in cannabis which can be used as medication. While they share similarities, there are important differences between them.

The main difference between CBG vs CBD is how the chemicals interact with our brain's cannabinoid receptors.

The cannabis plant contains at least 85 cannabinoids. These are chemical compounds which have an effect on the body by bonding with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. The most widely recognized and well studied of these chemicals is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is famous for being the main psychoactive component of cannabis, producing the high that gives the plant its medical and recreational effects.

However, there are many other less famous cannabinoids which also produce a range of effects on the brain. Two compounds which we will be focusing on in this article are cannabidiol (both CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG). While both CBD and CBG can be isolated from the cannabis plant, the main difference between them lies in how they interact with cannabinoid receptors.

As a result of this difference in action on cannabinoid receptors, CBD and CBG produce different effects when isolated from each other and when combined together in a full spectrum cannabis extract or both CBD product.

CBG vs CBD: What is the difference in effects?

The primary difference between CBD and CBG comes from their unique interaction with cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid receptors are found all over the body and brain, and modulate pain, inflammation, stress responses, mood etc. The way these chemical compounds interact with our cells is what gives them both their therapeutic and psychoactive effects.

Cannabinoid receptors are made up of many subunits. To date, scientists have identified two subtypes that play the largest role in our experience of cannabinoids: CB1 and CB2.

CB1 is mostly found in the brain, but also present in some other parts of the body. It has been linked to memory formation, reward seeking behavior, motor coordination, pain sensation, and more. CB2 is primarily found in the immune system where it regulates inflammation.

CBG vs CBD: What Is The Difference In How They Interact With Cannabinoid Receptors?

A 2010 study published by a group of scientists from Italy took a detailed look at the structure-activity relationships of CBG, CBD and THC.

The study found that both CBD and CBG interact strongly multiple cannabinoid receptors including the serotonin 5HT1a receptor. However, they differ in how they interact with cannabinoid receptors, mainly with respect to their effects on the endocannabinoid system (the biological system responsible for processing cannabinoids).

For example, CBD has no effect at all on the CB1 receptor, while CBG does. This is because CBD lacks affinity for CB1 due to an extra carbon atom in its molecular structure.

There was also found to be more CBG binding sites than CB2 binding sites throughout many parts of the brain and body, indicating that it's able to affect many different processes via its interaction with cannabinoid receptors.

CBG vs CBD: What Are The Benefits Of Each?

There are many differences between the effects CBG vs CBD produce, which also affects their therapeutic benefits. However, both CBG and CBD have potential uses as medication.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

This cannabinoid is famous for its non-intoxicating nature. It's this quality which has made CBD useful in treating children and people who can't tolerate the 'high' associated with THC and other cannabis compounds.

Also, CBD has been found to be an effective anticonvulsant, effectively treating seizures and epilepsy. This has been demonstrated in both animal and human studies.

Another study found that CBD reduced psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations which are often difficult to treat. These promising results show that CBD could be a useful medication for people with psychosis resulting from conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Cannabigerol (CBG)

While CBG has been found to be non-psychoactive it does appear to improve the effects of THC. This is because, like CBD, it can modulate and reduce the negative side effects such as anxiety and paranoia that THC causes in some people.

As a result of this 'boosting' effect on THC, CBG appears to increase the pain relieving qualities of THC. This could make CBG useful in strains of cannabis used for medical benefits and purposes.

About Smoking Hemp - All You Need to Know

There is no denying that CBD is thriving and this market is expected to continue its growth over the next few years. Currently, this market is worth over $4 billion. Whether you are looking at the recreational use of it or want to experience the health benefits of CBD, you might have found yourself asking: can you smoke CBD rich hemp flower? And if you do, what do you stand to gain from it?

You’ve come to the right place as we will break down everything you need to know about smoking hemp.

What is CBD Hemp Flower and how can you use it?

CBD is a compound found in cannabis that has many medicinal benefits. CBD Hemp Flower is cannabis that contains CBD but does not have any THC. This means it will not get you high although CBD can reduce or increase your body's response to THC which can cause people to feel more tired after using CBD with high levels of THC.

CBD Hemp Flower is a great alternative for people who do not want to feel the psychoactive effects of CBD but would like its medicinal benefits. CBD comes from hemp that has been bred to have high CBD levels while having low THC content. CBD can be used in many forms such as CBD Hemp Flower, CBD Oil, CBD Pills, CBD Gummies, CBD Vape Juice, CBD Tinctures, and CBD Concentrates.

What is CBD Hemp Flower?

CBD Hemp Flower is a type of cannabis that has CBD content but does not have any THC making it legal throughout most states and countries without requiring a medical marijuana prescription. This means you can also enjoy the many benefits of CBD Flower without feeling the psychoactive effects of CBD. CBD Hemp Flower is great for those who want to use CBD but do not want the feeling of being high. CBD can be used in many different forms such as Hemp Flower, CBD Oil, CBD Pills, CBD Gummies, CBD Vape Juice, CBD Tinctures and CBD Concentrates.

How to use CBD Flower? Smoke Hemp Flower

Hemp Flower can be used in many different forms. CBD Hemp Flower is most often smoked but there are CBD Hemp Flower you eat or Hemp Flower that can be vaped. CBD Oil, CBD Pills, CBD Gummies, CBD Vape Juice, CBD Tinctures, and CBD Concentrates are all common ways to use CBD. CBD Hemp Flower is often vaped for a quick onset and CBD Oil, CBD Pills, CBD Gummies and CBD Vape Juice can be taken anywhere for easy ingestion. CBD Tinctures and CBD Concentrates take longer to work than inhaling CBD but last much longer than CBD in other forms making them ideal for night time use.

Benefits of Smoking Hemp Flower

Smoking CBD flower offers the same benefits as other CBD products, as well as other methods of consuming it.  Smokable hemp flower is growing in popularity due to the method of absorbing the beneficial properties of the hemp plant and flowers. This growing popularity is also fueled by the fact that premium hemp products are now made easily accessible in various parts of the world. The act of inhaling cannabidiol creates a more instant effect to your body and mind, due to the bioavailability of the substance (as compared to those administered intravenously). Therefore, you can get a more enhanced effect from smoking hemp versus ingesting the substance orally.

How will you benefit from smoking hemp?

It’s simple. The effect is faster and more intense. In most cases, you will feel a fleeting buzz (but without the high) and relaxing sensation within 10 minutes of smoking hemp (and it will typically last for an hour). This fast-acting benefit is one of the reasons why it is a great remedy for anyone who might suffer from anxiety attacks or any other acute health conditions. The compound quickly enters your bloodstream to treat the body almost instantly.

The beneficial properties of CBD that you can extract when you smoke CBD Flower have been scientifically proven to alleviate symptoms for seizures, anxiety attacks, inflammation, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain.

Finally, the process of smoking hemp buds creates a very relaxing experience to the human body. Many of those who have tried it claim that smoking made them feel more clear-headed without the intoxicating effect.

Why Smoke Hemp over Weed?

Upon answering the question, “can you smoke hemp flowers?” there often follows another question. Is smoking weed different? Or does it create the same effect as smoking hemp flower?

The short answer is that these are two different forms of cannabis plant. They have different uses and should therefore be chosen accordingly. In fact, it is important to differentiate the effects of hemp to that of marijuana, which is a confusion that is recently deconstructed after many decades of misinformation.

Hemp is not the same as weed (marijuana) in terms of the cultivation, application, and function. Marijuana, on the other hand, is used for medicinal and recreational purposes. In the US, many states have legalized the recreational use of weed but a few states still consider it federally illegal. Hemp has more uses than weed does. For example, hemp is commonly used in various dietary supplements, skin products, accessories, and even clothing. Buying hemp flower products is also legal online.

Smoking hemp or weed largely differs in their effect due to the THC content for each plant. With hemp, it has a low THC content of less than 0.3%. But with weed or marijuana, the THC content is high ranging from 5 to 35%. Hemp does not create a psychoactive effect when smoked whereas weed does have that effect on the user. For these reasons, smoking weed is limited to medicinal and recreational use whereas hemp has for more applications.

Is CBD Found in Hemp?

Yes. Cannabidiol or CBD is a compound that can be derived from hemp.

CBD that is derived from hemp is taken from the Hemp flower of the plant. Thus, the compound is sourced from industrial hemp plants. It is slightly different in appearance from marijuana plants because the former is scarce in foliage and is much skinnier.

Another critical point of difference with marijuana-derived CBD is that the cannabis resin of the hemp plants is found in the bud from the flowers. This part of the plant contains small amounts of CBD, though, so a larger quantity is needed to extract adequate amounts at a time.

If you are smoking hemp for medicinal purposes, there is no difference whether you are getting your CBD from hemp or weed. However, there is significant evidence that even with the low THC content in hemp, it is substantial enough to produce therapeutic effects on specific medical conditions.

Can It Get You High or Addicted?

Since there are no psychoactive effects to smoking hemp, getting high is not an adverse effect of smoking. The amount of THC in the bud is what’s responsible for making you high, or addicted. But be wary though – there are some hemp flower that contain less or more than 0.3% THC – therefore, the effects will vary accordingly once you smoke it.

One thing is for sure, though. If you buy from a trusted merchant and legal supplier of CBD buds, then you won’t have to worry about THC content that exceeds the legal limits.

As far as getting addicted is concerned, there is a slim possibility that smoking hemp will cause addiction. Stopping the smoking habit is also less likely to cause any withdrawal symptoms. In fact, cannabis has been used to treat addiction symptoms that relate to various substances. Thus, you can rest assured that it won’t cause any addicting effects and is totally safe to consume.

Smoking Vs Vaping: What’s the Difference?

Smoking hemp flower is typically done by rolling it into  a standard joint. This is popular with the cannabis culture because of the convenience and affordability. Some would even roll the hemp onto hemp paper to get an extra dose of hemp treat.

Vaping hemp is also growing in popularity. The main reason for choosing to use a vaporizer is for health reasons – in order to filter out potentially harmful impurities. Thus, vaping is recommended for those with lung issues since it can produce a less concentrated flavor experience.

Can you smoke hemp flower? The answer is, yes – you can. If you prefer to enjoy a more natural and richer experience with the hemp plant, smoking is the way to go.

FAQ

Can You Smoke Hemp?

Absolutely! This is by far the most popular form of consumption for those who enjoy utilizing Hemp. Not only does it offer a wide range of potential health benefits, but it can also be fun and customizable to your preferred experience.

What Happens When You Smoke Hemp?

When you smoke Hemp, the constituents of the plant are absorbed into your bloodstream via inhalation of the lungs. This includes cannabinoids and terpenes, which synergize, and provide the consumer the experience of the encouraging effect. These, individually, have their own healing properties, and when combined together, allow for a myriad of potential health benefits.

What are the Benefits of Smoking Hemp Flower?

The benefits of smoking Hemp Flower are many. This includes, but is not limited to: fast-acting results with the ability for the cannabinoids to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the lungs, affordability along with availability, no intense high effects, high bioavailability, therapeutic benefits, benefits of the entourage effect, and it’s even an effective nicotine alternative!

How Long Does Smoking Hemp Last?

The duration of any relaxation or euphoria experienced when smoking Hemp depends mainly on the individual consuming it. This in combination with how much is consumed, the strain and quality smoked, and any activity done after smoking. Generally speaking, expect any effects to be present for at least an hour. Some may experience shorter or longer effects.

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With Covid-19 impacting us for the last two years, the world is rapidly searching for ways that we can effectively manage the virus, despite the variants that constantly pop up. Finally, it seems that research is progressing and it’s the cannabis industry at the forefront of the latest research advancements by researchers affiliated with Oregon State University. These researchers conducted a study that suggests that cannabis compounds prevent Infection by the Covid-19 Virus.

The COVID-19 pandemic includes at least 272 million cases worldwide, 5.3 million deaths, and over 600 000 new cases daily. While the rollout of vaccines is underway, the rapid spread of COVID-19 underscores the need for new treatments.

Background Information:

In January 2021, this study looked into the possibility that cannabis may offer some help for patients with COVID-19. The study looks at one of the primary biological events that occur in patients with severe acute respiratory distress cases from COVID-19, something called a “cytokine storm.”

C.Sativa, a type of cannabis, was found in a cytokine storm study to reduce multiple cytokines and pathways related to inflammation and fibrosis. Two of the cytokines that C.Sativa reduced were TNFa and IL-6, which are thought to be the main targets when trying to block a COVID-19 cytokine storm and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

In another study done in September of 2020 on mice, they found the following;

“Several reports demonstrated that cannabidiol (CBD), a phytocannabinoid produced by the cannabis plant, can block IL-6 in several models of inflammatory diseases.”

What do the studies say in 2022?

A report on the research, “Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants,” was published online on January 10th, 2022 by the Journal of Natural Products.

COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Researchers have found that the viral spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 to the human cell surface receptor angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) is a critical step during the infection of human cells. The researchers looked into the following possibility:

“Therefore, cell entry inhibitors could be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as to shorten the course of COVID-19 infections by preventing virus particles from infecting human cells.”

Researchers discovered that cannabinoids increase the cell’s response to several key proteins produced by the coronavirus genome, which is an effect that had not been discovered prior to the study. Researchers also looked at how the proteins from the genome operated in human kidney cells and healthy control cells, both with and without cannabinoids.

Cannabis and its effectiveness against new variants:

The spike protein is the same part of the virus targeted by Covid-19 vaccines and antibody therapies. In addition to the spike protein, SARS-CoV-2 has three more structural proteins as well as 16 nonstructural proteins and several compounds van Breemen characterized as “accessory” proteins, all of which are potential targets for drugs developed to prevent Covid-19.

The two compounds commonly found in hemp - called cannabigerolic acid, or CBGA, and cannabidiolic acid, or CBDA - were identified during a chemical screening effort as having potential to combat coronavirus. In the study led by Richard van Breemen, a researcher with Oregon State’s Global Hemp Innovation Center, they found that cannabinoids bound to spike proteins found on the virus and blocked a step the pathogen uses to infect people, stating that;

“Cannabigerolic acid and cannabidiolic acid prevented infection of human epithelial cells”

This means that cell entry inhibitors, like the acids from hemp, could be used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and also to shorten infections by preventing virus particles from infecting human cells. They bind to the spike proteins so those proteins can’t bind to the ACE2 enzyme, which is abundant on the outer membrane of endothelial cells in the lungs and other organs.

The study then goes on to state that the most important piece of evidence found was that CBGA and CBDA were equally as effective against the alpha and beta variants. The abstract ends off on a highly positive note, expressing that cannabinoids do in fact have the potential to prevent and likely treat infection by SARS-CoV-2.

What other benefits could cannabis pose for Covid-19?

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1. Anxiety
   The number of people reporting high levels of anxiety has sharply elevated during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The factors most strongly associated with high anxiety during the pandemic include loneliness, marital status, sex, disability, whether someone feels safe at home or not and work being affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
   
   There is understandable concern about the impact of the pandemic on people’s well-being. Fortunately, though, compounds within cannabis have shown impressive anxiety-reducing qualities, particularly CBD, which has been shown in studies to increase serotonin activity and lower cortisol levels.

Is Cannabis safe to consume for Covid-19 patients?

While most people consume cannabis by smoking it, it is not the only way to consume it. Companies like ourselves offer multiple variations of consumption like edibles, tinctures and more that have very low THC, yet still offer the same benefits.

After the last two years of uncertainty, illness and chaos due to the pandemic, it’s relieving to see that cannabis has shown a lot of potential in fighting against COVID-19 and could potentially offer new solutions to tackle the pandemic.

Where can you get CBDA and CBGA products from?

The team here at Black Tie CBD is relieved and grateful that we’re a part of an industry that is helping to better global health in such an impactful way. As a company, we've seen the value in CBDA products and we've just released our brand new CBDA isolate so you can keep safe too.

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Black Tie Afghani CBD Hash is made with BlueBerry Pie Kief and a small amount of CBD oil. The ingredients are hand-worked until The hashish becomes elastic and has a potent aromatic smell. The effects are almost narcotic providing a super-relaxed feeling. It's easy to use by adding a small amount to a joint or pipe. The effects take about 2-3 minutes to kick in so, please use caution.

TOTAL CBD: 41.96% !!!  ?????

If you’re a cannabis user, you’re probably familiar with the sugary, crystal-like appearance that appears on the flower, leaves, or bract - known as trichomes. Trichomes are produced across the cannabis plant, which holds the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes. Most people recognize trichomes as the ‘tiny hairs’ on the plant, so it’s likely that you’ve already seen them.

So, what are trichomes?

The word trichome originates from the Greek word “Tríchōma,” which means growth of hair. The actual definition is “appendages on plants, algae, lichens, and certain protists.” - These tiny outgrowths, or sources of resin, allow the production of cannabis concentrates like; shatter, cannabis oil, hash, and wax. Each trichome has a unique size, shape, and biochemical function.

Trichomes are minuscule biological cannabinoid factories found predominantly on the flowers and sugar leaves of weed, providing a variety of functions and benefits to the plant. Scientists have said that trichomes could affect leaf temperature and photosynthesis, or more complicated functions, such as pest-deterrence via their physical structures or production of compounds, as studied by George J Wagner, stating that trichomes;

“Guide the path of pollinators or affect photosynthesis, leaf temperature, or water loss through increased light reflectance as in desert species.”

What are the different trichomes?

Scientists have identified three categories of trichomes found on cannabis plants:

1. Bulbous trichomes
2. Capitate-stalked trichomes
3. Capitate sessile trichomes

It is believed that trichomes function as a form of survival for the cannabis plant. The sticky resin that coats the plant provides a frontline defense against fungus, insects, and herbivores. Trichomes also play an essential role in helping cannabis grow in difficult climatic conditions.

1. Bulbous trichomes
2. These are the smallest type of trichomes, sometimes being as little as 10 microns wide - which is actually a fraction of the largest size. These can be found across the surface of the plant - but are too difficult to see.

2. Capitate sessile trichomes

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These trichomes are larger than bulbous trichomes, with enough cell    numbers to form a trichome head and a very short base. These trichomes have a width of around 20-30 microns, which are not as large as the final category of trichomes, nor as easy to see.

3. Capitate-stalked trichomes

These are much larger and can be seen by the naked eye. These range from 50-100 micrometers wide typically. Capitate stalked trichomes have a stalk that is made from cells known as epidermal and hypodermic cells. On top of the stalk is the head of the resin gland, the ‘capitate.’ The ball-shaped head of the resin gland has a waxy outer cuticle layer which acts as a ‘skin.’ Inside the resin head are the cannabinoids and terpenes. These are produced by specialized cells in-between the top of the trichome stalk and the spherical resin head.

Cannabis trichomes typically appear early in the flowering stage on healthy plants. As trichome heads age, they go from being completely clear to opaque, milky white, and, eventually, amber. See below for reference;

What do the different trichome colors mean?

Clear Trichomes:

As a plant transitions into the flowering phase, noticeably the first trichomes appear. Young and immature trichomes feature a clear, translucent appearance. They maintain this appearance for the first part of this phase before their chemical composition changes significantly for the first time. This color indicates that THC and terpene production is at their peak, while CBD levels are still low. This means harvesting at this color will have a more cerebral psychoactive effect. However, it is still not ideal to harvest at this stage and should be harvested at the next.

Cloudy Trichomes:

Cloudy trichomes occur prior to harvest and indicate that cannabinoid levels have reached their maximum. This does not necessarily mean that it is an extremely potent THC strain, however, as that depends on other factors. While it doesn’t guarantee potency, it is a good indicator of when the strain has reached its production peak.

This is when most growers harvest their flowers, and it is generally considered the right time to harvest. You can also use the pistils as an indicator when more than 50% of the hairs have turned orange it means you’re at this stage.

Trichomes remain cloudy for approximately two weeks. Towards the end of this stage, they start to change appearance once again, indicating more developments in their phytochemical composition - which is why they start turning amber in color.

Amber Trichomes:

If trichomes have turned a visible amber hue, the cannabis plant has probably aged past peak potency. This trait makes trichomes a good indicator of when a plant is ready for harvest. Most growers pay close attention to the state of the plant's trichomes and try to harvest buds right when the trichomes are milky white before they have degraded to amber.

Trichomes turning amber indicate deteriorating THC levels, so it is a fine balance of checking on them several times a day to ensure that harvest happens at the peak moment for both high THC levels and the desired couchlock effects.

What impacts trichome production?

1. Stress training
   
2. Stress training can significantly increase yields when performed correctly. Higher yields tend to mean more trichomes. The process typically involves manipulating the plant's shape to distribute hormones more evenly across the top buds, allowing the plant to make better use of the light.
   
   However, the process of stress training can have negative consequences, like bud discoloration, re-vegging, or hermies, so it’s an ambiguous process to say the least. However, it is usually safe as long as you save any major stress for the last week or two before harvest.

1. Lighting
   
2. The light spectrum is one of the most fundamental parts of a cannabis plant’s ability to increase trichome production. The trichomes protect the plant from UV rays, which means that the more light the plant gets - the more resin it will produce.
   
   Some believe that exposing cannabis buds to UV-B light for the last 2-3 weeks before harvest can increase trichome production and overall potency. The most common source of UV-B light is Metal Halide grow lights.  

1. Temperature and humidity
   
2. Temperature and humidity have a massive effect on the growth of cannabis flowers. When temperature and humidity are adjusted to induce stress, the plant may increase trichome production as a defense mechanism.

1. Adjusting the environment
   
2. Each stage of cannabis plant growth influences the production of trichomes. The glands are highly fragile and volatile, which is why ensuring that the plant is growing in the right environment should be a priority - especially in the flowering stage. The purpose of adjusting heat periodically is to avoid the trichomes and terpenes from getting damaged by heat.
   
   This is the general rule of thumb when altering the environment:
   Humidity below 30% – Drop the humidity of the growth space below 30% RH for the last 2-3 weeks before harvest to increase trichome production.

Temperature between 70-80°F – Make sure your temperature stays under 80°F (26°C) to ensure the potency is not being baked right off your buds.

1. Supplements
2. It is essential to give your plants plenty of phosphorus and potassium during their flowering stage. Boosting trichome production requires that a cannabis plant is fed the correct amount of nutrients. If a plant is deficient in nutrients, it slows down all its functions.

Genetics plays the most significant role when it comes to getting the most trichomes out of your cannabis. Genetics are crucial If you want to achieve the best and most trichomes you can, so choosing genetics that produce an abundance of trichomes is essential.

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Black Tie hemp isn’t just beloved by our customers. Despite being a relatively new establishment, Black Tie has already won numerous awards for our CBD and hemp products. That’s why we wanted to show you highlights of our newest and best strains.

Here are our latest strains for 2022;

1. GRANDADDY PURPLE (INDOOR) CBD HEMP FLOWER

Grandaddy purple is a CBD-rich hemp flower, best to enjoy CBD at its safest source. This hemp strain specifically contains over 23.80% cannabinoids, and is extremely rich in terpenes like Myrcene. 

Myrcene

On average, myrcene represents over 20% of the terpene profile in modern commercial strains, although individual samples vary widely in their terpene content. Herbal medicines containing myrcene have a long history of being used as a sleep aid in folk medicine.

Primary Terpenes: Ɓ-Farnesene, Beta-Myrcene, Linalool, Guaiol, Ɓ-Limonene (2.42%)

Primary Aromas:  Grapes, Berries, Candy
Smell Profile: This flower boasts a pungent "purple" scent - if you're familiar with the aroma of classic purple cannabis strains. The smell is a rich floral aroma with strong nodes of berries and candy. Pinch the buds to release a pungent Kush scent from within.
Taste Profile: Dry hit the blunt to reveal a bold, sweet grape flavor. The flavor is defined by tones of berries and cand. A mouth-watering flavor that is thick on the palate but smooth on the throat.
Preferred Time of Use: Afternoon / Evening
Phenotype: Indica-Dominant Hybrid
Density: Medium-High
Total CBD – 16.27%
THCa - .8%
THC (Delta9) - 0.07%
Total Cannabinoids Analyzed – 19.92%

2. ORANGE COOKIES (INDOOR) CBD Hemp Flower

ORANGE COOKIES -This indoor hybrid strain is aH-mazing. From the looks, to the taste, the experience, and the effects. The Orange Cookies are light green buds with bright orange hairs that glisten with trichomes, and is high in. This strain is a sativa-dominant hybrid marijuana strain made by crossing Orange Juice with the renowned Girl Scout Cookies. 

The dominant terpene of Orange Cookies is Terpinolene.

As an essential oil, terpinolene may have antibacterial and antifungal qualities, according to a 2005 study. Terpinolene carries an array of smells you might find in cannabis: It’s piney, floral, herbaceous, and even a little citrusy.

Density: Medium - High
Primary Terpenes: Beta-Caryophyllene, A-Bisabolol, Guaiol
Primary Aromas: The buds present a sweet mandarin orange scent with kushy undertones.
Taste Profile: Take a dry hit on the joint/blunt to reveal a sweet mandarin orange flavor. The smoke is pleasant and tingling sensation in the mouth as well as a sweet orange aftertaste on the lips. A kushy backend lingers on the palate.
Preferred Time of Use: Daytime - Anytime
Phenotype: Hybrid
Total CBD - 14.5%
THC (Delta 9) - None Detected
Total Cannabinoids Analyzed - 15.78%

3. Delta8 Infused Sour Diesel CBD Hemp Flower

Sour Diesel, often called Sour D, is a sativa-dominant cross between Chemdog 91 and Super Skunk. Sour Diesel CBD has a 70:30 sativa-to-indica ratio. The chunky, forest green buds of the Sour D have a shine to them as this strain is heavily coated with Delta8.  Some reportedly experience mental stimulation in the form of creativity from this sativa-dominant delta8 infused hemp hybrid, producing medium to large-sized highly dense buds. This strain is dominant in the caryophyllene terpene.

Caryophyllene

The terpene caryophyllene is present in many herbs and spices, including black pepper, basil, and oregano, and cannabis strains with high levels of it deliver a spicy, funky warmth to the nose, similar to cinnamon and cloves. What makes caryophyllene an intriguing terpene is its relationship with our endocannabinoid system, particularly, its ability to bind to CB2 receptors. Because of this, it comes with a host of potential medical benefits.

Density: Medium-High

Primary Aromas: Pine, Stinky Cheese, Gasoline, 

Smell Profile: The smell of the delta-8 coating is immediately detected upon opening the container. Pinch the buds to find the true smell of the buds within which begins with a hint of pine followed by a strong whiff of stinky cheese and finishes with nodes of truck stop Gasoline. It's funky in a real good way.

Taste Profile: This one is Gas. The taste is Diesel Fuel with a mild earthy undertone. The throat grab is medium to harsh as the delta8 coating makes for a heavy finish. May want to hit this one slowly. 

Time of Day usage: Daytime / Afternoon

Phenotype: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid

Total Cannabinoids Analyzed – 42.5%

Total CBD – 13.74%

THC Δ8 - 27.54%