Whether you’re just getting started exploring the world of hemp and CBD flower, or you’re a seasoned pro, even you might get tripped up by the differences between hemp biomass and CBD flower.
Although both of these come from the hemp plant, the way they’re processed and valued couldn’t be more different. The main differences between them can even confuse retailers and industry professionals, so if you’re wondering what the difference is between hemp biomass and CBD flower, allow us to break it down!
Hemp biomass is the leftover plant material after the flowers have been harvested. The flowers of the hemp plant are rich with CBD (cannabinoids). The rest of the plant, including the stalks, leaves, and seeds, have a lower concentration of cannabinoids and are generally only used for very large CBD extraction or when targeting other cannabinoids. The types of cannabinoids found in hemp biomass depend on the strain, but are generally CBD, CBG, CBN and THC.
CBD flower is also called hemp flower or CBD bud, and refers to the mature flowers of the hemp plant. This part of the plant is rich in CBD and terpenes, so it must be carefully cultivated in order to maintain quality and potency. CBD flower can be consumed directly or various parts of the flower can be extracted, including the cannabinoids and terpenes.
Because hemp biomass has non-flower plant parts, it generally has a lower level of cannabinoids and terpenes compared to CBD flower. It’s less suitable for premium products like full-spectrum CBD oil but it’s still useful. Oftentimes, hemp biomass is used in products that need large-scale processing of the raw material itself, such as for CBD isolate or broad spectrum CBD oil.
CBD flower, on the other hand, has a higher concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, making it more sought-after by CBD connoisseurs. Consumers who are looking for the full “entourage effect” from full-spectrum CBD oil often choose to buy bulk hemp flower directly from the source in order to save money and enjoy the largest selection of organically-grown buds.
Hemp biomass is often used in large-scale industrial extraction processes. The CBB oil is extracted using either ethanol or CO2 in order to isolate specific cannabinoids. The CBD extracted from this large-scale process is typically used in tinctures, topicals and edible products.
On the other hand, CBD flowers are handled and processed very carefully. The flowers are hand-trimmed and cured in order to preserve their flavor and natural appearance. Typically, CBD flower is used in smokable products like pre-rolls and vapes. It’s also used in extraction processes where top quality is a must.
Given that hemp biomass contains less of the cannabinoid-rich concentration and terpene profile of CBD flower, its market value is usually lower than CBD flower. Because it’s often used in lower-cost products like distillates or isolates, it’s usually sold at a lesser price per pound than bulk hemp flower.
CBD flower is usually more expensive because of the care needed in its cultivation and harvesting process. Naturally, because of its use in high-quality products, it commands a higher price point.
Understandably, both hemp biomass and CBD flower must undergo rigorous testing. Since hemp biomass includes various plant parts (including parts that contain THC), it’s often tested to ensure that each batch complies with legal THC limits. In general, the compliance standards for hemp biomass are not as strict as those for CBD flower.
CBD flower must also be consistently tested to make sure that it meets legal standards for THC content (less than 0.3% THC in the U.S.) Failing to meet these standards could result in legal fines or penalties.
When it comes to buying high quality hemp flower or CBD flower, not just any plant will do. For example, some people find that hemp grown outdoors has a very pungent taste and aroma as well as a less intense experience. At the same time, there are people who enjoy this experience and find it more pleasant,. which is why having a range of CBD flower to choose from is ideal.
CBD flower strains are a fickle bunch and have very strict requirements. Lesser quality soil, for example, can lead to contaminants like heavy metals or other materials entering the flowers and plants, which are then extracted during processing. Poor growing conditions affect not only the flower itself, but can cause unwanted side effects. The best, highest-quality CBD flowers are those which are grown in controlled, sterile environments, either indoors or outdoors, and are purity tested with certificates of authenticity to verify their quality and contents.
Perhaps the most important aspect of all are the legal ramifications of poor quality CBD. CBD flowers are only legal to harvest and sell if they are harvested from cannabis plants that have less than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component of the hemp plant). Anything higher than this number is considered marijuana, which is illegal to grow or even own across several states.
For this reason, it’s a good idea to buy high quality CBD flower from a reputable seller who is open and transparent about the kinds of CBD flowers they harvest. Retailers and CBD enjoyers alike will find that an honest, reputable and regulated seller delivers a consistently pleasant experience time after time, across many different types of strains.
We invite you to learn more about our CBD flower products, including bulk CBD flower, CBD oils and tinctures, edibles and topical products. Review our certificates for yourself to see the high quality standards we adhere to and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about our products or our processes.
