Best Hemp Flower to Try in 2024

Hemp flower has gotten increasingly exciting in recent years as it has been infused with all kinds of cannabinoids and sold in many enticing terpene strains. On top of that, we now have THCA flower, which is cultivated to produce high THCA levels, which basically makes it identical to weed – but legal. Given that so many new cannabis flower products have come out in the last year, we want to go over our picks for flower buds in 2024.

An Overview of Hemp Flower

Hemp/cannabinoid flower refer to the dried, cured buds of the cannabis plant that’re high in cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol) or low in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), especially in the case of hemp. The term "flower" typically denotes the smokable part of the plant, which’s prized for its natural terpene profile and cannabinoids, offering a range of effects. Keep in mind though, those effects can vary widely depending on the strain and its cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Users should start with a small amount to gauge the effects and avoid overconsumption. Hemp/cannabinoid flower can be found in numerous forms/types like loose buds, pre-rolls, kief, and even moonrocks.

How Hemp Flower is Made (Cultivated and Prepared)

The process for doing so is as follows:

1. Cultivation: Hemp and cannabis plants are cultivated in controlled environments to optimize the growth and cannabinoid content of the flowers. Hemp plants, in particular, are grown to produce high levels of CBD while keeping THC levels below 0.3%, as per legal definitions in many regions, including the United States.
2. Harvesting: The plants are harvested when the flowers reach full maturity, indicated by the color and condition of the trichomes (tiny, crystal-like structures on the buds that contain cannabinoids and terpenes).
3. Drying and Curing: After harvesting, the flowers are dried to remove moisture, which prevents mold and preserves the terpenes and cannabinoids. Curing further refines the flavor and potency of the flower by allowing a slow breakdown of chlorophyll and the continued development of cannabinoids and terpenes.

How Hemp Flower is Used

Hemp flower can be used in a number of ways, such as the following:

• Smoking: One of the most traditional methods of consumption, smoking hemp or cannabinoid flower involves rolling the dried buds into joints or smoking them in pipes or bongs. This method offers rapid onset of effects as the cannabinoids are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs.
• Vaping: Vaporizing heats the flower to a temperature that releases cannabinoids and terpenes in the form of vapor without burning the plant material. This method is considered less harmful than smoking and preserves more of the flower's natural flavors and aromas.
• Cooking and Baking Infusions: Hemp and cannabinoid flowers can also be used to create edibles or infused into oils and butters. The flower must first undergo decarboxylation, a heating process that activates the cannabinoids, making them more effective when ingested.
• Tinctures and Extracts: The active compounds in the flower can be extracted using alcohol or other solvents to produce tinctures, which can be taken orally or added to food and drinks.

What to Look For in Hemp Flower

By taking these below factors into account, you can better navigate the options available and choose a hemp flower product that meets your preferences and needs:

1. Appearance: High-quality hemp flower should look vibrant and healthy, with a range of green shades and possibly hints of purple or orange, depending on the strain. The trichomes, which look like tiny crystals on the surface of the flower, should be visible and abundant, as they contain a significant portion of the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes.
2. Smell: A strong, pleasant aroma is a good indicator of a rich terpene profile, which not only contributes to the overall experience but also to the therapeutic benefits of the hemp flower. Different strains have distinct scents, ranging from fruity and sweet to earthy and skunky.
3. Cannabinoid Profile: The cannabinoid content, particularly the levels of CBD and other cannabinoids like CBG or CBN, is crucial depending on your needs. High CBD content is often sought after for its therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.
4. Terpene Profile: Terpenes are responsible for the hemp flower's aroma and contribute to its effects through the entourage effect. Look for products with a terpene profile that suits your preferences for flavor and therapeutic benefits.
5. Purity and Cleanliness: Ensure the hemp flower is free from molds, pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants. This can usually be verified through third-party lab tests or Certificates of Analysis (COAs), which reputable suppliers should provide upon request.
6. Trim: Properly trimmed hemp flower indicates careful handling and processing. Excess leaves and stems can affect the overall quality and experience, so look for buds that have been trimmed close to the flower.
7. Freshness: Fresh hemp flower will have a certain springiness when lightly squeezed and shouldn't crumble or feel overly dry. Dryness can lead to a harsh smoking or vaping experience and may indicate old or improperly stored product.
8. Legality: The legal status of hemp flower varies by jurisdiction, and it's essential to ensure that the product complies with local laws, particularly concerning THC content. Hemp is generally defined as a cannabis plant containing 0.3% THC or less by dry weight.
9. Strain and Effects: Different strains of hemp flower can produce different effects, ranging from relaxing to energizing. Research the specific strains to find one that aligns with your desired outcomes.
10. Sourcing and Sustainability: Consider the source of the hemp flower, including where and how it was grown. Organic, sustainably farmed hemp not only supports environmental health but also can be a marker of product quality.
11. Packaging and Storage: Proper packaging and storage are vital to preserve the hemp flower's quality and potency. Look for packaging that protects the flower from light and air, which can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes over time.

Hand-Trimmed vs. Machine-Trimmed

The choice between hand-trimmed and machine-trimmed cannabis flower largely depends on the priorities of both producers and consumers, hence this comparison we’ll be making here.

Hand-Trimmed Cannabis

1. Quality and Appearance: Hand-trimming is often preferred for premium cannabis because it can preserve the flower's trichomes better. Trichomes are the tiny, crystal-like structures on the surface of the flower that contain cannabinoids and terpenes, which are responsible for the plant's potency and aroma. Hand-trimming allows for a more careful and precise cut, maintaining the bud's integrity and aesthetic appeal.
2. Cost and Time: Hand-trimming is more labor-intensive and time-consuming, which can lead to higher costs for producers and, subsequently, consumers. However, the premium quality of hand-trimmed cannabis can often justify the higher price point.
3. Employment: This method supports artisanal jobs and can be considered an art form in itself, preserving traditional cultivation practices.

Machine-Trimmed Cannabis

1. Efficiency: Machine trimming is much faster than hand trimming, allowing producers to process large quantities of cannabis in a shorter amount of time. This can significantly reduce production costs and is ideal for operations focusing on volume.
2. Quality and Appearance: While machine trimming has improved, it can still be harsher on the flower compared to hand-trimming. The process may damage the trichomes, potentially affecting the potency and aroma of the cannabis. Additionally, machine-trimmed buds may not have the same level of aesthetic appeal, sometimes appearing less manicured.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: The reduced labor costs associated with machine trimming can make cannabis products more affordable for consumers. This method is particularly advantageous for producing extracts, where the appearance of the flower is less important.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Natural and Whole-Plant Experience: Consuming the flower allows users to experience the plant in its most natural form, benefiting from a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Versatility in Use: Again, it can be smoked, vaped, or used to make edibles, teas, and extracts, thus offering various ways to consume based on personal preference.
• Legal Accessibility: Hemp flower with less than 0.3% THC is legal at the federal level in the United States, making it better accessible than marijuana in many areas.
• Potential Health Benefits: Non-psychoactive and mildly-psychoactive hemp flower may offer potential mind & body benefits.
• Immediate Effects: Smoking or vaping hemp flower in particular can supply immediate effects.

Cons:

• Legal and Regulatory Confusion: Despite federal legality, the legal status of hemp flower can vary by state.
• Stigma and Misunderstanding: Hemp flower resembles marijuana and can be mistakenly associated with its psychoactive effects, leading to social stigma or misunderstandings.
• Inconsistent Effects: The effects of hemp flower can vary significantly from person to person and strain to strain, making it difficult for some users to find the right product for their needs.

Our Picks for Hemp/Cannabis Flower in 2024

The flower we’re going to be discussing today comes from trusted industry names, and is grown organically here in the US, before undergoing third-party testing by a licensed lab. That means that all of the flower below is extremely high in quality, offering the best buds that you can get anywhere.

Hemp/Cannabis Flower #10: Farma Barn THCA Flower

Farma Barn is a long-known brand that specializes in farm-fresh hemp-based products formulated as cleanly as possible. Farma Barn’s THCA Flower comes in a small variety of strains: Orange Creamsicle, Jet Crasher, and Blue Meteorite, all of which are considered top-shelf varieties. This is an organic flower that’s sold in an airtight jar for maximum freshness.

Hemp/Cannabis Flower #9: Grand Master Exotics Signature THCA + THCP + D8 Live Resin Kief Coated Pre-Rolls

Pop’s Premium offers some of the most enticing, tantalizing cannabinoid-based formulas the market has seen to date. So, you can see why then, Grand Master Exotics Signature THCA + THCP + D8 Live Resin Kief Coated Pre-Rolls aren’t your ordinary pre-rolls – they’re absolutely packed with all of the goodies derived from the hemp plant. THCA flower is infused with THCP and delta 8 THC, along with live resin, and then coated in kief, providing an awesome potency, along with a high you will never forget. The flower is grown indoors, and it comes in a few amazing strains picked to offer a selection of fruity options.

Hemp/Cannabis Flower #8: ATLRx CBD Hemp Flower Pre-Roll

ATLRx has wowed countless enthusiasts with their highly effective, carefully developed products that cover all of your bases. So, for something nonintoxicating, we have a CBD Hemp Flower Pre-Roll. Smoking pure hemp flower means you can get all kinds of potential benefits and soothing effects without the high. This flower comes in Skywalker, a hybrid strain with a slight indica dominance, which’s great for mellowing out and decompressing after a long day.

Hemp/Cannabis Flower #7: Hemptown USA Premium Tropical Blend CBG Hemp Stix

Since 2018, Hemptown USA has been involved in the cultivation, processing, and distribution of hemp and other cannabinoid products. Their CBG Flower in particular is nonintoxicating, and it offers cannabigerol rather than cannabidiol (CBD) as its dominant cannabinoid, in order to provide a sense of physical relief and enhanced mood. This premium CBG flower comes in the form of cigarette-style pre-rolls, with 20 to a pack, and it’s infused with terpenes for enhanced effects. The terpenes are from a tropical strain, which offers a pineapple-like flavor, naturally, while the paper itself is all-natural. Plus, the flower is grown in Oregon, and it’s totally organic.

Hemp/Cannabis Flower #6: ELYXR Delta 10 THC Flower

Elyxr is a brand that specializes in cannabinoids known for their mildly psychoactive properties. Now, they’ve infused their hemp flower with delta 10 THC, and it’s ready to load into your favorite pipe, or be rolled up in paper. The brand is renowned for their standout quality standards, which has given customers confidence that they’re getting some of the very best flower on the market. This flower comes in dreamy strains like Ice Cream Cake, Jack Herer, Master Kush, and other top-shelf choices.

Hemp/Cannabis Flower #5: Nam Wellness Delta 8 THC Flower

NAM Wellness is one of those special hemp companies that genuinely cares about consumer wellness and have done so by producing top-quality hemp-based products to help individuals reach their goals solely through the power of plant compounds. Their Delta 8 THC Flower is infused with the perfect amount of delta 8 THC distillate. The result: a mellow, relaxing high that’s irresistible. It comes in tons of essential strains, too, like Sour Diesel, Pineapple Express, Wedding Cake, Banana Runtz, and many others.

Hemp/Cannabis Flower #4: Rift Multiverse THCA Live Resin Pre-Rolls

Pinnacle Hemp is a company known for its hemp-derived products, and we absolutely are enamored with Rift Multiverse THCA Live Resin Pre-Rolls. They combine THCA with live resin, infused into raw THCA flower buds, and infused with additional psychoactive cannabinoids. You can check out 4 top-rated strains, and even look forward to a convenient smoke that’s ready to go out of the box.

Hemp/Cannabis Flower #3: Blue Moon Hemp Delta 8 THC Flower

Blue Moon Hemp is always finding new ways to delight their customers, adding to their lineup consistently to ensure that each and every need is met. If you’re all about delta 8 flower, these buds from Blue Moon Hemp hit the spot. Blue Moon has been a popular brand for ages, and people trust what they have to offer through their ability to keep customers satisfied for well over a decade. This flower is super fresh, with a small but excellent choice of strains to try out. The buds are infused with delta 8 THC distillate, offering a really calming high that never feels overwhelming.

Hemp/Cannabis Flower #2: ELYXR THC-P Flower

ELYXR’s THC-P flower infuses hemp flower with the most intoxicating cannabinoid to exist naturally in hemp, for an outstanding high that’s pretty much unparalleled. This organic, locally grown flower comes in three strains: Bubba Kush, Gorilla Glue, and Strawberry Cough, and promises an unforgettable high thanks to the strong effects of tetrahydrocannabiphorol, which can offer a powerful euphoric boost and a major calming effect on the mind and body.

Hemp/Cannabis Flower #1: Wild Orchard THCA Premium Indoor Flower

Wild Orchard Hemp Co. uses USA-grown, organic hemp material, which contains zero pesticides and other environmental toxins. They have a new knockout product: THCA Premium Indoor Flower. Grown indoors, under premium standards for quality, it’s very potent, so you won’t miss out on the THC high you know and love. Simultaneously, it comes in top-notch strains like Cookies, Pandemic, and Jolly Rancher.

Get the Most Out of Premium Flower in 2024

Here at The Calm Leaf, you will find nothing but the finest and freshest flower possible, from brands that you already know and love. If you’re interested in enjoying some hemp fresh from the source, look no further than these fantastic choices, and many others that are available on our website. All of the flower we carry has what it takes to satisfy your needs for powerful cannabinoids and great-tasting terpenes.