With their high bioavailability and entourage effect potential, cannabidiol flowers are a popular way to use the best CBD in the UK. Not only do dried buds have a lower price range, but with the proper storage, they can last as long as conventional CBD oils.
However, the CBD flower strain and brand play a major role in your CBD experience. From the type of hemp used to the flavour of smoke produced, these factors are crucial to consider when purchasing your dried buds.
Is it Legal to Buy CBD Flowers in the UK?
The Misuse of Drugs Act of 1971 is the main law guiding CBD flower legality in the UK. Due to its lack of medical use, this legislation places cannabis under the Schedule I classification for prohibited substances. According to this rule, possessing and selling any item classified as “cannabis” is deemed illegal.
Surprisingly, the Home office has also declared that industrial hemp containing 0.2% and less THC is legal in the UK. But this is also where the legalities get murky concerning CBD flowers. For instance, since CBD buds typically contain 0.2% THC or less, they can be included as industrial hemp.
However, amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act also claim that CBD leaves and flowers fall under the category of cannabis. Any plant part not used in production is considered to be marijuana legally. The only plant components to escape these specifications are hemp seeds, fibres, and stalks.
Because of the widespread issues with CBD flower legality, it is best to have a medical prescription when buying these products. Because of its medical potential, cannabis has been upgraded from a Class A to a Class B drug, and you can even get a legal prescription for the substance.
5 High-Grade CBD Flower Strains and Varieties in the UK
- Amnesia CBD Flower Strains
- Jack Herrer CBD Flower Strains
- Cannatonic CBD Flower Strains
- Harlequin CBD Flower Strains
- Purple Haze CBD Flower Strains
Purchasing CBD flowers from reliable, verified brands is almost foolproof to ensure a quality experience. These companies provide product composition transparency and shed light on their cultivation practices.
1. Amnesia CBD Flower Strains
Amnesia is the perfect strain for experienced CBD users with slightly higher THC levels. Using this variant can cause temporary memory loss hence the name “amnesia.” This period is also called “happy times” and is characterised by outgoing, extroverted behaviour.
Hemp Strain Origin: Sativa dominant Cindrella 99 mixed with Jack Herer
Aroma/Flavor: Citrus mixed with earthy pine
Major Terpenes: Terpinolene, Ocimene, Caryophyllene.
CBD/THC Content: CBD – 8% to 13%, THC – below 0.3%
Look/Feel: Orange trichomes that crystalise upon maturity.
2. Jack Herer CBD Flower Strains
As the winner of multiple Cannabis Cups, the signature orange-pepper smell of the Jack Herer strain is doubtless beloved. Rich in resin, this Sativa leaning has powerful cerebral effects helping boost focus and creativity.
Hemp Strain Origin: Mix of hybrid Haze and Northern Lights 5 and Shiva Skunk
Aroma/Flavor: orange and lemon with hints of pepper and flowers
Major Terpenes: Terpinolene, Pine, Caryophyllene
CBD/THC Content: CBD – 11% to 12%
Look/Feel: Sticky cones due to high resin production. Typical green buds that are more round than conical.
3. Cannatonic CBD Flower Strains
As an indica-dominant variant, the Cannatonic is great sedative hemp, perfect for relaxation. However, this quality makes it more suited for night than daytime use. This strain is also popular for its immediate effect time as the relaxing sedative effect hits you within a few minutes.
However, despite the strong experience, the effects of Cannatonic typically only last about an hour.
Hemp Strain Origin: Indica dominant female MK Ultra and male G13 Haze
Aroma/Flavour: Minor earthy-citrusy aroma
Major Terpenes: Myrcene, Pineen, Caryophyllene
CBD/THC Content: CBD – 6%, THC – 0.0%
Look/Feel: Small buds with greenish-yellow colouring. The buds are densely packed and have trichome crystals in maturing.
4. Harlequin CBD Hemp Flower
With its slow-building effect, Harlequin is the perfect strain for new CD users. A Sativa-dominant hybrid of Colombian Gold and landrace strains, it is a well-rounded strain that is neither too stimulating nor sedating.
Hemp Strain Origin: Colombian God and landrace strains from Switzerland, Nepal, and Thailand
Aroma/Flavor: Muted musky to fruity
Major Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Cayophyllene
CBD/THC Content: CBD – 26%, THC – 0.2%
Look/Feel: Dark green buds with dense buds also has orange hairs
5. Purple Haze CBD Flower Strains
Also known as the “ice breaker,” the Sativa-rich Purple Haze makes users chatty. This can be your go-to strain if you are an introvert looking to open up at parties. This strain is made famous by the eponymous Jimmi Hendrix song and has a musky-spicy aroma with berry notes.
Hemp Strain Origin: Hybrid of Purple Thai and Haze
Aroma/Flavor: Spicy with strong notes of pepper
Major Terpenes: Myrcene
CBD/THC Content: THC – 0.17%, CBD – 19.7%
Look/Feel: Large spade-shaped flowers with deep green leaves. The strain also has a deep purple colouring underneath.
How to Choose the Best CBD Flowers Buds in the UK?
In a market infiltrated with substandard products, it is essential to find the best CBD flower buds. A high-grade cannabis bud offers powerful, aromatic smoke and guarantees better safety. Hemp plants absorb soil toxins easily, so it is crucial to find organic and uncontaminated crops.
Why You Need CoAs
A Certificate of Analysis or a CoA ensures purity by revealing the CBD flower chemical composition. These documents are essential for any purchase because it contains details about possible contaminants and the cannabinoids in the buds. This information will help you avoid potential health hazards while choosing high-CBD strains.
Importance of Strains
Another thing that can help your CBD flower purchase is to be clear about your requirements. Having a clear idea about your needs will help you find a more appropriate product when choosing your buds. This preparation is essential because hemp flowers are either Sativa dominant, indica-leaning or hybrid.
Each of these variants offers different benefits- for example, Sativa strains are typically meant for daytime use because of their stimulating nature. In contrast, indica variants are perfect for nighttime use because of their sedating effects. Meanwhile, hybrids combine the benefits of the two to produce a balanced effect.
Why Cultivation Matters
To ensure that your CBD flowers are always pure, you can opt for organic, indoor or greenhouse cultivated hemp variants. These buds are less likely to be exposed to the elements, reducing contamination risk. However, if a full terpene profile is your goal, an outdoor-grown hemp flower bud should be more up your alley.
5 Best CBD Flowers Shops and Companies in the UK
- Best Rated CBD Flower Shop in the UK: HempElf
- Newly Discovered: Hempire Gardens
- High-Quality CBD Flowers in the UK: Clever Botanics
- Editor's Choice: Sativum CBD
- Cheapest CBD Flowers Shop: BudMother
Factors like high CBD content, strong flavours, terpene content, and more make the following CBD flower strains the best in the UK. These are your top strains if you are looking for varieties with unique aromas and classic taste.
1. Best Rated CBD Flower Shop in the UK: HempElf
With over 15 different strains on sale, you may face difficulty in choosing an appropriate power CBD flower on HempElf. Fortunately, the brand has correctly anticipated this by offering the appropriately named Elf It! I Want 'em All collection.
This product lets you choose buds from variants like Gelato, Mango Kush, AK – 47, OG Kush, Grape Ape, and more. This sample lets you experience the wide variety of EIHA CBD flower strains the brand offers.
Brand Highlight: The European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) certification for all CBD flowers is impressive.
Pros:
- Offers EIHA-certified CBD hemp flowers
- Offers shakes, flowers, and whole cones
- Over 15 strains are available
Cons:
- The flowers tend to be dry sometimes.
2. Newly Discovered: Hempire Gardens
Hempire Gardens is known for its hand-plucked flowers as an up-and-coming CBD brand. Besides the harvesting, the trimming is done manually to ensure a high product finish. Hempire Gardens offers express delivery on their products that will reach you in 1 to 2 business days.
Brand Highlight: The hand trimming adds an organic appeal to the CBD flowers.
Pros:
- Imported CBD flowers
- Live customer support
- 6/5 rating on TrustPilot
Cons:
- Higher prices
2. High-Quality CBD Flowers in the UK: Clever Botanics
Clever Botanics offers high-quality hemp flowers at affordable prices, with most of their stock imported from Switzerland. This brand has high-grade offerings for strains like Pineapple Buffalo, Black Magic, Purple Haze, Cannatonic, and more.
However, keeping in mind customer demand, Clever Botanic “cleverly” offers low-cost options. You can expect variants like Jungle Twist, Cookies Kush, and Blueberry Haze to start as low as pound 7.2.
Brand Highlight: Offers high-quality products for both high-grade and accessible options
Pros:
- Many low-cost options are available.
- 9/5 rating on TrustPilot
- THC-free CBD flowers
Cons:
- Lower-than-usual CBD flower amount on some orders
3. Editor's Choice: Sativum CBD
If you've grown weary of seeing the same CBD flower strains in each shop, you should try Sativum. Alongside classic variants like Purple haze, the brand offers unique strains like Flower Super Tanie, New York Diesel, Flower Skywalker and more that are sure to leave your tastebuds tingling.
Brand Highlight: The indica dominant Buddha Cheese is a standout
- Offers both classic and unique strains
- Third-party tested
- Sustainably packed
Cons:
- Fewer CBD flower offerings
4. Cheapest CBD Flowers Shop: BudMother
Despite using high-quality imported hemp, BudMother is known for its accessible prices. The brand gets its CBD flowers from farms and greenhouses across Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria. Despite being competitively priced, BudMother does not scrimp on quality.
The brand imports strain from other countries besides Europe to offer affordable yet high-quality hemp. For example, the high CBD variant Mango Haze is imported from Canada.
Brand Highlight: Accessible yet quality products
Pros:
- Uses imported hemp
- THC levels under 0.2%
- Offers indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse cultivated CBD flowers.
Cons:
- Limited offers on CBD strains
How Did We Pick These CBD Flower Shops & Brands?
Because of the additions included in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 2001, UK CBD flower regulations are trickier to navigate than their US counterparts. As a result of this legal grey area, some brands may try to take shortcuts with their hemp buds.
Therefore, we've highlighted only items that offer clean, legal products to ensure that only the best products and companies make it to our list. Brand reputation, aided by customer reviews, had a huge role in our decision making as did the quality of each product.
Pros & Cons of Buying CBD Flowers in the UK
Higher bioavailability, more versatility, and targeted relief are a few advantages of using CBD flowers. As a cannabis product, these buds are known to be powerful relaxants. However, misusing them can also result in potential hazards. For example,
Pros
- Targetted Benefits: CBD flower users can choose between Sativa and indica-based strains. Each of these hemp variants offers different effects, letting you choose a variety that fits your requirements best. For example, indica strains may be more apt for anti-inflammatory use due to their body-affecting capabilities. Similarly, a Sativa dominant variant will relieve anxiety better due to their cerebral powers.
- Higher Bioavailability: As opposed to the 6% to 13% bioavailability of oral y ingested CBD, the absorption potential of CBD flowers as smoke/vapour is more than 40%. When used in a vape, the system absorbs these buds faster. Since they do not have to pass through the digestive system, the product can take as little as 30 seconds to produce the necessary effects.
Cons
- Higher Potential Risks: CBD flowers possess higher potential risks, especially when smoked or vaped. Since these methods require the buds to be heated before consuming, it can seriously affect the lungs. Terpenes tend to turn to tar when combusted; when smoked, they coat the lungs, causing respiratory disorders.
Best CBD Flower Companies in the UK
Conclusion: What is the Best CBD Flower to Buy in the UK?
What you consider the best CBD flower depends largely on your preferences. For example, if a strong, classic CBD is your typical go-to, the Elecktra strain would be your choice. However, the Harlequin is a no-brainer if you prefer slow-developing strengths in your CBD flowers.
But no matter the strain or cultivation type, a CoA is an irreplaceable aspect of every top CBD flower. These documents are essential as they help you avoid contaminated products that can cause health risks.
Sources
- https://www.bbc.com/news/health-44534861
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2001/3998/contents/made
- https://www.wired.co.uk/article/medical-cannabis-nhs-prescription
- https://www.england.nhs.uk/medicines-2/support-for-prescribers/cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use/cannabis-based-products-for-medicinal-use-frequently-asked-questions/
FAQ
What is the best CBD flower brand in the UK?
With an EIHA certification, HempElf offers CBD flowers that are a class apart. With over 15 classic and trendy strains to choose from, you will surely find a CBD bud that suits your tastes.
What is the strongest CBD flower strain in the UK?
With a CBD percentage ranging from 18% to 21%, Elektra is the strongest CBD flower strain in the UK. A mix of ACDC and Early Resin Berr, this variant is rich in myrcene, pinene, humulenes, and caryophyllene. If you like spicy aromas, you will love its pungent, slight fuel and berry notes.
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