Cannabis Flower – A Beginner's Guide

Medical cannabis is helping more and more people in the UK. 

As evidence grows about the benefits of cannabis flower for a wide range of health conditions (from anxiety and depression to Crohn’s and chronic pain), many doctors and patients alike see it as a safe and effective alternative to established-yet-risky treatments, like opioid therapy.

Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick questionnaire on our website.

And yet, the sheer amount of science surrounding medical cannabis can confuse people. For example, how can the same plant benefit such a wide range of conditions and symptoms?

But don’t fret. Here’s everything you need to know about cannabis flower in one quick guide.

What is Cannabis Flower?

Also known as ‘bud’ (and often referred to in the recreational market as ‘weed’ or ‘marijuana’), flower is the part of a cannabis plant that appears near the end of its growth cycle. 

Once harvested, trimmed, dried and cured, cannabis flower can be consumed in a variety of ways, or processed further for use in things like oils and edibles (see below).

Cannabis Flower Strains

The three sub-species of the cannabis plant are indica, sativa and ruderalis.

Before the modern era of cross-breeding, sativa strains were known for being high in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive element in cannabis), and indica a dominance in CBD (cannabidiol, cannabis’ largest non-intoxicating compound). Ruderalis, meanwhile, doesn’t boast much of either and is not something you would typically ever see in medical or recreational markets.

Today, the rise of hybrid strains – i.e. cross-bred varieties that mix traits of indica and sativa – means growers can help medical cannabis patients treat their conditions with greater efficiency. 

Determining which cannabis strains are effective for treating specific conditions isn’t straightforward, as there is no one-size-fits-all approach. 

Due to individual differences in biology and needs, the effects of strains can vary widely from person to person, regardless of their cannabinoid or terpene composition. This is why it is crucial to provide feedback to your doctor about what is and isn’t working for you. 

Your doctor can then use this information to tailor future prescriptions to better suit your unique needs.

Cannabis Flower Effects

Cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors and chemicals in the body that helps regulate key functions like mood, sleep, pain, hunger, inflammation and much more. 

Because cannabis can influence this ‘biological control centre’ in multiple ways, it can be effective for a range of conditions. For example, it might help manage pain by affecting pain receptors, improve sleep by influencing sleep patterns, or reduce inflammation by modifying immune responses. This ability to impact various bodily functions is why cannabis can be used to address so many different health issues.

Depending on a strain’s combination of cannabinoids (such as THC or CBD) and terpenes (the aromatic compounds found in cannabis), along with a patient’s specific health needs, cannabis flower can positively impact both mind and body. 

Additionally, cannabis contains many other compounds that we're still exploring and learning about, which could also play a further role in its effects. 

For example, a 2017 evidence review praised cannabis flower for pain relief, reducing nausea, and limiting spasticity in multiple-sclerosis patients. 

Cannabis Flower Terpenes

Terpenes are the parts of any plant (not just cannabis) you can smell.

In cannabis, a strain’s terpene profile holds a diverse array of aromatic compounds, from lemons and berries to pine and pepper. But much more than mere aroma, there is emerging research to suggest terpenes can have a direct impact on strain effects. 

It’s why specialist doctors (and patients) are looking more closely at terpene profiles to determine how a new strain may target a particular condition, or even limit side effects.

Cannabis Flower vs. Edibles and Other Products

In the UK, specialist doctors tend to prescribe medical cannabis in three key formulations.

Flower: What most people think when they think about cannabis. The cost of prescription varies by nature (due to each patient’s needs, tolerance and required dose), but (at the time of writing this article) is available from £5 per gram and usually sold in 10g pouches or pots.

Oil: Extracted from the cannabis plant and mixed with a carrier substance (e.g. olive, coconut or hemp seed oil). Cannabis oil is often either prescribed as THC only, or as a combination of THC and CBD. 

Vape cart: Liquid cannabis concentrate in a battery-powered container similar to a nicotine vape, which enables discretion. Unlike flower, there’s no grinding necessary. The effect of a vape cart takes hold almost immediately.

That’s not all, however. While they account for a small segment of the UK market at present, edibles (more often associated with recreational cannabis users, and the black market) are thought to become a more common choice for medical cannabis patients in future.

How to Use Cannabis Flower

UK doctors do not advocate smoking medical cannabis, due to the known risks of lung, mouth and throat cancer. 

The only safe and legal way to inhale prescribed cannabis is vaporisation. 

Devices vary (and include portable or desktop versions), with water-based vapour far smoother, and safer, on the lungs. You can also buy glass equipment known as ‘bubblers’ which can be attached to dry herb vaporiser for a less harsh and more pleasant inhalation experience.  

Not only that, you can dial in specific temperatures on dry herb vaporisers, which allows patients to target individual cannabis compounds (that each have different boiling points) and, potentially, better results on symptoms.

One more benefit: less waste. Many patients champion vaporisers for using much less cannabis flower than smoking, which makes it a more cost-effective option, too.

FAQs

What is cannabis flower used for?

Cannabis flower can be used in medicine as an alternative treatment option. Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legal in the UK, and can be prescribed for 50+ conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, depression and ADHD. 

How is cannabis flower different from edibles?

When prescribed, cannabis flower is inhaled, and you’ll probably feel the effects pretty quickly, usually within minutes. However, edibles usually take a little longer to take effect, usually between 1 to 2 hours. But it’s ideal for longer-lasting relief. It may take a little trial and error to find which method works best for you personally. Remember, everyone is different. 

Can you buy cannabis flower legally online in the UK?

You can. It’s legal to buy medical cannabis flower from a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf. Our online clinic gives you access to medical cannabis anywhere in the UK, with a video appointment system and excellent delivery service.

Can you eat cannabis flower, and is it effective without heating?

We always recommend buying a vaporiser to consume your medical cannabis flower prescription. A dry herb vape is essentially like a mini oven - it’ll heat your flower before you inhale, and then you’ll feel the effects. 

While you could technically and safely eat cannabis flower as it is, keep in mind that eating raw, green flower will produce no effects without the correct preparation - it has to go through the decarboxylation process. This is usually done by heating flower in an oven to an optimal temperature. Once it’s decarbed, it will have psychoactive effects when eaten. But remember that you should always consume your medication as prescribed by your clinician. So, if they’ve prescribed flower, by default they’ll have told you to consume using a dry herb vaporiser. You can purchase these alongside your prescription on the Montu Pharmacy website. 

Is medical cannabis flower legal in the UK?

Yes! As we’ve already mentioned, it’s been legal in the UK since 2018. But, it needs to be prescribed by a specialist doctor. To be eligible, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD or autism. 

Just because it’s legal in the UK, doesn’t mean it’s legal everywhere. It is always a good idea to check if you’re travelling somewhere, what their rules and laws are around medical cannabis. 

How should I store medical cannabis flower to keep it fresh?

We’ve got some general rules for storing medical cannabis and medical cannabis flower: 

• Follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Only grind or break up the flower when ready to use.
• Keep below 25°C in the original, airtight container.
• Avoid moisture, humidity, direct sunlight, and extreme heat or cold.
• Do not refrigerate.
• Close the packaging and container tightly after use to protect the product.
• Do not store your medication in a bathroom, or near a sink. 
• Do not store it on a windowsill, or keep it in your car
• Keep out of reach of children.

If you want any more information on storage, head to the FAQ page on our website. 

Buying Cannabis Flower Online

Medical cannabis is a highly-regulated drug in the United Kingdom.

It remains a Class B substance for recreational use – which comes with a threat of an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison for possession.

However, if you have a legitimate medical condition that cannabis flower may help, it is possible to get a prescription.

Here’s how:

• First, not sure if you qualify? Most clinics will help you let you know before charging a penny. For example, Alternaleaf offers a free pre-screening questionnaire, which takes just 30 seconds.

• Once you’ve checked your eligibility and booked an appointment with a private cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf, you will need to get a copy of your medical records from your NHS GP. You can request these via phone, email or in-person.

• You’ll then need an online appointment with a specialist doctor, who will ask you about your condition, treatments and previous cannabis experience. This is a vital step to create the right prescription for your health issue.

• When your prescription is ready, you can buy medication online and it’ll get delivered right to your home.

To find out more, contact Alternaleaf today.