Marijuana flowers are probably the most useful parts of the marijuana plant, one that has been exploited by many ancient civilizations for both its medicinal and recreational value. Today, however, this part of the marijuana plant is often almost exclusively considered recreational marijuana. In this article, we will be taking a look at the marijuana flower, exploring its properties, and finally, answering the question; is it possible to find medical marijuana flowers?
What is Marijuana Flower?
Marijuana flowers are the reproductive parts of the female cannabis plant and contain the highest potency of cannabis extracts. Often called buds or nugs, they typically grow at the topmost part of female marijuana plants, appearing as dense, sticky clumps attached to special marijuana leaves called sugar leaves. These parts of the marijuana plant often have a range of colors including green, purple, orange, and white, unlike the regular marijuana leaves which are usually green.
Marijuana Flowers and Medical Use: Why It Isn’t Common
As stated earlier in the article, marijuana flowers are the most potent parts of the marijuana plant and contain the highest concentration of cannabinoids and other chemical constituents found in cannabis. For this reason, they are highly sought after for both medical and recreational purposes. However, while dried marijuana flowers are commonly sold for recreational purposes, they aren’t so commonly associated with medical cannabis. This is the case for a few reasons.
First is the fact that dried cannabis flowers are typically meant to be consumed by smoking, a consumption method that comes with its own medical risks and is NOT ideal for medical treatment.
There is also the matter of the constituents of medical marijuana. While they do indeed contain many extracts that have been found to have significant medical benefits, they also contain other substances, some of which may have unknown or even adverse effects on the health of a patient.
Finally, there is the issue of potency. Typically, medical marijuana products contain precisely controlled concentrations of different extracts of the marijuana plants. Now, while these extracts may be found in marijuana flowers, they rarely exist in the precise combinations or concentrations needed to treat the intended medical conditions effectively. As such, simply consuming marijuana leaves, even if done safely, would not be as effective enough to produce the intended medical results.
Is It Possible to Find Medical Marijuana Flowers?
So does all of the above mean that there are no medical marijuana flowers? Well, not really. It is possible to find marijuana flowers cultivated and used specifically for medicinal purposes. Unlike recreational marijuana flowers, medical marijuana flowers are typically grown and produced under controlled conditions governed by strict regulations so as to ensure consistent cannabinoid ratios, potency, purity, and safety for the patients.
Final Thoughts
Having said this, it is worth mentioning that while medical marijuana flowers do exist, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are legal for the general populace. This would typically be dependent on the country or state’s marijuana laws.
In Colombia, for example, marijuana flowers and leaves in the hands of everyday consumers will always be considered recreational cannabis (under the current regulatory framework). This is because Colombia’s cannabis laws (as at the writing of this article) only considers processed cannabis products as medical cannabis. This means even if a consumer were to get their hands on dried flowers directly from one of the factories producing medical cannabis products in the country, these would still not be considered medical cannabis because they are still in their raw form. However, if one were to be living in a different country where raw flowers were approved for medical use, then these exact same flowers would be considered approved for medical use.
So essentially, it all boils down to what the law says in the region you reside. As such, we recommend that you always contact local experts concerning local marijuana laws before you indulge in cannabis-related activities, especially in regions you may be new to or unfamiliar with their local laws. Need help with Colombia’s cannabis laws? Get in touch with a local medical cannabis expert today.