If this is your first time hearing about CBD flowers, you’re probably wondering what smoking CBD buds feels like. Firstly it’s important to establish one thing - CBD buds won’t get you “high” like THC. CBD buds primarily contain one cannabinoid found in cannabis, called cannabidiol, and a myriad of minor cannabinoids that work synergistically to create a unique effect. CBD buds look and smell just like the cannabis that gets you high, the differences between the two are found on a chemical level.

In this article we will help you prepare for what smoking CBD buds will feel like, what the research says about it, with a focus specifically on what CBD buds in the UK feel like after they have been smoked.

What Are CBD Buds?

CBD buds, also called CBD flower, are the smokeable part of cannabis plants that are grown from CBD dominant strains. They naturally contain a large amount of CBD and trace levels of THC and other cannabinoids such as CBG and CBC. They are indistinguishable from more mainstream cannabis strains that get you high, the difference between them can only be seen after conducting lab tests to analyse their cannabinoid percentages.

CBD buds are derived from hemp, a form of cannabis that has under 0.2% THC according to the UK government industrial hemp licensing fact sheet. In the UK and EU, there are strict rules on which strains can be used to grow hemp, each of which has nuances that affect their smell, flavour and strength.

Hemp can legally be grown in the UK, however hemp buds cannot be harvested from UK hemp farms. The regulations only allow for UK hemp farmers to harvest and sell the seeds and stalks of hemp plants. Regulations for hemp farmers are much more lenient in most of the EU, where farmers can harvest the CBD buds and sell them all over Europe. Countries like France, Italy and Switzerland supply most of the CBD buds that you’ll find in the UK.

CBD products are commonplace in the UK, with many high street stores selling CBD oils, vapes and gummies. However, CBD buds have become increasingly popular due to their natural unprocessed nature, as well as the more profound effect they have on CBD users. They are often cited as being more effective for certain people. People use CBD buds in many ways from brewing a tea to smoking them in a joint. Perhaps one of the most common reasons that they are popular is that they can replace the enjoyable habit of smoking, a familiar method of administering cannabis for many users.

The Immediate Sensations When Smoking CBD Flower

Smoking CBD flower is among the fastest ways to absorb and feel the effects of CBD. Within the first few minutes of inhalation, users can feel a sense of relaxation, tension in the body easing and smooth flavour ranging from fruity to herbal.

Some people say that smoking CBD flower “takes the edge off”. It holds a special place for people dealing with stress, both mentally and physically. The fact that it is able to do this without causing intoxication like a THC flower would makes it very useful. The intoxicating version, THC flower, is both illegal in the UK (without medical prescription), and inconvenient. THC flower can also cause smokers to feel paranoid and couch-locked, while CBD flower does not cause either. If you’ve had a bad experience with THC that has caused you to be worried about CBD flower, it’s highly unlikely that you will have a similar experience.

What the Research Says About Smoking CBD

In a 2022 study on the effects of inhaling vaporised CBD, researchers observed improvements in stress and anxiety. Participants self-reported using CBD to help with relaxation, better sleep and physical comfort. Over their 12 weeks of testing, no serious adverse events occurred, and side effects were mild and rare. The researchers emphasised CBD’s good tolerability, meaning that it does not pose as addictive in nature. Interestingly, the researchers found that 30% of the participants reduced their THC use by 50% or more, showing that CBD buds can also be useful for people that regularly use THC.

In a 2024 study researchers found that CBD offered pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects for participants. Similar to the other study, they found that CBD was well tolerated, with common mild side effects like tiredness or appetite change. They deemed CBD as non-addictive and found no evidence of abuse potential.

These medical studies help us to better understand the effects that CBD has on our bodies, and it is always advised to consult your doctor before using CBD.

Reported Benefits from UK Users

CBD buds have been popular in the UK for nearly a decade, with hundreds of different strains now available—most commonly through online stores. Unlike oils or gummies, which can be confusing for beginners, CBD flower feels intuitive: you simply smoke it like traditional cannabis. This familiarity makes it one of the easiest ways for newcomers to explore CBD.

When we look through reviews of popular strains, some stand out for the way users describe their experiences:

• “The smell, taste & effect were absolutely superb! The buds were gorgeously cured, sticky & had me floating off to sleep feeling utterly at peace.” — Sam M on Milkshake CBD Flower
  
  

• “A lovely calm feeling I got from this product. It was very mellow but relaxing. A beautiful product.” — Anonymous on Lemon Skunk CBD Flower
  
  

• “Great flower, fresh and it really helps me sleep well at night!” — James C on Gelato CBD Flower
  
  

These kinds of testimonials highlight what many UK consumers report: improved sleep, a sense of relaxation, and a calm that helps balance out daily stress.

The UK also has a unique cultural backdrop when it comes to cannabis use. In 2022, the Office for National Statistics found that 7.4% of adults aged 16–59 had smoked cannabis at least once that year. With such familiarity around the act of smoking, it’s no surprise that CBD buds—being consumed in the same way—feel like a natural entry point.

By contrast, products like CBD oils or CBD gummies can leave new users second-guessing: How much should I take? When will I feel the effects? Smoking CBD flower removes that complexity, offering an immediate, straightforward experience that resonates with both seasoned cannabis consumers and first-time CBD users.

Are There Side Effects?

The World Health Organisation published a report in 2018 that clearly stated that CBD exhibits no effect indicative of any abuse or dependence potential, meaning that there is no risk of addiction. Nonetheless, it is important to know about the potential side effects that can occur when smoking CBD buds.

Common ones include dry mouth, drowsiness (at higher doses) and mild changes in appetite. Smoking anything carries risks due to combustion, these include irritation, harshness for sensitive lungs and coughing. If these are problematic for users then perhaps other CBD products like edibles and oils are more suitable.

Not all CBD buds are the same. It’s important to ensure that they are sourced or grown by high quality establishments that lab-test their CBD buds to ensure that they are free from harmful contaminants and contain legal THC levels.

How to Get Started if You’re New

It’s not uncommon to get things wrong the first time you smoke CBD buds. Hopefully we can provide you with enough tips and tricks to ensure that your first experience goes well. Beginners should start small - one puff or a half joint to determine how you feel and if you need less or more. Pay attention to how you feel before taking more, if your tolerance is low, then it’s likely that you’ll only need a small amount.

Different strains have different effects. Read product descriptions and customer reviews, and if you can, order an assortment of different strains. This way you can try different options to see if certain strains work better for you.

Before buying anything, check for lab reports, purity and legal compliance. Good vendors will have all this information either on their website or available to you if you get in touch with them directly.

Take a look at our CBD Flower Collection to get started, there are options for all budgets and effects.

Final Thoughts

By now you should know what to expect when smoking CBD buds - they’re calming, non-intoxicating and a natural option for those looking to try CBD. We stress the importance of checking in with your doctor before using CBD buds if you’re currently on any medication, and make sure to check that the vendor you go forward with is compliant.