With all the leaps and bounds cannabis has ushered into the health and medical industry, recent reports of vaping related deaths have spawned worries of a ‘vaping epidemic’ in the US. While investigations are underway, a lot of scrutiny and debate surrounds the issue. 

The growing allegations surrounding vaping-related deaths in the States have swept up the cannabis industry and people in general. In a New York Times article, a second person from Oregon has died after reportedly becoming sick from vaping a THC product from a local dispensary.

The main issues surrounding vape related illnesses and death come from a lung infection affecting more than 200 people this summer alone. Federal authorities from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are currently investigating the toxin or substance responsible for the deaths and illnesses. 

CBD intricately connects to innovation in numerous ways, and when you consume new products, you can be confident that they won’t inadvertently cause a psychoactive effect, as CBD is a non-psychoactive substance.

It should also be prudently understood, according to the CDC, 480,000 people in the United States alone die every year from cigarette-related illnesses, with another 88,000 annually from alcohol. That being said, there are plenty of healthy alternatives to vaping.

Alternatives to vaping

In 2019, cannabis consumers enjoy the widest array of possible cannabis use in history. With each alternative comes a unique set of benefits and rituals that will help lead to your new favorite way to consume cannabis.

While vaping is too new of a technology to have long studied health risks and benefits, many of these alternatives have been on the market for several years; and have an in-depth track record of how they affect your health.

Also, with delivery services being the hottest crave right now, all the best marijuana delivery services have many of these products readily available. GrassDoor, located in Los Angeles, is known for its speedy delivery and top-quality products in the marijuana delivery service industry. 

Marijuana or Hemp Flower

You could be thinking: can it get any more obvious?

Probably not, but often in today’s age we get entrenched in our daily habits. You know the saying –– stop and smell the roses? Well, stop and smell the cannabis flower. Flower by far offers cannabis buyers marijauna’s versatility more than any other alternative to vaping.

As being a flower, you are in full control of designating how you want to ingest marijuana. If you’re using a vape pen, you only have one method: bring the pen to your lips, push a button or two and inhale. Opting for cannabis flower over vaping  offers you the whole spectrum of ways to enjoy your marijuana.

You can proceed to glass, roll it in your favorite paper or use it to enjoy edibles. Cannabis is one of the most innovative industries, so we can sometimes get caught up in ‘the next big thing’ or the hottest new craze. Take a minute to get back to your roots and pay homage to where it all started. Remember, there’s nothing better than being able to see the actual product in your hand. And in 2019, Cannabis has come a long way. At GrassDoor alone they offer 40 different Hybrid and Sativa–Indica strains. Break it up, pack it in or roll it up and exhale knowing exactly where and what you’re puffing into. 

Edibles

For a lot of us, the first thing we think about when we consider consuming edibles is the patented bag of special brownies your friend brings over to your basement shin-dig. Now, edibles have reached a whole new zenith in the cannabis market. It really becomes a journey for your tastebuds and everything that comes with altering your state of consciousness.

Before, you would eat a cookie hoping you didn’t (or did, depending on who you are) get an uneven dosage. But now, milligrams are measured distinctly and to the T. Not to mention there exists an almost infinite array of edibles from Tic-Tacs to gummies to lemonade pouches and cannabis-infused butter. Edibles also provide a great option for discreetly consuming cannabis or for individuals who generally dislike smoking.

Edibles as an alternative to vaping provide you with a deeply physical and robust cannabis experience that generally lasts much longer than any vaporizing pen. Edibles also offer you a fun and personal marijuana experience, pairing your favorite flavors and snacks with your favorite strains of cannabis.

Maybe you love rice-crispy treats or are not the biggest fan of brownies. Unlike a pre-packaged vaporizer pen, now you get to be in charge now to start your edible journey. Just remember, know your dosage.

Pre-Rolls & Blunts

Sometimes it’s best to let someone else do the hard work for you. Pre-rolls and blunts, like edibles, offer packaged, ready-to-go products that can alter consciousness. Pre-packaged vaporizer pens provide uncertain effects on the user.

Unlike a pre-roll and pre-rolled blunt, you can’t take a look at the size and weight of the pen and know how it might affect you. Prerolls and blunts follow a pretty obvious maxim; the bigger they are, the more cannabis you will feel and consume. Size doesn’t equate to vaporizer pens in this fashion. Often the sleek and smallest ones hit harder than the larger ones without any way of knowing if you’re a casual cannabis consumer. Pre-rolls fiercely compete in the cannabis market, driving companies to offer larger, superior options to earn your loyalty. The top cannabis delivery services offer diverse options for joints and blunts enthusiasts.

Pre-rolled products minimize mess, let you buy desired quantity worry-free without 3.5 grams for 5 joints. Now you can take a trip or take a hike without taking a risk. 

THC Concentrates

THC concentrates are exactly what these THC Vapes have inside them. So, why not be in charge and cut out the middle-man? Typically known as resin or shatter, THC concentrates offer a whole new level of consuming cannabis. When you consume THC concentrates instead of a vaporizer, the key difference is that it’s pure without added oils.

Major news outlets cite synthetic vitamin E oil in vape-pens as the main cause of deaths and illnesses. Ensure your safety with the same cannabis effect by opting for THC concentrates that do not require a vape pen. For seasoned consumers, we suggest THC concentrates; those comfortable with potent hits and their resulting effects.

To use THC concentrates, you need a dab rig, torch, and they cost around $50 per gram. Perfect for high-tolerance cannabis users, offering a powerful one-hit finish to end the day.

CBD (Cannabidiol) Products

Sometimes, we need to remind ourselves that not everyone consumes cannabis products to get stoned. There are plenty of medicinal benefits to smoking and consuming CBD.

So much so all the best delivery services and cannabis shops are full of CBD creams, edibles, and even CBD cigarettes. A CBD cigarette, for example, can be a wonderful aid in helping someone to quit smoking tobacco. CBD creams can give people much-needed relief from arthritis pain that their vaporizers previously provided. CBD innovatively links and assures that consuming new, non-psychoactive products won’t involuntarily get you stoned.

Finding alternatives to vaping isn’t hard

There are many safe cannabis consumption alternatives that provide what you love, without vaping’s current risks. For the most part, it seems clear the vaping epidemic has really only affected a micro-population of cannabis users.

Either way, things are always evolving very fast in cannabis. Stay vigilant for anything harmful to your health; be aware of potential adverse effects. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy these alternatives as much as we do.

The post Healthy Alternatives to Vaping: What To Do Instead Of Vaping appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

Over the last few years, CBD (cannabidiol) has become a darling of the natural health world. And with minimal side effects, no addictive potential, and a long list of health benefits, it’s not hard to see why this cannabis extract has become almost as famous as its cousin, THC.

But you might be surprised to learn that CBD and THC are not the only cannabinoids available out there. As CBD’s popularity grows, interest in cannabinoids has ignited, setting the stage for researchers to explore the therapeutic potential of other cannabis compounds.

One cannabinoid that’s attracting a lot of interest is CBG (cannabigerol). It seems to have plenty of health benefits to offer, but how does it stack up against CBD? In this article, we’ll compare these two potent cannabinoids and cover everything you need to know.

A PRIMER ON CANNABINOIDS

Cannabinoids seem almost too good to be true. After all, cannabis, and specifically CBD, has been praised for its ability to relieve pain, reduce seizures, lower anxiety, improve sleep, and more. But there’s actually a simple explanation for why cannabis has so many potential health benefits: the endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system refers to receptors found throughout the body, and these receptors help regulate physiological processes such as pain, mood, sleep, digestion, and more. Cannabinoids like CBD, THC, and CBG bind to these receptors, interacting with these different areas of human health.

Hemp is the best source for CBD, as it contains much higher concentrations than psychoactive cannabis (“marijuana”) (though this can vary by strain). On the other hand, you’ll find only trace amounts (1 percent or less) of CBG in the cannabis plant, although hemp strains can be cultivated to be higher in CBG. Young cannabis plants tend to be higher in CBG than mature plants, because CBG breaks down into other cannabinoids — including CBD and THC — as the plant ages.

COMPARING THE BENEFITS OF CBG AND CBD

Both CBD and CBG are non-psychoactive, meaning they won’t get you high. They’re both all-natural, have minimal or no side effects, and offer a wide range of health benefits.

Like CBD, the benefits of CBG are vast due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system. For example, a 2015 study found CBG potentially effective at treating bladder dysfunction, while a 1990 study found that CBG can lower glaucoma-related pressure. CBG also has neuroprotective properties, may protect against colon cancer, and shows promise as a treatment for irritable bowel disease (IBD). It’s also an appetite stimulant with anti-inflammatory benefits and antibacterial properties.CBD has been used to reduce pressure from glaucoma and reduce tumor growth, overlapping with some of these benefits. Like CBG, CBD exhibits neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits and has even been utilized for spot treatment of acne. CBD has shown effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders such as OCD, GAD, PTSD, and SAD. Perhaps most famously, CBD also can reduce epileptic seizures and alleviate pain associated with fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, and more.

While researchers haven’t studied the effects of combining CBD and CBG, it is known that the entourage effect is produced when different cannabinoids are combined. Combining cannabinoids enhances the effects of each cannabinoid. This effect has been well-studied relating to the relationship between CBD and THC; for example, both CBD and THC are more effective at reducing pain when taken together.

Researchers need to conduct further studies to determine if combining CBD and CBG enhances the shared benefits for glaucoma, cancer, and inflammation.

WHAT TYPE OF CBD OIL CONTAINS CBG?

If you’re looking to get the most out of your cannabinoids, and/or take multiple cannabinoids at once to experience the entourage effect, look for full spectrum CBD oil products. The cannabis plant extraction yields this CBD oil type, containing all cannabinoids and terpenes, including THC, CBD, CBG, and more.

Full spectrum products can vary widely in cannabinoid ratios due to the strain of cannabis used.  Harder to control response. React differently based on batch, type, or brand of CBD oil due to variances. Full spectrum CBD oils contain traces of THC. Not enough to get high but may show up on a drug test.

For pure CBD or THC-free options, choose isolate or broad spectrum CBD products. Broad spectrum = full spectrum + processing to remove THC, keeps other cannabinoids and terpenes. Meanwhile, processing isolate CBD oil removes all cannabinoids and terpenes except CBD, resulting in a pure CBD product.

CLOSING THOUGHTS ON CBD VS. CBG

As our knowledge of cannabinoids continues to grow, so will our understanding of their uses and benefits. Although CBD is certainly the front runner, CBG shows a lot of promising uses. We anticipate a promising future for CBG and are eager to explore more about this remarkable cannabinoid.

Questions? Be sure to reach out!

The post CBD vs CBG: Comparing The Many Benefits Of CBD & CBG appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

As it dominates headlines, sparks controversies, and finds its way onto menus in coffee shops across the country, you could even say that CBD is on track to becoming as well-known as its cousin, THC.

With all the focus on CBD, it’s easy to forget that there’s over 100 other cannabinoids out there, of which CBD and THC are only two. And among all of these naturally occurring cannabis-derived compounds, many have their own powerful therapeutic benefits that are on par with CBD. So with that in mind, which cannabinoid is next in line for its time in the spotlight?

Our nominee: CBN, short for cannabinol. In this article, we’ll dive into what CBN is, what its benefits are, and how it compares with CBD.

A QUICK PRIMER ON CBD AND CBN

Just in case you’re new to the world of cannabinoids, CBD is one of the primary compounds found in the cannabis plant (which includes both hemp and marijuana). CBD can make up anywhere from 1 percent to 25 percent of the plant, and in most strains, it’s the second most dominant cannabinoid next to THC. While THC is best known for its psychoactive properties, CBD won’t get you high; rather, its skyrocketing popularity is based entirely on its wide range of therapeutic benefits. Many consumers are touting the benefits of using CBD gummies and edibles for daily stress and anxiety, while others use the oils, balms and capsules for ailments like muscle pain, insomnia, and depression.

CBN is a bit different from CBD for a few reasons. The content in cannabis tends to be pretty low – 1 percent or even less — but external factors such as exposure to oxygen or heat can change it over time. Specifically, as cannabis ages, its THC content breaks down into CBN. Additionally, while CBD has zero psychoactive properties, the same can’t be said for CBN; that said, its psychoactive properties are very, very mild, so you’d likely need to take a massive dose of CBN to feel any sort of high.

CBN, although it may be new to you, researchers identified it as one of the very first cannabinoids ever and successfully isolated it for the first time in the 1930s. In fact, before discovering THC, researchers considered CBN to be the cause of the psychoactive effects of marijuana.

BENEFITS OF CBN AND CBD

Scientists have had CBN on their radar for a long time, but they have conducted very limited research on its use, especially when comparing it to the wealth of information available for both CBD and THC. That said, what we know so far about this cannabinoid is promising.

One of CBN’s biggest benefits is that it’s a strong sedative, making it effective as a sleep aid and anti-anxiety drug. According to Steep Hill Labs, CBN’s relaxing effects are comparable to the pharmaceutical diazepam, while a 1995 study on mice found that CBN can increase sleep time as well. Furthermore, taking CBD alongside CBN enhances its effectiveness for sleep. CBD has received praise for its ability to increase REM sleep, reduce nightmares, and treat sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea.

Aside from sleep benefits, both CBN and CBD are potent anti-inflammatories with powerful pain relieving properties. Again, taking both cannabinoids together appears to make these benefits even more effective. Both CBN and CBD can also relieve pressure related to glaucoma, and both have antibacterial properties, including against antibiotic-resistant MRSA. Among other benefits, CBD is a powerful treatment for epilepsy and anxiety disorders, and CBN shows promise as an appetite stimulant as well.

WHAT TYPE OF CBD OIL CONTAINS CBN?

If you’re looking to get the most out of CBD and CBN, you’ll want to pick up some full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD oil, as these types of CBD oil contain both compounds. Full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oils are similar, with one crucial difference: THC.

Full spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes that were extracted from the cannabis plant, including CBD, THC, CBN, and a variety of other compounds that vary depending on the strain. Broad spectrum CBD oil, on the other hand, goes through additional processing to remove all traces of THC, while keeping all other cannabinoids intact.

The “entourage effect” makes full spectrum CBD oil a popular choice. Taking each cannabinoid together enhances the benefits. This includes THC and CBD, CBD and CBN, and so on. Meanwhile, broad spectrum CBD oil is ideal for those who desire the benefits of full spectrum CBD oil, but who can’t have any traces of THC.

CLOSING THOUGHTS ON CBD VS CBN

As you can see, CBN shows a lot of promise for a wide spectrum of issues.

We believe, that just like CBD, it can be quite powerful for pain relief, sleep troubles, and anxiety. When you take CBN with CBD, you often experience even more potent benefits.. Researchers are likely to conduct much more research into the benefits of CBN and other cannabinoids in the near future, considering all the attention CBD has received lately.

And who knows – maybe CBN will start showing up in coffee shops next, right alongside CBD. We’ll be keeping an eye out for it!

The post CBD vs CBN: Differences, Benefits, And Uses For Two Potent Cannabinoids appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

Part of a series of specialized sprays from All Natural Way, this sleep spray adds beneficial ingredients like valerian and melatonin to hemp. This CBD product has a mild peppermint flavor with a faint undertone of chocolate, and only a slight medicinal aftertaste. When sprayed in the mouth, it leaves a slight oily feeling behind which a sip of water easily removed. We tried this spray for several nights before bed. It seemed to help us fall asleep faster and sleep deeper through the night.

All Natural Way paid us a fee and offered us free products in return for our honest opinion. If you purchase a product from one of these links, we’ll receive a percentage of sales. Read our full disclosure statement.

All Natural Way is taking what they’ve learned as an experienced vendor of quality CBD products to create their own line of great supplements. Read on for our full review of All Natural Way CBD Sleep Spray.

CBD OIL MEETS MELATONIN AND OTHER SLEEP INDUCING INGREDIENTS FOR DEEPER Z’S

CBD oil is already known for the ability to promote better sleep, but this sleep spray creates an even more powerful combination.

Melatonin is one of the most well-known sleep aids, helping supplement the body’s own stores of this naturally occurring hormone created by the pineal gland. It’s most used to prevent insomnia, or delayed sleep. Valerian is also well-known to act like as a safe, mild herbal sedative. The spray’s other powerful ingredients, GABA and magnesium, are also believed to reduce anxiety and relax tense muscles.

We appreciate All Natural Way’s dedication to transparency when it comes to their CBD products. The bottle is clearly labelled with each ingredient, including the strength of each supplement. An independent lab tests each batch of All Natural Way CBD products, with results available to customers on request.

ALL NATURAL WAY CBD SLEEP SPRAY OFFICIAL REVIEW

• Highlights: All Natural Way CBD Sleep Spray combines full spectrum hemp extract with herbs that encourage restful sleep, with a refreshing minty taste.
• Strength: 500mg per 30ml bottle (plus additional herbs)
• Price: $74.99
• Specials: Use coupon code MOH10 for 10% off your order!
• Customer Service & Shipping: Fast customer service. Free shipping on all orders.
• Independent Test Results: Available on request.
• Flavor: This spray has a mild peppermint flavor with a mild medicinal aftertaste from the spray’s additional ingredients.
• Ingredients: Full Spectrum Hemp / CBD Oil plus Melatonin, GABA, Valerian Root Extract, and Magnesium Gluconate, in a base of Purified Water, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Derivative, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sucralose, Xantham Gum and Natural Flavors.
• Other: All Natural Way offers a generous 30-day refund policy.

According to the label, each bottle of All Natural Way CBD Sleep Spray contains about 30 doses. Each dose contains 16.7mg of CBD, 5mg of melatonin, and 5.33mg of Magnesium Gluconate, and 2.66mg of a proprietary blend of GABA and Valerian Root Extract. Some research indicates these ingredients may promote more restful sleep.

All Natural Way Sprays assist with weight loss, pain relief, energy, and stress reduction. They also make CBD oil tinctures and pain cream. All Natural Way makes their products from U.S.-grown hemp. As a marketplace, All Natural Way offers a variety of other high-quality CBD products.

DISCOVER THE TOP CBD BRANDS

The market is getting saturated with many different CBD brands. We’ve compared the top brands to help you with your decision. Check it out.

The post All Natural Way CBD Sleep Spray Could Help You Get More Rest appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

You’ve most likely heard of the hemp-derived compound CBD before. It’s been the talk of the town in the realm of alternative medicine for quite some time and has really developed a reputation as a natural route to the relief of many conditions or their symptoms.

But there are some other herbs besides hemp, that have also been growing in popularity for their therapeutic properties. In this article, we will take a look at kratom and how it really compares to CBD.

Some people claim kratom can be an effective substitute for CBD. But, is this really accurate? On the surface, they may appear to have some common ground. As you begin to dig deeper it becomes more apparent that they’re really quite different.

Table of contents

• Introduction to CBD
• What is kratom?
• Comparing uses for CBD & kratom
• Side effects of CBD vs. Kratom
• CBD, kratom and the law
• Bottom line: Two very different supplements

An Overview Of CBD

Nowadays, you can find CBD or cannabidiol in many different types of consumables.

You can find it in traditional forms like CBD tinctures or capsules and even more creative products such as CBD coffee. The main role of this compound is to create internal balance, through its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Part of what makes CBD so special is that it’s non-psychoactive, unlike the well-known THC, the main active ingredient in psychoactive cannabis (“marijuana”). CBD can help you improve your mood, deal with anxiety, and even support pain relief, all without experiencing mind-altering effects.

CBD also shows the potential to treat many more serious conditions. As scientists conduct more research, even traditional doctors increasingly support the use of cannabidiol.

What Exactly Is Kratom?

Kratom, also known as “mitragyna speciosa,” is a tree that originates from South East Asia. It grows naturally in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. People from these areas have used kratom for thousands of years. Traditionally, natives of these areas chewed the leaves for their stimulant-like properties. Kratom has a long history of use as an opium substitute and in more recent times has become popular as a recreational drug.

The plant’s main active ingredients are mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7HMG). These two compounds induce their effects by interacting with the body’s opioid receptors. Mitragynine is the chemical thought to be responsible for the therapeutic effects, whereas researchers attribute psychoactive effects to 7HMG. The clinical research on kratom is still very limited. This lack of research also prevents kratom from catching on like CBD.

“Despite a vocal community of supporters, and numerous anecdotal testimonials of effectiveness, these treatment practices using kratom have not been rigorously studied as either safe or effective,” noted Peter Grinspoon, M.D., a doctor who teaches at Harvard Medical School.

CBD vs Kratom: How Each Supplement Gets Used?

CBD has a relatively long list of applications. It’s most commonly used to help with anxiety, sleep disorders, chronic pain, and inflammation.

Although many consume it to feel more relaxed and manage stress-related symptoms, it is also becoming quite popular in the fitness community to help with recovery and pain management. Apart from those practical uses, CBD is also being researched for its potential to treat more severe ailments such as cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, diabetes, and many others.

When comparing CBD vs. Kratom, one major difference is that CBD is non-addictive and appears safe even at relatively high doses, while kratom can pose risks of dependency and other side effects.

Kratom is used mainly to reduce anxiety, relieve pain, and help with opiate addiction. As research surrounding the herb seems to still be in the early stages, no solid conclusions can be drawn as of yet.

Based on user accounts, and the native peoples who’ve grown the herb for centuries, there’s likely some truth behind some of the promoted benefits. Some individuals have claimed it is particularly effective in breaking dependency on stronger opioids like heroin and oxycodone. However, more clinical trials need to be conducted before it can be recognized as a reliable treatment.

CBD vs. Kratom: Side Effects Of CBD And Kratom

CBD is great not only because of its numerous benefits, but because CBD has limited side effects. The versatile cannabinoid is proven to be non-addictive and is still safe to consume even in large quantities. To date, there have been no CBD-related deaths ever recorded. Some mild side effects that may be experienced by users include nausea, dry mouth, and drowsiness.

Kratom, however, starts to a lot look less appealing when we begin to examine the side effects. Although it’s promoted to be a solution to opiate addiction, there is also the risk of becoming addicted to kratom. Frequent use is generally not recommended, as it increases the chance of dependency and also exposes the consumer to other potential risks.

Some relatively common kratom side effects include vomiting, nausea, and constipation. But the list doesn’t stop there, as there are even more severe symptoms that may arise from kratom use such as seizures, psychosis, respiratory depression, liver toxicity, and increased blood pressure. When we consider all these side effects, they could heavily outweigh the benefits.

CBD vs Kratom: Understanding the Legality and Regulatory Frameworks

The 2018 Farm Bill forced the Drug Enforcement Administration to remove hemp-derived CBD from its list of illegal drugs. The bill formally legalized industrial hemp with a THC content of 0.3% or lower as an agricultural commodity, rather than a controlled substance.

In general, CBD is accepted and consumers are generally safe from legal repercussions when using it, especially in extracted form (CBD tinctures, CBD gummies, capsules, etc). Stories of misguided police action against CBD consumers are extremely rare and growing less common all the time.

The legality of kratom remains a bit more undefined. Lawmakers in Tennessee, Indiana, Alabama, Wisconsin, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. passed laws banning kratom. In 2016 the DEA threatened to classify kratom as a schedule I substance. In 2018, the Department of Health & Human Services also called for a kratom ban.

That ban hasn’t happened yet. This may be, in part, because kratom advocates raised a massive public outcry over the impending ban. Even so, the government hasn’t fully backed down.

While we don’t support the war on drugs, users should be aware they could lose access to this supplement with only minimal warning.

“Generally, it’s not a good idea to use something for pain or addiction which is about to become less available and less safe,” Grinspoon noted.

Even the FDA issued a statement warning of kratom’s adverse effects. The FDA attributed 36 deaths to kratom in 2017. In 2018, there was a salmonella outbreak related to kratom products which affected 199 people across several states. The nationwide controversy led to a massive recall, and once again shed a negative light on the herb, which may eventually lead to its restriction on a larger scale.

Final Verdict: Two Very Different Herbs

Just because a remedy comes from plants doesn’t make it automatically safe. Consumers require research and education to use them safely.

While some people compare kratom and CBD as herbal supplements, they’re in two completely different lanes. CBD is a lot more recognized, with a strong backing of user testimonies and scientific research. It’s also extremely unlikely to cause dangerous side effects.

Due to minimal research and a growing list of concerns, the U.S. might ban kratom before it reaches widespread acceptance. As Dr. Grinspoon notes, kratom can’t be considered safe without more research, consumer education, and better quality control. Although some similar issues exist with CBD, the potential consequences are more grave.

While we don’t support the legal prohibition of natural substances, users of kratom must be aware of the risk of dependency and other potentially harmful side effects. While some risks of kratom may have more to do with drug prohibition and tainted products than the plant itself, that should still cause consumers to think twice before starting it.

Kit O’Connell contributed to this report.

The post CBD VS Kratom: Comparing Two Popular Natural Remedies (UPDATED) appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

Delta 8 supplements are a new class of products that are rapidly flooding the hemp market. While you may see them sold from brands that also sell CBD, these products create a very distinct sensation. Consumers that try Delta 8 feel stoned, making this more like psychoactive cannabis (“marijuana”) than CBD. 

Because these supplements come from legal industrial hemp, Delta 8 supplements may be legal to possess anywhere in the United States. Many experts think this is a legal loophole that the government will close very soon.

“Law enforcement and regulatory bodies don’t necessarily like it when you exploit loopholes that can get people high,” commented Jordan Lams, founder of Moxie Seeds and Extracts. 

Lams, who has over decade’s experience in the cannabis and hemp industries, helped us understand this substance.

Editor’s Note: In November, Jordan Lams visited the Ministry of Hemp podcast to discuss Delta 8. -KO

For now, various companies like Exhale Wellness are producing Delta 8 products and are widely available. We thought it was important to create this guide to help you understand this new cannabinoid, how it’s made, and how to safely use it if you choose to try it. 

While we suspect Delta 8 is safe to use as other forms of cannabis, we didn’t want anyone to try it without realizing how it differs from CBD. 

Table of Contents

• What is Delta 8? How is Delta 8 different from CBD?
• How is Delta 8 made? Is it safe?
• Is Delta 8 legal?
• How do you use Delta 8?
• Will the government ban Delta 8?

What is Delta-8 THC And How Does It Make You Feel?

Most Delta-8 is made from hemp and often sold by CBD companies. If you look at the marketing for these products, it’s not always clear what you are getting into.

For legal reasons, most companies won’t openly advertise the fact that Delta 8 gets you stoned. 

Rather than CBD, Delta-8-THC is much more similar to Delta-9-THC. Commonly just called THC, this is the main active ingredient found in psychoactive cannabis (“marijuana”). When consumed, it can cause euphoria, relaxation, pain relief along with giddiness, creative moods, or even potentially make you more anxious … In other words, Delta 8 causes most or all of the effects commonly associated with the regular form of THC. 

Delta 8 is made from hemp but, unlike CBD, it will get you high.

“It’s probably a nuanced difference from Delta-9-THC,” said Lams. “Molecularly, it’s pretty darn similar but it’s not exactly the same.”

The chemical differences between the two forms THC are very small, and they both interact with receptors in our brain and nervous system (the “endocannabinoid system”). For more information, look at our article which compares CBD and THC. 

Some people do experience slightly different effects. We asked our readers on Twitter, and looked at some consumer reports on Reddit. Many people report feeling more of a physical, “body high” from Delta 8, with less of the mental effects of THC/marijuana. 

“My experience with it has been very pleasant, from a consumption standpoint,” said Lams.

Remember though, experiences vary a great deal from person to person.

How is Delta-8 made? Is it Safe?

If you’re new to sensations of feeling high, we recommend you proceed with caution … First, however, we want to address whether these products are safe or FDA approved.

We prefer to recommend plant-based compounds The process of transforming one cannabinoid into another sounds unnatural, but Lams said that’s a misconception. To create Delta 8, chemists expose CBD extract to a process called isomerization. 

“It’s not a scary process with a lot of chemicals,” said Lams. “It’s really just manipulation of the chemistry through heat and pressure.”

Chemists working in the legal cannabis industry have been creating Delta 8 from regular THC for a while, but using CBD is relatively new. 

“The onset when you take too much can really be overwhelming.”

Jordan Lams, Moxie Seeds And Extracts

Even so, hemp brands “quickly scaled up the ability to do isomerization,” he continued. “So the chemical purity of the products they’re converting from CBD … it’s pretty good stuff.”

Cannabis has a very long history of use without any fatal overdoses. So Delta 8 is probably physically safe to consume. Of course, we’re not doctors, and there’s a chance it could interact with prescription drugs or other substances. In addition, getting high causes significant mental changes that make it more dangerous to drive or perform other risky activities. 

Probably the biggest risk is that inexperienced users might take too much and have mentally challenging experiences. 

“I do know of a couple of different people that were inexperienced THC users that used Delta 8 and ended up having an adverse overdose and checking themselves into hospitals,” cautioned Lams. “The onset when you take too much can really be overwhelming.” 

To restate, they probably weren’t in physical danger but were mentally very overwhelmed. 

Is Delta-8 THC legal?

After the government legalized hemp at the end of 2018, lots of people grew hemp and produced raw CBD extract. Too much of it! Combine a glut of raw CBD, with a potential legal loophole allowing brands to sell mind-altering substances, and you can see why lots of brands are experimenting with this.

We’re not lawyers and we can’t say for sure what the legal consequences could be for possessing, or especially the manufacture and sales of Delta 8 products. Since Delta 8 made from hemp is so new, most lawyers can’t say for sure either. 

Police field tests probably can’t tell the difference between illegal marijuana and ‘legal’ Delta 8.

Lams compared this substance to kratom, which is under threat by the government, and salvia, a herbal psychedelic that got banned after widespread use. “If you look historically at attempts to utilize loopholes to commercialize psychoactive products, that doesn’t typically go well.” 

A consumer using Delta 8 products is still going to face serious charges if they get caught driving impaired or otherwise put people at risk. 

“In the eyes of the average public safety official, they’re not going to be able to tell the difference.” 

Most field tests used by police probably won’t be able to tell the difference, either. 

Lawyers seem divided about whether Delta 8 is legal at all. The CBD industry is unregulated, and there isn’t much precedent for this kind of thing in the hemp world. 

“It’s such a polarizing legal issue that I think it will be addressed swiftly,” Lams said.

How to Purchase and Use Delta-8?

Never buy Delta 8 from a gas station or other disreputable location. Only purchase from brands that are transparent about their sourcing, manufacturing process, and offer third-party lab results. These lab results should verify the strength of the product and its purity, showing you that it’s free from contaminants like pesticides, mold and heavy metals. The date on the test results should be recent (ideally 6 months or less) and the brand should carry out new tests on every batch.

Even though their effects are very different, Delta 8 supplements are used in much the same way as CBD. Most commonly, you’ll find tinctures, edibles like Delta 8 gummies, and Delta 8 vape cartridges. 

When it comes to dosing, we recommend that you “start low and go slow.” Begin with a very low dose, especially if you are inexperienced. Consider taking half a dropper full (or less) of tincture. Split strong edibles into pieces.

When it comes to dosing, ‘start low and go slow.’

A vape or tincture will usually take effect more quickly than an edible. Sometimes people take too many edibles beause they think it’s “not working.” In reality, it’s just working slowly and can build up dramatically over time. 

If you do take too much Delta 8, don’t panic and remember the sensations will pass. The same advice people give for getting over feeling too stoned applies here: stay calm and hydrated, make yourself comfortable, and find pleasant ways to distract yourself until you sober up.

Conclusion: Is Delta-8 Legal?

If we’ve seemed harsh towards Delta 8, it’s because we don’t want someone stumbling into these products without the proper education. Lams stressed that Delta 8 can benefit people, just like the more common form of THC.

“Having access to something that can provide a different type of therapy, for those seeking medicinal relief, it could be really great.” He said. “More access is important for scientific research.”

“The looming issue is what’s the FDA going to do? What’s the DEA going to do?”

Jordan Lams, Moxie Seeds And Extracts

Yet it’s a form of relief which could disappear at any time. He doesn’t think this will threaten the CBD industry as a whole. It’s likely to be dealt with in a “standalone” way. Still, the future is uncertain.

“The looming issue is what’s the FDA going to do? What’s the DEA going to do, what are state and local public safety officials going to do?”

He continued, “I don’t believe this should be a criminal issue, when the overall regulatory framework is so new.” 

Even so, it’s possible that we could even see police raids against establishments selling Delta 8 and other serious consequences for the people who manufacture and sell these products. 

We’ll continue to update this article as this fast-moving issue develops.

The post What is Delta 8 THC? Effects, Safety & Legality appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

Have you heard the saying, “you can see the soul of a dog through their eyes?” We have an undying love for our canine friends which inherently causes an immense amount of sadness when we see them suffer. CBD oil can have a profound impact on helping to minimize our canine’s pain and discomfort.

This amazing oil extract derived from the hemp plant can reduce inflammation, joint pain, and relieve an array of other physical ailments, such as seizures for our beloved furry friends. CBD is also life-changing for dogs who suffer from owner separation anxiety, as well as loud, triggering noises that cause undue stress on so many dogs, like Fourth of July fireworks. CBD oil may come to your loved one’s rescue, calming and soothing your canine when they need it most.

5 PERCENT OF DOGS SUFFER FROM SEIZURES

Five percent of dogs suffer from seizures with the two most prominent types being epileptic and idiopathic seizures. If your dog experiences seizures, it’s essential to visit or consult a veterinarian. Commonly prescribed drugs, such as phenobarbital and potassium, can be of help but also be harmful to your dog’s organs. In some cases, CBD oil may be a safer, natural solution to minimize and reduce the severity of canine seizures.

Safety is undoubtedly a primary focus when considering how and what to utilize to relieve your canine’s symptoms. CBD impacts the dog’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors throughout the brain, nervous system, and immune system. Dogs are extremely sensitive to THC, the active ingredient in psychoactive cannabis (“marijuana”). For canines, it’s important to avoid using any tinctures or CBD products which have even trace amounts of THC. Dogs can have strong reactions to amounts far smaller than humans would even notice.

HOW TO GIVE CBD OIL TO DOGS WITH SEIZURES

CBD oil for dogs is administered orally by tincture form, capsules or dog treats. You can give CBD to dogs between one to two times daily. The same “finding your sweet spot” dosing regimen used for humans is the same used for animals as well.  After giving the same dosage for a 5-7 day period without desired relief of symptoms, you will want to consider adjusting the dosage with your veterinarian’s guidance. Usually, start very small and adjust upwards with your veterinarians’ guidance.

There is often a stereotypical misconception that our dogs will obtain a euphoric high from CBD oil. CBD itself is a non-psychoactive compound and does not produce the intoxicating effect like the psychoactive compound, THC. Again, it is important not to give your dog any amounts of THC as even the trace amounts found in most CBD oils can accumulate in the body over time with consistent usage.

GETTING STARTED WITH CBD OIL FOR YOUR DOG

What should you do before starting CBD oil for a dog with seizures? Just as you would with a human, it’s vital to your dog’s health to establish care with a reputable veterinarian. If possible, find a vet that understands the value in the holistic and natural approach and supports using CBD oil. Schedule a consultation to discuss the core benefits of CBD oil, dosaging and why it may be a safer alternative.

You may be wondering if the CBD oil used for humans is any different than CBD oil for dogs. The answer should really be no. Both humans and pets require the same quality of pure hemp extract. Low quality CBD oil can be riddled in heavy metals, solvents, pesticides, or evewn molds. Bad quality CBD oil isn’t good for humans or pets. It is important to use a high quality, full spectrum, zero-THC CBD Oil derived from organically grown hemp for yourself and your pet. The only differences of the CBD oil between humans and dogs are the potency amounts and sometimes the carrier oils. In tinctures, organic coconut oil is the best for dogs as they digest, though some humans may develop flatulence or more frequent bowel movements from coconut oil.

CBD OIL CAN HELP DOGS LIVE BETTER LIVES

Dogs leave paw prints on our hearts. As loving owners, we can further help them in times of need. The same natural remedies that benefit us can sometimes help our dogs too. As long as you take the time to consult with your veterinarian and do the research, CBD oil can be of great assistance when it comes to helping your dog get back its fun loving, energetic self.

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Sleep has baffled humans for millennia, and although scientists have tried to unravel its secrets, it is still a bit mysterious. For the 50-70 million Americans with insomnia, it is even more elusive. Standard treatments often lose effectiveness over time and carry risks of dangerous side effects. Finding relief can be a grueling task.

However, research has shown that cannabidiol (CBD) may be a promising alternative or addition to conventional medications. To understand how people use CBD for better sleep, some basic knowledge of insomnia and the science of sleeping is necessary.

What is insomnia?

Insomnia is by far the most common of all sleep disorders. People with insomnia struggle falling and staying asleep and suffer from poor sleep quality. As many as 20 percent of adult Americans meet the diagnostic criteria for either primary (independent of outside factors) or secondary (accompanying another illness) insomnia.

When someone with insomnia attempts to fall asleep, their brain enters a state that is known as hyperarousal. During hyperarousal, the body goes into fight or flight mode and is on guard for anything that may be a threat. This increased state of alertness makes it difficult to fall asleep, remain asleep and get restful sleep.

What causes insomnia?

Approximately 70-90 percent of people with insomnia have a mental or physical illness that is the primary cause. Over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs can also cause insomnia. Occasionally, it affects people independent of any outside factors.

Physical conditions that can lead to insomnia include asthma, heart disease, chronic pain, seizures, renal dysfunction, and Alzheimer’s. Most psychiatric conditions can lead to sleep disturbances, especially depression and anxiety. Secondary insomnia often results in a vicious cycle were sleeplessness worsens the primary disease, which worsens insomnia.

How is insomnia treated?

Doctors manage insomnia using pharmacological and behavioral treatment methods. Non-medicinal treatment includes stimulus control, cognitive behavioral therapy or relaxation therapy. These include breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, and meditation.

Benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (sedative medications used for the treatment of insomnia and during surgical procedures) and melatonin receptor agonists are standard pharmacological treatments. Over-the-counter sleeping pills and supplements, like synthetic melatonin, are another common medication taken to manage insomnia.

Risks of conventional treatment

Hypnotic medications used to treat insomnia are known for their potential to cause grave side effects. These include addiction, severe allergic reaction, memory lapses, hallucination, suicidal thoughts or actions, and abnormal sleep behaviors like sleepwalking. They may also lose effectiveness as tolerance is built or cause complications from drug interactions when another condition requires medication.

Among patients treated with pharmaceutical and over-the-counter medications, 48 percent report being dissatisfied with the amount of time it takes to fall asleep (sleep onset latency or SOL) and wake up. A 2001 study of 30 insomnia patients found medication coupled with relaxation therapies caused SOL to plummet from 124 to 29 minutes. The participants using only pharmaceuticals did not experience a change in sleep onset latency, suggesting hypnotics alone are not always successful.

The science of sleep

To understand how cannabidiol can boost sleep it is necessary to understand the biological process responsible for inducing sleep. In humans, circadian rhythm governs a 24-hour sleep schedule that is regulated by the hormone melatonin, a product of the pineal gland. This process begins with the retina; during the day a signal is sent from the eye through the brain, down the spinal cord and back up to the pineal gland, telling it to refrain from making melatonin.

At night, these signals do not activate, allowing the pineal gland to begin producing melatonin. The amino acid tryptophan is absorbed into the pineal gland via the bloodstream, then converted into 5-hydroxytryptophan by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase. It is then turned into serotonin by the enzyme aromatic amino acid decarboxylase before finally becoming melatonin.

CBD could increase melatonin

Cannabidiol may help stimulate melatonin production by boosting levels of tryptophan in the bloodstream; this is accomplished by reducing tryptophan degeneration caused by mitogen, the protein that tells cells to divide. CBD improves serotonin production in the same way, as an increase in tryptophan availability aids in serotonin synthesis in the brain.

Inflammation adversely affects tryptophan cells and CBD reduces inflammation. When tryptophan is readily available in the bloodstream, the pineal gland can produce melatonin more effectively, leading to better sleep. Small doses of CBD may also help improve daytime wakefulness, helping to reset the 24-hour sleep cycle and restore balance over the long-term.

A 2018 study tracked 409 patients with insomnia during 1059 medical marijuana administrations using an educational app. Participants reported their self-perceived insomnia symptoms before and after using cannabis. On average, users reported a 4.5-point decrease after consumption, using a 0-10 visual analog scale. Researchers found that cannabis strains with higher cannabidiol levels more effectively relieved insomnia than ones with higher tetrahydrocannabinol levels.

Treating conditions that cause insomnia with CBD

Cannabidiol alleviates many of the primary conditions associated with secondary insomnia through its antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It has proven useful in mitigating symptoms of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and autoimmune disease, among others. It also helps control the endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood, pain, appetite, cognitive function, and other biological processes.

A 2015 case study showed cannabidiol was effective in treating insomnia induced by anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The subject, a 10-year-old girl, had been abused and was being prescribed pharmaceutical treatments. However, these were only partially effective over the short-term and caused extreme side effects.

Over 5 months, the girl took 25 mg CBD supplements at bedtime and 6-12 mg sublingual doses as needed during the day to control anxiety. After 5 months, the girl’s score on the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children had decreased from 59 to 38, indicating she no longer suffered from insomnia.

Using CBD for sleep

Research haven’t determined the best dose of CBD for sleep onset latency. However, a 2014 study found a 15 mg dose of CBD increased alertness, suggesting a higher dosage would work more efficiently for treating insomnia.

A 2018 study of medical marijuana users found cannabis strains with higher cannabidiol levels more effectively relieved insomnia than ones with higher tetrahydrocannabinol levels.

Unlike traditional sleeping pills, research demonstrates cannabidiol is relatively safe. CBD does not appear to be habit forming, even in very high doses. For example, a 2018 study found that an oral dose of 750 mg of CBD did not show potential for abuse among 43 people with a history of using two or more drugs for recreational purposes (polydrug use). Hypnotic medications alprazolam and dronabinol demonstrated a risk of dependency among the same participants.

When to see a doctor for insomnia

It is vital for anyone experiencing distress or impairment from insomnia to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. Poor sleep quality can negatively influence productivity, mental health, and cardiac function.

While some individuals find success using medicinal marijuana to treat insomnia, research suggests tetrahydrocannabinol may impair sleep quality long-term. Cannabidiol on its own is not shown to have the same risks. However, individuals taking pharmaceutical medications should consult with a physician prior to taking CBD.

Is CBD the sleep aid of the future?

Studies from as far back as 1972 consistently demonstrate the potential of cannabis to improve sleep. New research focused specifically on cannabidiol is exhibiting the same positive results, with little potential for adverse long-term effects. Using CBD for sleep is shaping up to be a promising alternative to some risky and inefficient hypnotic medications.

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CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring chemical compound derived from cannabis (marijuana and hemp) plants. The over-the-counter CBD supplements most people encounter are made from legal industrial hemp.

CBD is touted to provide relief for a host of health conditions. But, as CBD’s popularity continues to grow, so do safety concerns — and for a good reason. With CBD appearing in everything from food to deodorant, you start to wonder whether CBD is safe and about the possibility of CBD overdose.

In brief, CBD is safe and non-addictive and has no potential for dependence. And while there’s no possibility for a dangerous overdose, it is possible some people may experience unpleasant side effects.

If you want to learn more, in this article, we’re going to explore everything you need to know about the possibility of a “CBD overdose.” Read on.

CBD is safe and non-addictive

In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared CBD to be safe with no potential for abuse or dependence.  The authors of the report ruled that “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”

The same report also outlines that CBD oil has many potential health benefits. Epidiolex, a prescription drug derived from psychoactive cannabis, has been approved as an effective treatment for rare epilepsy forms in young children. 

Since CBD is a derivative of the cannabis plant, it is understandable for users to have concerns about overdose on CBD. CBD is one of over 100 already identified cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. Apart from CBD, THC is another famous cannabinoid.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the high associated with psychoactive cannabis (a.k.a. “marijuana”). Unlike THC, CBD won’t cause mind-altering effects. One recent study suggests that CBD may help people recover from addictions, such as opiates, by reducing anxiety and cravings associated with drug withdrawal symptoms.

That said, CBD is safe and non-addictive. But, you may still be asking yourself if it’s possible to overdose on CBD oil.

Read on to find out.

Is it possible to overdose on CBD oil?

CBD is non-toxic and has little to no side effects. If you’re wondering whether you can overdose on CBD, the answer is no. No one has ever died from taking higher doses of CBD.

In one study, a group of researchers examined regular use of CBD. They gave CBD to both healthy volunteers and epileptic patients with 200-300mg of CBD administered daily for 30 days. Researchers found that all the patients and volunteers tolerated CBD very well with no signs of toxicity or severe side effects.

Research shows CBD to be safe even at doses far higher than typical consumer use.

Another 2006 study published by the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research investigated the effects of acute CBD administration on healthy volunteers. After 30 days of CBD’s chronic administration, a daily dose ranging from 10-400mg did not induce any form of toxicity. 

A 2018 study determined CBD’s safety and tolerability in healthy adult volunteers with doses ranging from 1500-6000 mg. This is far more than almost anyone would take in normal use. Even at these extreme dosess, CBD was generally well tolerated with a few common side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, and headache.

With the above studies and anecdotal reports, there’s no possible overdose on CBD. But, maybe you’re curious about what will happen if you take too much CBD. Keep reading!

What happens if you take too much CBD?

CBD is well tolerated by the majority of the people and doesn’t lead to any fatal overdose. It is, therefore, considered a safe dietary supplement.

Most of the time, unpleasant experiences because of cannabis use are due to too much THC as opposed to CBD. However, CBD side effects differ from one person to another and may include:

• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Dizzyness
• Drowsiness
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Nausea and vomiting

Like any other dietary supplement, everyone reacts to CBD uniquely to different amounts of doses. Besides, factors such as body weight and body chemistry contribute to CBD’s amount a person should take. Another factor is how you take the product: you might react differently to a dose depending on whether you take a tincture, or eat an edible CBD product such as a CBD gummy. In general, the CBD found in topical products is unlikely to cause side effects, though your skin could still react to other ingredients in the product.

It’s best to follow the recommended serving size or start slow and work your way up until you find a dose that works for your needs.

Consult your doctor before starting CBD, especially if one of your prescription medications requires you to avoid eating grapefruit.

What about drug interactions?

The liver breaks down medications with the help of a family of enzymes called cytochrome P450, which converts foreign substances for easy elimination from the body. The CY450 enzyme is responsible for metabolizing several cannabinoids, including THC. However, some medications may speed up or slow drug metabolism.

Some drugs come with a “grapefruit warning” because the fruit can interfere with the metabolism of the drug, the rate which it passes from your body. Some research suggests that CBD could affect the same enzyme for drugs containing a grapefruit warning on the label.

If you’re looking to introducing CBD oil to your daily routine, consult a healthcare professional first, especially if you take a drug with a “grapefruit warning.” 

Conclusion: No, you can’t overdose on CBD

Bottom line, can you overdose on CBD? The short answer is no.

However, not all products are created the same. If you’re looking for top-shelf CBD oils, be sure to shop from a reputable brand. One thing we’ve heard from consumers is that side effects are more common with poor quality CBD.

As always, we recommend you “start low and go slow”: begin with a lower dose of CBD and slowly adjust it over time. If you follow these simple steps and use high quality CBD, you’re unlikely to experience any side effects.

The post Can You Overdose On CBD? Can You Take Too Much CBD? appeared first on Ministry of Hemp.

While every plant absorbs nutrients from the soil, hemp is a powerful “bioaccumulator.” That means it’s especially good at absorbing toxins, including heavy metals, from the ground. That’s great news if you want to clean the soil with hemp. It also means CBD consumers need to be careful. We don’t want to take unwanted chemicals or toxins into our bodies with our CBD supplements. 

With over 1500 different manufacturers, the CBD industry is oversaturated with cheap, low-quality, and sometimes unsafe products. There are countless brands with dishonest labels, improper health claims, contaminated hemp extracts, and artificial ingredients. So how do you know where to start? To avoid these scary realities, take the first step with CBD made from certified organic hemp. Not only is it a better product, but it’s better for your body and the planet.

Unfortunately, it’s still hard to get full organic certification for hemp. So a lot of companies use terms like “organically-grown” or “grown using organic methods.” In this article, we’ll talk more about what the difference is between organic methods and actual certified organic hemp.

The destructive aspects of conventional farming

Many CBD manufacturers source their hemp through conventional farming which has many destructive aspects. 

One of these aspects is synthetic fertilizers. Synthetic fertilizers are water-soluble and need to be reapplied after every rain. With this constant reapplication, they’re wrecking the soil composition for future crops. Any excess fertilizer then runs off into waterways causing an accumulation of cadmium and other heavy metals. 

A powerful example of this is “dead zones”, areas where few to no organisms can survive in their oxygen-depleted, also known as hypoxic, waters. These conditions are a reaction to excessive nutrient pollution, and one of the contributing factors are man-made synthetic fertilizers. 

While it’s true that hemp, in general, requires fewer pesticides than some other crops, it still depends on rich, well-fertilized soil to grow to optimal health.

The benefits of organic farming

Did you know that organic farming can actually increase the amount of soil each year? 

Healthy soil better binds together, preventing runoff and erosion. This involves improving soil fertility by maintaining and building a fertile living soil through the application of frequent organic matter, such as compost and manures. 

Our planet’s soil is an ecosystem, because not only does it hold roots, but it serves as a life source for bacteria, fungi, insects, and animals. Organic farming’s lack of pesticides and insecticides is healthier for bugs and plant diversity. In return, organic plants add more nutrient density to the soil, because they don’t have any artificial help in their defense against nature. 

Additionally, the higher quality soil does a better job of maintaining water. Organic farmers often spread organic mulch and plant cover crops, which further encourages water retention. With water scarcity becoming an increasingly prominent issue, it’s hard not to feel that it’s our obligation to do what we can to conserve water.

Not all CBD products are created equal

There have been many cases of contaminated and tainted CBD products. Sometimes these are byproducts of conventional farming. Other times, it’s simple carelessness on a brand’s part.

Heavy metals, molds, pesticides, and chemical residues have all been found in finished products. That’s because hemp is a phytoremediator. It pulls up toxins and heavy metals in the soil when present and grows very fast.

When grown on soil that is not tested for toxins, we run the risk of our hemp plants (and as a result, our CBD) containing those toxins. When grown on a certified organic farm, we can be sure the soil is clean and free of harmful chemicals.

‘USDA Organic Hemp’ vs. ‘Organically Grown’: What’s in a CBD label?

Terms like “organically-grown” are touted on packaging and marketing materials to entice buyers who are looking for authentic CBD and hemp products. 

While there are alternative state-level and private certifications available to fill the organic and organically grown gap, the USDA will only provide organic certification for qualified industrial hemp. This is a lengthy and somewhat complex process.

For hemp to be USDA Organic certified there are rigorous tests, trials, and fees. First, the farm must adopt organic practices if they haven’t already. They must transition from conventional farming methods to organic and allow their soil composition to change, which takes 3 years.  

Next, they must choose an authorized “certifying agent” to grant them the USDA certification. To achieve this grant, the farm must create an Organic System Plan, or OSP, which is the foundational document which the certifying agent will use. The OSP outlines the operation, clearly delineating how the operation is in compliance with organic standards and what precautions are in place to prevent contamination and commingling. 

Once the OSP is completed, an inspection occurs. It’s at this point that the inspector will compare the operation to the OSP to validate that it is being strictly followed. Upon approval, the certifying agent issues an organic certificate. This certificate not only determines the organic quality of the product’s sourcing but the quality of the hemp’s industrial processes as well. 

You can see that actual USDA organic certification is a very rigorous process. Ultimately, this creates hemp that should be cleaner and safer for consumers. 

Organic CBD & third-party lab tests

The quality and potency of your CBD depend on the entire process—from seed to self. 

Among the last stages of quality control is a test done by an independent laboratory. To certify the product’s authenticity, transparency, and quality, this series of testing is crucial. Third-party lab testing is when a private party, not affiliated with the manufacturer or distributor performs a scientific analysis of a product. These tests verify that CBD is clean. Most tests will show the potency (strength) of the product, but make sure the brand is testing for toxins too.

With a lack of federal regulation, there is no standardized process for testing CBD. That’s why, at Hemp Luxe, we craft our products using only USDA Certified Organic Hemp. We also perform third party testing for harmful toxins by an industry-leading lab. 

If a CBD brand doesn’t make it easy to access these third-party lab tests, also known as a “Certificate of Analysis” or COA, then you should move on to another brand that does. 

Organic hemp means a cleaner CBD experience

By choosing certified organic hemp, we can feel proud to avoid pesticides. The products we consume will be better for the planet. By buying CBD made from organic hemp, we know that our purchase encourages soil growth. We can feel confident that our products are clean.

We get it, buying CBD can be confusing. It gets easier if you do a little research into the company you’re buying from. For many of us, looking for USDA-certified organic hemp is the first step.

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