Are anxiety and depression keeping you from living a fulfilled life? CBD is an all-natural health supplement with anti-anxiety properties that could help improve your daily life. Learn about the health benefits of CBD Gummies and how they could help you with symptoms of anxiety and chronic stress.

Mental health problems are at an all-time high and many people feel underserved by traditional psychiatric medicines. Studies on CBD reveal that it could help with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Chronic stress can be caused by a multitude of factors. How we respond to stress could be the key to reducing anxiety and preventing the risks associated with mental health disorders.

In this article, you’ll learn the benefits of CBD gummies on anxiety, what doses of CBD are most effective, how to find quality CBD, and more.

CBD OIL: SAFETY & LEGALITY

CBD, or cannabidiol, is an all-natural supplement that can offer a wide range of health benefits for a number of different issues, including mental health problems such as anxiety or depression.

CBD oil derived from hemp can be legally obtained in all 50 states.

CBD sold online is typically derived from hemp. Both hemp and marijuana are two types of the same species of plant known as, cannabis. And although hemp is very similar to marijuana, it is also very different.

Unlike marijuana, the hemp plant contains less than .3% THC, which is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis.

That means that CBD doesn’t get you high and does not cause the psychotropic effects associated with marijuana and THC.

Studies evaluating the safety of CBD have shown that the compound is extremely safe, even in high dosages. However, there are some things you should consider when taking cannabidiol.

The most severe, but very uncommon side effects of CBD are sedation and fatigue. Cannabidiol can also lower blood pressure and change the way your body processes some types of medications.

CBD is legal in all 50 states under the 2014 Farm Bill upheld by the 2018 HIA vs. DEA ruling of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

HOW DOES CBD WORK?

Cannabidiol is just one of over a hundred compounds in hemp, called cannabinoids, being studied and used for therapeutic benefits.

CBD works supporting the body’s natural endocannabinoid system; a network of biochemical compounds and receptors specialized to maintain balance in nearly every aspect of health and wellness.

The hemp compound fits perfectly into specialized receptors, called cannabinoid receptors, which control different bodily functions that influence health.

An illustration of neurons firing in a human head. The unique effects of CBD in the brain lead to a host of healing benefits from this popular supplement.

Our bodies produce compounds that are identical to the cannabinoids found in hemp, which is why CBD fits like a lock and key in our receptor cells.

These identical compounds produced by the body are called, endocannabinoids, short for endogenous cannabinoids.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system by binding with cannabinoid receptors such as CB1, CB2, and others.

Research shows that this vital health system is an integral part of the not only the sleep process, but also emotional stability, mental health, and many other aspects of wellness.

CBD ANXIETY & DEPRESSION STUDIES

Recent data revealed that 1 in 5 Americans took some type of psychiatric medication recently, meaning anxiety and depression are much more common than we’d like to talk about.

Most of what we know about CBD and mental health comes from animal studies and small-scale human experiments. However, a growing body of evidence along with thousands of anecdotal reports suggests CBD can improve symptoms of anxiety and mood disorders.

Today, CBD is used to relieve symptoms of numerous conditions, from anxiety and mental illness to chronic pain.

Chronic stress is often a primary trigger of anxiety, and animal studies show us that CBD can calm the stress-response and nervous system. Further experimentson mice and humans show us that CBD also has properties that can relax the muscles and blood vessels, even during stress. It also exhibits a natural calming effect on the mind, which could aid the onset of sleep and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Researchers believe this effect occurs when CBD binds with the 5-HT1A neuro-receptor. This receptor is essentially like a signaling hub in the brain for emotions and is also the main target of most modern antidepressants.

One of the most notable studies on CBD’s effects on anxiety disorders in humans comes from a trial on the fear of public speaking. Compared to a placebo, CBD reduced the physical markers of stress-related anxiety and participants reported fewer symptoms of the phobia.

Several peer-reviewed analysis also now confirm and validate the study’s results indicating CBD as a potential drug for anxiety disorders.

USING CBD GUMMIES FOR ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

Taking CBD for sleep, anxiety, and depression can be as simple as snacking on a few tasty Gummies once or twice per day.

CBD-infused Gummies are made using all-natural ingredients and non-GMO, organic CBD hemp concentrate produced by super-critical CO2 extraction. Similar to taking chewable vitamins, Gummies offer a safe, effective way to easily take cannabidiol as a daily supplement. You can find them available in a range of potencies from 5mg-25mg and are typically sold in 30-60 count bottles.

CBD gummies come in a variety of dosages, typically offering between 5mg and 25mg per candy.

CBD is non-toxic and non-intoxicating, which means that you can’t overdose from eating too many gummies. Unlike with THC edibles, you don’t have to worry about experiencing anxiety or paranoia from eating too many CBD Gummies.

There is no exact dosage of CBD for any particular condition or ailment, but it’s generally recommended to begin taking CBD gummies in smaller, low dosages. You can increase the dosage as needed once you’ve observed how CBD may affect your symptoms.

Similar to eating grapefruit, CBD could alter the way your body metabolizes certain types of medications. Always consult with your doctor first for treating serious health conditions.

WHY DO PEOPLE CHOOSE CBD GUMMIES OVER OTHER FORMS OF CBD?

When it comes to cannabidiol, if all things are held constant (like product quality) the major differences in products boils down to administration/consumption methods. For example, tinctures are dropped under the tongue and the CBD is absorbed sublingually. Gummies however, are eaten and the CBD is absorbed through the digestion process.

The most popular reason for using gummies over tinctures or other forms of CBD is by far, the taste. Many people find the earthy flavors of oils to be unappealing. CBD gummies however, taste great. People also find that using the gummies is a little more discreet than other forms, and they can administer their CBD in public more freely.

When comparing the effects of tinctures over edibles, consumers typically notice a faster and stronger effect when using tinctures. For anxiety or depression issues, they can be great in high-stress moments where the onset of panic begins, using CBD oil sublingually might help elevate issues in moments, rather than waiting for the CBD to be digested.

Some anecdotal reports suggest CBD gummies offer longer lasting but milder effects than some other forms of CBD.

However, consumers do report that using CBD gummies and edibles for anxiety is extremely effective as well. This is because edibles tend to have a “milder” effect, but last longer as the CBD goes through the digestion process to be absorbed into the bloodstream. People with anxiety issues tend to notice that they handle the rigors and stresses of daily life much better throughout the day when using edibles over tinctures.

FIND QUALITY CBD ONLINE

How do you find the best CBD retailers online?

First, always make sure that a retailer’s website is secured by checking the URL in the browser for the little SSL lock. If the site is not secure, your personal information could be at risk.

Second, always ask the retailer for the 3rd party lab tests for any CBD products you are interested in. These are the tests that analyze the chemical composition of a product or CBD extract and will prove its purity and concentration. This test will also indicate whether or not a CBD product contains any amount of THC, which is important if you are concerned about drug testing.

Thanks for reading! If you’ve enjoyed this article, please share it with others who may also find it helpful!

Hemp fabric could be crucial to creating a more comfortable, more sustainable world.

What would you do if we told you that you could buy a T-shirt that lasts longer, is cheaper, and harms the environment less than your average cotton T-shirt? You’d probably tell us that’s impossible, but you’d be wrong. So very wrong.

That’s because hemp clothing exists, and it has all of those advantages listed above and more.

WHAT MAKES HEMP FABRIC BETTER?

Hemp clothing has numerous advantages.

Hemp fabric is deliciously soft on the skin, and is known for growing softer with each wear. It’s also naturally resistant to bacteria and provides natural UV protection. That means it protects your skin, and retains color better than other fabrics. As you can see, hemp fabric is quite practical. It literally prevents you from getting stinky, gets softer with more use, and is stronger and longer-lasting than cotton.

And it’s not only practical but stylish too. Hemp fashion is a real thing, and there are many companies that produce appealing hemp clothing. To name a few: Hemp Horizon, iLoveBad, and Patagonia’s hemp clothing collection. These companies are producing awesome clothing; clothing that makes us want to drop hundreds of dollars on sweaters and underwear. Just look at Patagonia’s Fog Cutter Sweater, it’s perfect for Michigan’s chilly fall weather.

Style isn’t the biggest upside of hemp, though. The biggest advantage of hemp fabric is its production methods and hemp’s environmental impact (or lack thereof).

HOW DO YOU MAKE HEMP FABRIC?

The production of the clothes that we use everyday aren’t something most people think about. Clothes are simply things that we buy and wear. Most of us aren’t aware of the hyper-complex supply chain systems needed to bring that simple cotton t-shirt to our local Walmart. That sentiment is true of all fabrics, including hemp.

Let’s take a quick dive into how hemp textiles are produced.

A dense field of green bamboo-like industrial hemp stalks grows tall in the summer sunshine. Industrial hemp can be harvested for thousands of uses.

Recreator, another hemp brand we love, outlined how hemp fabric is produced:

1. Cultivation
2. Harvesting
3. Retting (The process whereby naturally occurring bacteria and fungi, or chemicals, break down the pectins that bind the hemp fibers to be released. Common techniques consist of soaking in water, or laying on the ground and letting dew do the ‘retting’)
4. Breaking
5. Scutching (Beating stems, which separates the desired fibers from the hemp’s woody core)
6. Hackling (combing of the stems to remove unwanted particles)
7. Roving (improves strength)
8. Spinning (can be wet and dry spun)

Recreator explains in more detail, but it’s a labor intensive process. Modern day production methods of hemp are closely related to the traditional methods but done in a much more efficient manner, with the invention of more effective modern equipment. The core principles stand: grow hemp, break it down, separate the fibers, and then spin into a textile.

HOW HEMP FABRIC COMPARES TO OTHER NATURAL FABRICS

How does hemp production compare to other textiles?

Cotton: Cotton is grown in fields, like hemp, and is harvested by cotton harvesters, those big machines that can harvest cotton at a super-human rate. Then, like hemp, cotton is put through a “ginning” process, in which the fibers are separated from the seeds. The fibers are put through multiple processes that further refine them, like scutching, hackling and roving. Once the cotton is ready, it is spun into fabric.

Wool: This material is easier to process, as it takes less steps to reach its final product. One needs to harvest the wool, then process it via techniques called ‘carding’ and ‘combing’ that smooths and refines the wool, and then weave or knit it into the fabric. Although easier to process,  cattle farming creates its own carbon foot print and a great deal of waste. Not only do you have to use energy and water to process wool, but you have to feed, clean, and maintain the sheep. Sheep who produce methane-dense waste and require more resources to survive than a plant.

Right now, most hemp products in the U.S., including hemp fabric, are imported from China, increasing cost and carbon footprint. That could change with total hemp legalization.

Right now, most hemp products in the U.S., especially outside of CBD oil, are made from imported hemp. This increases both the carbon footprint, or environmental cost of making hemp products, and the final cost that you, the consumer, pay to buy them. We hope that some of this changes as hemp is fully legalized in the U.S. in the near future.

HEMP IS A SUPER PLANT & FABRIC IS JUST THE BEGINNING

While hemp is harvested and processed similarly to other fabrics, its main advantage is through the hemp plant itself.

Hemp uses about 5% the amount of water it takes to grow cotton and can often be rain-fed. Hemp can grow in almost all soil conditions, and unlike cotton (which depletes the soil of nutrients) hemp’s deep-reaching roots preserve the topsoil and subsoil. Hemp grows densely as well, leaving no room for weeds and competing plants and is less vulnerable to insects, which means little to no use of pesticides. Lastly, hemp grows extremely fast, only needing 120-days to be ready for harvest. We’ve compared hemp and cotton before, and while not everyone agrees, we think hemp is the winner.

Don’t forget that we’re only talking about the stalk of the hemp plant, which is the part used to make hemp fabric. The leaves and seeds are used to make hemp oil, hemp fuel, and other products that each have their own benefits.

We’ve come again to a conclusion that we’ve come to many times before: hemp is a super-plant. From its practical uses to environmental sustainability, the hemp plant comes out on top, out-performing all competitors.

The 2018 Hemp Industries Association Conference revealed a thriving industry that’s growing rapidly and passionate about the future of hemp.

Ministry of Hemp just returned from the Los Angeles Airport Hilton, where “HIACON 2018” took place from November 2 through 5. Hemp will be a billion dollar industry soon, even though this plant still exists in a legal gray area in the United States. Industry leaders and newcomers alike gathered at the conference to share their newest ideas, and get a better understanding of hemp’s future as those laws shift.

Hundreds gathered at the Los Angeles Hilton for the 2018 Hemp Industries Association Conference, where they discussed the future and potential of hemp in America. (Ministry of Hemp / Kit O’Connell)

In addition, a two day exposition showcased hemp and CBD products ranging from established brands and freshly launched innovators. The expo was open to the public for one day, and numerous LA residents and tourists alike stopped by to see the offerings.

This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Hemp Industries Association, a sign that they’ve cemented their leadership role in the industry. A packed schedule of workshops and panels brought the highs and lows of hemp to life for the audience. Here are some favorites from our visit to HIACON 2018.

HIACON 2018 LOOKS AT THE FUTURE OF HEMP FARMING IN AMERICA

Of course, one of the biggest topics of discussion at the conference was hemp’s legal status.

After decades of prohibition, hemp was partially legalized in the 2014 Farm Bill which allowed for state-based hemp research programs. U.S. farmers grew over 25,000 acres of hemp last year, but there have still been legal challenges and numerous barriers to the industry’s growth, mostly at the federal level. An effort led by Sen. Mitch McConnell resulted in a historic amendment to the 2018 Farm Bill which would make dramatic changes to U.S. hemp laws by officially taking it out of the purview of the Drug Enforcement Administration and into that of the Department of Agriculture and the Food & Drug Administration.

The @HobanLawGroup is giving a presentation on the 2018 #FarmBill, it's potential and its future. The bill would remove #hemp and #CBD from the Controlled Substances Act but its not without controversy even in the industry. #HIACON pic.twitter.com/6PSyEdfC5P

— Ministry of Hemp (@MinistryofHemp) November 3, 2018

Unfortunately, political upheaval in Congress, and politicians’ focus on midterm elections, left the Farm Bill’s future somewhat uncertain. Most of the conflict is not about hemp, but rather other controversial provisions in the bill which cover issues like food stamps. In one of many well-attended legal discussions, Jonathan Miller of U.S. Hemp Roundtable joined representatives of Hoban Law Group, who are some of the country’s top cannabis & hemp lawyers. Miller speculated that the midterm elections could be good for hemp.

Jonathan Miller of @HempRoundtable is hopeful the "felony provision" in the 2018 #FarmBill might face opposition from a Democratic house, depending on the results of the midterm elections. #HIACON

— Ministry of Hemp (@MinistryofHemp) November 3, 2018

2018 HEMP INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE: LEGAL CONSEQUENCES OF FARM BILL, CANNABIS PODCASTS & MORE

A newly Democratic U.S. House of Representatives could also be the best chance for changing the hemp legalization amendment’s most controversial provision. The Senate version of the 2018 Farm Bill contains a clause that bans anyone with a felony drug conviction from growing hemp. Currently, the House version of the Farm Bill doesn’t contain any hemp legalization language at all, opening a window where some fixes could be introduced.

Courtney Moran discussing the many previous failed attempts to make #hemp fully legal before today's historic #FarmBill amendment. #HIACON pic.twitter.com/vau1tfvgWG

— Ministry of Hemp (@MinistryofHemp) November 4, 2018

Later, hemp lawyer & lobbyist Courtney Moran explained how the Farm Bill would change 6 different federal statutes and change the policies of multiple government agencies. She also suggested some alternatives to the drug felony provision of the current version of the Farm Bill:

Moran is urging the US government to reform the #FarmBill hemp legalization provision which would ban anyone with a felony drug conviction from growing #hemp. She's proposed some alternatives to allow people into the industry after a time. #HIACON #WarOnDrugs pic.twitter.com/2zrlQJK7fJ

— Ministry of Hemp (@MinistryofHemp) November 4, 2018

While any felony ban seems regrettable to us, Moran suggested what could be temporary solutions to allow some people to remain in the hemp industry. These include changing the ban to exempt anyone whose felony is more than 10 years old.

Dr. Karyemaitre Aliffe, a biochemist and cannabis expert that works with Charlotte’s Web, gave another great presentation. Dr. Aliffe discussed the similarities between how cannabinoids like CBD work on the brain with the action of everyday pharmaceuticals like Tylenol:

Dr. Karyemaitre Aliffe at #HIACON talking about how psychotropic (mind altering) substances are commonplace and beneficial. Did you know Tylenol and #CBD activate the similar parts of the brain? #science pic.twitter.com/CEAE8oNhe2

— Ministry of Hemp (@MinistryofHemp) November 3, 2018

Annie Rouse of Anavii Market introduced us to Harry Anslinger, the first drug czar, the subject of her fascinating “Anslinger” podcast. The second season is about to launch!

Annie Rouse delivers a riveting address abt Harry Anslinger (the 1st commissioner of the U.S. Treasury Department's Federal Bureau of Narcotics & largely responsible for America's drug policies).
Check out Annie's podcast "Anslinger: The Untold Cannabis Consoiracy".#HIACON pic.twitter.com/DPShYMKADo

— Ministry of Hemp (@MinistryofHemp) November 5, 2018

We also loved hearing an update from Kris Kimel of Space Tango about their successful effort to send hemp into space.

HEMP. IN. SPACE. Kris Kimel of @space_tango delivers a jaw-dropping presentation abt sending #hemp to space to study the biology and quality of the crop without the influence of gravity.
We've written about Kris and Space Tango before: https://t.co/LZn5fHa99J#HIACON pic.twitter.com/5MdrjEOEIv

— Ministry of Hemp (@MinistryofHemp) November 4, 2018

There were too many other great panels to mention them all, but it’s safe to say everyone came away from HIACON 2018 more informed than they arrived.

HIACON 2018: FROM CBD POPCORN TO HEMP FASHION

We loved seeing the innovation from new CBD brands at the 2018 Hemp Industries Association Conference. We got to meet Brett Levy from Holsticorn, inventor of CBD-infused popcorn:

Wonderful speaking to @holisticorn CEO Brett Levy. Purely THC-free & w a 90% absorption rate, Holistic Corn alleviates stress, anxiety, depression, and slow thyroid issues.
Some users report it helps treat symptoms of their Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.#HIACON pic.twitter.com/jlMkYLd408

— Ministry of Hemp (@MinistryofHemp) November 3, 2018

Kazmira let us sample their delicious CBD vapes:

Enjoyed speaking w @Kazmira_llc about working at the intersection of biotechnology & manufacturing excellence, and how "all THC-free isn't equal".
Third party labs find Kazmira's THC-level "non-detect", making their THC-Free Full Spectrum CBD Oil an "industry-first".#HIACON pic.twitter.com/3USKNBYfPE

— Ministry of Hemp (@MinistryofHemp) November 3, 2018

And all weekend, people were sipping delicious CBD seltzer from Queen City Hemp, with 5 mg of CBD in each can.

Delicious lavender lemon #cbd seltzer from @queencityhemp! Everybody is sipping this tasty stuff at #HIACON this weekend and you can see why! Yum. #hempgrams https://t.co/WT4C1ApyMc pic.twitter.com/m62nerMCQy

— Ministry of Hemp (@MinistryofHemp) November 4, 2018

Established hemp brands also brought their best to HIACON 2018. We browsed the latest hemp fashions from Vital Hemp:

Vital Hemp has been making stylish retail hemp clothing for 15 years. Basically they're The GAP of hemp.
Now doing logowear, their goal is to reach out to all natural companies, and provide their hemp t-shirts (we think this is a great goal).https://t.co/aiAMo86oGS #HIACON pic.twitter.com/vgOJxM78XR

— Ministry of Hemp (@MinistryofHemp) November 3, 2018

And basked in the natural vibes of the Charlotte’s Web booth, complete with a fake campfire:

Wow! @charlottesweb going all out with their booth at #HIACON! Love the campfire vibe. pic.twitter.com/Pul0H9GNbM

— Ministry of Hemp (@MinistryofHemp) November 3, 2018

We also enjoyed a sneak preview of Lazarus Naturals beautiful new CBD tincture labels, which should help CBD consumers make more informed decisions about dosing.

We were already fans of @lazarusnaturals #cbd and we just love their new labeling with its bright colors and super easy to read product information. Well done! #HIACON pic.twitter.com/8YyEFfX3wu

— Ministry of Hemp (@MinistryofHemp) November 4, 2018

And of course, no hemp expo would be complete without Dr. Bronner:

Jessie at @drbronner told us she's loving how much there is to learn and do at #HIACON! We love Dr. Bronner and their incredible support for a #sustainable, ethical hemp industry. 💚 #hempgrams https://t.co/0GXx4dWRA5 pic.twitter.com/UcIUu80Fp2

— Ministry of Hemp (@MinistryofHemp) November 4, 2018

There’s so much happening in hemp that it can’t be contained in any one article, or any one event. More than anything, we saw a hemp industry full of people that are passionate about hemp, and determined to help hemp spread across the planet.

Special thanks to Beowulf Jones for covering HIACON 2018 with us and contributing to this article.

Flying with CBD oil seems like a natural choice, given how this supplement relaxes and soothes our aches and pains.

CBD is a wonderful addition to your daily supplements, and it’s only natural that you’ll want to take it with you on trips and vacations. Unfortunately, America’s airports and airplanes are not somewhere you want to carry CBD.

While CBD oil can promote relaxation and relieve symptoms of anxiety, the TSA doesn’t want you to bring it aboard a plane.

We can add it to our food, put it in our tea, drop it into water bottles, and place it under our tongues. CBD is a super-supplement providing many benefits for travelers including reducing inflammation and symptoms of anxiety. While CBD can be shipped across state lines, and can be sold legally, it still cannot be brought onto airplanes per TSA guidelines.

THE TSA SAYS DON’T FLY WITH CBD

The following is quoted from the TSA’s website:

Possession of marijuana and cannabis infused products, such as Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, is illegal under federal law.

Essentially, the rule includes all medical marijuana, and hemp-based supplements alike including CBD. The TSA makes no distinction between hemp and marijuana. The TSA is also exempt from state laws, as they operate under federal law. Which means that even if your products are totally legal where you live, you still cannot bring them onto the airplane.

The TSA says they don’t necessarily check for illegal substances:

TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs.

At the same time, they note that if they do discover what they consider an illegal substance, they’ll act accordingly and alert law enforcement officers.

Long story short, do not try to get on an airplane with cannabis or hemp products, because even if you get past security screenings, there are always customs checkpoints (on international flights) and other agencies (such as the DEA) that are constantly at the airport.

John Bussman, a California criminal defense attorney, sounded a note of caution in an essay for Kindland.

“The moral of the story is that the airport is a dangerous place to possess drugs,” he wrote. “The government is watching, and it’s sifting through your stuff.”

ALTERNATIVES TO FLYING WITH CBD

Fortunately, there are a couple alternatives to flying with CBD.

The Transportation Safety Authority doesn’t want you flying with CBD, so you’re better off leaving it at home, taking it before you fly, or buying more CBD oil when you arrive.

For one, you could simply take a CBD tincture, capsule, gummy or other edible prior to your flight. This would be a great alternative, assuming that you don’t have a 2+ hour wait prior to your flight. This way, you can get the calming effect of the CBD prior to flying, helping you achieve that all-important mid-flight nap.

Second, you can do your due diligence and research good shops around the area that sell quality CBD tinctures. Lastly, if you already have quality CBD products at home, you can simply mail it ahead of time to your destination.

CHANGING ATTITUDES MEAN FUTURE CHANGES TO FLYING WITH CBD

We know it’s a bummer that we can’t even take CBD products with us on flights. But all we can do, for now, is be patient.

American culture has already started to embrace hemp products and culture. A couple years ago, if one wanted to read about these topics, you would either read High Times or Vice. Now you there are numerous online publications that produce quality and trustworthy content about these formerly taboo topics (like us here at Ministry of Hemp). You can even find cannabis-themed books and shows on Amazon or Netflix and hemp publications and foods at Whole Foods.

We are now living in a world in which hemp is finally reaching the point of normalcy. Increasingly, these products are a part of thousands of people’s everyday lives.

So, with that being said, be responsible. Don’t bring anything illegal or contraband on flights, enjoy yourselves responsibly, and share the love of hemp, cannabis, & CBD with other people!

After decades of prohibition, hemp is back in a big way in America.

In 2017, sales of hemp products reached a record-breaking $820 million, and that’s just the beginning. Currently legal under state programs, hemp could soon be fully legal from coast to coast, transforming American agriculture.

From hemp food to hempcrete homes to textiles, the uses of hemp are almost limitless.

Among hemp products, demand for CBD oil has exploded in recent years. Unlike THC or marijuana, CBD won’t make you feel high. Thousands of people report CBD helps them relax, relieves pain and anxiety, promotes deeper sleep, and much more.

Ministry of Hemp is America’s leading hemp advocate. We’ll help you understand the science of hemp & CBD and pick the right products.

But the CBD industry is still unregulated. Products can be misleadingly labeled, contain toxic heavy metals or dangerous synthetic chemicals. New consumers often give up before they find products that work.

That’s where we come in. Ministry of Hemp is America’s leading hemp advocate. We help you understand the science of CBD and review CBD brands so you can pick the best, safest products for you and your loved ones.

As hemp growing returns nationwide, you can count on Ministry of Hemp to be there. From Vermont hemp farms to hemp research on the International Space Station, we’ll bring you the story.

Be a part of our movement. Join the Ministry of Hemp.

Veritas Farms Hemp Oil Tincture tastes light and pleasant in peppermint, with just the right amount of minty freshness.

We tested Veritas Farms’ 250mg strength full-spectrum CBD oil tincture. The suggested dose of CBD on the label was strong enough to relieve symptoms of chronic back pain, headache, and menstrual cramps in our reviewer.

Located in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Veritas Farms is a leader in sustainable phytocannabinoid farming. They put as much emphasis on conservation and environmental responsibility as they do the production of high-quality hemp products. Capturing the “farm-to-table” concept so popular in food production, the farmers at Veritas grow, process, test, and package all their products on-site and locally source whatever they can.

Veritas Farms 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. We only select the highest-quality CBD products for review on our site. Read more about sponsored content on Ministry of Hemp.

Continue reading for our full review of Veritas Farms Hemp Oil Tincture and to learn more about how they make their products.

VERITAS FARMS PROMOTES HEALTHY PLANTS, HEALTHY PEOPLE & HEALTHY PLANET

Using drip irrigation and other environmentally friendly agricultural practices like composting and organic fertilizers, Veritas takes care of the environment, not only for themselves but for the generations of farmers that will follow. They see themselves as pioneers in sustainable hemp production and stewards of the land.

All of Veritas Farms products begin with hemp grown on their farm. Once harvested, plants are hung in the barn to dry, then processed by-hand into a fine powder. Using an ethanol extraction process, full-spectrum oil is pulled from the plant and is tested on-site throughout the process to ensure quality. The extract is also tested by a third-party independent lab to ensure quality and purity. Once testing is complete, these extracts are used to create the broad line of products Veritas Farms offers.

VERITAS FARMS HEMP OIL TINCTURE OFFICIAL REVIEW

• Highlights: Veritas Farms Hemp Oil Tincture eased the pain of headaches, a sore back and menstrual cramps, all in a pleasant peppermint flavor.
• Strength: 250mg per 30ml bottle, also available in several concentrations up to 2000mg
• Price: $39.00 – $199.99
• Customer Service & Shipping: Fast customer service. Shipping for a single bottle started at $5.99, with expedited options available.
• Independent Test Results: Online.
• Flavor & Texture: This CBD tincture has a pleasing minty flavor that is light and refreshing, effectively masking the hemp flavor, without leaving our reviewer’s mouth feeling oily.
• Ingredients: Full spectrum hemp extract / CBD oil plus MCT (coconut-based) Oil, Essential Oil and Stevia
• Other: Also available in unflavored or salted caramel, watermelon, citrus, and strawberry flavored tinctures.

Veritas Farms grows all their hemp organically and sustainably on their Colorado Farm. They offer a full line of wellness products, including soap, lotions, massage oils, gummies, salves, vapes, and capsules.

They also offer products formulated and flavored with pets in mind. Horse crumble (80% pure CBD) and tuna or bacon flavored tinctures for dogs and cats (100 & 200mg) are also available.

Yoga photo by Jordan Patterson. 

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.

We’re excited to introduce Ministry of Hemp readers to Chron Vivant and share his delicious CBD mulled apple cider recipe. We thought we’d start with a brief Q&A about his work and the art of hemp-infused cocktails. -Kit

A Q&A WITH CHRON VIVANT

Kit O’Connell, Editor in Chief at Ministry of Hemp: How did you get into making elevated cocktails? Was there a steep learning curve?

John Korkidis, a.k.a. @ChronVivant: Little known fact: I spent most of my 20’s living and working in China as a creative. During my time there I cut my teeth in various agency roles and had the honor of working closely with artists like Ai Weiwei in his Beijing studio.

I actually gained my appreciation for mixology during my time in China. I had a few friends who opened up some of the first cocktail bars in Beijing. They are the ones I credit for acquainting me with properly constructed classics and riffs. Also, because of proximity, Beijing had some fantastic Japanese whiskey bars where I gained a true appreciation for quality spirits, attentive service, custom hand-carved ice, and technique-driven mixology programs.

Cinnamon sticks and a clove orange help enhance the warm apple and hemp flavors of our CBD mulled apple cider.

When I first got to San Francisco, I found this type of experience and quality execution surprisingly lacking. (These days, though, the drink scene has definitely caught up). In addition, I wasn’t used to paying $16 for a classic cocktail that was not properly executed, so I started to experiment with building the base of my favorite drinks at home.

I focus on education and do my best to make things approachable for home chefs, apartment bartenders, and expert mixologists alike. Like anything in life, practice makes perfect. But getting started is not as hard as one might think.

MoH: What are some of your recipes you make most?

CV: Typically the drinks I feature are more mood enhancing than medicinal. However, I provide basic education and best practices for making all sorts of infusions. So depending on one’s particular needs, responsible adults (in legal states) have the ability to manufacture quality products affordably in their own home and use them how they see fit.

The recipes I make the most leverage CBD and act to enhance relaxation. I love classic cocktails like old-fashioneds but I’m also a sucker for an egg white sour, so these are the drinks I make most at home.

I personally have found that micro-dosing cannabinoids works for me. But in regards to traditional cocktails and mocktails, it’s common to have more than one. So it’s important that when creating recipes, dosing takes that into account. Also, I look at cannabis as just another ingredient and never try to make it the focal point. As you know, it’s important to get the balance right; it takes complex flavors and ingredients coming together to make a great drink. And it’s no different when making a canna-beverage.

MOH: What do you think people need to know about CBD drinks & cocktails? Any common misconceptions?

CV: Definitely lot’s of common misconceptions. When people hear cannabis cocktail often they assume that these drinks are going to get you high. To avoid any negative synergistic effects, I never recommend combining psychoactive cannabis with alcohol.

Chron Vivant is all about promoting responsible consumption and typically creates recipes that feature either CBD cocktails (low ABV) or non-alcoholic THC drink alternatives (no ABV).

Our hot CBD mulled apple cider will enhance those autumn vibes and help you relax during the busy holiday season.

Another thing for people to keep in mind is that everyone responds differently to ingesting cannabis. Even experienced users should exercise caution when consuming medicated infusions and follow the golden rule of ”going slow and keeping the dosage low.”

ENHANCE THE AUTUMN VIBES WITH CBD MULLED APPLE CIDER

We are already a month into fall and that means the holiday season is fast approaching.

It seems that once Halloween arrives, time speeds up and New Year’s Eve is here before we know it – a phenomenon known by some as Hallowthanksmas.

I find a good way to slow things down is to break up my daily routine and take a moment to catch my breath and reflect with a fall-themed CBD cocktail or non-alcoholic CBD beverage.

Croptober is one of my favorite times of year for ingredients. It’s period of transition, when the colors are still changing, the weather is shifting, and savory fruits and warm spices flood local markets.

As soon as I start to see apples, persimmons, and pumpkins popping up, that’s when I get the signal that the change in seasons truly is here and I know it’s time to make a batch of my signature mulled apple cider.

This easy-to-make, and even easier-to-drink, beverage is perfect for warming up the soul and makes an excellent batch concoction for your next seasonal party.

The addition of CBD is sure to comfort the body and relax the mind. And since CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, you won’t need to worry worry about experiencing any negative synergistic effects when combined with alcohol. But of course, this fall-themed CBD cocktail can easily become a non-alcoholic mocktail by simply negating the booze.

SPIKED CBD MULLED APPLE CIDER RECIPE

Yield:

• 8-10 servings

Equipment:

• Large pot or slow cooker
• Ladle

Prep time:

• 10 minutes

Cook time:

• 2.5 hours

Total:

• 2-3 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 quarts organic apple cider
• 5 cinnamon sticks (plus more for garnishes)
• 1 large organic orange
• 2 tablespoons whole cloves
• Bourbon or rum of your choice (optional)
• CBD tincture (see our choices for top CBD brands)

Preparation:

• Add organic apple cider into a large pot or slow cooker
• Place whole cinnamon sticks into the liquid
• Embed cloves into the rind of an orange and place orange into the cider
• Cook on low until the spices really start to come through and the cider is hot (about 2.5-3 hours)

Serving:

• Carefully ladle cider directly from your pot or slow cooker into heat resistant cups
• Add one ounce of bourbon or rum (optional)
• Add 3-4 drops of your favorite CBD tincture
• Place a cinnamon stick in each glass to garnish and serve

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.

Every day, an increasing number of endurance athletes use CBD to go further and feel better.

The potential benefits of CBD and its balancing properties are just beginning to gain recognition. CBD can help almost anyone who has general pain, anxiety, or other day-to-day physical and psychological issues. Many of us undergo a lot of physical and mental stress in our daily lives, and endurance athletes are no exception. Marathon runners, triathletes, cyclists, and other such athletes push their bodies and minds to the limits, and many of them find themselves in states of constant physical pain or mental exhaustion.

THE MANY WAYS ENDURANCE ATHLETES USE CBD

As CBD has become more prominent, it’s become more and more recognized in the world of athletics. The biggest potential benefits for endurance athletes are CBD’s potential to reduce inflammation and stress or anxiety, improve recovery time, and even control appetite.

Distance runners, triathletes, professional cyclists and other endurance athletes use CBD because it helps them perform better and longer.

Endurance Athletes Use CBD To Reduce Inflammation and Soreness

For athletes who put a lot of miles on their bodies, inflammation is one of the biggest concerns. Constant use of muscles and joints can cause inflammation and soreness. CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory that also can protect cells from oxidative damage. Studies have shown that CBD might be an alternative to over-the-counter pain medicines like Advil and Tylenol.

CBD Can Increase Energy

When taken in smaller doses, CBD actually activates the same adenosine receptors that caffeine does, providing a boost of energy. This can be great for training or race days that might seem like too much otherwise. The boost of energy is just one way that CBD might help improve recovery times.

CBD Will Reduce Stress and Anxiety

CBD has also shown potential in reducing stress and anxiety. This is due to its ability to regulate the endocannabinoid system. Essentially, CBD acts on the cannabinoid receptors that are responsible for responses to stress. Some athletes have found that CBD helps them recover from the stress of making time for training in their already busy schedules and from their workouts. It can also be helpful for race/event days to calm pre-race nerves or to help fall asleep the night before. Since our bodies don’t repair themselves as well when under stress, this benefit of CBD may help endurance athletes recover from heavy training or injuries more easily.

Control Appetite Your Appetite With CBD

Finally, CBD might help control your appetite. If you are on a strict training diet, CBD has been shown to not only slow appetite, but also help feel full for longer. This could be a great benefit for athletes who are trying to put the healthiest foods into their bodies without overeating. Some studies have even shown that CBD helps boost metabolism and increase the body’s ability to burn fat.

WHICH ENDURANCE ATHLETES USE CBD?

Athletes who are constantly training or competing may find that CBD provides relief from the stress of the endurance world. Triathletes, distance runners, cyclists, and athletes who do similar sports will likely appreciate CBD’s potential as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory.

Some endurance athletes use CBD to reduce their dependence on pharmaceutical painkillers to relieve the soreness of workouts.

While scientific studies on CBD’s potential athletic benefits are yet to be done. Anecdotally, many endurance athletes say that they have stopped using all painkillers in favor of CBD. Others say that CBD helps them focus and improves their stamina when taken before running or other forms of exercise.

And the benefits aren’t just there for endurance athletes: CBD might help athletes who participate in many other sports. Preliminary research suggests CBD is a neuroprotectant. That means CBD could help the brain recover from concussions. Soccer players, football players, and other athletes who might get hit in the head could find CBD useful.

BEFORE YOU BUY CBD

CBD is still being researched, so there are not a lot of regulations on how it is produced.

If you are interested in trying CBD, the most important thing to do is research whether CBD is legal where you live. If so, you can begin your search for a CBD company. You’ll probably find a few options online. Like with anything on the internet, do your research on these companies.

A reputable CBD company will have its products tested by third parties, who will check that the product is, in fact, what it claims to be. CBD companies should provide the results of the tests; and if they don’t, it’s best to look elsewhere. And, while there is evidence that CBD can help with a variety of ailments, there are no conclusive proofs about it yet. Make sure to avoid CBD companies who promise to cure every problem you are experiencing.

Otherwise, whether you are an athlete or not, we hope that if you try CBD, you are pleased with the outcome!

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.

Total U.S. hemp acreage is rapidly increasing, as legalization spreads across the country.

In 2017, hemp fields expanded by 163 percent across the country. That’s over 25,000 acres of hemp grown across 19 different states. With more states opening their doors to hemp, the speculation arises, how much further can U.S. hemp acreage grow?

Hemp experts are predicting sales of hemp products could reach $2 billion by 2022. That’s nearly triple the profits from current levels. In order to understand these predictions, it’s important to also look at who is growing hemp, and how much. Through this, we can discover which states are leading the way and inspiring the rest of the country.

U.S. hemp acreage is growing rapidly despite a complicated tapestry of state hemp laws, which vary widely from place to place.

Since hemp remains in a legal gray area on a federal level, laws work differently from state to state. A hemp farmer in Colorado might have an easier time growing acres upon acres compared to the recent legalized state of Illinois. Through this information, we’ll begin to understand not only the states where hemp will spread but also how the country as a whole can benefit from progressive hemp laws.

TOP 5 STATES WITH THE MOST HEMP ACREAGE

In comparison to 2016, last year was a huge milestone for the hemp industry. States had doubled and tripled their hemp efforts, more licenses were issued, and more people were beginning to understand the benefits of this next cash crop. The following statistics are from VoteHemp’s 2017 US Hemp Crop Report:

• 25,713 acres of hemp were grown within 19 states.
• 32 universities conducted various research projects for hemp.
• 1,456 state hemp licenses were issued.

In 2017, there were 5 particular states who made huge hemp acreage leaps in comparison to 2016. Knowing of their success within the industry, it’s possible to examine the laws within each of the top five states in order to better understand how other states can increase their production.

#5 – New York – 2,000 Acres

On New York’s official state hemp website, it’s claimed the Governor has taken notable actions to inspire industrial hemp production within the state. It began, in 2015 when New York allowed a select amount of educational institutions to harvest hemp.

Increasing hemp acreage in the United States reveals this crop’s immense economic potential.

Part of the reason New York hemp acreage increased in 2017 is due to the removal of the cap on the number of sites allowed to grow hemp. The state’s program expanded to include new farmers and businesses. This allowed for the original 30 acres of hemp in 2016 to grow to 2,000 acres in 2017.

#4 – North Dakota – 3,020 Acres

In 2017, North Dakota had only 34 growers of hemp out of 42 applications. Unlike New York, this state’s 2017 Industrial Hemp Pilot Program requires those who hold a license to either “(1) be part of an agricultural or academic research program conducted by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture or by an institution of higher education; and/or (2) obtain annually a registration issued by the DEA.”

It should be noted that North Dakota made impressive progress with their hemp cultivation. In 2016, they had a mere 70 acres grown. In 2017, total hemp acreage number grew to 3,020. However, part of the reason the state hit such a high number is due to the expanding amount of land each farmer operates on rather than looser regulations.

#3 – Kentucky – 3,271 Acres

Another of the leading states within the hemp industry is Kentucky. Back in 2016, it grew a staggering 2,525 acres. That number grew to 3,271 acres in 2017. Part of the reason Kentucky has been paving way within the industry is due to the early start it had over the majority of the country.

#2 – Oregon – 3,469 Acres

Oregon’s hemp laws are similar to New York and Kentucky. Any farmer or business can apply to grow and/or handle hemp. The price per application is quite hefty at $1,300. Compare that to Vermont’s low application fee of $25!

However, ignoring the price tag of registration, Oregon has less confining laws in terms of growing cannabis in general compared to the rest of the country. Due to this, total industrial hemp acreage jumped from 500 in 2016 to 3,469 in 2017.

#1 – Colorado – 9,700 Acres

For years to come, it seems as though Colorado is going lead the hemp industry. Even in 2016, the state had more hemp acreage compared to any other in 2017 — at 5,921 acres. Yet, they nearly doubled those efforts the following year.

This might not come as a surprise considering Colorado was one of the first states to institute cannabis legalization.

A densely packed hemp field at Luce Farm. Vermont’s hemp laws are some of the most progressive in the nation. (Photo: Ministry of Hemp / Paul James)

HEMP ACREAGE: GROWTH MATTERS, TOO

Though the states mentioned above led the way for hemp acreage in 2017, it should be noted that other states made great progress as well. These include:

• Washington went from 0 acres in 2016 to 175 acres in 2017.
• Vermont went from 180 acres in 2016 to 575 acres in 2017.
• Montana went from 0 acres in 2016 to 542 acres in 2017.
• Minnesota went from 51 acres in 2016 to 1,205 acres in 2017.

These number are crucial in comprehending the future status of the hemp industry and U.S. agriculture as a whole. Since many U.S. hemp products depend on imported hemp, growth in hemp acreage is vital to the overall growth of the hemp industry.

If hemp acreage increased so much just within a year, it’s possible — with further efforts towards hemp legalization — it might reach even higher profits than predicted.

NutraCanna Dissolvable CBD Tablets pack a strong spearmint flavor that reminded us of Altoids.

This was the first time our reviewer had the chance to try a fast dissolving tablet and the opportunity didn’t disappoint! To start, NutraCanna uses high quality packaging that’s clearly labeled and easy to open.

Although the instructions state to put the tablet under the tongue for better absorption through the sublingual glands, our reviewer also put it on top of the tongue to get a better feel for the texture and taste. The tablet begins dissolving immediately after you put it in your mouth. The texture and feel reminded our reviewer of sweet tart candy, without the tart flavor. The spearmint flavor was strong but not overpowering and left a clean minty feel on the palette, combined with a slight medicinal aftertaste.

We were excited to try NutraCanna Dissolvable CBD tablets and the results were rewarding.

NutraCanna 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. We only select the highest-quality CBD products for review on our site. Read more about sponsored content on Ministry of Hemp.

Read on for our full review of NutraCanna Dissolvable CBD Tablets and to learn more about how they’re made.

KENTUCKY FAMILY FARMERS GROW NUTRACANNA HEMP WITH PRIDE

NutraCanna is a Florida-based company that is proud to work with family hemp farmers in Kentucky. These hemp farmers have been producing and cultivating hemp for generations and are pioneers in the industry. Nutracanna operates under the guidance of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in accordance with the 2014 Farm Bill. Moreover, they collaborate closely with scientists and experts on everything from cutting-edge genetics and breeding to harvesting and quality control programs in the U.S.

Their products are 99 percent naturally derived. NutraCanna Dissolvable CBD tablets are gluten free. They’re also free of GMO’s, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde and artificial coloring. They use third party testing to ensure the purity and quality of their products.

Each tablet contains 10mg of CBD with a total of 30 tablets for 300mg per bottle. We always recommend starting with a lower dose when starting out with CBD, but experienced CBD users might want to take more than one tablet, or supplement their daily regiment with NutraCanna 1000mg CBD tincture. For potent night time relief, NutraCanna also offers a nighttime fast dissolving CBD tablet with 25mg of CBD per tablet plus melatonin in a delicious orange flavor. In any case, the price point per milligrams of CBD is competitive, so customers are getting what they pay for.

NUTRACANNA DISSOLVABLE CBD TABLETS OFFICIAL REVIEW

• Highlights: NutraCanna Dissolvable CBD Tablets have a great spearmint flavor and dissolve quickly under the tongue so they can go work right away! 
• Strength: 10mg per tablet, 30 tablets per 300mg bottle
• Price: $46.00
• Special: Use coupon code Ministry15 for 15% off your order
• Customer Service & Shipping: Fast, easy to reach customer service. NutraCanna offers free shipping on orders over $75.00. They offer a 30-day money back guarantee for unsatisfied customers.
• Independent Test Results: Online.
• Flavor & Texture: A strong but not overpowering spearmint flavor that mostly covers up the taste of hemp. These tablets remind us of minty candy as they dissolve in your mouth.
• Ingredients: CBD isolate with Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Stevia, D-Mannitol, Xylitol, MCC (Microcrystalline Cellulose), Crospovidone, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate Anhydrous, Spearmint Flavor, Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin, and Avocado Oil Powder
• Other: NutraCanna also makes dissolvable tablets for nighttime, with added meltanonin, in 10mg and 25mg strength.

NutraCanna’s products are made from non-GMO hemp grown on Kentucky family farms under closely monitored conditions. In addition to fast dissolving tablets, NutraCanna also offers topical CBD pain cream, CBD oil tinctures and CBD isolate. Some research suggests isolates may be less effective than full spectrum extracts.

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.