More and more people are asking themselves, “should I grow hemp?”

Across America, we’re witnessing an ever-growing market for industrial hemp. Only two years ago, there were less than 10,000 acres growing across the country. Today, this new cash crop has reached an astounding 27,000 acres. And that number continues to rise.

This comes as no surprise considering hemp’s wide variety of uses. Even beyond the industry, many small farmers are finding ways in which hemp benefits their lives.

The simple answer, you get more out of it than you put in and the crop can grow in some inhospitable conditions. However, as you’ll find out from reading, the real reasons go deeper than that.

WHY GROW HEMP? HEMP IS SUSTAINABLE AND HAS MANY, MANY USES

The secret truth to hemp’s growing popularity is it’s one of the easiest and most sustainable crops you can grow. Unlike major cash crops such as corn or wheat, hemp grows in dense clusters that require very little pesticide or herbicides and a minimal amount of fertilizer. It  requires less water than some cash crops like cotton, though it isn’t considered a low water crop.

A hemp farmer surveys his crop at sunrise. Why grow hemp? Farmers grow hemp because it requires little maintenance and offers many uses.

You can grow hemp almost anywhere in the country, excluding very dry deserts and high mountaintops. Preferably, hemp prospers in well-drained soil that has a high quality of organic matter. This guide from HempTechGlobal offers more detail on the logistics of growing and harvesting hemp. One potential complication is decortication, in which the parts of the hemp plant are separated. Decortication can require access to specialized equipment.

Research has discovered growing hemp holds potential to heal polluted soil. With the possibility to replace fossil fuels and be a new source of paper, hemp is considered one of the most eco-friendly crops around.

In fact, there are over 25,000 known uses for hemp. Whether you’re looking for something as complex as a form of concrete (hempcrete) or something as simple as some pet bedding, hemp has you covered.

People’s health also benefits from access to hemp. Hemp is a superfood that provides a great source of nutrients and fibers. But even better, it’s the key ingredient in CBD oil, an amazingly beneficial nutritional supplement.

When it comes to why people grow hemp, whether it be for personal or industrial use, there are a wide variety of reasons to consider. Many farmers report it’s an incredibly rewarding crop to grow.

IS IT LEGAL TO GROW HEMP?

One of the biggest questions people have when deciding to grow hemp is about legality. In most people’s minds, it’s still very much attached to its still federally illegal cousin, psychoactive cannabis (‘marijuana‘), making many farmers all the more cautious.

In 2013, Colorado farmer Ryan Loflin revolutionized the country by being the first to harvest hemp in America since 1957. Since then, the 2014 Farm Bill allowed states to pursue hemp farming for the sake of research practices. Since then, 38 states have legalized hemp cultivation.

Because each state operates differently under the bill, it’ll be necessary you do some research before planting any hemp crops.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GROW HEMP

There are some legal factors you’ll need to keep in mind before starting your hemp garden.

The first and most important is you’ll be required to have a license. One which requires a fee and lots of paperwork. In some cases, you may face a criminal background check.

Furthermore, after harvest, your plants must be tested for their THC levels. If they test higher than .3 percent, your crop will most likely be destroyed.

Industrial hemp grows in long, tightly packed rows on a farm. While there are large-scale uses for hemp, many smaller farms also grow hemp.

Some hemp farmers, such as Kim Phillips from Montana, run into unexpected difficulties. Her water source is federally regulated by the Bureau of Reclamation, so she had to request access to their assets for hemp irrigation. Since they didn’t approve her request in time, her plants withered the first time she tried to grow hemp.

Because hemp plants are required to have such a low amount of THC, many farmers find the most difficult task is finding the proper seed. Since hemp legality is so recent, the seed industry can’t always keep up with the ever-growing demand for seeds.

There have also been reported difficulties shipping seeds through states where hemp production is still illegal.

DESPITE COMPLICATIONS, SMALL FARMERS STILL GROW HEMP

Even with everything that’s been mentioned, the demand for this eco-friendly crop is enormous. Many farmers are jumping on the hemp bandwagon.

If considering an industrial hemp operation, you might want to take precautions to inform the community. Many hemp farmers post signs explaining that their crop is not marijuana. Tom Hewson, a Colorado hemp farmer, gathered his neighborhood together for a community meeting to inform them about the crop he had planned, and why he chose hemp. In his words, “educational efforts are critical.”

You may still wonder if it’s beneficial for you to grow it for personal reasons. The truth of the matter is, the legal standpoint on hemp may turn some growers off. But, if you can look past those obligations, hemp can be of great use to you.

As already mentioned, there’s such a wide variety of ways in which hemp can be used for your personal benefit. Even more so, though, by deciding to grow hemp, you can be a part of creating a more sustainable way of life.

GrönCafe, the first CBD cafe in America just opened its doors in Portland, Oregon.

The June launch of GrönCafe marks a historic moment for CBD’s rapidly increasing popularity in the U.S.

Portland, Oregon is known for embracing the weird & distinct aspects of life, which is probably why it’s home to the first CBD cafe in the U.S. Oregon is also one of the trailblazer’s when it comes to cannabis, as they were the first state to start decriminalizing in 1973.

Portland’s GrönCafe offers CBD-infused coffee drinks and CBD edibles in an elegant cafe environment. (Courtesy: Grön)

We had the privilege of interviewing the Founder & CEO of Grön, Mrs. Christine Smith, who gave us an insider’s look at the creation of her cafe.

A VISIT TO AMERICA’S FIRST CBD CAFE

Grön is the biggest seller of cannabis edibles in the state of Oregon, best known for their delicious THC-infused chocolates. However, none of the products served at GrönCafe contain THC, the compound in psychoactive cannabis (“marijuana”) that makes people feel high. Instead, CBD can promote relaxation, ease anxiety, and even relieve some forms of pain.

Located at Grön’s manufacturing facility in southeast Portland, the cafe serves CBD-infused coffee drinks akin to your local coffee shop’s espressos or lattes. Customers can also order all the drinks without the infusion, too. In addition to the coffee drinks, they serve Grön’s original CBD-infused chocolate products. Baristas always encourage first-time buyers to try a variety of products.

WHY CREATE GRÖNCAFE?

Smith moved to Oregon with her husband Jasper (who owned & operated a medical marijuana dispensary at the time) in 1999. After observing his business, she recognized a better way to produce edibles, which at that time were nothing more than chocolates crudely wrapped in cellophane. It’s worth noting that Oregon had just legalized medical cannabis the year before, so the market was still in its infancy.

So in 2014, using her past experience in the medical cannabis business, her background as an architect for over 20 years and the skills she gained from her studies in Denmark, she embarked on her journey with Grön.

In addition to CBD-infused coffee, Portland’s GrönCafe offers a selection of gourmet CBD chocolates. (Courtesy: Grön)

“I saw a market that had untapped potential, I saw something amazing that many people haven’t seen yet.”

Now, she’s started the CBD cafe as a way for people to get comfortable with using hemp for healing and as a way to introduce people into the many uses of CBD.

She feels strongly that CBD is one of the most powerful natural substances in the world. Smith hopes her CBD cafe can help remove stigma by providing an easy way for people to try CBD. Smith and her team plan to launch other tasty products too.

THE CHALLENGES OF WORKING WITH CBD & CANNABIS

Smith told us that working in this industry can be very challenging because of the complex regulations, even in a progressive state like Oregon.

Business owners in the cannabis industry are operating in a legal grey area. With state and federal regulations constantly changing, keeping up with rule changes is half the business. Smith and her team are constantly jumping through hoops just to operate as a business.

The GrönCafe team, with founder Christine Smith and her husband Jasper at right. Running America’s first CBD cafe presents unique legal challenges. (Courtesy: Grön)

Take banking for example: while Oregon is very progressive in terms of regulating businesses such as Grön, they are still held back by federal legislation. Oregon passed House Bill 4094 into law on April 4, 2016, which protects financial institutions from prosecution if they work with cannabis companies.

Even with this bill this in place, federal legislation requires financial institutions to comply with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (aka FinCEN) regulations, which are a lot of work for the banks and the businesses. Smith noted there’s copious amounts of paperwork needed to simply have a credit/debit card system for payment and online payroll.

Banking regulations also force her to have separate accounts for the THC side of Grön and the CBD side. To add to all this chaos, there are only two credit unions in the entire state of Oregon who are willing to work with marijuana-related businesses. Note that the THC side of the business is much more complicated and requires much more paperwork than the CBD side.

A barista serves coffee with a side of fresh whipped cream in Portland’s elegant GrönCafe, a dedicated CBD cafe. (Courtesy: Grön)

It’s exhausting to jump through these hoops, but such is the price to pay to be a trailblazer. Keep in mind that this is just for the financial side of her business. She must regularly test her products with the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) and a slew of other government agencies.

SO, YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN CBD CAFE?

Smith offered us four tips for entrepreneurs who want to start their own CBD cafe:

1. Pay attention to all laws and regulations. Regulations are constantly in a state of flux on the federal and state levels.
2. Study European CBD cafes, such as in Germany & Switzerland. Smith made effective use of her travels in Europe, taking the time to study the already-existing CBD cafes. Keep in mind that European countries are often more progressive towards cannabis, hemp and CBD than America.
3. View CBD as a healing supplement, not simply a food ingredient. CBD is not psychoactive like THC and but has real, measurable effects and side effects. CBD is one of the most useful compounds found in the natural world!
4. Most importantly, make an awesome product people will enjoy. None of the other tips matter if people don’t want to buy your product.

These rules are simple, but hard to follow.

Grön’s unique CBD cafe also offers a selection of other CBD edibles such as caramel sauce. (Courtesy: Grön)

WAKING UP TO CBD’S POTENTIAL WITH GRÖNCAFE

Christine Smith is a down-to-earth powerhouse of a woman. It was an honor to talk to one of the trailblazers of the CBD revolution.

Smith is doing much more than opening a cafe, she is helping bring CBD into the general public’s eye, making it a mainstream product while offering her customers a delicious and elegant cafe experience. Visit their website and be sure to stop by for a cup of CBD coffee if you’re in the area!

CBD cooking is easier than you might think, whether you’re craving sweet treats or savory snacks.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, oil has become increasingly popular for its potential therapeutic effects, ranging from stress management to skincare. CBD is available in a variety of forms, including pills, capsules, and edibles, but oils and tinctures allow for more customized CBD dosage and the ability to easily add cannabidiol to your cooking. Cooking with CBD oil not only helps to cover up the flavor of the compound, but also makes the overall process more fun.

CBD cooking and baking is easy, but it can still be a bit tricky for first-timers. Here are some tips and recipes to get you started.

TRY BOTH SWEET & SAVORY CBD COOKING

Most recipes that include CBD oil tend to focus on sweets and baked goods, and for good reason. It’s generally easier to cover up the inherent bitterness of CBD with sugar or chocolate. However, CBD oils can be just as effectively used in savory dishes.

CBD needs to be infused into a fat or oil-based ingredient, like butter, ghee, lard, or coconut oil, before it can be used in your cooking. In some recipes, alcoholic spirits (vodka, rum, whiskey) can replace the fat component. Avoid wine and beer, which won’t act as great carriers for CBD oil because they are water-based.

From sweet to savory, CBD cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. CBD-infused cookies make a delicious treat.

Recipe: CBD Chocolate Chip Cookies

• 0.5 oz. unflavored CBD oil
• 3 cups of flour
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp. salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup softened butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp. hot water
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix your wet ingredients (white sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, and CBD oil) until creamy. Beat in the eggs and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Add flour to the batter until fully combined. Dissolve the baking soda in the hot water and stir into the batter along with the salt.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips
5. Place parchment paper onto a baking sheet and spoon batter onto the sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each dollop.
6. Bake for 10 minutes or until cookies appear golden brown.

Cooking with CBD can be easy. Try adding CBD oil to your next batch of guacamole.

Recipe: Guacamole Dip

• 1 tsp. CBD oil
• 3 avocados
• 1 lime
• 1 tsp. salt
• ½ cup diced onion
• 3 tbs. chopped cilantro
• 2 diced roma tomatoes
• 1 tsp. minced garlic

1. In a bowl, mash up the avocados. Add the salt, lime juice, and CBD oil.
2. Mix in the other vegetables, and add cayenne pepper, more salt, or other seasonings to taste.

MORE TIPS FOR COOKING WITH CBD

Temperature matters in CBD cooking

CBD can be a bit of a fickle ingredient when it comes to temperatures. Warming the oil can increase CBD’s effectiveness, but higher temperatures can kill some of the active components. CBD will begin to evaporate at temperatures higher than 320 to 356 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do not place your CBD oil on direct heat. Heating the oil at too high temperatures can result in the loss of terpenes, which are compounds that work in conjunction with CBD to increase its overall effects. Heating CBD too high also tends to bring out more of its bitterness.

Sometimes, less is more in CBD cooking: Start with a smaller amount of cannabidiol when starting out at cooking with CBD.

Start small, don’t use too much CBD

When you first start cooking with CBD oil, it’s far too easy to add too much CBD to a recipe, which usually leads to bad flavors, wasted oil, and too much of the compound’s effects. Less is more, at least when you’re starting out.

Along with the CBD serving size, consider starting with smaller batches. If the dish turns out good, then you can prepare the recipe again with a larger batch. This will also help you get more comfortable with different CBD serving sizes, allowing you to make alterations with future recipes so that you can get the most out of your CBD edibles.

Store your CBD oil properly

When you’re not using your CBD oil, make sure you keep it in a cool, dark place. Cannabinoids are naturally sensitive to heat and light, leading to overall degradation in potency and quality. Degraded CBD oil will not be as effective and may impart more bitter, unpleasant flavors into your recipes.

Stick with more refined CBD oils

Filtered, decarboxylated, and other more refined forms of CBD oils tend to work well with all cooking applications. Less refined oils may leave an unpleasant aftertaste, especially if you are working with more herb-heavy recipes.

Less refined CBD oil pairs better with strong flavors

All that said, less-refined or lower quality oils can still be useful in recipes featuring strong flavors, like chocolate or spices. Unfiltered CBD oils also tend to contain more vitamins and helpful amino acids than their filtered counterparts.

Thorough mixing is vital to CBD cooking, because it ensures the cannabidiol is evenly distributed. Stir, stir, stir!

Stir as much as possible

From guacamole to chocolate chip cookies to soups, make sure you stir in the CBD oil as much as possible, more than you might even think. This ensures that CBD is evenly distributed throughout the batch so that every bite offers equal potency.

Cooking with CBD is better than drizzling CBD

It’s always recommended that you mix the oil into your ingredients for optimal flavors, but if you are in a rush, you can drizzle the oil directly onto your food. It won’t taste as good, but you can still get the desired effects.

Above all, have fun! As you get more familiar with using CBD oil in your cooking, you can adjust recipes and create custom dishes of your own that taste great and offer the benefits of CBD.

A hemp legalization amendment in the 2018 Farm Bill prevents anyone with a felony drug conviction from growing hemp.

Some existing hemp entrepreneurs could even find themselves shut out.

“I have a very successful business, I’ve been in this from the get go,” said Veronica Carpio, an experienced hemp producer and president of Grow Hemp Colorado, at a hemp conference in New York last month.

Despite her undeniable contributions to the industry, a past felony cannabis conviction endangers her continued involvement. “If this bill passes, I’m out.”

At issue is part of the Senate version of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, also known as the 2018 Farm Bill, which would legalize industrial hemp growing across the country. Sen. Mitch McConnell spearheaded the current effort to legalize industrial hemp and his “Hemp Farming Act of 2018” soon picked up bipartisan sponsorship. However, the hemp legalization amendment, unlike the original bill, bans anyone convicted of a drug-related felony from involvement in hemp growing and potentially other aspects of the industry.

FELONY BAN DIVIDES HEMP ADVOCATES OVER LEGALIZATION AMENDMENT

No other crop grown in the U.S. faces these kinds of restrictions. While most hemp advocates celebrated McConnell’s initial efforts to legalize hemp, they’re much more divided over this new clause. Multiple hemp experts we spoke with speculated that the Senate changed the language to appease conservative elements of the legislature and the Department of Justice.

The House version of the bill does not include hemp legalization. Legislators must now debate this and other differences in a conference committee before the Farm Bill passes to the President’s desk. Hemp supporters like Rick Trojan, vice president of the Hemp Industries Association, worry that even if it passes the amendment will create an unequal and unfair hemp industry.

“Excluding a whole class of people is not what I’m about,” Trojan said. “And not what I think the hemp industry is about.”

HEMP LEGALIZATION AMENDMENT COULD SHUT OUT HEMP ENTREPRENEURS

The United States partially re-legalized hemp through an amendment to the 2014 version of the Farm Bill. Under this previous hemp legalization amendment, states were free to create hemp research programs that included market research (sales of hemp products like CBD). Since then growers in Colorado, Carpio’s home base, made the state into the country’s top hemp producer.

The 2018 legalization amendment places hemp under the control of the Department of Agriculture. The department would approve each state or Native American tribe’s growing program. But the following clause would shut out thousands of people like Carpio from being part of these licensed programs:

FELONY.—Any person convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance under State or Federal law shall be ineligible—

(i) to participate in the program established under this section; and

(ii) to produce hemp under any regulations or guidelines issued under section 297D(a).

An empty prison hallway. Advocates worry that the hemp legalization amendment in the 2018 Farm Bill would exclude some of society’s most vulnerable people.

The full scope of the effects of this clause are unclear. According to Eric Steenstra, president of Vote Hemp, the amendment bans anyone with a felony drug conviction from hemp growing. He could not guarantee that it won’t interfere with other parts of the industry.

“We were disappointed to see that got added to the language,” Steenstra said. “That’s not something we were happy about.”

RACISM IN HEMP LEGALIZATION AMENDMENT?

“Just because you had a conviction for a drug-related felony doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t be in the industry,” said Steenstra.

Advocates argue that cannabis is harmless and extremely beneficial. If the U.S. is in the process of legalizing hemp, why should past convictions prevent you from participating in the field? In fact, such people likely have skills in growing and production the hemp industry sorely needs.

“That is a way of intentionally slowing the growth of an industry,” Trojan suggested.

Trojan and Carpio were unflinching in their condemnation of the clause in the hemp legalization amendment, suggesting it perpetuates racist aspects of the war on drugs. Although all races use and sell drugs and mind-altering substances at about the same rate, drug convictions disproportionately affect people of color.

“We denounce racism and discrimination in the cannabis (both hemp and marijuana) industries and this new language needs to be challenged and removed,” Carpio wrote in a press release.

Opponents of the war on drugs are working to legalize cannabis and other substances while concurrently seeking to change laws to enable people with drug convictions to expunge their criminal records. Carpio said the felony ban in the hemp legalization amendment represents a significant setback to those efforts by excluding thousands of already vulnerable people from the earning potential of hemp. Even though most states are in the process of legalizing cannabis, most of the people excluded from the hemp industry are likely to be those with cannabis-related convictions. Statistics show police arrest more people for cannabis use than for all violent crimes combined.

CAN THE HEMP LEGALIZATION AMENDMENT BE CHANGED IN TIME?

Steenstra suggested it would be tough to change the hemp legalization amendment. He expects hemp legalization to pass in its current form.

“At this point, what are we going to do?” Steenstra asked, though he pledged to look for opportunities to change the amendment.

Joy Beckerman, president of the Hemp Industries Association, concurred.

“There is no such thing as legislation that doesn’t have concerns or flaws, unfortunately,” said Beckerman.

She appeared at the same New York hemp conference where Carpio spoke. “I would love to be able to go from prohibition to utopia but sadly that is just not the way things work.”

Trojan, on the other hand, strongly encouraged hemp supporters to keep fighting.

“Everyone needs to contact their legislator,” he said said. “Continue to push for equal access to this economic boon.”

We will continue to closely follow this issue at Ministry of Hemp.

PhytoLogica Hemp Balm makes your skin smell like lavender and soothes aching muscles without being too greasy.

Our review team used this hemp balm to ease soreness from exercise and chronic pain and it quickly became a favorite product. Like so many people, PhytoLogica founder Heather Atwell discovered the benefits of CBD after seeking relief for health problems in her family that proved difficult to treat in other ways.

Topical CBD is a great way to apply cannabidiol directly where it’s needed most on your body by directly targeting aching muscles. Since topical CBD salves and balms skip the blood stream and digestive tract, they have even fewer side effects than other forms of CBD.

PhytoLogica Full Spectrum Hemp balm combines cbd oil with coconut oil, beeswax, and the fresh scent of lavender.

Read on for our full review of PhytoLogica full spectrum hemp balm.

PHYTOLOGICA INSPIRED BY HEALTH CRISIS IN FOUNDER’S FAMILY

In a personal message on her website, Atwell describes how she discovered CBD after her father developed cancer. While he struggled with the side effects of chemotherapy and other treatments, Atwell discovered that she’d inherited her mother’s scoliosis. Unlike her mother, she wanted to avoid addiction to the opioid painkillers which doctors prescribe for this painful spinal condition.

CBD turned out to be the key. While cancer eventually claimed her father’s life, Atwell believes that natural health treatments helped him live longer and better. She’s also used CBD and other alternate treatments to avoid dependence on opioid painkillers.

“It makes me very happy to hear from people getting relief from pain and illness through natural resources and I’m blessed to be able to share my knowledge,” Atwell wrote.

While everyone reacts differently to CBD, many people report that it offers significant relief. One study of 2,400 CBD users showed that hundreds were able to reduce their use of pharmaceutical drugs with the help of CBD and other cannabinoids.

PHYTOLOGICA HEMP BALM OFFICIAL REVIEW

• Highlights: Full Spectrum Hemp Balm from PhytoLogica is relaxing for sore muscles and features a delightful lavender scent. The light texture makes it perfect for using on the go or at home.
• Price: $88 for a 1 ounce jar.
• Strength: 500mg of full spectrum hemp extract / CBD per jar.
• Customer Service & Shipping: Fast, friendly customer service. $5.99 flat rate for shpping, with free shipping on orders over $99.
• Independent Test Results: Available by email. Contact customer service.
• Texture & Scent: Wonderful scent of lavender. The texture is smooth and silky from the coconut oil and beeswax without leaving the skin feeling excessively oily.
• Ingredients: Medium Chain Triglycerides (coconut oil), Beeswax, Phytocannabinoid Hemp Extract, Lavender Oil, Eucalyptus Oil

We appreciate the use of organic coconut oil and just a few, simple ingredients in Phytologica Hemp Balm. PhytoLogica also offers CBD oil tinctures and soft gel capsules. PhytoLogica makes all their products from U.S. grown hemp.

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.

Update JULY 11, 2018: The current language of the hemp amendment also bans people with felony drug convictions from participating in the hemp industry.

An amendment to the Senate version of the 2018 Farm Bill would fully legalize industrial hemp in the United States.

“This is a big day for hemp,” said Brian Furnish, a hemp grower from Kentucky and president of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable.

The amendment legalizing hemp began as a bill proposed by Mitch McConnell, the Republican majority leader in the Senate. The “Hemp Farming Act of 2018” fully legalizes industrial hemp and all products made from it including CBD oil. Under the new law, the Drug Enforcement Administration and other government agencies would no longer be able to interfere with hemp.

A hemp farmer surveys his crop at sunrise. The 2018 Farm Bill could mark a new beginning for hemp growing in the U.S. if the a legalization amendment makes its way into the final version.

Due to political uncertainty over other parts of the massive Farm Bill, and the lack of hemp related language in the House version of the bill, there are still hurdles ahead before legalization.

2014 vs. 2018: NEW FARM BILL BUILDS ON PARTIAL LEGALIZATION

The United States made industrial hemp illegal for decades until an amendment to the 2014 version of the Farm Bill allowed growing by state-run hemp research programs.

These state-based programs vary, with some allowing only university research and others allowing a limited number of everyday farmers. The U.S. grew about 25,000 acres of hemp under these state programs, mostly in more permissive states like Colorado and Kentucky. However, CBD vendors have faced some legal threats at both the state and federal level. Other government agencies, like the Bureau of Reclamation, have also interfered with growers at times.

HOW THE 2018 FARM BILL WOULD LEGALIZE HEMP

McConnell’s amendment to the 2018 Farm Bill would officially remove hemp from the DEA’s list of controlled substances, ending debate over the legal status of the plant.

All products made from hemp, including CBD oil, would be explicitly legalized as well, so long as they contain less than .3 percent THC (the substance which makes people “feel high” in psychoactive cannabis). State agriculture departments, along with Native American tribes, would be free to regulate hemp just as they do any other crop like corn or carrots.

BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR HEMP BUT CONFLICT OVER 2018 FARM BILL

In a historic moment for hemp legalization, the Senate passed the 2018 Farm Bill with the hemp amendment included. Members of both parties support hemp in an unusual display of bipartisan agreement. However, since the House version of the Farm Bill does not include the same amendment, hemp’s future is still up in the air.

Before it can appear before the president for his signature, the House and Senate must form a “Conference Committee” to iron out differences between the two versions of the 2018 Farm Bill. Conferees, appointed from both parties, will meet to debate the final version. Hemp advocates hope that, with McConnell’s enthusiastic support, conferees are likely to back hemp.

Still, “there’s always political conflict in Washington,” Furnish warned.

A shot of the U.S. Capitol seen at dusk. The Senate version of the 2018 Farm Bill includes a historic amendment to legalize industrial hemp.

A disagreement over Food Stamps is one possible source of conflict. The House version of the bill includes controversial changes that would reduce the number of people eligible for the program. Disagreement over provisions like these could also put hemp legalization at risk.

Though the hemp industry overall enthusiastically supports the hemp amendment, there are a few dissenting voices. Veronica Carpio, of Grow Hemp Colorado, objects to hemp-only legalization bills which allows some growers to profit off the cannabis plant while growers and users of psychoactive cannabis remain in prison.

“No one goes to prison for hemp charges, but people go to prison and lives are still ruined over marijuana,” she told us, echoing comments she made around a previous, failed hemp legalization bill.

HEMP LEGALIZATION IS CLOSER THAN EVER TO REALITY

The 2018 farm bill is an omnibus piece of legislation which ensures continued funding for numerous agricultural and social programs. Pres. Donald Trump is almost certain to sign it when it finally reaches his desk.

While it’s still possible hemp could become legal through other methods, such as a stand-alone bill, Furnish hopes hemp supporters will speak up in favor of the plant.

“Contact your representatives and tell them to support McConnell’s hemp language,” he said.

One easy way to do so is to complete this form on the U.S. Hemp Roundtable website.

CBD isolate is one of the most versatile and beneficial compounds available to us as consumers.

From a vape juice better than anything you could buy premade to a special batch of grandma’s famous brownies, the possibilities are almost unlimited. With so many options, the question quickly becomes: How do you want to consume your CBD?

Do you need instant relief from pain or are you treating a skin condition? Are you suffering from seizures or do you just need a little help getting to sleep at night? No matter your needs, you can use CBD isolates to create customized treatments not commercially available.

Read on for more about how to use CBD isolate, and our reviews of the best CBD isolates available online.

CBD DIY: HOW TO USE CBD ISOLATE

More important than all the options CBD isolate affords end-users, it allows us to control exactly what goes into or onto our bodies and the quality of all the ingredients used. For example, many CBD topicals include added herbal or botanical ingredients that, while pleasant to smell, can irritate sensitive skin or even exacerbate some conditions. Using an isolate, you can create your own topical with only the ingredients that work for you.

You can add CBD isolate to almost anything. By mixing isolate with a skin-safe oil or lotion, you  can create a homemade CBD topical with only the ingredients you want included.

With merely a gram of CBD isolate, a few ounces of oil (sunflower, hemp, coconut, avocado, etc.) and a little bit of heat, you have your own high-quality CBD mixture. Add it to food, rub it on your skin or simply consume it straight. It’s as simple as melting butter in a pan.

When it comes to CBD, DIY is king. Too often, the compounds we find in commercially available products are mislabeled or created using sub-par ingredients. With so many great companies producing high quality CBD and CBD products, there is no reason to settle for overpriced and questionably sourced CBD.

HOW TO DAB & VAPE USING CBD ISOLATE

One of the quickest ways to consume CBD is by dabbing isolate. You will need a glass water pipe (better known as a “bong”), a quartz nail attachment, a dabber to hold the CBD and a butane torch or electronic nail heating element (an e-nail). The initial investment is about $100 to $200, depending on the equipment. E-nails are more expensive, but much safer than using a butane torch for some users.

Simply heat up the nail and place the CBD on it using the dabber while simultaneously inhaling off the water pipe. As soon as the CBD touches the hot nail, it vaporizes and can be inhaled directly into the lungs.

Dabbing is probably the most popular way to use CBD isolate, and it is one of the quickest and most effective ways to consume cannabidiol.

In states that have legalized psychoactive cannabis (“marijuana”), CBD can be added directly on top of a bowl of cannabis flower or to THC containing extracts to increase the therapeutic effects. THC and CBD work together synergistically to regulate the effects of each other. For users who experience anxiety when they consume marijuana, CBD can help to soften the effects and mellow out the “high.”

CBD isolate also offers a cheaper and higher quality alternative to pre-mixed CBD vape juices and pre-filled vape pens. Users simply need refillable tank style vape, a bottle of vegetable glycerin, a bottle of propylene glycol and vape flavor additives. Commercial vape juice manufacturers add all sorts of sugars and sweeteners to their recipes that end up shortening the lifespan of vape coils and increasing particulate matter exposure.

HOW WE PICKED THE BEST CBD ISOLATES

In order to be included in this review, companies needed to either publicly post third party lab results or provide them upon request. Because quality and purity are such important factors when choosing CBD isolate, any company that didn’t provide third-party lab results was immediately removed from our list.

Next, we looked at transparency. Companies needed to provide information, either publicly or upon request, about the source of their hemp and the extraction method used to create their isolate. Finally, we judged each company on their customer service. While most companies quickly responded to our requests, a few didn’t reply at all. We dropped companies that didn’t reply after multiple inquiries from our list.

Upon receipt of our orders, we judged each isolate according to its smell, taste, look, consistency and packaging. While we considered the effects of each CBD isolate, they are all 99%+ CBD and there is little to no difference in the effect of each. All CBD isolate should have the same mellow, non-psychoactive, relaxing and pain-relieving effects. Choosing between these brands comes down mostly to personal preference.

Our reviewer used these CBD isolates during an especially long, physically exhausting period in his life. CBD helped to combat the effects of fatigue and soreness. For the purposes of this review, we used a glass water pipe, a quartz nail, a titanium dabber and a butane torch to vaporize and inhale the CBD directly.

Here, in no particular order, are the brands we believe offer the best CBD isolates available online:

• Medterra Med99+ CBD Isolate
• Lazarus Naturals Cycling Frog Isolates
• Ambary Gardens 99% Isolate CBD
• Bluebird Botanicals CBD Isolate

Click above or continue reading for our complete review of each brand.

CBD ISOLATE OFFICIAL REVIEWS

Medterra Med99+ CBD Isolate

• Highlights: Med99+ CBD Isolate from Medterra left no residue and tastes good, with relaxing effects but has a noticeable earth smell compared to other isolates.
• Special Offer: Use coupon code MOH for 10 percent off your order
• Price: $34.99 per gram
• Customer Service & Shipping: Responsive to email inquiries. Shipping is $2 First Class Mail
• Extraction Method: CO2 extraction.
• Hemp Source: Kentucky
• Independent Test Results: Online.
• Appearance, Scent & Flavor: Crystalline, white powder with slight earthy scent. Mildly piney flavor.

Medterra’s CBD hit all the marks in terms of our requirements. They quickly responded to our inquiries and clearly post all third-party lab results on their website. Medterra’s isolate is a solid deal for quality CO2 extracted, domestically grown CBD.

Lazarus Naturals Cycling Frog Isolates

• Highlights: Cycling Frog from Lazarus Naturals offers a great value with their high-quality, relaxing yet inexpensive CBD isolate in both raw form and with unique added flavors.
• Special Offer: Use coupon code MoH10 for 10 percent off most items
• Price: $30 per gram
• Customer Service & Shipping: Very responsive to email inquiries. Shipping is $8 UPS Ground, free shipping on orders over $50
• Extraction Method: Kosher alcohol extraction
• Hemp source: U.S.
• Independent Test Results:
  • Potency and residual solvent
  • Heavy metals
  • Chemical residue
• Appearance, Scent & Flavor:  All varieties taste similar, piney and smooth with very light fruity undertones on the flavored varieties.
  • Raw CBD isolate – white powder with no discernable odor
  • Hawaiian Citrus isolate – off-white crystalline powder with tropical citrus scent
  • Valencia Orange isolate – off-white crystalline powder with fresh orange scent
  • Lemon Lime isolate – off-white crystalline powder with lemon-lime scent

Lazarus Naturals’ flavors its different varieties of CBD isolate using plant terpenes. We were impressed by our experience, but further testing is required to determine the full potential of these products. Though the flavors are very mild, they would likely become stronger if you used the isolate for cooking or in vape juice.

Lazarus Naturals stands out for their clean extraction method, outstanding customer service, and discounts offered to veterans and the disabled. If you want to try all four flavors, they offer a sample pack with one gram of each flavor for only $100.

Ambary Gardens 99% Isolate CBD

• Highlights: 99% Isolate CBD from Ambary Gardens is a bit more expensive than other options, however their isolate is made from organic hemp grown by the company. Dabbing this CBD was relaxing and it tasted very smooth.
• Price: $60 per gram
• Customer Service & Shipping: Responsive to email inquiries. Shipping is $7.99 flat rate or free local pickup.
• Extraction Method: Open ethanol wash with vacuum after-purge
• Hemp Source: Kittredge, Colorado, grown in-house
• Independent Test Results: Potency, more tests available on request.
• Appearance, Scent & Flavor: This isolate tasted piney and extremely smooth. These crystalline shards of isolate had an earthy odor that did not affect the flavor.

For what you are getting, the price is great. Ambary Garden’s extracts their CBD from organic hemp grown on their own farm on Colorado. Of the five brands of CBD isolate we tested, Ambary Garden’s had the smoothest flavor when vaporized.

Bluebird Botanicals CBD Isolate

• Highlights: Bluebird Botanicals CBD Isolate is a scentless, pure white powder with a mildly piney flavor and relaxing effects. We appreciated this company’s transparency and quick customer service.
• Price: $39.95 per gram
• Customer Service & Shipping: Responsive to email inquiries. Shipping is $5, but free on orders over $49
• Extraction Method: Ethanol extraction and winterization.
• Hemp Source: Colorado
• Independent Test Results:
  • Potency and terpene analysis
  • Mycotoxin and pesticide analysis
  • Heavy metal analysis
  • Residual solvent analysis
• Appearance, Scent & Flavor: White powder with no discernable scent. Mildly piney flavor.

Overall, this isolate is clean, potent and pure, leaving behind no residue when vaporized. Bluebird Botanicals offers a good product at a good price backed by top-notch customer service.

CONCLUSION: QUALITY MATTERS IN CBD ISOLATE

While this is in no way an exhaustive list of CBD isolates, it is a place to start and weigh your different options.

Whatever source you find, make sure they have third-party lab tests available upon request. Brands should clearly state the origin of their hemp and the extraction method used. If not, you should contact customer service or find a different source.

If you want ideas for other quality, vetted companies, the r/CBD subreddit is an invaluable resource with information about nefarious companies and unsafe 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.

Though this supplement is available in many forms, more and more people are discovering the benefits of vaping CBD oil.

The hemp industry has seen enormous growth in recent years because of its powerful health benefits. Thousands of testimonials and some scientific studies report CBD offers healing for all sorts of mental and physical health conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, pain, inflammation and epilepsy. You can experience the benefits of CBD through a variety of consumption methods, including eating it, taking it under the tongue, applying it to the skin and more. However, vaping allows for fast absorption and an overall relaxing, efficient CBD experience.

The benefits of vaping CBD include fast absorption, customized dosing, and a relaxing experience.

However, many people find inhaling CBD vape oil is their preferred method. Here are some of the benefits of vaping CBD:

VAPING CBD MEANS FAST ABSORPTION

If you are looking for immediate relief, vaping CBD might be your best option.

CBD vape oil has a faster absorption rate than other forms of CBD, like edibles and oils. This is because the CBD reaches your bloodstream through your lungs rather than having to go through your digestive system. It’s common for the medicinal effects of CBD vape oil to be felt immediately, or within a few minutes. The fast absorption rate makes vape oil a favorable solution for those who suffer from anxiety attacks, short-term stress and pain flare-ups.

It’s possible that inhaling CBD can have higher bioavailability when compared to other consumption methods, meaning more of the compound is absorbed into the body. In a study that compared the bioavailability of psychoactive cannabis among various consumption methods, results showed that inhalation of THC had an availability of 18 percent and eating a THC cookie provided a six percent availability. While this study analyzed the bioavailability of THC, the results should be somewhat comparable to the bioavailability of CBD. The two compounds have some similarity in how they are absorbed by the body.

HIGH PURITY, FEWER INGREDIENTS

Many CBD products on the market include other natural ingredients to enhance the health benefits, but some consumers may want to stick to just the CBD.

Many people find the experience of vaping CBD to be extremely relaxing.

Vape oils typically offer CBD in its purest form. You can expect only a small handful of ingredients in a premium CBD vape oil. Most are usually 100 percent pure CBD extract, plus vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). These two ingredients bind the vape oil and produce the clouds commonly associated with vaping. Pure CBD vape oils may also contain a flavoring component. This is one of the major benefits of vaping CBD if you want a pure and potent supplement without fewer added ingredients.

Unlike other vape products on the market, pure CBD vape oils do not contain nicotine, or any other addictive chemicals. CBD itself is non-addictive, and it is not linked with severe side effects or overdose. CBD is generally regarded as safe, and many say it adds significant value to their health.

VAPING CBD OFFERS CUSTOMIZED DOSING

Some CBD products, including gummies and capsules, contain a pre-measured dose of CBD. CBD vape oil offers another way to completely customize your dosing. With a few simple calculations, you can determine exactly how much vape oil to add and inhale to consume the amount you want.

You can also purchase your CBD vape oil in various potency levels, from as low as 25mg per bottle all the way up to 4,000mg per bottle. If you are vaping CBD simply for a mild calming effect, you can elect for a small dose. Those who are using CBD to treat moderate or severe health conditions may choose a strong, high-potency dose. Vaping CBD is also a good option if you want to take varying doses of CBD depending on the day.

VAPING CBD IS RELAXING

Many people consume CBD purely for the relaxation benefits. One could argue that vaping is perhaps the most relaxing way to take CBD, as it produces soft, pleasant clouds that gently seep into your breath and lungs to promote calmness. CBD vape oil is often enhanced with delicious flavors, making the taste and smell very enjoyable.

Since CBD e-juice doesn’t have a distinct odor, no one needs to know you’re vaping CBD.

CBD vapers can take a few puffs to escape from daytime stress or vape before bed to help relax into a state of rest. The mellow experience of vaping combines with the natural tranquility of CBD to create deep relaxation.

THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF VAPING CBD

It’s not uncommon for people to take CBD while in public or at work. While CBD is safe to use virtually anytime and anywhere, some may feel insecure about taking a capsule or drops of oil with others watching. Vaping CBD is a discreet way of taking your CBD dose on-the-go without pulling out a tincture or bottle. No one will know you are taking CBD unless you tell them since CBD vape oil doesn’t have a distinct smell or look. You can seamlessly incorporate CBD into your daily vaping routine without notice.

When it comes to choosing a CBD consumption method, there is no right or wrong answer. No matter how you choose to take it, you will likely benefit from its therapeutic qualities. The benefits of vaping CBD are clear if you want fast relaxation and convenience.

Want to learn more about CBD vaping? Check out Ministry of Hemp’s article on Vaping CBD 101.

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.

Hemp Bombs CBD Gummies look and taste different than others we’ve tried.

Hemp Bombs’ gummies reminded us more of the ‘sour patch’ version of the traditional gummy, with a mild, pleasant combination of sour and sweet tastes.

These gummies have a nice sugar coated exterior, which gives them an intense, sweet flavor, but not overwhelming to the palate. They have a firm texture that does not just melt away once they touch the tongue. The gummies come in an assortment of fruity flavors that were tasteful and prominent, just like the candy, but with a very slight medicinal aftertaste.

HOW HEMP BOMBS MAKES CBD GUMMIES

The CBD in Hemp Bombs’ gummies is developed using a hydrocarbon extraction process, followed by winterization to remove fats and lipids. The oil goes through a rotary evaporation process twice to remove unwanted plant material and then decarboxylated (which means they convert CBD into its active form by applying heat). The active CBD comes out in crystallized form and is infused into the gummies.

Hemp Bombs prides themselves on sourcing and importing only the highest grade of organic-certified European hemp. In addition to adhering to the strict European hemp practices, they also have their own set up quality control standards, including third-party lab testing.

Once ordered, Hemp Bombs products are shipped directly to the consumer’s doorstep within 48 hours. We were impressed by their speedy shipping.

HEMP BOMBS CBD GUMMIES OFFICIAL REVIEW

• Highlights: CBD Gummies from Hemp Bombs have a nice sweet/sour balance, combined with a noticeable fruit flavor and firm, chewy texture.
• Specials: Save 10% when you sign up for the Hemp Bombs newsletter
• Price: Prices start at $14.99 for a 5 pack to $99.99 for 60 count
• Strength: 15mg of CBD per gummy.
• Customer Service & Shipping: Customer service was extremely fast and easily answered all the questions I asked. Fast shipping.  Free shipping is available on all orders over $75.
• Independent Test Results: 15mg Online / 25mg Online
• Flavor: These gummes come in assorted fruit flavors that are sweet and mildly sour. We noticed only a very slight medicinal aftertaste.
• Ingredients: Sugar, Corn Syrup, Gelatin, Citric Acid, Calcium Lactate, Silicon Dioxide, Natural & Artificial Flavors
• Other: Gummies are available in packs/bottles of 5, 15, 30 and 60 count. A 25mg gummy is also available in quantities of 60 per bottle.

Hemp Bombs CBD products also come in the form of syrups, capsules, gels, and more and in various strengths.

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.

A lot of people wonder how CBD will affect their dreams, since bad dreams can be strange, disturbing and even scary.

Have you ever had a dream where all your teeth fall out? Lots of people have had it and the interpretations of what the dream actually means vary quite a bit. Some say it’s about change in your work life, others (like Carl Jung) suggest it’s related to feeling powerless. Whatever it means, it can be a pretty weird to have.

Sometimes these dreams are upsetting and, of course, unwanted. Because of its everyday association with cannabis, new users of CBD wonder about the side effects of the compound. Will it cause mind altering effects, for example? Or perhaps make you have weird dreams?

THC, CBD & DREAMS

Most of this comes down to a little confusion about CBD oil, and the differences between CBD and THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana. Because CBD does not get you high, and can even promote more restful sleep, CBD users are unlikely to experience these problems.

People mention cannabis and immediately get the wrong idea, thinking they’re going to get high from CBD. The main active ingredient in psychoactive cannabis or ‘marijuana,’ when it’s used for recreational purposes, is a chemical component in the plant called tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. Experienced users of THC products understand different strains and types of product can induce very unusual dreams.

Floating away into dreamland. CBD may promote restful sleep, and is less likely than THC to cause nightmares or other weird dreams.

In most reputable CBD products, you don’t get any of this because there’s no THC. That’s why the media sometimes CBD (mistakenly) refers to CBD as medical cannabis in places like the U.S.

CAN CBD OIL CAUSE WEIRD DREAMS?

Again, this is an area that generally needs a lot more research. First, it helps to know a little more about what happens when you drop off at night. Sleep has different, distinct stages. One well-known stage is REM or Rapid Eye Movement, This is where we normally dream or remember our dreams. The other stage, deep sleep, is beneficial for a lot of things including recovery and restoring the body. Think of it like recharging your batteries.

There have been some anecdotal accounts of people having weird dreams when using CBD, but these may not be down to the compound at all. Research into the effect of THC on sleep patterns found that it decreased the REM stage and increased the deep sleep phase. Subjects also reported a rebound effect when they stopped using the drug. Some people who stopped using CBD oil before bedtime also report having more vivid dreams.

A woman stretches out in restful sleep. Though more research is needed, it’s unlikely that CBD will cause weird dreams.

Other people have noted that their recall of dreams after taking CBD oil improves. Even if we do settle into REM sleep and dream, many of us don’t normally remember anything much when we wake up. There’s no evidence, clinical or anecdotal, that suggests any worsening of dreams such as nightmares or night terrors.

CBD COULD LOWER ANXIETY & PROMOTE RESTFUL SLEEP

Studies do suggest that CBD may be involved in lowering anxiety levels and many users point out they tend to fall asleep more quickly when using the compound. Some research also suggests that sleep quality may be improved which can lead to a better sense of feeling refreshed and higher energy levels on waking.

If you are worried about taking CBD for sleep issues or simply as a health supplement, there is currently little evidence to suggest that it is going to give you strange dreams during the night.

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.