CBD is a natural supplement. Its extensive list of potential health benefits is due to its ability to mimic the functions of the neurotransmitters produced by your body. Since CBD is a plant extract, it’s important to be sure the products you select are of the highest quality, and while it is important to select products derived from plants grown with organic methods, there are other important considerations when choosing a CBD product.
A Natural Supplement for Endocannabinoid Support
CBD is extracted from cannabis plants. There are two potential sources, hemp, and marijuana. Since CBD sourced from hemp contains only trace amounts (less than .3 percent) of THC, you get all the potential health benefits of cannabis without the risk of intoxication.
Supplementing with natural cannabis products can support your endocannabinoid system. This is the system of neurotransmitters and receptors that facilitate the communication between your body and your brain.
While the function of this system is not entirely understood, researchers now believe that this vital system potentially regulates and stabilizes the processes in your body known as homeostasis. Just some of the functions regulated by your endocannabinoid system include:
- Immune system function
- Pain and inflammation
- Mood, memory, and learning
- Temperature regulation
- Cardiovascular
- Neurodevelopment and neuroprotection
- The reproductive processes
- Digestive processes
Ideally, your body would produce all the neurotransmitters necessary to keep this system functioning efficiently. But the neurotransmitters made by your body break down quickly. When these messengers are depleted, the communication system can fail. CBD supplements your endocannabinoid system by mimicking the functions of the messengers (endocannabinoids) produced by your body.
Quality Hemp is Grown Using Organic Methods
You may have noticed during your investigation on the potential benefits of CBD, that you often see manufacturers highlighting the fact that their product is sourced from organic hemp, or hemp grown using organic practices. These are significant statements, for good reason.
The soil which hemp grows in needs to be free of harmful chemicals and pesticides. Hemp plants have the ability to draw contaminants from the soil it grows in. Hemp growers are well aware of this. Unless hemp is grown in soil that is free of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, those compounds will make their way into the finished product. Reputable CBD manufacturers insist upon using hemp plants grown with organic farming methods. Typically, organic practices involve:
- Growing hemp in soil proven to be free of existing toxins
- Growing hemp without the use of chemical pesticides and herbicides
- Planting seeds that have not been genetically altered (non-GMO)
- Planting seeds that have not been exposed to or modified by chemicals
- Growing crops without the use of antibiotics
- Growing and processing hemp without radiation
After decades of banning the cultivation of hemp, the US Farm Bill of 2014 once again allowed for hemp cultivation in the US. Even though hemp can be grown legally in many states, the organic certification process for hemp and hemp products is still a source of controversy and confusion.
Typically, hemp crops are not certified. Although many cannabis growers have taken a particular interest in having their crops certified as organic, many accredited agents are hesitant to certify hemp crops. Their hesitancy may be because of the lack of clarity in the approval processes regarding hemp. It could also be due to the confusion surrounding the federal jurisdiction of hemp and hemp products.
Meeting the Standards for Organic Certification
The term “organic” is owned by our government. Any product labeled as “USDA Certified organic” must undergo official certification by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). It can take many years and thousands of dollars to complete the certification process.
CBD Does Not Qualify to Be Certified as a USDA Certified Organic Product
Even if organic hemp, domestic or imported, were to be used to extract CBD, and all of the carrier oils and flavors are derived from certified organic sources, CBD products cannot be certified as a USDA Certified Organic product. That’s because any certifiable products need to fall within the jurisdiction of the FDA. Since CBD products are not FDA regulated, the products cannot be labeled organic.
Alternate Methods of Verifying Purity and Potency
CBD is a natural product, so you’ll want to be sure that your product manufacture adheres to the best possible practices. While CBD products cannot be certified as USDA organic due to FDA regulations, you will still want to be sure that your CBD is made from non-GMO, pesticide-free hemp.
To ensure the safety and potency of your CBD, rely on retailers who are willing to disclose their batch testing results and extraction methods. You should also look for CBD products that contain natural carrier oils.
Visit CannaCopia Provisions for a quality assortment of safe, pure, CBD products including tinctures, topicals, capsules, and CBD vape products (all coming soon). The purity and potency of our non-psychoactive hemp sourced products are available for viewing within the photograph section of every product.