CBD Explained
No matter who you are, what you call it, or how you ingest it, cannabis has something to offer everyone. Don’t believe us? Hemp fibers can be used to make commercial products like clothes, shoes, and textiles, and are both stronger, softer and last twice as long as cotton fibers do. It can be used to produce hemp-based biofuel, bioplastics, and insulation, too, though, in years past, the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (the compound better known as THC) have taken center stage in most cannabis-related conversations.
“What really is CBD?”
Fast forward to 2020. Now we know that different strains of cannabis contain varied amounts of cannabinoids (which include any of various biologically-active chemical constituents of hemp or cannabis), and that THC is only the beginning when it comes to understanding marijuana. CBD (formally known as cannabidiol) is one of the 113 naturally-occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, and it’s become quite popular in the last few years. CBD can be found in cannabis sativa and industrial hemp, and is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which means it won’t get you high. Its legality can be murky (for instance, the state of New York allows CBD to be widely available, but the City of New York prohibits the use of CBD in food and drinks), but as long as your CBD doesn’t exceed the FDA regulated limit of 3% THC, you’re likely to be within the legal boundaries of consumption.
“What’s all the buzz about?”
Let’s go down the list:
- CBD has relieving effects on anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- It is known for being a general pain reliever (i.e. medical marijuana programs).
- Not to mention, CBD provides reduced symptoms of cancer treatment like nausea and vomiting.
- Studies have shown that CBD helps reduce acne and inflammation.
- More recent research suggests CBD could be beneficial in slowing the progression of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.
- CBD is perhaps best known, though, for improving sleep, helping us get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer.
“Where can I find this cannabinoid?”
We’ve got you covered. Local Roots has partnered with Pocono Organics to bring you high-quality, USDA certified organic CBD from one of the largest regenerative organic farms in North America, sprawling over 380 acres in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Because legislation has only recently allowed for the certification of organic CBD, the majority of brands that claim their hemp products are certified organic do so falsely. Hemp plants are considered organic when their seeds are untreated, the soil in which they are grown is 100% naturally fertilized, and the plant is not exposed to any growth hormones or radiation, which sounds simple enough. But because hemp is a bio-accumulator (meaning it absorbs and accumulates the compounds present in its growing environment), it can grow to contain heavy metals and radioactive beta particles, even if accidentally. Not to mention, the extremely slow and incredibly expensive process of certifying organically farmed hemp has resulted in fewer certified organic cannabis farmers across the nation.
Pocono Organics is one of the handful of certified organic hemp producers in the United States employing leading-edge regenerative organic farming techniques to produce high-quality, USDA certified organic full-spectrum hemp extract. Their hemp plants are all hand-harvested, hung to dry naturally (without the use of drying machines), which preserves the quality of the plant as well as its terpenes (which inspire fragrant therapeutic effects). Some of their products (like the tincture and bath bomb) are bio-available, meaning they enter circulation when introduced into the body, and are therefore able to take immediate effect with full absorption before reaching the digestive tract. This method, achieved by nano-particle technology, allows confident, consistent, and precise dosing you can feel good about. Plus, their small-batch commitment ensures that Pocono Organics products are the best they can be; responsibly sourced and of the highest quality.
Popular products include their full spectrum hemp tincture, which includes the all three of the beneficial compounds found in cannabis plants: cannabinoids, terpenes , and flavonoids (which have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective properties). Studies have indicated that when the full spectrum of cannabis compounds work together in what is known as “the entourage effect,” its effects are more potent. But the full spectrum tincture isn’t the only CBD add-on available through Local Roots; we also offer hemp extract spearmint lip balm, which includes 50mg CBD, aiding in moisturizing dry and damaged lips, and hemp extract cream which features Pocono Organics’ fast-absorption formula of lavender, vanilla, and Hawaiian essential oils which relax the senses help soothe problem areas. Don’t forget the lavender-infused CBD bath bomb to make your full-spectrum CBD wellness routine complete.
Article by Local Roots Volunteer Jess Santoro (@jess_santoro)
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