Callie Gilman – Page 7 – Culture For Good

Traditionally, whenever people were in need of medication, they sought out a medical professional. Nowadays, with fingers being pointed at medical professionals for catastrophes such as the opioid crisis, more people than ever are seeking out alternative medication.¹

And one of the biggest names going around is cannabidiol (CBD).

Throughout this article, we’re going to observe why CBD is gaining so much traction and teach you everything you need to know before purchasing a product.

1It Can Treat Many Different Health Conditions

If you’ve done even just a minimal amount of research concerning CBD, then you’re already well aware of the praise people give it for helping with numerous health conditions.²

These conditions include but aren’t limited to:

Anti-inflammatory
Antibacterial
Alleviating anxiety
Alleviating chronic pain
Decreases bacterial growth
Decreasing blood sugar levels
Decreasing functions in the immune system
Decreasing the risk of seizures and convulsions
Eases muscle spasms
Helping with depression
Preventing cancer cell growth
Promoting bone growth
Reduces the chance of artery blockage
Reduces nausea and vomiting
Treats psoriasis
Vasorelaxant

And these are just everything researchers have currently discovered. Due to prohibition, research concerning CBD and other cannabinoids had been put to a strict halt about a decade ago. We are now just seeing the emerging data of how CBD might just be a revolutionary medicine.

2It’s Healthier Than Prescription Medication

One of the biggest difficulties with the opioid crisis is the fact that opioids are nearly ideal when it comes to easing chronic pain. Yet, this idealistic medication often comes at a cost greater than the pain itself; addiction.

Many people have sought out alternative medication to opioids simply due to the fact that addiction is such a huge health hazard. And upon their searching, many come across cannabidiol for its nonaddictive and has the ability to ease chronic pain.³

Furthermore, when it comes to prescription medication, many are wary of the side effects attached to it. CBD oil has very few side effects and, those that are there, are so minimal, most people don’t experience them.⁴

3CBD Can Help End The Opioid Epidemic

One of the biggest reasons the opioid epidemic has grown so large is due to prescription medication. More and more people than any other recorded time in history are being handed substances with a high risk of addiction to treat various health conditions. In turn, these people develop a dependence on these substances by the time their prescription is done.⁵

Though it seems only logical that from there on out, there’s no reason an addiction should persist. However, an addicted brain isn’t thinking in terms of logic, it’s thinking in terms of its dependence. And naturally, people turn to doctor shopping or to the streets to get their fix.

If these very people were never handed such addictive substances in the first place, it’s very likely opioids wouldn’t become a nationwide crisis. CBD may just be the answer to ending all the harm this epidemic has brought onto many individuals.

It’s Okay to Be Skeptical

Since CBD isn’t regulated like other medications, you have every right to be skeptical. Many companies currently in this market are swindling customers and making a quick buck.

However, this isn’t a reason to turn down CBD altogether. When it comes to this market, it’s vital you find a trusted source. And we at Culture for Good pride ourselves in already being that source for so many people.

If you’re interested in checking out our CBD products, feel free to check out our products page.

Reference Sources

¹ NCCIH: The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States

² Dialogues in clinical neuroscience: Cannabinoids in health and disease

³ Dovepress: Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain

⁴ Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research: A Cross-Sectional Study of Cannabidiol Users

⁵ NIDA: Misuse of Prescription Drugs

August 24, 2021September 2, 2022

In CBDby Callie Gilman

3 Reasons CBD Can Be So Expensive

With so many out there emphasizing on the great things CBD, many more people open up to giving it a try. Yet, what those people are soon to find out is just how expensive CBD oil and other products are.

If you’re just becoming apart of the CBD community, you may consider the prices too ridiculous for the average consumer. And you’re in every right to have this belief. Yet, it’s often overlooked just as to WHY cannabidiol is so expensive.

This article seeks to give you a proper explanation as to CBD’s prices and, hopefully, offer you reasons to continue your interest in these products.

1Regulations

Going from a hemp plant to a little bottle of CBD isn’t as easy as it may first appear. In fact, it’s a long, laborious, and – most importantly – an expensive process.

To begin, the hemp plant has the ability to yield different amounts of CBD. With that, growers naturally want to cultivate the plants that are only CBD rich. In order to do so, the hemp must be harvested from the perfect seed in the right conditions. And both these factors are limited.

Of course, there’s always the option to grow hemp indoors. However, this is an even more expensive process as farmers must make sure the plants receive consistency in temperature, lighting, and water.

Not to mention, regulations have forced farmers to pay big licensing fees¹.

In fact, farmers who decide to grow any cannabis plant (whether it’s marijuana or hemp) are taxed much heavier than your average vegetable farmer. Of course, this all depends on where you’re located. Many states within the U.S. have different regulations that come with different taxes.

2Extraction Is Difficult

Once the hemp plant is grown, the CBD must be extracted and isolated to place in products. This is another huge blow for companies wallets as the process and equipment come with a large cost.

To make it brief, the extraction process is as follows²:

The plant must be heated and pressurized with carbon dioxide (CO2).
The CO2 retrieves cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds.
This extraction must then be purified.
The result will then be frozen and purified again.

Of course, every extraction facility has their own way of going about the process. After the CBD is frozen, some mix it with coconut oil as a means of helping the human body intake the cannabidiol itself. Still, regardless of the facility’s method, there is no cheap and effective way to get CBD out of the cannabis plant.

And in order for these facilities to continue providing this service, they must charge a hefty fee to those providing products to the public.

3Market And Legality

The above two reasons are precisely why CBD is so expensive once it’s offered to the consumer. And it can’t be forgotten that each CBD company runs just like any other business.

They need to hire people, market themselves properly, and pay further fees for operating a cannabis business*.

Due to the 2018 Farm Bill, there is potential for the government to loosen up on their regulations surrounding CBD. If so, farmers, facilities, and businesses owners alike may not have to pay as much in taxes and fees.

Furthermore, as science continues to progress, there may a cheaper, yet effective, alternative to extracting CBD from the hemp plant.

Final Thoughts

As things stand now, consumers are forced to pay expensive prices for CBD products. Though this is unfortunate, it’s important to remember that every time you do make a purchase, you’re contributing to an industry that holds lots of potentials. And your contribution could one day make CBD more affordable for those who are in need of this alternative medicine.

Reference Sources

¹ National Institute of Food and Agriculture: Industrial Hemp

² NCBI: Extraction Method and Analysis of Cannabinoids in Cannabis Olive Olive Oil Preparations.

August 24, 2021September 2, 2022

In Hemp, Marijuanaby Callie Gilman

3 Key Differences Between Hemp and Marijuana

Hemp and marijuana ARE NOT the same, they are simply apart of the cannabis family and, in effect, have similar appearances.

The continuous confusion between the two can be pinpointed to political leaders who grouped all cannabis species as a Schedule I Drug in 1970. For nearly four decades, public perception of these plants was based on this proposition.

However, marijuana and hemp have a number of different aspects to easily separate them. Within this article, we look into these differences and give you a clearer image of what hemp and marijuana truly are on an individual level.

1The Basics

For an immediate idea of how the two plants differ, we’ll discuss the basic differences.⁷

Hemp has less than .3% THC count, is not a psychoactive, and it is adaptable and requires little care. On the other hand, marijuana has between 5% and 35% THC count and is a psychoactive. It also requires a lot of care and proper techniques. Hemp is used for many things, with concrete, fabric, food, and plastic being just a few of them. Marijuana is exclusively a medical and recreational drug.

2Physical Differences

Many people continue to confuse marijuana and hemp simply from their appearance. Though they do have similar characteristics, a quick observation reveals they also have a lot of differences².

Marijuana tends to have:

Broad leaves
Short, fat bush
Tight bud (like a nugget)

Hemp tends to have:

Skinny leaves
Tall and skinny stalks

These differences are most noticeable if you were to attempt to grow the two. Hemp tends to grow closer together and is produced in multi-acre plots. Its cultivation timeframe is around 108 to 120 days and can be harvested in diverse climates.

Marijuana plants, on the other hand, tend to be grown further apart due to their short and bushy size. It takes around 60 to 90 days for marijuana to fully mature and is difficult to grow unless in a warm and humid climate.

3Chemical Differences

The most notable difference between hemp and marijuana is their chemical makeup. Marijuana contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which causes psychoactivity in the brain and often leaves people feeling high³.

Hemp contains such a small amount of THC (less than 0.3%), it doesn’t cause this psychoactive reaction. Instead, it contains another cannabinoid known as cannabidiol (CBD).

THC and CBD are so different that CBD actually has the ability to counteract the effects of THC.

To offer you a better understanding, THC will:

Cause and prevent anxiety
Change the thinking process
May cause hallucinations or delusions
Release dopamine

While CBD can be:

An analgesic
An antianxiety agent
An anti-inflammatory

Final Thoughts

It’s important to note that this article discussed simply the basics differences between hemp and marijuana. Truly, you could write an entire book on the variety of dissimilarities these plants have. So much so, scientists don’t even know all the ways in which hemp and marijuana differentiate.

The reason this article remains simple is for the sake of sharing information. Much of the public is still unaware of the differences between hemp and marijuana and still perceive them as the same. With that, it’s important for us to educate and allow people to develop a better understanding of these plants.

Reference Sources

¹ PLOS One: The Genetic Structure of Marijuana and Hemp

² PennState Extension: Industrial Hemp Production

³ Dialogues in clinical neuroscience: Cannabis, cannabinoids, and health

August 24, 2021September 2, 2022

In CBD, Petsby Callie Gilman

5 Tips About Using CBD For Pets

Have you strolled through the pet store only to find whole shelves dedicated to CBD pet products? It may have taken you by surprise to see cannabis products filter their way into the pet world so suddenly and rapidly.

You may be even more surprised to know pet owners continue to demand CBD more and more. The CBD pet care market is huge! Some analysts believe it’ll become a $125 million industry by 2022.¹ And to those who’re well-informed about cannabidiol (CBD), this doesn’t come as much of a surprise.

Pet owners have turned to CBD when traditional pet medications are simply insufficient. And they’ve found CBD to have a powerfully uplifting effect on their animals.

Throughout this article, we’re going to discuss everything you need to know about CBD for pets.

1How It Can Help Your Pets

Before we begin, it’s important to mention most of there’s currently no professional research surrounding the effects of CBD on animals (besides rats observed for the sake of human studies). What we know about CBD’s effects on pets is linked entirely to what we know about CBD’s effects on humans.

Within us and our pets is something known as an endocannabinoid system (ECS). Our ECS is situated within the central and peripheral nervous systems and is responsible for maintaining a healthy balance within our body.²

For example, when we experience inflammation, our ECS is unbalanced. It’s understood by scientists that CBD has a way of balancing out any unbalance in our ECS. With that, CBD brings an abundance of medical benefits.

Again, these medical benefits haven’t been observed in animals. But many pet owners have proclaimed that CBD has made a huge difference in their animal’s lives.

These personal observations have found CBD may help your pet if they suffer from:

Anxiety
Appetite issues
Cancer
Cardiac complications
Inflammation
Nausea
Pain
Seizures and convulsions

With the height of popularity in CBD products for pets, there is also a demand for research surrounding pets and CBD. The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is currently sponsoring a study through the Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The purpose of this research is to analyze how CBD will affect epileptic dogs.³

2How To Give Your Pets CBD

As we’ve seen with humans, the variety of CBD products currently on the market offers endless administrative possibilities. Though pets don’t have such a variety, they do have their options.

Currently, there are three popular ways to offer your pet CBD:

Oils (Tinctures)

CBD oils (or tinctures) are one of the most popular options as they have the best pharmacokinetic profile out of all administrative methods. This means CBD has a higher concentration in the blood, stays in the bloodstream longer, and has the most consistency within animals.

CBD oils are also ideal as they’re easy to administer on an animal. Some pet owners will place a few drops of the tincture on their pet’s tongue or mix it in with a meal.

Edibles

In comparison to CBD oils, edibles don’t have as strong a pharmacokinetic profile on animals. However, they’re probably the easiest administrative method currently available.

This is especially true as specialized CBD dog and cat treats have made a name for themselves in the market.

Topicals (Creams or Lotions)

Topicals are an ideal choice if your pet is suffering from a specific pain. For example, let’s say your veterinarian informs you your pet is suffering from joint pain. You’re naturally going to want medicine that targets this pain specifically.

Since topicals are applied to specific areas of the body, CBD has the ability to target these areas specifically.

3CBD Safety For Your Pets

From what scientists have gathered, CBD in its purest form is safe and well-handled by animals.⁴ However, it is important to mention that some scientists have found there’s an increase in liver enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP) when someone undergoes CBD treatment (or regular CBD use).

According to veterinarian Stephanie McGrath, “I would definitely be a little concerned about giving CBD to a dog that has known liver issues.” She goes further to claim that certain liver medications may have a negative interaction with CBD.⁵

4Dosage Recommendation

Dosing a pet with CBD is a bit more difficult than dosing a human. A suggestion most people in the CBD community make is to start small and work your way up. This way, you can get an idea of how the CBD has an effect on you and see how much you need to ease pain.

However, since a dog or cat can’t tell us how CBD is effecting them, pet owners must go off their best judgment.

We know that the right dosage of CBD is very much dependent on body weight. The more your pet weighs, the more CBD they’ll need in order to feel the effects.⁶

5CBD With Other Pet Medications

CBD has been observed to have a negative interaction with specific human medications. Namely, those that are filtered through the liver.

If your pet is currently on medication and you’re thinking of giving CBD a try, it’s important you consult your veterinarian before administering.

Final Thoughts

As a pet owner, it’s only natural you want to offer your pet the best medication possible. And you aren’t wrong for turning to CBD in hopes of some answers.

With the information laid out above, it’s up to you to decide whether or not CBD is right for your pet. However, unless your pet is currently suffering from liver problems, the science agrees that CBD is a safe option with a lot of potentials.

If you’re interested in purchasing CBD, we invite you to check out Culture for Good’s products page for more information.

Reference Sources

¹ New Frontier data: Hemp-derived Pet Supplies in the Growing CBD Market

² Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal: The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain

³ Canine Health Foundation: CHF Announces Funding for Clinical Trial to Study Cannabidiol to Treat Drug Resistant Epilepsy in Dogs

⁴ Expert Committee on Drug Dependence: Cannabidiol (CBD) Pre-Review Report

⁵ CNET: CBD for pets: What you need to know

⁶ MedlinePlus: Cannabidiol

August 23, 2021September 6, 2022

In CBDby Callie Gilman

4 Ways To Talk About CBD With Loved Ones

Cannabidiol (CBD) has the ability to help a number of people through their day-to-day problems. However, due to its association with cannabis, many people are turned off.

This can be frustrating as you know CBD might just be the answer your loved one is looking for. But don’t let this frustration get the better of you. When it comes to this new and emerging industry, the most important thing we can do is educate others.

By informing people about CBD, we’re changing the stigma that’s been placed upon it and other cannabis products. Throughout this blog, we’re going to give a few pointers to mention to your loved one when discussing CBD.

1CBD Will Not Get You High

When people think of a cannabis product, they almost immediately think of the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana smoking. However, as we all know, CBD doesn’t get you high.

In order to convey this to a loved one, it’s important to mention the dozens of cannabinoids there are in a cannabis plant. Each of these cannabinoids interacts with the body in a different manner.¹

Cannabidiol (or CBD) is just one of these cannabinoids and it doesn’t interact with the body in the same way THC (the cannabinoid that gets you high) does.

THC binds itself directly to CB1 receptors and, in turn, produces psychoactivity. Whereas, CBD balances out both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Due to this balance of receptors, CBD actually can prevent a high.

2CBD Naturally Interacts with Your Endocannabinoid System

All drugs have a way of interacting with our bodies. But did you know CBD actually has a natural effect on our endocannabinoid system (ECS)?

Our ECS is a neuro pathway for CB1 and CB2 receptors and is found all throughout the body, from vital organs to the brain. It’s also responsible for a number of different functions within our bodies, including (but not limited to):

Appetite
Hormone levels
Inflammatory responses
Mood
Sleep patterns

As mentioned, CBD has been observed to balance out the receptors within our ECS. This is the reason it’s been found to have a number of positive medical effects. For example, if a specific area of your body is facing inflammation, CBD has the ability to decrease the number of neurotransmitters (or CB receptors) targeting that area of your body.

3CBD Is Obtained from Hemp, NOT MARIJUANA

When we tell people that CBD is obtained through the cannabis plant, they immediately assume this plant is marijuana. However, it’s important to make a clear distinction:

Marijuana is a cannabis plant that has high levels of THC.
Hemp is a cannabis plant that has high levels of CBD.

Of course, both plants come with other cannabinoids. But all CBD products that are federally legal must obtain their cannabidiol from a hemp plant. Meaning, there’s little to no THC in it.

4There are a Number of Different Ways to Consume CBD

It’s important to mention to your loved one how there are a number of different ways to consume CBD. These include (but aren’t limited to):

Edibles
Oils
Smoking or vaping
Topicals (such as creams)

This variety is for the sake of introducing more and more people to the therapeutic benefits of CBD.

The Science Says it All

At the end of the day, one of the best things you can do for you loved on is show them the scientific evidence. The information is at our fingertips. In just a quick Google search, you’ll find a number of different articles proclaiming how CBD has been found to help people with a variety of illnesses. And when it comes down to it, there’s nothing more convincing than the research backing the claims.

If you’re interested in sharing CBD with a loved one, we at Culture for Good invite you to check out our products page for more information.

Reference Sources

¹ Dialogues in clinical neuroscience: Cannabis, cannabinoids, and health

² Curren Pharmaceutical Design: The Therapeutic Aspects of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) for Cancer and their Development

August 23, 2021September 2, 2022

In CBDby Callie Gilman

6 Benefits Of Using Topical CBD

CBD and hemp products have been linked to a number of skin benefits and have even helped some facing skin conditions. This is due to the various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties found in CBD.¹ These properties are known to promote positive nutrients and produce glowing, moisturized skin all while relieving pain.

Throughout this article, we’re going to take a look into the many benefits of CBD topicals.

1The Difference From Other Methods

One of the most notable benefits of CBD topicals, in comparison to other consumption methods, is the fact that you can target a specific area of the body. For example, if you’re experiencing joint pain, you can place a CBD topical directly where your pain is. In turn, the cannabidiol will work its way throughout that area of the body.

Further, whole flower CBD has a number of benefits for the skin itself, including:²

Amino acids
Flavonoids
Pigments
Phyto-cannabinoids (sometimes referred to as cannabinoids)
Terpenes
Waxes
Vitamins

The combination of these benefits helps to:

Alleviate damaged skin
Potentially improve skin’s defense mechanisms
Prevent drying skin
Shorten the time it takes for skin to heal

However, it should be noted, placing CBD on your skin does have a different effect in comparison to other consumption methods. The biggest reason for this is CBD topicals have a hard time entering your bloodstream.

Though the skin will absorb the CBD and apply its properties to that specific area of the body, the truth is the skin isn’t the best at absorbing CBD. In turn, you’ll naturally lose some cannabidiol when applying it to the skin.³

We suggest you use a large amount of CBD topical when applying. The more you use, the more likely the CBD will break the dermal barrier and enter your bloodstream. With enough material, your skin pores will naturally take in the CBD and start relieving the target area.

2Pain-relief

CBD has been found to have organic anti-inflammatory properties. Due to this, many people have used it to treat various levels of pain, from mild to severe.⁴ The benefit of applying CBD to the skin for pain is you can target the direct area of the pain.

CBD topicals are primarily used for localized pain as they don’t enter the bloodstream. In comparison to other consumption methods, CBD tends to enter the bloodstream and, in turn, offer full-body relief.

Therefore, CBD topicals are ideal if you’re prone to muscle or joint pain.

3Psoriasis Help

People who struggle with psoriasis are prone to developing patches of abnormal skin throughout the body. CBD topicals can be used to alleviate these patches.

Similar to the treatment of pain, CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties have been found to help reduce the development of these patches. In turn, this also reduces pain or itchiness caused by psoriasis.

However, to take things further, CBD has also been found to slow down skin cell growth.⁵ For those with psoriasis, this means patches will appear less frequently and, those already there, will not grow in size.

4Acne Treatment

Those struggling with acne understand that finding the right treatment option is an extreme difficulty. CBD may just be your answer.

CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties have been found to fight against conditions such as acne. However, CBD has also been found to regulate sebum, an oily secretion that is abundant in acne.⁶

5Eczema Help

CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties are currently being researched for various skin conditions, including eczema. Current research already suggests that CBD has the ability to moisturize the skin and reduce other symptoms, such as pain and itching.⁷

6Digestive Aid

CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties have also been found to help with digestion complications. Specifically, Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Some researchers have discovered that with CBD oils and an anti-inflammatory diet, people have the ability to reduce inflammation brought on by these diseases.⁹

Admittedly, topicals aren’t the best consumption method for digestive issues. However, they can greatly help in reducing pain caused by digestion.

Final Word

As we reviewed in this article, CBD topicals are ideal for a number of health benefits. Of course, these benefits are particular to certain diseases. Especially, those that have to do with the skin.

If you’re suffering from one of these diseases, we highly suggest looking into natural alternatives such as CBD. If you’re interested in a CBD topical, we invite you to check out Culture for Good’s products page where you’ll find different topicals for various conditions.

If you are currently taking medication, it’s important to consult your doctor before taking CBD products.

Reference Sources

¹ FDA: What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD

² Surgical Neurology International: Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids

³ MDPI: Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment

⁴ HHS Public Access: Cannabinoids as novel anti-inflammatory drugs

⁵ The Journal of Clinical Investigation: Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes

⁶ Medical News Today: CBD for acne: Does it work?

⁷ PubMed: Cannabinoids in dermatology: a scoping review

⁸ Frontiers in Neurology: Potential Clinical Benefits of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts Over Purified CBD in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: Observational Data Meta-analysis

⁹ PubMed: Cannabinoids and the digestive tract.

August 23, 2021September 2, 2022

In CBDby Callie Gilman

3 Ways CBD Is Extracted

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in all cannabis plants and is the prime ingredient used for CBD products. Though this is common knowledge, not many people know how CBD is extracted.

Understanding CBD extraction is vital as it plays a major role in the quality of CBD. In other words, the right extraction process gives you nearly 100% pure, organic cannabidiol. Whereas the wrong extraction process can leave your CBD contaminated with heavy metals, unhealthy solvents, and more.

Throughout this article, we’re going to observe three of the most common CBD extraction methods.

1CO2 Extraction

One of the most popular CBD extraction processes is known as CO2 extraction. When pressurized into a state known as dry ice, it’s able to run through the cannabis plant and extract and chemicals or flavors.¹

This an ideal extraction method for businesses for a number of reasons:

CO2 extraction leaves little to no contaminants. This means companies don’t have to run the CBD through a separate evaporation process, which takes a long period of time.
The temperatures and pressure of CO2 are highly adjustable. This is ideal as different cannabinoids require different temperatures/pressures. For example, CBD is extracted at a lower temperature/pressure in comparison to THC.

The only true downside to CO2 extraction is it’s expensive. Companies that use this extraction method may need to raise the prices of their CBD simply to meet extraction costs.

2Liquid Solvent

Liquid solvents are usually a combination of the following:

Butane
Ethanol
Hexane
Isopropyl alcohol

When this solvent is ran through the cannabis plant material (flower and trim), cannabinoids will follow through and into the solvent. Once the liquid evaporates, what is left are these cannabinoids in an oil form.²

Many companies choose to extract through a liquid solvent for the following reasons:

It’s the most simple extraction method, requiring much less money in comparison to CO2 extraction.
Since it’s cheaper, companies are able to sell their CBD for a reduced price, potentially bringing in more customers.

However, there is a major downside to extracting CBD with liquid solvents. The final product tends to leave various impurities within the CBD oil. Of course, no reputable CBD company would sell you a product with this contamination.

In order to combat impurities, many extraction facilities will run the CBD oil through an evaporation process. This gets rid of the contamination and leaves you with nearly 100% pure CBD.

Liquid solvent is the most popular extraction method within the CBD industry because, when done properly, it’s just as effective as CO2 extraction and costs much less.

3Oil Extraction

Oil extraction of cannabinoids is a practice that goes as far back as 2000 years. Many smaller CBD brands who work out of their own homes will most likely use this extraction method as it’s simple.³

Proper oil extraction goes as follows:

The raw cannabis plant is heated to a specific temperature in order to activate the cannabinoids – also known as decarboxylated.
The heated plant material is then added to olive oil and heated to 100℃ (212℉) for 1 to 2 hours. It’s during this stage that the cannabinoid are extracted.
The final oil is a concentrated form of CBD.

Unfortunately, this extraction method leaves olive oil within the CBD. Though this isn’t dangerous for the body, it does require a consumer to use more in order to feel CBD’s effects.

Furthermore, this kind of extraction method requires the final product to always be stored in a cold and dark place. If not, the CBD will spoil quicker in comparison to CBD extracted through other methods.

It’s unlikely you’ll run across a commercial CBD company using the olive oil extraction method. Rather, this method is more a way for individuals with an interest in extracting their own CBD.

Final Thoughts

The reason we share this information with you is we believe it’s the consumer’s right to know how their CBD is being made. We’ve found that when people learn about CBD extraction, they usually develop their own extraction preference.

Furthermore, it’s important to note, new technologies are emerging which would allow for CBD to be extracted in other (and potentially safer) ways.

If you’re interested in purchasing a CBD product, we invite you to Culture for Good’s products page for more information.

Reference Sources

¹ PSI: Cannabis/Hemp Extraction Equipment

² MDPI: Quality Traits of “Cannabidiol Oils”: Cannabinoids Content, Terpene Fingerprint and Oxidation Stability of European Commercially Available Preparations

³ PubMed: Extraction Method and Analysis of Cannabinoids in Cannabis Olive Oil Preparations.

August 23, 2021September 2, 2022

In CBDby Callie Gilman

A 3 Part Discussion About How CBD Ages

Over time, CBD and various other compounds of hemp deteriorate. This is due to the extraction process which causes freshness to have a limited time frame. Luckily, this degradation will not make your CBD products dangerous. It will simply make them less potent¹.

1How To See If Your CBD Has Gone Bad

What you look for in spoiled CBD all depends on the type of product you have. For the most part, it’s difficult to tell whether or not topicals or vape juices have gone bad (though, these should have expiration dates). But CBD oils and edibles should produce physical signs.

If your oil has developed a murky appearance (cloudy look), your cannabidiol is starting to degrade. With that, you may also notice changes in smell and taste. These are clear signs that cannabidiol’s chemical structure is starting to break down and, inevitably, becoming less potent.

When it comes to edibles, you can observe similar traits to that of spoiled food, such as mold. However, there’s the potential your cannabidiol degrades before the edible itself starts to.

As mentioned, all properly regulated cannabidiol products must have an expiration date². It’s important to look for this upon purchase so you have a timeframe for how long you can use that product.

2CBD Shelf Life

Most CBD products have a relatively long shelf-life as long as they’re stored under the right conditions. In most cases, a cannabidiol product will last anywhere from 6 months to two years³.

Again, by checking the expiration date on your product, you’ll get a sense of how long it’ll last.

3How To Keep Your CBD Fresh Longer

There are some things you can do in order to give your CBD a long, healthy shelf-life. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when buying cannabidiol⁴:

1. Keep your cannabidiol stored in a cool (no more than 70℉ [21℃]), dark, and dry place. This is CBD’s favorite environment.

2. If your CBD is placed in hotter temperatures will cause it to deteriorate quicker while colder temperatures will cause it to become more a solid, making it more difficult to use.

3. If CBD is kept under light and heat, it will degrade quicker.

4. The best places for your CBD oil are a dry pantry or kitchen cabinet (as long as they’re not near a heat source such as your oven). Medicine cabinets, office desks, bedside drawers, and lockers are all also great options.

CBD And Freshness

Remember, these aren’t strict rules surrounding cannabidiol. If you take it out with you or accidentally leave it in a sunny area, the CBD won’t immediately go bad. Use your judgement and keep an eye on the expiration dates, and you’ll be all good.

Reference Sources

¹ PubChem: Cannabidiol (Compound)

² FDA: FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products: Questions and Answers

³ NCBI: The stability of cannabis and its preparation on storage.

⁴ CBD School: How to Properly Store Your CBD Oil (and other CBD products)

August 23, 2021September 2, 2022

In CBDby Callie Gilman

3 Facts About CBD in Food

Have you recently looked into cannabidiol as a means of medication? Are you unsure of the best ways to take it? Many people are opting away from oils and leaning towards putting CBD into their food. This allows them to get all the effects of cannabidiol while providing them with a natural means of consumption.

But why should you put CBD in your food? Are there any potential benefits that differ from other forms of CBD intake? And why are so many people hopping on board with this?

This article seeks to answer these questions and provide you with an explanation to the CBD/food craze currently sweeping the nation.

1It Makes It Simple

Just as with marijuana edibles, more and more products are appearing on the market with CBD infused into them. These products are completely safe for consumption and simply provide you with all the benefits of CBD while eating.

For many looking to receive cannabidiol, this is a fantastic and safe means of consumption. More often than not, people are turned off by the idea of dropping oil on their tongue or rubbing a cream all over their bodies or, especially, smoking a hemp cigarette.

Putting CBD in food and beverages is a natural solution for those who want to try the cannabinoid, but are looking to receive it as simply as possible. Furthermore, placing CBD in foods is something that has been done time and time again throughout history.

2It’s Been In Food And Drinks For A Long Time

The first ever documented use of a cannabis plant goes all the way back to 2737 BC. Chinese Emperor Sheng Nung infused the medication into a tea for the sake of treating various illnesses¹. In fact, during that time, it’s said that hemp was a primary crop grown in China.

About 1,300 years later, within the country of India, people were recorded to create an edible known as Bhang. This was for the sake of infusing cannabis into a variety of foods and drinks. Just like Sheng Nung, Hindus were interested in its ability to treat a variety of ailments².

In more recent years, mixing cannabis extracts and CBD can be linked to The Alice B. Toklas Cook Book. Within it, she discusses recipes for haschich fudge and, though her work was initially restrained from having an American edition, her cannabis-infused brownies took the 1960’s hippie counterculture by storm³.

For more than 5,000 years, people have been infusing cannabiniods with foods and beverages. And though this history is quite compelling, it doesn’t help today if all this remains illegal.

3CBD In Food Is Legal

CBD in its purest form is legal thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill⁴. However, in terms of putting it in foods and beverages, things get a bit more complicated.

When the 2018 Farm Bill was released, the FDA issued a statement claiming that products containing CBD are not allowed to assert they have therapeutic benefits. Only if they’re approved through the FDA are they allowed to make such assertions⁵. With that, it’s unlikely you’ll find a CBD-infused food or beverage proclaiming all the great effects much of the internet claims.

The same statement also clarifies that, considering CBD is an active ingredient in an FDA-approved drug (Epidiolex), it’s not allowed to add cannabidiol to foods or beverages apart of interstate commerce or to market it as a dietary supplement.

Still, this hasn’t stopped many companies from developing CBD-infused foods and beverages. As these companies adhere to the above statement, everything about these edibles is completely legal.

How You Take Your CBD Is Up To You

In the end, you’re the one who chooses how you want to take it. If you decide taking oils and similar CBD options straight isn’t for you, try adding it to your food.

Reference Sources

¹ Psychology Today: History of Cannabis in Ancient China

² Vice: The Bhang Lassi is How Hindus Drink Themselves High for Shiva

³ Scientific American: Go Ask Alice: The History of Toklas’ Legendary Hashish Fudge

⁴ United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry: 2018 Farm Bill

⁵ FDA: Statement from FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., on signing of the Agriculture Improvement Act…

August 23, 2021September 6, 2022

In CBDby Callie Gilman

4 Tips For Taking CBD If You Get Drug Tested

Cannabidiol (CBD) should not appear on a drug test as hardly anyone (if anyone) in the country tests for CBD itself. However, those same people do often test for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Since CBD products contain a small amount (less than 0.3%) of THC, it is possible this will appear on a drug test.

Throughout this article, we’re going to observe why you may fail a drug test due to CBD and what you can do in order to avoid potential consequences.

1Find A Manufacturer You Trust

As mentioned, some CBD products contain trace amounts of THC and, due to this, it is possible for people who take these products to fail a drug test.

However, not all products contain CBD. It’s often difficult to tell which do and which don’t as the industry isn’t currently regulated by the Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA).¹ Therefore, some businesses currently in the market have gotten away with either not labeling or mislabeling THC count.

This is why it’s important to find a CBD manufacturer you can trust. There are plenty of legitimate companies out there who properly label their products and offer CBD without any THC in it.

2Try CBD Isolate

It should be noted, all full-spectrum (or whole flower) CBD will contain trace amounts of CBD. This is due to the fact that full-spectrum CBD offers all the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant the CBD is harvested from.²

If you want CBD without the chance of failing a drug test, keep an eye out for products labeled CBD isolate. Still, plenty of people still want to opt for full-spectrum CBD as it still won’t get them “high” and there are a lot more health benefits.

3Trying To Keep THC Low Probably Won’t Work

You might be asking, “How much THC needs to be in my system in order to appear on a drug test?”

It’s a difficult question to answer. Most drug tests are seeking out marijuana smokers, not CBD consumers. With that, they’re looking for high levels of THC rather than small amounts.³ Many people with trace amounts of THC in their system have still passed a drug test.

Furthermore, it’s even more difficult to measure the amount of THC you intake while trying to keep remain at a passing level. For example, in order for THC to show up positive on a urine drug test, you need to have a concentration of 50 nanograms per millilitre.⁴

“How am I supposed to measure that?” you may be now wondering.

The truth is, you’re not supposed to measure it. A drug test is supposed to catch users off-guard.

4Talk To Whoever Requires The Drug Test

Be honest with your supervisor (or whoever is conducting the drug test) that you’re taking a CBD product (which is completely legal!) that contains trace amounts of THC. It could be beneficial and shine a light on your honesty.

Wrapping Up Your Options

It may be in your benefit to take the test and see what happens. If you show up positive for THC, then you can come forth with your honesty. Or you can avoid the risk altogether by only taking CBD isolate. The decision is up to you. For those who want to get the full benefit of using CBD we suggest using full spectrum or whole flower products such as our Whole Flower Myst that you can find here.