Since the US federal government passed the Farm Bill in 2018, hundreds of Hemp plant producers have sprung up in fields and street corners all over the US.
In line with the current fashion to peddle environmentally-sustainable brands… Many of these producers (and retailers) swear by the “organic” sourcing of their products. However, before you get carried away by the flowery print on their product flyers, let’s take a moment to consider what “organic” really means.
Does it represent an actual benefit that adds to the effectiveness and safety of your CBD product? Or is it simply a marketing buzzword thrown around to prop up the respectability of a questionable brand?
In this article, we will provide an overview of organic CBD really means how it is made and why it truly matters.
What do we mean by organic CBD?
Buying organic often may mean different things, but in relation to CBD products, it means that the industrial hemp the CBD is derived from is grown organically and that the manufacture of the CBD product is in an organically certified facility. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has just started to certify hemp crops as organic, but a majority of the CBD products sold today are not certified.
The term “USDA certified organic” is only bestowed on specific products. It means that a government-approved body has inspected the growing and processing conditions of a producer and is satisfied that they meet official standards.
At the moment, Hemp and its CBD extract are not certified under USDA standards. This is because they are not currently recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As things stand at the time of the publication of this article, the FDA does not regulate any US produced CBD products. The FDA does regulate the manufacture of food and dietary supplements but has not made a determination on how CBD products should be regulated and standards for production.
Strangely, the only products that the USDA currently certifies are imported Hemp products. This does not mean that US products are of lower quality; if anything, a majority of US-derived CBD products has undergone more tests than foreign-derived products to demonstrate purity. There simply has not been a provision for organic certification in the US as yet. Any manufacturer or retailer that represents their product as organic CBD is most likely exaggerating.
There is a fine line between organic and “organically grown” Hemp. Organically grown means that the CBD products were grown and extracted using practices that are considered as the best standards in producing “organic” crops.
According to the USDA, organically grown means that the item is grown and produced without using genetically modified organisms, sewage sludge, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or ionizing radiation. So, even though they are not USDA certified, CBD products can be grown in line with the best standards and under stringent conditions. This implies:
• Field quality: No pesticides are used on the field as this could also kill off vital pollinators.
• No chemical fertilizers: Regenerative farming practices that emphasize soil maintenance are used. There is no use of chemical fertilizers.
• Environmentally friendly: Conservation of soil and pastures to ensure that the land will continue to be sustainable. No chance of chemicals being washed into the ocean.
• No synthetic additives: 100% pure CBD extract from sustainably-grown Hemp plants with absolutely no synthetic additives.
Before purchasing a CBD product, make sure to check the producer’s website to be certain that the product is truly organic or organically grown and processed. Reliable producers will be comfortable with sharing all the information that helps you understand why their products are grown and manufactured to quality and purity standards. Farmed locally in Colorado, Panacea Life’s CBD products are grown and manufactured using organic farming practices in a vertically integrated 51,000 square foot facility.
Is there such a thing as non-natural CBD?
This seems a contradiction, since CBD is, by definition, an extract from Hemp leaves and flowers. However, that is no longer the case, as there are now certain products that include synthetic CBD amongst their ingredients.
Synthetic CBD is considered to be an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient. It is usually produced in the form of free-flowing, ultra-pure crystalline powder. It is chemically identical to plant-derived CBD at the molecular level.
According to some, the product is known to possess many therapeutic and medicinal qualities, without the accompanying “high” of THC. However, the problem with these products is that they are derived using synthetic chemistry methods that may have impurities that pose safety risks that have not been evaluated.
As a result, no one really knows what might happen when these products are used, and this makes them potentially dangerous. It is necessary to be very careful when browsing for suitable CBD products, so you don’t mistakenly buy one using synthetic CBD.
What are the risks of CBD products that are not organic?
Finding a producer that provides organically grown CBD products should be a top priority for you due to the risks inherent in products that are non-organic. Some of these risks include:
• Toxins: As natural bioremediation is present, Hemp has an incredible ability to draw toxins and metals from the soil. This means that Hemp grown in soil that has been treated with pesticides and other chemical compounds may become very toxic. If non-organic hemp is used to produce CBD, the extraction and manufacturing process contaminants potentially present in the hemp will concentrate on the final product.
• Allergic reactions: Studies show that crops treated with certain pesticides could cause allergic reactions in some people. Although there are still questions about whether other forms of food allergies may contribute to the reactions, organically grown crops provide a much safer alternative.
• Environmental degradation: Studies have also determined that chemical fertilizers and pesticides may have a terrible effect on the environment. They could compromise air, soil, and water quality, leading to the death of wildlife.
Is organic CBD better overall? In our opinion, it is a healthier and safer option than Hemp grown with unsustainable practices. Thanks to the stringent quality controls and its pristine growing conditions, it is “cleaner” and free from synthetic additives.
Although it is still possible for CBD sourced from organically grown Hemp to contain trace toxins and metals, even in clean soil, the best manufacturers provide the purest blend and will show you testing results for potency, toxins, microbes, and other impurities.
How to make sure you’re buying organic
Since there are so many producers and retailers claiming “organic,” how do you know you’re buying CBD sourced from organically grown Hemp? You may start by conducting your research and checking for the producers:
• Source: Quality CBD is extracted from 100% natural ingredients. If the manufacturer does not list how they source their CBD, make sure to ask for clarification.
• Manufacturing process: Both at the growing and manufacturing stage, quality CBD products undergo a stringent production process, called Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). Check the producer’s website or ask for information regarding their farming and manufacturing practices.
• Third-party lab tests: Any producer claiming they provide the purest blends of CBD should be able to back up their claim with third-party lab tests. These confirm the pedigree of their product and the lengths they have gone to ensure quality.
Conclusion
Armed with this knowledge, you now know what to look for when the next CBD producer says they have organic products.
While you’re here, have a look at our collection of CBD products. We are vertically integrated, meaning Panacea grows, extracts, and manufacture our CBD products. Having complete control of our supply chain ensures we provide the highest quality CBD and Hemp products on the market. All our products contain 100% organically grown Hemp and undergo rigorous testing to ensure the highest standard of production. Have a look at our manufacturing process and our test results.
Sources
https://plantpeople.co/benefits-uses-organic-cbd/
https://www.Hempurecbd.com/organic-cbd-oil-vs-nonorganic-cbd-oil/
https://relevium.co/blog/difference-between-natural-organic-cbd/
