CBD, CBG, and whole hemp flowers are a burgeoning market with the legalization of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill. You may be one of the millions of people interested in the benefits of these products, however, it’s important to realize that quality isn’t automatically assured, like any other agricultural product. Make sure that you’re buying the highest quality hemp by following these three recommendations.
Buy Organically Grown Hemp
When you buy organic hemp, like that from Vermont Hempicurean, you’re ensuring that you buy a product that hasn’t been genetically modified and is grown without synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This website provides hemp from many small Vermont farmers, vetting each one and ensuring that they follow organic farming practices.
You are using hemp for its health benefits. Don’t negate those effects by using hemp that has been treated with synthetic pesticides. Pesticides have been tied to everything from cancer and birth defects, to ADHD and Alzheimer’s. In addition, they kill bugs indiscriminately, harming bee populations and killing other beneficial insects.
Buy From Farmers With Good Stewardship Practices
When you buy a product, you are voting with your dollars. Where you spend your money decides what type of businesses succeed. Because of this, voting for sustainable farming practices is the way to go. When you buy hemp flowers from Vermont Hempicurean, you can rest assured that it’s coming from small-batch, local farms that always put quality over quantity.
Sustainable farming means that soil fertility is increased instead of depleted. Fertilizer is natural and not overused so local waterways remain clear instead of being filled with poisonous runoff. The scale is small and focuses on smart farming. As a result, less machinery and fewer fossil fuels are used, leaving the environment healthy instead of filled with carbon emissions and greenhouse gases.
Buy Clearly Labeled Products
Finally, look for clearly labeled products. Hemp and its individual components like CBD and CBG are not regulated by the FDA, so there are no labeling guidelines. Look for companies that take the time to give you the data you need to make the best decisions.
When buying hemp flowers for CBD, look for a clearly labeled percentage of CBD per flower. This percentage is a comparison of the overall CBD content compared to the other compounds in the flower. Percentages top out around 20%, depending on the strain. A higher percentage isn’t always better. The mix of compounds is what makes each strain unique. When you find the right one, you’ll get a consistent product each time.
While you won’t find this information on the label, check the website of your choice for test results. Some of the brands on Hempicurean maintain their lab results on their 3rd party websites.
Whatever your goals from hemp usage, remember that a high-quality flower is more than just its content. Take into account how it’s grown, who is growing it, and how it’s labeled. Each is part of the total package that creates the best hemp available.
