Since the passing and legalization of the 2018 Farm Bill, there has been an increase in the use of CBD products. This also means that there are now more farmers in the US than before. Previously, hemp products used to be imported. This means that consumers weren’t in the best position to determine how the hemp plants were cultivated. However, it’s now possible to determine how these plants have been grown locally and from which farms. So, why choose US-grown hemp for CBD over other sources?
How Hemp Grows
Before we fully discuss the benefits of choosing a domestically-grown hemp product, it’s important that you understand how hemp grows. As a hardy plant, hemp literally grows anywhere including in toxic and harsh environments. It can thrive in a wide range of conditions even without pesticides and herbicides.
However, this puts consumers at high risk because the plant is a bioaccumulator. This means that it can quickly absorb anything that’s found within its environment. Through the phytoremediation process, the roots of the hemp plant can absorb toxic compounds found in the soil. So, if the plant isn’t grown in a safe environment with optimal conditions, then you are also at risk of consuming toxic elements.
That’s why it’s not advisable to use hemp plant extracts sourced from overseas since it’s not easy to outrightly determine the soil conditions found there. Unregulated growing conditions involve the use of toxic chemicals including herbicides and the presence of heavy metals. This can have significant negative effects on the consumer who might be thinking that they are consuming quality hemp plant extracts.
How Hemp is Cultivated in the US
Even though the legalization of hemp plants means that farmers could now have freedom, there are regulations that stipulate how industrial hemp should be cultivated. That’s why US-grown hemp plants are quite different from those that are grown overseas.
Going back to the 2014 Farm Bill, it was established that individuals taking part in the pilot hemp cultivation programs had to work with the state’s Department of Agriculture. The whole cultivation process also involves strict guidelines.
After the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp farmers had to still comply with these regulations. However, the number of farms has quadrupled ever since and that’s why the USDA established the US Domestic Hemp Production Program in 2019. This program features a regulatory framework for US-grown hemp plants as per the guidelines issued in the 2018 Farm Bill.
The aim of this program is to give more farmers great economic opportunities by cultivating high-quality and toxic-free hemp plants. The whole process features stricter standards because USDA has its own sampling and testing procedures that are used to determine the quality of hemp in the US.
With the new regulations, farmers now have easier access to the frameworks they need to follow and there is transparency in the whole cultivation process. So, why should you consider choosing a US-grown hemp CBD product?
Benefits of Choosing US Grown Hemp for CBD
Even though CBD has several health benefits, it’s always important to consider the source. There are several factors that make domestically cultivated hemp for CBD stand out. Some of these factors include:
The Cultivation Techniques
Like its stated above, the cultivation techniques in the US are quite different. Farmers have to use the stipulated farming practices as required by the state’s Department of Agriculture. Sustainable farming techniques involving nutrient-rich soil are usually the best.
This involves the use of organic products minus the use of harsh chemicals. US farmers usually operate under strict guidelines that promote a healthy growth cycle of hemp plants and lead to abundant non-GMO harvest. This means that the quality of the hemp extract is also top-notch. The consequences are safe and regulated CBD products that have an unsurpassed level of potency and consistency.
Premium CBD companies in the US usually let their consumer know where the hemp sources are and the method used in the cultivation process. as a result, the consumer can do their own comprehensive research and determine if they want to go forward with the purchase or not. You are likely to find such information from the company’s official website.
Brand Transparency
The stipulated frameworks and regulations help to promote the brand and product transparency. Did you know that the best CBD products on the market with the highest quality are made using US-grown hemp extracts? You are guaranteed transparency by buying local since the brand will definitely have all the essential information on its website. Besides that, you can contact the brand and make inquiries.
Environmentally-Friendly
While looking for a high-quality CBD product, it’s also important that you consider the role you play in environmental conservation. There are definitely a lot of resources that go into making CBD products. from the time the plant is harvested, transported, manufactured, and then distributed to the consumer, energy and time are used to make facilitate all these.
So, what happens if you are considering a product that’s sourced from overseas? While, the processing, as well as bottling process, will take extra resources and work due to the large distribution chain. Besides that, you will end up spending more.
You can actually end up helping conserve the environment by considering CBD products that are locally sourced rather than those that are shipped across the world. This will have a significant effect on climate change, even though it might seem insignificant to you.
Improving the National Economy
If you are buying locally from local companies with products that are domestically sourced that you are contributing to the national economy in a good way. This means that you are facilitating the circulation of money locally. As a result, you will help boost the nearby economy by keeping more money in the system where you actually live and shop from. While this may not always be the cheapest alternative for you, it’s actually worth it in the end. This is because you will be facilitating the survival and thriving of the local economy.
Availability of 3rd-Party Lab Test Results
While there are many CBD companies in the US, the most reputable ones usually have a transparent product catalog. They subject all their product batches to independent 3rd-party lab tests. This is important in proving to the public how safe their products are and if they are free from harmful contaminants.
While the availability of independent lab tests isn’t something that the law requires from CBD companies, these entities are simply making an effort to prove the components found in their CBD products and their quantities. This means that companies that are selling CBD products made from US-grown hemp extracts are simply going and beyond the normal requirements. As a result, you can have confidence in your purchases.
But what are the components of these lab tests? Since these are CBD products, the tests will mainly check the presence of CBD. However, other cannabinoids such as the psychoactive THC compound have to be checked as well. It’s also important to check the presence of potential toxins found in CBD products. This is because hemp is a plant that will quickly absorb anything that’s found in the soil including pesticides as well as other chemicals.
The validity of these tests is usually proven in the form of a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Most companies usually post the COA on their official websites. Details found in this document include the presence or lack of:
- Residual solvents
- Herbicides
- Heavy metals
- Pesticides
Note: Avoid any CBD product that contains any of these products since they are toxic contaminants and may cause serious harm to your health.
What to Consider When Buying CBD
Even though buying CBD products from domestic hemp sources guarantee you quality, you still have to exercise caution. This is because there isn’t a specific regulatory body that’s tasked with the regulation of cannabis products on the market. This means that there are still some brands that may sell cheap low-quality products. as a result, you should consider other factors such as consumer reviews, the presence of physical address, and the quantity/quality of CBD with respect to the price. This will help ensure that you get the value for your money.
The Bottom Line
Ever since the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, there have been a lot of CBD products on the market. However, This hasn’t completely eliminated the presence of imported products that some people consider cheaper. That’s why there are still people making orders online.
However, it’s important that you consider choosing US-grown hemp CBD products over others. This is because the US has strict frameworks that guide farmers on how to effectively cultivate high-quality CBD products with high amounts of cannabinoids. Besides that, you are guaranteed independent lab tests and an overview of the certificate of analysis. This means that your safety as the consumer is guaranteed due to the high availability of high-quality products.
