Author: Parker Moessner

Tips to Stop Drinking Alcohol for One Month with Ablis CBD

Post author By Parker Moessner
Post date January 20, 2021

By Parker Moessner

As we enter the new year, many people are making new year’s resolutions for a healthier lifestyle—like taking a hiatus from drinking. Of course, you probably aren’t planning to quit drinking forever, but a “dry month” can offer several enticing benefits…and don’t worry, there are alcohol alternatives you can use to help you through.

Keep reading for tips and ideas on how to stop drinking alcohol for one month (or more!).

What is Dry January or a Dry Month?

This is when you choose to remove alcohol from your life for a month, whether you have a drink around the house once a week or drink every day. It’s an opportunity to change your relationship with alcohol; A short-term commitment that’s a bit less daunting and easier to accomplish.

What are the Benefits?

Alcohol can be great in small quantities, but many times we can find ourselves caught in a cycle of binge-drinking.

Of course, drinking too frequently can cause damage to your liver and can impact your sleep schedule or the day after you drink (hello, hangover). If you aren’t careful, it’s easy for drinking to begin controlling your life and become addictive.

You may notice that after you quit drinking, not only will your sleeping habits improve…your skin can clear up, your emotions can become more stable. These are just a few of the benefits that can occur when you stop drinking.

After you quit drinking for a month, you may also find that you lose a few pounds or plateau at a healthier weight. There’s also a high chance that cutting down your alcohol intake will help with your mental health, easing anxiety, lightening depression, and helping with your overall mental disposition.

Taking a break from drinks can help reduce cardiovascular risk, and increase your ability to remember certain things, as well as your ability to think quickly and solve problems on the spot.

If you’re considering taking a “dry month”, we’re here to help with a few tips to encourage you to stick with your commitment.

Tips for Sticking With It

Find a different activity to fill your time.

When I want to take my mind off of something, I find that taking part in a new experience can be a huge help. Instead of sitting home and drinking, why not go out and try doing something active?

I live in Bend, OR, and there are plenty of active things to do around here. I’d suggest picking up cross-country skiing, or, if you’ve never skied before, take a few classes at HooDoo. They even have ski biking classes if you want to try something truly unique.

The thing is, alcohol makes you feel “good”, so finding a replacement activity should make you feel good afterward, too. Working out always makes me feel accomplished and rewarded, but you might feel this way after painting something new or writing a short story. Whatever it is that makes you feel good and accomplished, replace alcohol with that activity.

Keep a journal of your experience.

As you go through your month without drinking, write down how you’re feeling every day. It can be as simple as “I slept really well last night and had more dreams than I’m used to.”

When you keep a written log of how your month without drinking made you feel, you can look back on your progress throughout the month and potentially throughout the year. Anytime you feel like you might need a dry month, look back at your journal and remember the changes you experienced during this time.

Use the buddy system.

Do you have a friend who’s willing to take a dry month with you? It’s always a bit easier to stick with your commitment when you have someone holding you accountable, or if you’re holding someone else accountable.

Be honest with your buddy. Set up a system that ensures they won’t judge you for mistakes, but they will help you stick with your promise to have a “dry month”.

One way to add a little fun into the mix is to offer a prize, or a pool of money, for whoever goes without drinking the longest (or whoever has the least amount of drinks the whole month). Even if it’s a little prize, like a six-pack of their favorite beer, having a prize at the end of the month can make it easier to stay strong and avoid drinking in order to “beat” your buddy and win the prize…even if it’s just bragging rights.

Choose a few alcohol alternatives.

If you’re used to drinking frequently, it’s helpful to find something else tasty to sip on during your month-long break from alcohol. Ablis CBD has incredibly tasty beverages that can help you unwind and find your zen after a long day.

Ablis Beverages — Often find yourself reaching for a cocktail? Try Ablis CBD cranberry blood orange water, lemon water, or a strawberry mojito shot. Discover all Ablis’ beverage options HERE.

Ablis MCT Oil Options —If none of these options sound appealing to you, don’t worry. We have MCT Oil that you can add to smoothies, tea, or coffee! Check it out HERE.

Remember that if you slip up, it isn’t the end.

The hardest part of taking a dry month is not giving up on your commitment. Even if you decide to take a Dry Month hiatus and enjoy a drink, don’t let it be an excuse to give up on the whole month.

It sounds silly, but have your drink, and think of the Chumbawumba song Tubthumper. “I get knocked down, but I get up again”. ROCK that song, and remind yourself why you’ve decided to take your dry month.

Get back up, and continue on your journey with a dry month.

Signs That You’re Ready for a “Dry Month”

It may feel normal to drink frequently throughout the week, but if you’re drinking every day or even more than three times a week, you may want to consider taking a break.

Again, this break doesn’t have to be forever—but a hiatus from alcohol won’t hurt. In fact, it can help!

Keep an eye out if you’re the only one reaching for a drink when you’re out with your friends or significant other. If everyone else is passing while you’re craving the buzz, you might need to take a step back and reevaluate your relationship with alcohol.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying beer, wine, or cocktails. You just want to make sure that it’s not taking over your life! In my opinion, everything in moderation is the best policy. Grab an Ablis CBD drink to curb your craving, or head to the slopes to get your mind off of it.

However you decide to tackle your dry month…We’re cheering you on at Ablis CBD!

Tags CBD beverages, CBD Cocktails, CBD drinks, cbd oil

Uncategorized

Rafting the Grand Canyon: Things to Know Beforehand

Post author By Parker Moessner
Post date December 22, 2020

By Parker Moessner

I cannot believe it has already been a couple of months since my amazing trip rafting down through the Grand Canyon. It feels like I was just there!

Even though we previously rounded up the trip on the blog, I’ve been itching to share some of the information you’ll need to plan your own epic adventure.

A lot of planning goes into making these river excursions go off without a hitch, and there is a lot to prepare for.

That’s where I come in. I want to give you a good idea of what you’ll need to make it happen and how to make it the experience of a lifetime.

It’s all in the details!

What to Know & What to Be Prepared For

I’m going to sound like a broken record but, plan, plan, and plan some more!

It took about two years to organize this trip, so we were able to get it down. In total, we were on the river for twenty-four days. Obviously, a trip of that length takes extensive planning, but regardless of the amount of time you plan to spend on the river, you’ll need to have your ducks in a row.

First things first, not just anyone can plop a raft into the river with twenty people and get going. This article is intended for a private trip; if you’re not a whitewater expert or have experts in your group, I would suggest taking a guided trip down the canyon.

You’ll also need a permit. It takes a bit of time to get approved, and it’s not a guarantee. However, only one person within your group has to obtain a permit, so multiple applications can up your chances.

There is a lottery process to determine who will be awarded permits, so it’s completely random but manages the number of people imposing on the ecosystem.

Getting a group together takes time as it is, but the further you do this in advance, the quicker you can start planning the fun stuff.

Planning this trip would not have been easy without experienced rafters within the group helping out. I’d put this under essentials, but obviously, you can’t pack your friends.

What to Pack: The Essentials

This might sound oddly particular, but the item I used most that I didn’t expect was my Paco Pad. It’s a waterproof sleeping pad that sits on the frame of the boat, so no tent setup is needed. During the day it makes an awesome place to lounge under your umbrella (another must-have) if you aren’t the one rowing.

Another big essential for me was hand cream. Rafting can do a number on your hands — they’ll be screaming for moisture, which is why I prefer a thicker cream like Aquafor.

At the end of an intense day, Ablis’ Muscle Rub kept me from waking up insanely sore. It made my recovery time a lot more effective. After all, river rafting is basically a full-body workout.

As for clothing and toiletries, keep it simple. You have to carry this stuff with you and move it from campsite to campsite, so be kind to your back.

Pack comfortable, durable clothing that allows for layering. Temperatures fluctuate quite a bit in the desert.

Water shoes and sneakers were certainly in my bag, but truth be told, I was barefoot almost the entire trip.

Remember: less is more.

What to Pack: Food & Beverage

Word to the wise… pick a killer outfitter.

Do your research because there are quite a few options, but this decision dictates a lot of the key components of a successful trip.

Food is crucial. What kind of meals are you and your group going to be into after a long day on the river? Your outfitter will be the one planning and preparing all of your meals.

A great outfitter will be able to accommodate any food allergies and dietary restrictions if that is a concern in your group. Ours did!

It was a self-guided trip, but bigger boats and all of the food that you need have to be rented. You’ll want to really vet your outfitter to make sure that the one you choose is going to be good and have some good meal options.

Some mornings we have a big breakfast of bacon, eggs, potatoes, and pancakes. Most of the time, we opted to do a light breakfast of yogurt and granola.

We had a lot of tacos, pasta, and we had some Curry one night. That was a real crowd-pleaser.

My favorite meal was definitely the jambalaya.

That was after we swam through some disgusting stagnant water in a cave for a few hours. Coming back to a warm meal was super necessary.

How it works is, they pack the coolers and fill them up with water and freeze the cooler as a whole. That’s how they kept the food for the whole 24 days. It creates this stump made up of layered ice and it melts as you go.

Pretty cool, right?

What to Pack: Fun Stuff

One thing we totally did right on our trip were our theme days.

A couple of people from our group appointed themselves as the creative directors of our trip. I’m so glad they did because they made everything so memorable!

From yacht club day to alien disco night, they brought enough costumes, accessories, and games to get all eighteen of us participating and most importantly, bonding.

Any time you’re working as a team, it’s a bonding experience. Going the extra mile and putting effort into making sure everyone had a great time kept our spirits high the entire journey.

So, pack all your funny hats, glow sticks, fake mustaches… get creative!

What to Leave Behind

The real world.

Being present is the best way to have a safe and enjoyable trip down the river.

Planning ahead allowed us to do that because we knew we were covered.

We could enjoy our surroundings and get creative with themes and games because we chose a great outfitter that made us all feel taken care of.

At the end of the day though, you’re going into nature. It is wild and oftentimes unpredictable.

As much as I can prepare you beforehand, you’ll need to be prepared for anything!

CBD Education

Hemp-Derived CBD Won’t Get You High, Here’s Why

Post author By Parker Moessner
Post date December 11, 2020

CBD is still fairly new to the mainstream, so it’s only normal that many aren’t quite sure what CBD is just yet. No worries. I am happy to clarify!

Of all the information available about CBD, one question seems to consistently come up.

“Will it get me high?”

Nope.

While it is not technically fair to say CBD isn’t at all psychoactive, it won’t give you the intoxicating “high” feeling more commonly associated with THC, its sister molecule.

When I say psychoactive, I mean it could potentially have an effect on your mental state. It won’t result in impairments typically involved with being high on THC, and it’s considerably less when you ingest it rather than inhale.

Inhaling CBD is a quick and potent way to feel the potential calming effects, however, allowing the digestive tract to slow down the absorption through ingestion prevents any feelings of intoxication.

CBD has hundreds of purposes, but getting high is not one of them.

Breaking Down the Hemp Plant

Hemp is where we begin when discussing CBD.

The hemp plant contains an abundance of cannabidiol, better known as CBD, as well as trace amounts of other cannabinoids. On the other hand, the cannabis plant contains higher percentages of THC and lower percentages of CBD if any at all.

The hemp plant’s flower and leaves are harvested to manufacture CBD.

Hemp-derived CBD products will only contain trace amounts of THC (if any), while cannabis-derived products will typically contain more THC than CBD.

The other trace cannabinoids are either removed or left behind in tiny amounts in most CBD products depending on the process used to manufacture it.

After the Farm Bill passed in 2018, products containing 0.3% of THC or less were deemed legal in almost every state. That percentage has remained the standard for CBD products.

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the cannabinoid abundantly found in hemp. It has a specific and targeted way of interacting with our bodies.

That’s why THC and CBD have such contrasting effects. They’re doing two completely different things.

Together, they can work in tandem to ease some of the more extreme symptoms you may connect with THC. We will get more into how this occurs when we talk about the endocannabinoid system.

Manufacturing also plays a role in the amount of THC you will find in CBD products. CBD is manufactured using predominantly three different methods, isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum. All three methods utilize the hemp plant, yielding different results.

Both full and broad-spectrum CBD will contain trace amounts of other cannabinoids and plant compounds like terpenes, including THC.

However, at Ablis, we use CBD isolate. That means nothing but pure, 100% CBD.

What is CBD Isolate?

CBD isolate is simply CBD in its purest form.

Just as it sounds, it is isolated from the rest of the cannabinoids in hemp giving you nothing but a dose of natural balance.

Isolate contains absolutely zero THC, which means maximum legality and no chance of a high feeling. To achieve this level of purity, after the oil is extracted with CO2, a method called winterization takes place, followed by a distillation process. This removes all excess wax, terpenes, and remaining cannabinoids, leaving it in its purest crystalline form.

Knowledge of these different methods comes in handy if you’re worried about traveling with a CBD product or taking a drug test for work.

The Endocannabinoid System

Your body was literally designed to consume cannabis.

We all have this intricate system throughout our bodies that acts specifically to communicate with the cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis plants.

Cool, right?

It is called your endocannabinoid system, and it is the determining factor of why THC will get you high, but CBD won’t.

This system is made up of “receptors.” These receptors are located all over the body, not just the brain, and they link up with consumed cannabinoids to create certain effects in the body.

Scientists have been able to study enough of these receptors and the cannabinoids they communicate with to determine that CBD will not get you high.

CBD suppresses the CB1 receptor, which is responsible for the feelings of intoxication often associated with THC.

There is still a lot left to learn about the endocannabinoid system. It’s exciting to think that we are only scratching the surface when it comes to CBD and the hemp plant’s abilities.

If you were timid about giving CBD a shot, I hope this has offered you some clarification and peace of mind.

Everyone’s endocannabinoid system is unique so start small and experiment, dosing up or down to meet your personal needs.

Happy dosing!

Tags CBD education

Uncategorized

Rafting the Grand Canyon: An Epic, Month-long Adventure

Post author By Parker Moessner
Post date December 11, 2020

Going back to civilian life after twenty-four days rafting the Colorado River felt even stranger than I imagined.

I went from beautiful red rock canyons and miles of whitewater rapids to a Chipotle in Kingsman, AZ. What a buzzkill.

Existing in the outdoors for an extended period of time does something to your body and mind.

This was the trip I had been dreaming of, and it could not have been better.

Planning the Trip of a Lifetime

I went on this adventure with sixteen people, half of whom I had never met before. Some were good friends that I started paddling with back in college and some were people that I’ve met along the way.

In total, it took about three years since we started putting wheels in motion to obtain a permit.

There’s a lottery system for obtaining a permit. And since one permit, was good for all sixteen of us, we each applied separately to up our chances. It worked!

Because the people who organized the trip were all “river people,” we wanted to offer this experience to our friends and people who wouldn’t normally do something like this. It was so cool introducing people to this! Our group included experienced rafters with twenty years of experience to people who had literally never been rafting before.

Teamwork is Key

I know sixteen people seems like a lot and it could have easily turned into Lord of the Flies if we weren’t careful, but this group made this trip go off without a hitch. You have to get along and work as a team, so it’s important that everyone has a job and they stick to it.

Part of what made things run smoothly was going with people who had experience and knew the river. It also helped that most of us knew each other really well. But the novices that we didn’t know beforehand were down to listen and help out with whatever.

With a little bit of direction from one dude that had been down the river around eleven times, everybody fell into their roles seamlessly! The leaders really stepped up and even the newbies were killing it; rowing these crazy, huge rapids. It was so cool to see everyone work symbiotically.

Never Underestimate a Theme (Even in the Wilderness)

The teamwork started well before we even got there.

Two rafters in our group, Christie and Brendan, decided that they were going to put together all the themes. We had a theme for basically every night. One night was an alien disco night club and another was a yacht club theme (captain’s hats and all). We all dressed crazy and learned all these great river games to pass the time. It was a total blast.

I would never have thought to make themed-days, so I’m very grateful to the experienced rafters who knew to plan ahead to make things more fun and exciting each day.

Sleeping Under the Stars

It was perfect weather. At night, it was almost always warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt so you could just sleep on the boat under the stars every night.

I didn’t even set up a tent. I posted up on my boat with my paco pad, which is a little waterproof sleeping pad, and let the water rock me to sleep.

Having everybody be so “all hands on deck” and eager to help out was one thing, but what was really special was dealing with sixteen different people with unique emotions and perspectives all seeing the trip in a different way. It definitely expanded the experience to share it with old and new friends from all walks of life.

Highlights & Close Calls

One of the first special moments was at Red Wall Cavern, a giant cave that you can hang out in. It is one of the spots that you’re not allowed to camp at, but we spent the whole day in the cavern.

Another one of the most memorable locations was further down at Deer Creek Falls right along the river. You can actually float right up and see it, it’s hard to miss.

We decided to go the hard way, which started upstream and then became a ten-mile hike up and over to this other crazy waterfall feature before coming down. After this giant hike up and over, you end the hike by walking down through this little crack in the top of the waterfall.

But the most memorable moment was after that excruciatingly long hike. You can walk right up to the base of this little pool that the waterfall is pounding into. The wind that’s coming off of the bottom of the waterfall is so strong and there’s mist blowing in your face and you’re doing everything that you can to get closer and closer, but it’s too powerful. It lights up all the senses being that close to nature’s intensity. It made me feel so alive.

We had a dicey moment going canyoneering down a very narrow canyon when we made the mistake of taking more people than time allowed for. We ended up having to keep setting up and resetting repels then passing some gear back up. We all assumed we can repel if we can climb. We just didn’t think through having eight of us in this little slot canyon with limited equipment and time!

We ended up being in this slot canyon called the Twenty Nine Mile Canyon until after dark. The sun went down and we only had lights from our cell phones. We definitely weren’t expecting to be out there that long and we didn’t come prepared with lights.

Some of these canyons have stagnant water. So, we were literally swim-walking around trying to find where our feet could touch. Mucking through that disgusting, stagnant, moth water that was pitch black and not being able to see the end of the tunnel, I definitely had several “mind over matter” moments, but we made it back. It was just a little later than we expected.

Talking yourself into diving into the water with zero visibility is a mental test in itself. By the end of that though, I was pretty comfortable with diving into the abyss.

The Bigger Picture

Being on the river each day is something I’ll never forget. The whitewater was awesome; a total rafter’s dream.

I took a Grand Canyon Field Guide with me to learn more about the area, which was a really awesome book to have at the end of every day. We would all try to remember the bugs, the lizards, and the birds to look them up in the field guide.

Learning about the geology and the layers in the canyons made me appreciate it all so much more.

When you start at the head of the river, you start at the top layer and as the river carves down, each new layer is exposed and you get to spend a couple of days in a different “time period” of the rock formations.

Anytime you’re in this setting where the only important things that you have to do each day are to get down this river safely, set up the kitchen so that you can eat, and set up the toilet so that you can go to the bathroom, everything else just fades away. In the “real world,” it’s easy to take life’s necessities for granted.

Rafting a total of 280 miles of river and hiking upwards of 50 miles in 24 days was truly the trip of a lifetime.

Sure, using a normal toilet is pretty cool, but I could’ve easily stayed out there another 24 days.

Tags Grand Canyon, rafting

CBD Education

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: What’s the difference between them?

Post author By Parker Moessner
Post date August 11, 2020

Are you confused when it comes to hemp oil and CBD oil? Are they the same thing?

Though they are both derived from the hemp plant, these oils contain different compounds and have different uses.

I’m here to demystify the vague and oftentimes confusing marketing in the industry and explain the parts of the hemp plant used to extract both oils. After reading this article you’ll be able to make an educated purchasing decision based on your particular needs.

Why CBD at Ablis?

When Oregon legalized in 2014, we started by infusing our beverages with THC. Our co-founder, Max, had the idea to experiment with a new cannabinoid that was gaining popularity. The cannabinoid that piqued his interest was CBD.

CBD is one of many cannabinoids present in the hemp plant. It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it doesn’t give you that high feeling associated with THC. CBD is said to assist in recovery for active lifestyles and promote an overall feeling of well-being. It can be ingested or used topically.

Our founders, Jim and Max, wanted to make an infused beverage that could be shipped nationwide. So, they chose to use CBD isolate, which is totally free of THC, based on a huge demand for non-psychoactive cannabis products.

They decided to make a drink that wouldn’t get you high but could give you the beneficial properties of cannabis.

What’s With all the Acronyms?

CBD, THC, MCT… It’s confusing, I know. There are so many products on the market that boast the benefits of CBD, hemp oil, or hemp seed oil – but what’s the difference?

Here’s what you need to know. CBD and THC are basically sister molecules in cannabis. CBD has all the benefits of cannabis, without the feeling of euphoria you get from THC. Hemp oil contains neither CBD nor THC, but also comes from the hemp plant. It claims a long list of health benefits all on its own.

So, They’re Both Hemp?

Yes! Hemp oil and CBD oil are both derived from the hemp plant, just different parts. Hemp is categorized as a type of cannabis. However, it’s properties are put to use differently than traditional cannabis.

Hemp seed oil, which is the same as hemp oil just a tad more specific, comes from the actual seeds. CBD is harvested from the leaves, buds, and stalks of the hemp plant.

Though they come from the same plant, hemp oil does not contain CBD, and vice versa.

Hemp seed oil does contain essential fatty acids like Omega-3, Omega-6, and a lot of Vitamins B and E. The seeds themselves are nut-like in texture and taste, plus a quality source of plant-based protein. The vitamin dense oil is used frequently for its nutritional value and can also be used topically to ease several skin and hair conditions.

While we don’t manufacture hemp seed oil at Ablis, we aren’t lacking in the healthy ingestible/topical fat department. Our MCT oil offers similar nutritional benefits to hemp oil and can be mixed into most beverages or used topically.

MCT oil is not made from hemp and it does not contain CBD. MCT stands for Medium-Chain Triglycerides. These fats are more easily and more quickly burned than long-chain triglycerides, making them a super powerful source of fatty acids, much like hemp seed oil.

Both MCT oil and hemp seed oil support a healthy immune system and are effective in activating ketosis or using stored fat for energy. They can both aid in maintaining a healthy weight and improving your overall energy.

You can moisturize with MCT oil, use it as a substitute for olive oil while cooking (up to 200 degrees), and add it to any beverage, along with your trusty CBD oil.

We think that MCT oil and CBD oil are a winning combo because you get the nutritional value of the fatty acids in the MCT while activating those regenerative properties of CBD. It truly is the best of both worlds.

RELATED: The Benefits of Hemp

Are they legal?

CBD can contain no more than 0.3% THC to be considered technically legal in all fifty states. I say technically because some states still prohibit hemp cultivation and manufacturing, so while deemed federally legal, it’s not as readily available everywhere. Hemp-derived CBD maintains these lower levels and is considered legal on a federal level.

Hemp oil contains zero cannabinoids, so it is perfectly legal everywhere. And I do mean everywhere. It can now be found in products in most pharmacies and grocery stores across the U.S.

What to Look for Before Purchasing

Marketing for these products can be super vague and difficult to know exactly what quality and what compounds of hemp you are actually consuming.

So, how do you ensure you’re getting the best quality and the full spectrum of benefits?

Know your sources and know your terms.

In Oregon, our hemp regulations are pretty great. The quality of product here is going to be some of the best this region has to offer. The FDA doesn’t monitor CBD production yet, so it’s important to make sure your products have undergone third-party testing.

You may see hemp oil products marketed as “cannabis seed oil” or “Cannabis sativa oil” because they are technically coming from a Cannabis sativa plant. This can be misleading given there is no THC present in these products, which is what these terms are usually associated with.

CBD is also called “cannabidiol,” but is almost always referred to as CBD. Regulations prohibit the shipping of CBD products in certain states, making online marketing oftentimes vague for liability sake.

Overall, look for brand transparency. Check the labels. Where is the hemp coming from? What is the extraction method? Is it isolate or broad-spectrum? Was there third-party testing?

Sometimes these questions will take a bit more research to answer. Check company websites and product reviews. Their sites will be a pretty fair indicator of the quality of their product. Use your best judgment.

RELATED: Know Who’s Behind Your CBD

How to Supplement Your Lifestyle with CBD

For me, I definitely get the most out of CBD topicals to soothe sore muscles after a workout.

The product I use most often is our CBD muscle rub. I’m pretty active and encounter stress daily, so the muscle rub is my go-to.

Whether you prefer topicals or ingestible compounds, CBD can fit into any active lifestyle and all of us here at Ablis are proof!

What’s the right choice for me?

If you’re seeking the balance and calm that CBD can provide, hemp oil is most likely not what you’re looking for.

If you’re hoping to beef up your beverages with a heavy dose of protein and vitamins, hemp seed oil or MCT oil would be a solid addition to supplement your lifestyle.

While we can’t guarantee the integrity of every company out there, adding CBD, hemp oil, or MCT to your habitual beverages, food, or skincare could potentially benefit you in many ways.

Do your research. State regulations could mean that these products vary. Just be aware of what you are purchasing and from whom.

Why not try them all and see how they can significantly enhance your daily routine? Choose wisely to cater to your needs, but don’t be afraid to experiment since none of these ingredients are psychoactive.

Happy dosing!

Tags CBD education

Uncategorized

Central Oregon Trail Alliance – Win a New Bike by Supporting COTA

Post author By Parker Moessner
Post date August 4, 2020

Support the Central Oregon Trail Alliance and Win a New Bike!

Staying active is a vital part of our company culture at Ablis – it’s in our DNA.

Our whole team has really been into mountain biking lately.

In fact, Ablis co-founders, Jim and Max Bendis recently opened the Pinehurst Pump Track on their property here in Bend, Oregon, making it available to the general public (if you haven’t checked it out already, what are you waiting for?!)

We are proud to be based in Bend, and our success with all-natural CBD products would not be possible without local support.

This summer, we’re excited to give back to our community by raising money for the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) through the Ablis 2020 Bike Raffle.

The Raffle Details

What does it cost to enter? Where can I enter? What’s the big prize?

You can buy tickets online at abliscbd.com for just $5. One lucky winner will get to take home a PBJ from Transition Bikes valued at $1,599. Ablis CBD has donated the bike, and all proceeds will go to our friends at COTA.

The PBJ has a steel frame with hardtail suspension, and it’s one of the best models for pumping, bumping, and jumping – hence the name. It’s stable at higher speeds on big jumps, but you’ll also love how it rides on a narrow pump track. Weighing in at 25.9 lbs, this bike has 26” wheels and just 100mm of front travel.

The PBJ is an excellent bike for experienced riders who want to level up this year. It would also make a killer gift!

Another thing that we love about Transition Bikes is that they’re another independent, local, small business! The rider-owned and operated mountain bike manufacturer is located just north of us, in the beautiful town of Bellingham, Washington.

A Little About COTA

The Central Oregon Trail Alliance is a non-profit that is near and dear to all of us at Ablis.

Everyone at Ablis has a unique connection to mountain biking. Some of us are more dedicated than others, but we’re all about getting out on the trail and into nature as much as possible.

We encourage everyone to try mountain biking for themselves.

Pro-tip: You don’t have to be a pro to give mountain biking a shot!

Just ask our buddy, infamous free-rider Kyle Jameson, who gave us some details about how his mountain biking career started in a previous article.

Simply put, the sport of mountain biking wouldn’t be what it is in Central Oregon without COTA.

They have been caring for bike trails since 1992 when mountain biking wasn’t a well-known sport like it is today.

The sport was in its infancy, and the lack of trails made it difficult for people to pick up mountain biking.

That inspired COTA to work with local land managers and organize groups of volunteers to build the vast network of trails we now enjoy in and around Bend.

COTA also provides critical education around trail etiquette.

And their work still continues. It’s awesome that we have folks in the community who bring people together to pitch in and get it done!

Altogether, they have contributed more than 3,200 volunteer hours to preserve the mountain biking trails in Oregon.

I think it’s safe to say that without COTA, Central Oregon would not have become the international mountain biking destination it is today.

We have people from all over the world come to experience our trails.

With all the pandemic restrictions, some trail projects are moving slower than usual. Still, COTA is continuing their incredible work so we can all continue to have fun in the great outdoors.

Let’s help them continue their mission!

Buy your tickets NOW! They’re just $5, and you *could* WIN a Transition PBJ!

Bikes Change Lives

You read that right – bikes really do change lives.

We wanted to donate another bike to the community this year because we were so inspired by Ablis’ 2019 ‘Follow Your Ablis’ Bike Scavenger Hunt.

Each week in June last year, we created a scavenger hunt that challenged participants to find a token that could be exchanged for a mountain bike.

One lucky Ablis fan, Brandon, was one of the winners and he said it transformed his life.

Check out this message he sent us:

I love how Brandon was able to get back to nature, improve his health, and discover a lasting love for this sport.

We want every person in our Ablis community to experience that!

Mountain biking truly is a great way to live your best life. It gets you outside and moving, and you get the chance to explore places you may have never seen otherwise.

RELATED: How I Stay Active With CBD

It’s stories like Brandon’s that keep us going at Ablis.

As a company, we care immensely about the health, happiness, and wellbeing of our customers.

It’s the literal “why” behind everything we do, whether we’re creating new CBD products, figuring out how we can give back to our community, or inspiring others to get out into nature.

We want to encourage everyone to take care of themselves and their health by staying active this summer.

Join us to support this outstanding organization that has made Bend, Oregon, the incredible mountain biking community it is today!

Support COTA by entering the Ablis 2020 Bike Raffle! Get your ticket by Aug. 20, and you could be the lucky winner of a brand new Transition PBJ!

Tags Bike Raffle, COTA

CBD Education

Benefits of Hemp – Producing CBD from Hemp Oil at Ablis

Post author By Parker Moessner
Post date June 16, 2020

Every day on my way to our production facility in Bend, Oregon, I drive past acres and acres of hemp fields. And when I look at those tall leafy plants, I’m reminded of where every single Ablis’ CBD product starts.

Many people associate CBD with marijuana, but instead, it comes from hemp. Ablis is part of a relatively young, but booming hemp industry.

Let’s Take It From The Top

Hemp was widely grown in America until 1937 when it was outlawed. To target marijuana, the federal government prohibited anyone from growing plants in the Cannabis genus.

That group of plants includes both marijuana and hemp, even though hemp contains only trace amounts of THC (the chemical compound that gets you high).

The federal government legalized hemp in 2018, but hemp has been legal in Oregon, where we make Ablis, since 2014. Legalization has opened up tons of new business opportunities. In less than two years, the U.S. hemp industry has grown to an estimated $4.71 billion!

The CBD for Ablis products from hemp, but CBD is just one of so many products that can be made from this incredible plant. We see hemp seed butter and even hemp seed milk, building materials for houses and cars, and even new biofuels! In fact, the U.S. government has identified over 25,000 uses for hemp.

It’s kind of crazy to think about!

Hemp And Sustainability

We love hemp’s versatility, and we’re glad to have a reliable, THC-free source for our CBD. But another thing we love about hemp is that it’s an incredibly sustainable crop.

One of the main reasons hemp is sustainable is that every part of the plant is usable, from the seed to the oil, to the flower, the leaves, and the stalk.

Here are a few other reasons why hemp is eco-friendly:

It feeds the soil: Hemp returns higher amounts of nutrients to the ground during its lifecycle, making for naturally healthier soil. Many other crops do the opposite.
It saves water: Hemp uses less water than many other crops, putting less strain on our precious natural resources.
It’s super-efficient: Hemp has a high yield, and it grows quickly, meaning that farmers can produce a lot of it on a small plot of land.
Hemp is tough: It’s naturally resistant to many pests, diseases, and fungus, so farmers don’t need to use excessive chemicals that can be harmful to our health.

As someone who studied sustainability in college, it’s great to know that we’re part of an eco-friendly industry. And I know everyone on the Ablis team values that too.

How We Use Hemp

All of Ablis’ CBD comes from hemp.

There are many different forms of CBD that can be produced from hemp. And the process looks different depending on the end product. The method depends on the intended use of the extraction, environmental factors, and of course, money.

We use hemp-derived, organic CBD isolate. We currently source our hemp locally from an advanced local extraction facility as well as one of the leading water soluble extract producers in the country. It’s 99% pure and comes in a powdered form, which is an excellent fit for our beverage-making process. Like all forms of hemp-derived CBD, it starts with extracting oil from the plant’s flower. This oil is rich in CBD, but it also contains other naturally occurring chemicals and fats that need to be filtered out.

Once hemp oil is concentrated into pure CBD, we use varying forms of isolate depending on what the unique products call for, usually resulting in something that looks similar to the rock candy you make from sugar water.

Usually, at this time of year, we would be gearing up for the Oregon Hemp Convention. It’s a premiere industry event that showcases all the facets of the market including up-and-coming products, scientific advancements, and unique business opportunities. It’s also a great way to keep business local and improve our local hemp industry, something Ablis is always aiming for. Sadly, it’s been postponed this year, but the industry is still going strong.

Now you know that when you enjoy Ablis, you’re supporting a growing industry that is just getting started and beginning to boom!

Tags Hemp

Recipes

CBD Cocktails: How to Make a CBD drink At Home Using Ablis

Post author By Parker Moessner
Post date June 4, 2020

CBD Cocktails: How to Make A CBD drink using Ablis

It’s summertime, but, because of COVID, it doesn’t quite feel like it.

Social distancing is hard, and I think we’re all starting to feel a little worn out. But don’t let stir-craziness turn into anxiety!

It’s healthy to take a break from everything that’s going on. At Ablis, we recommend getting outside and staying active, before heading into full relaxation mode.

That’s why I’m sharing five CBD cocktail recipes that you can make right at home using Ablis! We also got a little help from our sister company, Crater Lake Spirits, to really amp up the flavor in each of these drinks.

So grab your tumbler, and then sit back and relax Ablis-style!

1. CBD Strawberry Mint Julep

This cocktail is our twist on a springtime classic, the mint julep. It’s the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, and, as a Louisville native, it’s always first on my list during the spring. The Derby was postponed to the fall this year, but this drink will take you there!

Ingredients:

6oz Ablis Strawberry Mojito
1.5oz Crater Lake Spirits Rye Whisky
1 cup crushed ice
1 lime wedge
Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

Pour the crushed ice into a tumbler
Add Ablis, along with the whiskey and give it a light swirl
Add a squeeze (or two or three) of lime and stir
Transfer the drink into a glass and top it off with fresh mint!

2. Spicy CBD Vodka-Cran

This one is a favorite at Ablis Experience in Portland. And using Crater Lakes Spirits’ one-of-a-kind Hatch Green Chili Vodka takes it to the next level. We balance out the spice with some acidity from Ablis Cranberry Blood Orange, along with a little extra sweetness from the vanilla.

Ingredients:

6oz Ablis Blood Orange
1.5oz Crater Lake Hatch Green Chili Vodka
.5 oz Vanilla Syrup
½ lime, squeezed
Twist of orange rind

Instructions:

Pour the vanilla syrup into your tumbler
Add Ablis, hatch green chili vodka and lime juice and stir
Transfer the drink into a glass and garnish with the orange rind

3. The Ablis Pain Killer

I like this one because it’s a creamy, fruity cocktail that packs a punch. Pairing coconut cream with Ablis MCT Oil, which is extracted from coconut oil, leaves a nice, smooth foam on top. Plus, you still get the added benefits of CBD.

The Pain Killer is perfect for being outside on a hot, sunny day. We often make this one at events for Crater Lake Spirits, and it’s a crowd favorite!

Ingredients:

1 TSP Ablis MCT Oil
6oz Spiced Rum
1 TSP Coconut Cream
Crushed Ice
Orange Juice
Pineapple Juice
Nutmeg (freshly grated or ground)

Instructions:

Combine Ablis MCT Oil and coconut cream in a tumbler, and shake until fully blended
Add splashes of orange and pineapple juice, along with a handful of ice
Shake until frothy and transfer into a glass
Sprinkle nutmeg over the foam to garnish

4. CBD Triple Ginger Mule w/Cardamom Sugar

This one is for all the ginger lovers out there. This cocktail combines three forms of ginger to make one spicy meatball… I mean, cocktail. Topping it off with cardamom sugar, black pepper, and sea salt lends an intriguing aroma and unique taste to this drink.

Our customers in Bend, Oregon, will recognize the rim salt’s spice profile because it’s inspired by another local favorite, the infamous Ocean Rolls from Sparrow Bakery.

Ingredients:

10oz Ablis Lemon Ginger
2oz Crater Lake Spirits Sweet Ginger Vodka
Candied Ginger
1 TBSP White sugar
Ground Cardamom to taste (a little goes a long way)
1 Pinch Black Pepper
1 Pinch of Sea Salt

Instructions:

Finely chop candied ginger with a knife or food processor
Combine candied ginger, Ablis Lemon Ginger and ginger vodka in a tumbler
Lightly swirl and set aside
Mix a dash of cardamom, a pinch of sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper into the sugar
Pour the sugar and spice mixture onto a flat surface
Wet the rim of your glass with a dampened paper towel, and dip it into the sugar mixture
Use a filter to strain your ginger concoction as you pour it into the rimmed glass

5. CBD Berry Seltz

This is the easiest cocktail of the bunch! It’s like a light alcoholic seltzer, but with CBD too! Using Crater Lake Spirits Northwest Berry Vodka gives you the fullest berry flavor with our signature blend of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and marionberries– all natives of the Pacific Northwest.

Ingredients:

10 oz Ablis Blood Orange
2 oz Crater Lake Spirits Northwest Berry Vodka
1 Lemon

Instructions:

Combine Ablis Blood Orange with the berry vodka in a tumbler
Gently stir until fully combined
Cut the lemon in half
Add the juice from one half of the lemon and stir
Slice the other half of the lemon into wedges and use for garnish

Ablis makes it super easy to incorporate CBD into your favorite cocktails, and there’s something for everyone on this cocktail list. We love hearing from our customers, so let us know what you think of these recipes!

Tags CBD Cocktails, DIY

CBD Education

Does CBD show up on drug tests? Clearing the Top CBD Myths

Post author By Parker Moessner
Post date May 26, 2020

Let’s be real: there is so much confusion out there about cannabidiol, or CBD, as it’s more commonly known.

Ablis is starting to roll out more CBD products, like our muscle rub, but we’re best known for our CBD infusions: the canned beverages we craft from mountain-sourced sparkling water, all-natural fruit and pure CBD extracted from hemp.

As you can imagine, we get a lot of questions about CBD., from what it is, to how it works.

We want each and every one of our customers to make informed choices about the products they consume. So to help with that, we’re clearing up five common misconceptions about CBD.

Let’s dive in!

1. Will CBD get me high?

First of all, no. Just to be totally clear, CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it won’t cause any of the sensations associated with a THC-induced high that you get from marijuana.

Second, while CBD awareness is growing, the false idea that CBD could have any intoxicating effect, such as grogginess, giggles, or paranoia, is hard to squash. A lot of misunderstandings about CBD come from its connection to marijuana, so let’s unpack that.

CBD and THC are both naturally occurring chemicals called “cannabinoids” that come from plants in the Cannabis genus. That group of plants includes both marijuana and hemp. The significant difference between marijuana and hemp is that marijuana contains THC, and hemp does not.

Both compounds affect the body in various ways, but CBD won’t get you high. Period.

At Ablis, we use CBD isolate from hemp. So you won’t find trace elements of THC or any other cannabinoids in our products.

2. Does CBD need THC to work?

Like I mentioned, CBD is one of many cannabinoids that interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system. It’s basically a network of proteins on each of our cells that interact with cannabinoids when they enter the body. (It’s actually pretty incredible.)

You won’t find THC or any cannabinoids other than CBD in any of Ablis’ products. But that’s not true for every CBD brand. Many CBD products do contain trace amounts of THC and other cannabinoids. The idea that CBD works best with THC has become known as the “entourage effect” in our industry. We still need more research on this theory, but if you’re curious about the combined effect of CBD and THC, you can always try using Ablis products with THC. THC has its advantages, but CBD is definitely effective by itself.

When we’re talking to people about Ablis, we’ve found that the easiest way to overcome the misconception that CBD should always be paired with THC is by simply allowing people to test our pure CBD products and see for themselves what CBD can do all on its own!

3. Will CBD show up on a drug test?

When people ask this question, it’s usually because they’re worried about how using CBD could affect their current job or a job they’ve recently applied for.

CBD isolate, the thing we use in Ablis products, will not show up on a standard employer drug test. Those tests are built to detect THC for workplaces that have rules around marijuana consumption, which is a very common thing.

There is one caveat, though: if you’re consuming a CBD product that uses full-spectrum CBD, it’s possible that trace amounts of THC could build up in your system. It would have to be a lot to show up on a drug test, but if you want to make sure you’re in the clear, then choosing products that use CBD isolate is your best bet.

4. Is CBD legal?

Short answer: Yes, but we’re still working out some kinks.

Long answer: Until very recently (2018 to be exact), the federal government treated hemp just like marijuana. This meant that CBD was treated exactly like THC, which is still illegal at the federal level.

The federal government paved the way for the regulation of CBD by legalizing the hemp plant, and the CBD industry has taken off since then. But we know more specific CBD regulations, especially for food and beverage products, are in the works. And we hope they bring even more clarity to both consumers and businesses.

Because things are still in flux, CBD markets vary from state to state. Some states have passed their own rules about CBD, while others have lifted all CBD restrictions. So we always encourage people to look up the specifics of the state where they live.

We’ve come a long way on CBD, but we still have some progress to make!

5. Is CBD a magical cure-all?

Okay, if this last one sounds a little bit outrageous, that’s because it is.

As CBD’s popularity has increased, we’ve also seen more and more outlandish claims about what it can do, from curing cancer to eliminating addiction.

We wish CBD were a magical cure-all that could end disease and suffering, but it’s just not true. However, many people find CBD helpful when it comes to managing their health, so we encourage everyone to make sure they’re looking into the scientific research that’s been done on CBD and talking to a health care provider whenever possible.

People use CBD differently depending on their needs and goals, and it’s often a trial and error process when it comes to how much to use and choosing a product that fits your lifestyle.

There is still a lot to learn about CBD, and trying to figure out what’s what on your own can be overwhelming.

We’re here to help. So let us know if you have questions about CBD! We’ll help you get answers.