Tag: CBD education

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.

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

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.

Related: CBD Isolate Definition and Broad vs. Full Spectrum

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!

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! 

The CBD industry has taken off in the past few years, and it’s projected to keep growing quickly. 

You’ve probably seen CBD products on shelves at your local grocery store or lining the countertops at gas stations. I’ve even noticed entire retail sections dedicated to CBD! 

It’s great that access to CBD is increasing, but the sea of options can be overwhelming. That’s why I wanted to discuss the importance of knowing who’s behind your CBD and finding a brand you can trust. 

Our Standards For Sourcing CBD

There is a lot of information out there about CBD. Some of it is conflicting, and, unfortunately, some of it is just plain wrong. 

So it’s important that when you choose a CBD brand, you’re choosing one that operates with integrity. That’s especially true if you’re choosing food and beverage CBD products, like our infusions, concentrates and shots, versus topical products that you’re not ingesting. 

For us, integrity means having high-quality standards and being as transparent as possible. 

RELATED: We’re Ablis And This Is Our Story

Ablis uses organic CBD isolate extracted from hemp, and we have a strict list of criteria for choosing our suppliers. Here’s what we look for:

• We only use CBD that originates from hemp (not marijuana) to ensure that it’s completely THC-free.
• We choose CBD suppliers that test plants for THC levels and CBD potency before harvesting.
• We work with CBD suppliers whose products are proven to be THC-free after extraction
• We make sure our CBD suppliers test for residual pesticide and solvents used during the extraction process.

We also prefer to work with suppliers in our home state of Oregon, because there are solid regulations for hemp growers and CBD extractors. However, high-quality CBD isolate is becoming more widely available throughout the United States. 

Testing, Testing, And More Testing

We work with trusted industry partners who test their CBD rigorously at each stage of production. 

First, there is pre-harvest testing, which happens while the hemp is still growing in the ground. The definition of hemp is that it cannot contain more than .03% THC. (That’s what separates it from marijuana.) So the plant has to be tested to make sure it’s actually hemp. 

Next, the hemp gets taken to a CBD extractor, which breaks the plant down to create a crude oil that contains CBD, plus a bunch of other naturally occurring chemicals. That gets tested too. Our suppliers check for CBD potency, as well as pesticides. 

RELATED: Separating Fact From Fiction: The Top CBD Myths

Then there is further testing after the oil is refined into pure CBD. There can be no THC or other plant chemicals, and it needs to be completely free of pesticides and anything used during the extraction process. When we say we use pure CBD, we mean it!

All of this testing happens before the CBD even gets to us for use in our beverages, topicals, and tinctures. Then we do our own testing to make extra sure that our dosage is accurate and that our product is indeed THC-free, pesticide-free, and contains nothing used during the extraction process before it gets to customers. 

Increasing Our Transparency

Consumers have the right to know everything that goes into the products they purchase, especially when it’s a product that they’re putting into their bodies. 

At Ablis, we think more information is always better. So we strive to give as much as we can to our customers.

We produce Ablis infusions at our production facility in Oregon. Our CBD beverages are made from a few simple ingredients: sparkling water fresh from the Cascade Mountains, organic fruit concentrates, and, of course, CBD isolate. 

We take samples of each batch of Ablis to a lab and get our finished product tested to make sure each can is THC-free, free of processing ingredients, pesticide-free, and contains only 25 mg of CBD. 

We already post our test results on our website, but we’re in the process of making this information even more accessible for our customers. We’re adding QR codes to all our CBD products that link to batch-specific test results. So future Ablis infusions will go into packaging with scannable QR codes that link directly to the exact test results from the batch that went into the can in your hand. So when you drink Ablis, you’ll have instant access to what you’re putting into your body. 

There are many CBD brands to choose from, and when companies are just trying to catch the latest craze and make easy money, they often cut corners. So choosing a CBD brand that is open and honest is both a matter of safety and peace of mind.

Staying active is a big part of how we do things at Ablis, whether it’s group activities or solo adventure. And each of us has our own favorite activities that help us stay healthy… and sane. 

Our CBD product lines were designed with an active lifestyle in mind. We know from both personal experience and hearing from our customers that for a CBD product to work, it has to integrate seamlessly into someone’s lifestyle. 

So I want to share my own personal experience using Ablis to maintain a healthy, balanced life. 

Understanding CBD

Sometimes when I start talking to people about how CBD can fit into an active lifestyle, they seem pretty puzzled. And I think that’s because of the confusion around CBD and THC. So before I start talking about my own personal experience using CBD daily, let’s clear that up first.

Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it won’t cause any of the sensations associated with a high that you get from marijuana, such as grogginess, giggles, or paranoia. I think we can agree that any of those sensations would make it hard to stay active!

Many misunderstandings about CBD come from its connection to marijuana.

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

RELATED: Separating Fact From Fiction: The Top CBD Myths

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

Using CBD To Support My Diet

In my experience, CBD is an excellent addition to an active lifestyle with the right set of products. 

My most recent lifestyle challenge has been figuring out how to get back into the Ketogenic diet. It’s something that worked for me in the past, but it does take some adjustment and planning. 

Keto seems pretty popular now, but if you don’t know exactly what it is, here’s a quick explanation: Keto is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has helped many people lose weight or get back into shape. And I was amazed by the energy it gave me. 

Right now, I’m preparing to start Keto again as we head into summer. So for me, this is the perfect opportunity to use Ablis’ Classic MCT Oil. It’s pretty much flavorless and can be added to whatever you want. I love incorporating it into smoothies, bulletproof coffee, and salad dressings.

“MCT” stands for medium-chain triglyceride, a type of fat molecule that can be more easily processed by our bodies. So it’s perfect for Keto, or simply getting more healthy fats into your diet. 

Enhancing Exercise With CBD

I also use CBD before, during, and after exercise. 

When it comes to staying active, my go-to is rock climbing. Living in Central Oregon, I am blessed to be surrounded by awesome outdoor climbing spots, and an awesome local climbing gym to boot.

I used to climb trees a lot as a kid, and rock climbing gives me that same feeling of conquering nature and earning a new perspective. Plus, if you’ve ever done rock climbing either outside or indoors, you know it’s a killer workout. 

There are two Ablis products that I use at the rock gym. I like to take a little bit of our Classic Peppermint Concentrate before climbing. This product is a blend of organic avocado oil, hemp-derived CBD, and peppermint oil. It’s super refreshing and portable. And since I use this product before a workout, I like to call it a “pre-covery” supplement. 

And after I’m worn out from climbing, our Classic Muscle Rub is a must. 

This thing lives in my gym bag because it helps me recover from pushing myself to avoid injury. After a good climb, my forearms hurt from just grasping so tightly with my fingers, so this product helps me release some of that tension. It’s aloe vera-based gel packed with 23 essential oils, and you’ll feel a warming and cooling effect on the skin. And it doesn’t leave a tacky residue.

I have always loved staying active, and as I get older, I see the benefits of supporting my activities with CBD. 

Relaxing With CBD

I know we’re focused on using CBD to stay active, but for me, taking time to relax and indulge is equally important. 

We make all our products easy to use on the go, but we still encourage everyone to slow down once in a while. Living in a go-go-go culture, we often forget to bring balance into our lives. 

Since Ablis grew out of Crater Lake Spirits, we know how to craft a high-quality beverage for kicking back and relaxing around a campfire, floating down a river, or sitting on your front porch and watching the sun go down. 

Our bold flavors, Strawberry Mojito, Lemon Ginger, and Cranberry Blood Orange, are excellent on their own, but they also make perfect cocktail mixers if you want to a little something extra.  

RELATED: Five CBD Cocktails You Can Make At Home

And if you’re calorie-conscious, or on a diet that is sugar restrictive, you can always try one of our zero-calorie options: Lemon Water and Blood Orange Water.  These still contain 25 mg of CBD and plenty of bubbles, but the flavors are lighter and contain zero sweeteners. 

As we’ve rolled out new Ablis flavors, we’ve found that having a healthy way to celebrate after a long hike or just rewarding yourself after a long day running around after your kiddos is necessary. So you can keep doing what you do every day. 

Do you use CBD to stay active? Tell us about your routine in the comments below!

Cheers!