Categories
CBD Education

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

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!

Categories
CBD Education

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

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! 

Categories
CBD Education

Is CBD free shipping available? Travelling and Flying with CBD

These are strange times we’re living in, and with people going out less than average, our online sales are going up and up. 

With that, comes a lot of questions about whether it’s okay to ship CBD or not. So keep reading, because we’re going to answer that question, plus a few others!

Is It Legal To Ship CBD?

I’m usually a behind-the-scenes person at Ablis. I handle our accounting and a lot of logistics, including shipping! 

Lately, I’ve been getting A LOT of questions from customers about whether they can legally ship CBD, whether it’s ordering online from our website or sending products to a friend or loved one. 

Well, I have good news for you! You can send and receive CBD via mail, whether through USPS or a private carrier like UPS or FedEx.

As a reminder, CBD is legal at the federal level, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill. So shipping it domestically is not an issue. But, because CBD markets vary from state to state and the lingering stigma around CBD and cannabis, it’s easy to understand why there is so much confusion. 

There are two things to keep in mind when it comes to shipping CBD:

1. Make Sure You Know the Legal Definition of CBD. 

CBD comes from the Cannabis plant, which includes both hemp and marijuana. From a legal standpoint, the big difference is that hemp cannot contain more than .03%THC. Anything over that limit is considered marijuana, which is still illegal at the federal level. 

RELATED: CBD vs. THC: They Are Not The Same

So, the big takeaway here is to make sure that you’re choosing CBD products derived from hemp, such as Ablis. Then you can have the peace of mind that you’re playing by all the rules. 

2. Keep in Mind That CBD Has Been Banned in a Few States.

There are a handful of states that aren’t CBD-friendly. Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota have bans on hemp-sourced CBD, which means you won’t find people growing hemp or producing CBD products locally. The laws don’t address shipping specifically, so we recommend reaching out to a state representative for more information.

What About Flying With CBD? Is That OK?

Not many people are flying these days unless they really have to. But, if you’re one of those people and use CBD regularly, it’s super important to be able to bring it with you when traveling. 

Guess what? There’s more good news! Yes, you can fly domestically with CBD. 

You may have heard the horror story of a 71-year-old woman arrested in Dallas in 2019 for having CBD oil, but don’t let that scare you. After that incident, TSA updated its CBD guidelines to reflect the law. 

Like I said in the section above because CBD is federally legal, it’s OK to take it on a plane, either in a carry-on or in checked luggage. 

Many people get freaked out about taking their CBD through TSA, so here are a few tips for making it through security:

  • Follow TSA’s liquid guidelines: You’re allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in your carry-on bag, but each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
  • Choose professionally packaged products: Choose CBD products that won’t raise any red flags. For example, our topicals and concentrates look like typical toiletries, so they’re good travel choices. But bringing something like a vape pen filled with CBD oil or hemp flower might alarm a TSA agent who doesn’t know that CBD and THC are two different things. 
  • Be confident: You know you’re not doing anything illegal, so be confident when going through security. Sometimes nervousness and uncertainty can raise suspicion, even when you’re following all the rules. Attitude is everything!
  • Shipping is an alternative: If you’re still really nervous about flying with CBD, try shipping your products to your destination ahead of time. It may cost a few extra bucks, but it will reduce the stress of traveling. 

RELATED: Separating Fact From Fiction: The Top CBD Myths

What About Crossing International Borders?

I’m going to keep this short and to the point. This one is a big no-no. I want to say that right off the bat. 

International travel is pretty restricted right now, but if you are planning to cross an international border by plane or car, you will need to go through a customs check. 

Even though CBD is legal in many other countries, you shouldn’t transport it from country to country. 

For example, CBD is legal in Canada; it’s illegal to bring it across the border without authorities’ permission. On the other hand, Mexico does allow travelers to carry CBD with them into the country, but we still don’t recommend doing that. 

Taking CBD through an international checkpoint is not worth the risk. If something does happen, you’ll be left in the hands of a foreign government, and things could get messy. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 

Bottom line: Don’t do it. 

Do you have more questions about shipping CBD or traveling with it? Fire away! Let us know how we can help.

Categories
CBD Education

CBD and mountain biking: Kyle Jameson shares his CBD story

Mountain biking is my passion and my livelihood. But as I get older, I have to put more effort into recovering from a day out on the trail. 

My CBD wellness routine has become instrumental as I continue with this awesome sport, and here is why:

My Biking Career

Before we get into my CBD routine, I want to tell you a little bit about my biking career. 

Growing up outside of Sacramento, California, my first mountain biking experience was in Lake Tahoe when I was sixteen years old. A friend of mine and his dad rented some bikes and had me come along. I remember just loving going through the forest as fast as I possibly could. 

From that day on, I was pretty much hooked.

I stuck with the sport and competed in some pretty high-level competitions, like the Rampage qualifiers in 2014 and 2015 and FEST Series events, where I have taken home a few awards. For me, just getting through those courses in one piece was a huge victory, but it was also pretty fun to get to showcase my riding abilities. 

Nowadays, I think of myself as an ambassador for the sport and the lifestyle that comes with it. 

While I no longer compete, I’m still super involved in mountain biking. I have coached kids at all skill levels, from basics to backflips, and I own a company that builds mountain biking trails in Bend, Oregon. I also ride as much as I can and share my passion with others by making videos for outdoor media outlets and gear companies, where you can see me freeriding all over the country. You can also catch me having a blast on Instagram.

RELATED: How I Stay Active With CBD 

There is fun around every corner, and mountain biking is all about how you interpret the land, evolve your skills, and remain ready for anything.

My CBD Wellness Lineup

It goes without saying that mountain biking is an intense sport, and with any extreme sport comes a high risk for injury. As I get older, I find myself dealing with way more aches and pains than I used to.

I have used many different products, from traditional pharmaceuticals to plant-based remedies. But I switched over entirely to CBD a few years back. 

As the cannabis industry evolved, I realized that there was a lot more to it than just getting high using THC. I started learning about other beneficial compounds from the cannabis plant that could help me stay active, and CBD seemed worth a shot. I got interested in all forms of CBD like oils, topicals, and beverages. 

I no longer use the traditional over the counter treatments that I grew up with because I have had so much success with CBD. In fact, my whole family now uses CBD daily. It is just a part of our regular routine. For me personally,  I keep a muscle rub and concentrate with me at all times, and I keep a bunch of drinks with me as well. 

I believe firmly that if it comes from the ground, it is probably better for you than something from a lab, which is one of my reasons I partner with Ablis. Ablis is a CBD brand that’s committed to using pure, natural ingredients and transparent sourcing.

RELATED: Know Who’s Behind Your CBD

CBD Is Catching On 

I am not the only athlete using CBD as part of their training routine. More and more, I see CBD catching on in the mountain biking community and beyond.

I’ve seen a lot of professional athletes from all sports, from the National Football League to skateboarding and soccer, start to speak up about concerns surrounding synthetic drugs that can cause problems like addiction. Furthermore, these athletes have urged our government to fund more clinical testing and research about CBD’s benefits.

All of that is having a significant ripple effect in our society. In 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency removed CBD from its list of banned substances– a big win!

With the stigma around cannabis starting to fade, people are beginning to realize that CBD is not this crazy harmful drug. With all of the advances and publicity that CBD is getting, I see it as a positive trend continuing far into the future.

*The statements above have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Categories
CBD Education

CBD vs. THC: They Are Not The Same

One of our biggest responsibilities as a company is educating people on the facts about CBD. And one of the top misconceptions we run into is people thinking that CBD is the same as THC.

In reality, CBD and THC are two different cannabinoids that come from the same plant. Keep reading to learn more about the three main differences between these guys!

First, A Little Background

The word “cannabinoid” can sometimes throw people off, especially people who haven’t used cannabis products before, so let’s start there. 

Cannabinoids are naturally-occurring chemicals found in plants that belong to the cannabis genus. Scientifically, both hemp and marijuana belong to this genus. 

But because of the different regulations applied around these two plants, there’s a legal definition that everyone in the cannabis industry adheres to. To be considered hemp, the plant can contain no more than .03%THC (That’s basically nothing.) Anything over that limit would be regarded as marijuana from a legal standpoint. 

So, when we’re sourcing our CBD, we make sure it comes from quality hemp and that all THC is removed through the extraction process.

RELATED: Separating Fact From Fiction: The Top CBD Myths

Cannabinoids affect our bodies because they interact with our endocannabinoid system. It’s a network of protein receptors on each of our cells that interact with cannabinoids when they enter the body. Pretty crazy!

At this point, scientists have identified at least 113 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and CBD and THC are just two of them! 

Chemical Structure & Psychoactivity

So now that we know a little about cannabinoids, let’s talk narrow in on CBD vs. THC. How are they chemically different?

Well, they’re actually pretty similar. 

CBD and THC have nearly identical chemical structures— the only difference is in how the molecules are arranged! But that seemingly small difference has a huge effect when it comes to psychoactivity. 

When a chemical is “psychoactive,” it means it changes a person’s mental state by affecting how the brain and nervous system work. It’s just a fancy word for getting high. 

The main takeaway here is that, even though they’re very similar, THC is psychoactive, while CBD is not. 

CBD won’t cause any of the sensations associated with a THC-induced high that you get from marijuana, such as grogginess, giggles, or paranoia.

Shifting Legality

Another significant difference between CBD and THC is that they are regulated differently by the government. 

It’s a little complicated. So let me try to make it simple: 

THC is still illegal at the federal level, though many states have legalized it for medical use, recreational use, or both. From the federal government’s perspective, THC falls into the same category as many dangerous drugs, which is why penalties for having it in states that haven’t yet legalized marijuana are still incredibly harsh. 

CBD is legal at the federal level, but some states have imposed restrictions on it. Make sense?

RELATED: Know Who’s Behind Your CBD

Here’s how CBD became legal recently:

The 2014 Farm Bill allowed U.S. citizens to begin importing hemp, which gave companies like ours a THC-free source of CBD to use in our products. (We used to import hemp from Switzerland before local sources of hemp became available.) That bill also allowed states to create pilot programs for growing hemp domestically, which got the industry up and running in some places, like Oregon!

Then, in 2018, the feds allowed hemp to be grown domestically in all 50 states. It was a big win, but we know more specific CBD regulations are in the works, especially for putting CBD into foods and beverages. And because things are still in flux, CBD markets vary from state to state. 

We hope whatever regulations come will bring more clarity to both consumers and businesses. 

Our Advice To You

We’ve come a long way on CBD, but there’s still a long road ahead. So we always recommend that people make sure they understand both the scientific and legal differences between CBD and THC. 

One thing you can know for sure is that Ablis’ CBD products, whether it’s our craft beverages or our muscle rub or concentrate, will never contain any THC. We can promise you that. 

Do you have more questions about the differences between CBD and THC? Hit us up!

Categories
About Us CBD Education

My CBD Journey – Jim, the founder, explains how he started Ablis CBD

Have you tried CBD? What is your experience? Whether young or old, athlete or not, CBD has become an important part of our lives.  As an aging athlete myself, I thought it would be fun to share my journey to give insight on CBD and how it could help with your journey.

I founded Ablis to make all-natural CBD products in 2014 with co-founder, and son, Max Bendis.   Giving people access to CBD through functional products like craft beverages and essentials has become a lifelong passion that grew out of another passion of mine: competitive running. 

I have been a competitive athlete for over 45 years. It’s my favorite way for me to stay in shape and clear my mind. And CBD has become an integral part of maintaining my life as an athlete. 

This is my story of how I discovered CBD and why it’s an excellent option for anyone (not just athletes) searching for natural ways to support their wellbeing. 

Inspired By Charlotte Figi

I first learned about CBD in 2014. That was the year my home state of Oregon voted to legalize recreational cannabis. 

I’ve never been interested in getting high, and legalization didn’t change that. THC just isn’t for me. But I was excited about CBD, one of the non-psychoactive, naturally-occurring chemicals found in the cannabis plant. 

CBD intrigued me because of how it helped a little girl named Charlotte Figi.

Charlotte had Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy that can’t be treated with pharmaceuticals. Charlotte’s seizures started when she was three months old, and by the time she was five, she suffered from uncontrollable seizures about every thirty minutes, until her family found CBD. 

With CBD, Charlotte was able to do things she’d never done before, like walking, playing, making eye contact, and even eating on her own. It was an incredibly remarkable story.

Charlotte recently passed away due to COVID-19 at just 13 years old, and we’re all grateful for the CBD movement that she and her family inspired. 

Natural Healing Is Possible

I’ve never suffered from anything like what Charlotte went through but connected to her story because of seeing just how unhelpful and destructive lab-made pharmaceuticals can be for our bodies. 

Like many people, I watched my parents’ health decline as they grew older. Before my father passed away a few years back, he was taking 11 pills every day. They were all FDA approved drugs, but there was zero research about their collective and long term effects. 

Over time I saw that those pills weren’t helping my dad. Instead, they were only hurting him. 

I think stories like this are pretty standard in our society – everybody wants a quick fix. So people pile on the prescriptions without thinking because it’s become normal in our culture. And I think that we’re now just starting to realize that perhaps mother nature is way smarter than we are. And perhaps natural ways of living and healing are really what we need. 

That’s how I live my life, with a deep respect for nature and knowing that my wellbeing is connected to living the way nature intended. And because of that, I have always been interested in plant-based products. 

It warms my heart to see more and more people looking for natural ways to improve their lives, and CBD is a great place to start. 

How I Use CBD 

Believing exercise is more like recess, I’ve been racing competitively for 45 years. 

My proudest race was long before CBD became available: when I won the Portland to Coast 170 mile Duathlon.  While others were consuming energy bars and energy drinks, I only consumed all-natural foods and teas.  And I ended up setting the course record at the time.  

Ultra-sports like competitive running are all about mindset, but you still have to take care of your body if you don’t want to burn out. Blending a little bit of ego and a lot of dedication, I’ve competed in over 300 races, triathlons, and duathlons – so grateful to still be able to run, let alone keep racing. A lot of people’s bodies just wear out because running can be so intense.  I thank God for genetics and a healthy lifestyle.

The first time I tried CBD, I wanted to know how it would impact my running. I’ve never looked back because I’ve never felt better.  The FDA doesn’t allow me to talk about the benefits of CBD.  It is all a part of a healthy lifestyle.

Here’s how CBD now fits into my daily routine:

  • 30 minutes before strenuous exercise, my regime is to take 25-50mg of Ablis CBD Concentrate. 
  • After vigorous exercise, I make sure to cool down with Ablis Muscle Rub. I especially use it on my Achilles heel, but I’ll put it all over as it feels so good with the natural warming and cooling ingredients.
  • I drink at least one Ablis infusion each day. It’s an easy way to get your CBD because it feels and tastes like a treat. 

My entire lifestyle, including CBD, has turned the clock back on my ability to be an athlete – and I feel amazing.

My Advice To You

I always recommend CBD to fellow athletes, but CBD is for everyone, no matter how you like to stay active. 

These are my tips for first-time CBD users:

  • Find your “sweet spot”: As I integrated CBD into my life, I found a daily dosage that works for me. I take about 50-100mg per day, but everyone is different. 
  • It doesn’t hurt to experiment: The general rule for trying something new is to start small, but I recommend starting with more CBD than you think you need and then backing off to a minimum dosage where you still feel the effects that are discussed all over the web. 
  • Do your research: This goes for CBD in general and companies that make CBD products. The research that’s been done on CBD is widely available, so I highly recommend reading it. And I also recommend carefully choosing your CBD company. In today’s market, more and more companies care more about making a profit than helping their customers. So find a CBD company that aligns with your values. 

CBD is part of an overall lifestyle, so don’t think of it as some magical cure-all. Think of CBD as part of a holistic approach to wellness that includes plenty of physical activity, healthy foods, and other natural, plant-based remedies. 

I hope that by me sharing my CBD journey, it helps you navigate yours. To learn more about CBD, check out Ablis online.

Categories
CBD Education

Who’s Behind Your CBD? Know your CBD distributor.

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.

Categories
CBD Education

How I Stay Active With CBD

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!