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Cannabidiol (ca-NAH-bid-ial) is the primary cannabinoid found in hemp. There are over 100 others that will be more available on the market - as well as at Cedar Meadow Farm - in the future.

A molecular compound within hemp and cannabis that has medicinal properties. There are over 100 different cannabinoids within hemp, all with different medicinal properties, but CBD is the primary one.

Aromatic compounds found in many plants, though many people commonly associate them with cannabis because cannabis plants contain high concentrations of them. These aromatic compounds create the characteristic scent of many plants, such as cannabis, pine, and lavender, as well as fresh orange peel.

The specific class of compound that is typically associated with getting "high" or "stoned."  The psychoactive component of what is commonly known as marijuana.

When both the cannabinoids & terpenes are present in the tincture.

Another name for CBD Oil/Hemp Extract

CBD Oil with less than .3% THC still in it.

CBD Oil without any THC; it has been extracted and is non-detectable.

A detailed scientific analysis of precisely what is in the oil completed by a third party lab.

The accurate term for oil that has multiple cannabinoids (whereas the term “CBD Oil” has ONLY the single cannabinoid of CBD in it.)  The majority of the industry uses the terms interchangeably. Our policy is to stay as compliant as possible with emerging regulations as the industry evolves, and to be transparent and accurate with our customers.

Everybody has one. You have receptors in your body to naturally process cannabinoids.

Wikipedia defines it as a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, which are endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.

Healthline explains that experts aren't completely sure how CBD interacts with the ECS. Many believe it works by preventing endocannabinoids from being broken down. This allows them to have more of an effect on your body. Others believe that CBD binds to a receptor that hasn't been discovered yet.

While the details of how it works are still under debate, research suggests that CBD can help with pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with multiple conditions.

Oil (Tincture), Salve/Cream, Lotion, Shampoo, Drinks, Edibles & Smokeables are a few of the popular forms. It can be ingested or applied in a variety of different ways based on the form.

It may depend on who you ask so a clarification of definitions is important! Let's start with Cannabis, which is hemp, and includes many expressions of similar but very different characteristics.

Let's use an analogy that we've found to be helpful. Corn comes in many forms. Popcorn is what you eat at the movies, sweet corn is a summer treat, and field corn is mainly raised for animals- it's all corn but was selected for certain desirable traits.

Generally speaking "hemp" is used when describing low THC cannabis that includes characteristics for use for fiber, CDB, or seeds. Marijuana is always associated with high THC characteristics. All cannabis plants have all of these characteristics but certain ones have been selected for desirable traits like our corn example.

The hemp is grown in our healthy soil. It's tested & harvested at its prime, then dried to remove the moisture. "Crude" oil is extracted from the dried flower. This concentrated oil is rich and yellow, like honey. It's then processed, winterized and distilled, carefully blended with our MCT oil, bottled and sent to you!

CBD Hemp is legal to grow in all 50 states with an approved permit.

According to the FDA, CBD is technically NOT legal to sell as of 2022. So, why the massive market and CBD industry, you ask? Clearly, there is a mismatch in the allowance to grow, but inability to produce and sell. As Steve observes, "they've made a way to make cars, but haven't provided the roads." 

According to our research with experts, the caveat is that CBD retailers must rigidly comply with the (loose) guidelines that HAVE been set up as it pertains to messaging and labeling. If those are met, there is an allowance for the sale of the products. 

Our commitment is always transparency, which is the heart of this answer as well as our desire to operate as much as possible within the regulations as best as we understand them. 

You should know "how many farms are in your oil.” That is, you should know where your oil is sourced from.

We believe that you have a right to know where AND how your CBD is grown. Soil health practices vary from farm to farm. Not every farm has regenerative agricultural practices. Since this plant will take everything it finds from the soil - good and bad - we believe that soil health matters, and could impact the quality of your CBD.

Some other farms do have a focus on soil health practices - but not as many as you might think. And no other farmer has written a book about it based on their 25+ year history in researching and cultivating good regenerative practices.

An unbiased third-party test that will tell you what is in your oil. COA's are required when the hemp plant is harvested. A reputable manufacturer will get a COA test when the product is manufactured and bottled.

A COA contains a wealth of important information about the product. They're also quite complex to read and understand, particularly for consumers.

We found LeafReport's tutorial particularly helpful in unpacking this document for informed consumers.

Kazmira, ExtractLabs, and this blog on Medium all have helpful insights as well.

We've found that some oils don't actually contain nearly the amount of CBD that they advertise. You should look at the COA to verify what is in your bottle. Your bottle should have a Lot number that will show you the COA. Don't use a COA from the field - that is essentially irrelevant since a lot can happen between the field and the bottle!

It validates what's in the bottle, not what the company says is in the bottle.

CBD is currently unregulated, but under heavy discussion & consideration. While the FDA does regulate "dietary supplements," it has not yet widely approved CBD which fall under a different category.  

As such, there can be a tendency to "cut corners" in certain aspects of the industry.

We believe that cutting corners in quality damages trust and authenticity and seek to raise the standard of what we believe the standards will be when they emerge.

Every "body” is different, and every need for CBD is different. If you've taken CBD before and did not feel any different, chances are that your dosing was incorrect.

We use easy dosing, divisible by 30, which comes out to 2mg per drop of oil.

Generally, 1mg per ten pounds is a correct dose, starting low and working your way up until you find a dose that works for you.

You can find our dosing calculator and cheat sheets here. BUT, this is just a starting point. Your body will tell you what it needs. Some adults have experienced positive results with as little as 15mg 2 times a day. Others are using up to 100mgs per day to get desired results - especially with tougher challenges.

CBD Oil Dosage Calculator Disclaimer

The recommendations on this website are estimations and are not to be considered medical advice. The information is not meant to provide treatment for, or cure any condition or disease. The results displayed are based on our own personal objective data and should be treated as a 3rd party opinion. As many factors can influence CBD oil dosage for each individual, the results from this calculator may not be accurate for you. Please consult your doctor or medical professional before using CBD.

A 2019 article from WebMDstates that "a preliminary study suggests the answer is "no" ... at least if the CBD is pure. Researchers found that CBD, or cannabidiol, did not react with either of two commercially available tests used to screen for marijuana use."

Some CBD contains trace amounts of THC (less than .3%), however, and for that reason some professionals opt to not take CBD as a precaution.

If you're unsure, it's always advisable to refrain for 30 days before a drug test and to be forthright about your CBD use.

If you are subject to drug testing and would like to take CBD, it's advised to ensure that the product is THC-free ("T-Free").

We plan to have a non-detectable THC option available in the coming months for those who want to avoid potential issues with a drug test.

Generally, no, but you need to be aware of what your body is telling you. You should not take more than your suggested dose. Some people mention it makes them sleepy, so the typical precautions need to be observed. If this is the case, your body might be telling you to take before bedtime. That being said, some prefer to take it in the morning as it alleviates pain or anxiety.

The Mayo Clinicstates that there may be some risks with taking CBD. "Though it's often well-tolerated, CBD can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness and fatigue. CBD can also interact with other medications you're taking, such as blood thinners."

We have found there are very few, if any, reported problems with taking CBD correctly. But it's recommended that you talk with your doctor if you have concerns about taking or using a product with CBD.

Generally, we hear that most people use it for help with sleeping, anxiety and pain. With over 100 cannabinoids in hemp, each with its own medicinal property, we're still hearing new applications and implications.

This articlefrom Healthline describes other popular uses for CBD.

We do not make any claims, nor is it approved by the FDA for any specific treatment. However, there is vast anecdotal evidence for the efficacy of its use for both people and pets.

Full Spectrum with THC less than .3%. Broad Spectrum is planned to be offered in the future.

No, not according to the strict industry definitions of being certified organic. We do use a significant amount of organic methods but an organic approved practice like tillage, that is destructive to soil life and can lead to soil erosion, is not utilized. 

We are adamant that there are cover crops planted on every acre of our farm- we have living roots in the soil almost every day of the year. Very few organic vegetable or row crop farms can claim that! In addition, we do NOT use plastic in the fields when growing our CBD hemp.

Most organic farmers use plastic. That is an extra expense, limits rainwater infiltration by up to 30%, enhances the potential for soil erosion between the rows, kills microbes in the soil by overheating the top few inches of soil before the plants shade over, and as you can imagine creates a disposal problem. 

Instead, we have a better way, one that has been perfected in over 25 years of vegetable production here at Cedar Meadow Farm - using cover crops!

We have proven to be BETTER than most organic farms in the context of soil health.

Over the past 3 years, our soils have been evaluated by the Soil Health Benchmark Study, coordinated by the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (Pasa). Check out their reports of our soil below! 

DOWNLOAD THE 2018 REPORT

DOWNLOAD THE 2019 REPORT

Spoiler alert:

"Organic" does not mean "pesticide-free" or "100% natural". Organic farms are even allowed to use certain synthetic substances as outlined by the UDSA National Organic Program.

This is a more comprehensive list of approved crop amendments and pesticides for organic production. Most are "natural" but not all.

(See more in our Soil Health 101 FAQ.)

Yes.

We have at least 3 COA's produced throughout our process to triple-test the quality of the product at key stages of growth and production.

Our current terpene profile is nominal in our initial batch, and may change as our product develops over time.

MCT (Coconut) oil.

Our initial product line features bacon and tuna for pets, as well as natural (unflavored) for people. We also have a Wintergreen-flavored THC-Free product as well as peppermint-flavored oil for equine use.

All of our oil is consumable by anyone with no difference in quality or production methods. The concentration and dosage of the "pet-flavored" oil is specifically lower and optimal for pets, but by all means, if you love tuna or bacon, enjoy! (By contrast, the CBD concentration of the natural oil is higher and typically suited for people, so note the dosage if you're giving that to a pet.)

Purity starts in the soil. The health of our soil directly correlates to the health of the plant. It draws the rich nutrients from the soil. After the plant is harvested and dried, we use clean ethanol extraction. We adhere to triple testing through the process (during growth, after extraction and at manufacturing), and our manufacturing facility is cGMP certified.

Healthy soil is a win for the farmer, the surrounding communities and the planet in general.

For the farmer himself, the one who stewards the land, they are able to grow crops that require less inputs (pesticides, fertilizers, etc), and ultimately produces a better product.

Once a farmer has managed to to produce a healthy soil (which is not an overnight venture), they enjoy greater profitability off that soil by harvesting more consistent yields and lower expenses.

To the general environment, healthy soil has a wide variety of impacts. For example, it Infiltrates rainfall better, leading to less water runoff and soil erosion that literally impacts everyone downstream.

Consumers are demanding higher quality food and a more transparent food industry. They see the high cost of health care and are concerned about the future.  Healthy food starts with a healthy soil- there's simply nothing more foundational to our existence than that!

Healthy soil is teeming with life. Earthworms are a primary example. They provide so much rich goodness to soil!

Soil was designed to function with life in it.  Agriculture's extensive use of tillage, lack of living roots year around, and some of the inputs have destroyed the life in their soil and have inhibited the proliferation of things like microbes, earthworms, good bacteria and good fungi - to our detriment!

Healthy soil has living roots year-round. This is what keeps the biological activity at its peak and keeps the "factory" going in the soil.

The synergy that occurs over time becomes exceedingly positive when the soil is not disturbed and is kept covered with living roots in it.

Diversity of species is also a powerful factor. Consider a forest and how many species of plants and animals exist in that undisturbed ecosystem. We try to mimic that kind of diversity in the soil by having a diverse crop rotation of cash and cover crops. In the cover crop months, we often plant up to a dozen or more cover crop species mixed together to meet that need of diversity in soil.

This diversity of plants and roots leads to further diversity of the microbes and other life within the soil, as well.

All of this guides us to very good things happening below the ground and in the crops that grow out of that rich environment - like our CBD hemp!

It's a term that is short for "no-tillage". Tillage is the process of using the plow to turn the soil over at the end of a growing season to control weeds and prepare for the next cash crop season.

For the last 150 years or so, tillage has become synonymous with agriculture.

The wake-up call was the dust-bowl in the 1930's.  Ever since, we've been trying to get away from the tillage addiction. It's ultimately detrimental to the soil, killing the good growth and biological synergy that is meant to exist within the ground.

Cedar Meadow Farm uses exclusively no-till practices and uses cover crops as the primary method to control weeds. Tilling soil and expecting it to have good structure is like pulling the nails out of your house and expecting it to keep its structure!

No-till does come with a learning curve, as well as some challenges. For example, it requires a planter that is modified to sow seeds in soil that is not tilled. We're in the forefront of learning how to farm in this way. Farmer Steve not only practices these methods on his farm but has been training other farmers, agriculture consultants, and yes, even university professors, all over the U.S. and in 13 countries as well.

You can see many of Steve's educational ventures in his book: The Future Proof Farm; Changing Mindsets in a Changing World.

Roughly 30% of the farmland acreage in the US is now no-tilled.

A cover crop is a plant that is planted between the cycle of cash crops. This could be anytime of the year depending on the cropping sequence. Popular cover crops used around the world include: cereal rye, annual ryegrass, crimson clover, hairy vetch, winter peas, and the Tillage Radish that Steve developed.

It is meant to cover the soil, keep it from eroding, and to keep the soil alive with living roots. The diversity of cover crops we use is the key to cultivating the microorganisms of life in the soil.

We want something living in our fields at all times - as a cash crop or as a cover crop.

The organic method is a good way to grow food, but it may not be the best in the context of what we know now as it relates to nutrient density, or the overall health of nutritious food.

The designation of "organic" is a set of rules for how farming is done based on using natural controls for pests vs. synthetic controls. It's basically a process standard as compared to a quality standard - a series of actions as opposed to results. Nutritional value of food correlates more with a carbon rich soil than it does to organic practices.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of organic farms use tillage which stirs the soil and causes carbon to mix with oxygen creating carbon dioxide (CO2) that escapes into the atmosphere.

It is believed that 99% of organic row crops and vegetables still use some form of tillage in growing those crops. Because tillage is NOT natural and detrimental to the soil, we feel that this makes it a weak part of the organic system.

Even organic agriculture uses pesticides – products that kill diseases and insects. Those products have to be cleared to be derived from natural substances.

For example, Pyrethrum kills insects - some bad, and some good, just like synthetic ones do but it is approved for use in organic agriculture. There are also some insecticides that are organic-approved and natural that have been shown to be detrimental to human health. Here is one example.

However, the use of this insecticide is now very much discouraged.

One thing to note is that synthetic pesticides are getting better and safer as technology and research improves. We relate it to cars - you wouldn’t want to apply the pollution standards of a 1970’s car to a 2021 model … but the new model is still going to pollute, just to a far lesser degree.

Synthetic pesticides used to be “scorched earth” and kill everything they touched. Today, you can find an extremely targeted and narrow spectrum of what the pesticide needs to impact to maintain the safety and integrity of the crop - and this applies to both organic AND synthetic approved pesticides.

At Cedar Meadow Farm, we use as many of these controls as necessary - just as organic farmers do. Check out Steve’s book for more information on how he grows hemp using these methods. The EPA has published organic approved pesticides for hemp. View them here.

To be abundantly clear, we do not disparage farmers who use organic methods of growing crops nor those who buy organically grown food.

Rather, our intent is to inform consumers of the pros and cons of how food is grown in various systems. To be fair, the ideal way of growing and consuming food would be for us to forage for berries and nuts in the wild. But that’s not going to happen in our modern day society!

We believe in the paradigm to mimic nature as much as possible in the context of current technology and understanding of how a soil is designed to function. We use a modest amount of fertilizers and pesticides at my farm. I also use gasoline and diesel fuel.

Those who believe farmers are irresponsible if they continue to use ANY fertilizers and pesticides whatsoever, let me ask: Would you be willing to give up your car, electric power, or smartphone- all of which have been shown to be deadly, polluting, and harmful to our health?

You can read more about this perspective on page 105 of Steve’s book.

It may not be commonly known that most CBD hemp grown today is produced in tilled soil using black plastic like shown in this picture:

Most CBD Hemp is established in tilled ground and planted into strips of plastic. Note the water that cannot infiltrate the soil due to the use of plastic. Also, the bare soil between the rows of plastic is subject to water erosion.

To date, we haven't seen a lot of soil health practices being used to grow CBD hemp.

Very few people are planting hemp into soil that is using true no-till in the context of a complex cover cropping regime.

That is one of the uniquenesses of Cedar Meadow Farm. We're leveraging our expertise to grow one the most fascinating plants on earth in some of the most nutrient rich soil there is.

We feel that this puts us on the forefront of producing CBD in this way.

Ask any CBD provider if their CBD hemp was grown using these methods.

Some may say "yes," but not near the level that we are with our 25 year history. It takes years to get true benefits from the use of no-till and cover crops!

"Regenerative" is the latest buzzword, and often used interchangeably or updated from "Sustainable."

The Key Differences:

Sustainable: Sustain, preserve, keep soil from running off the fields.

Regenerative: Regenerate, bring back to life. Capture beyond sustainable. Adding diversity. Enhancing the use of cover crops.

The use of the word "Sustainable" has been bastardized. Everyone wants to put it on their website and brand (even beyond farming) with their own definition. It's important to ask about the distinction, particularly when exploring soil health practices.

We've noticed that, too! We're grateful for other farms who have seen the importance of soil health practices. Steve has a passion for education, and has been leveraging his expertise to inspire and train more farmers in how to adopt these practices.

One key question we'd encourage: To what degree can other farms back up their processes and claims? Soil health doesn't happen overnight and takes years to nurture and regenerate the fields that have been abused by tillage over the decades.

Over the last 25 years, Steve's fields have been a living lab of ag practices and soil health. He's done thousands of research plots - one year, he had 1,100 plots!  This experience takes it to a new level and puts him on the forefront of growing hemp in healthy soil. No other farm in the U.S. or even possibly the world, has been dedicated to this degree of on-farm soil health research and education. Cedar Meadow Farm has hosted dozens of field days and thousands of visitors from over 30 countries! Steve has spoken at hundreds of educational events all over the U.S. and in 13 other countries.

Google "Steve Groff" "Soil Health" to learn more...

Steve's new book "The Future-Proof Farm" talks extensively about soil health all in the context of his family, farm and business journey.