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What is "Hemp?""
"Hemp" is the common name for the Cannabis Sativa L plant, which is used for many purposes including industrial, health, clothing and food, etc. It is a cousin to the more commonly known Marijuana plant, however it contains little to no THC (the substance that gets you "high") and is not used recreationally. The Hemp plant is extremely versatile and can be grown virtually anywhere. For reasons discussed below, Hemp was classified alongside its cousin, Marijuana, and made illegal during the first half of the 20th Century. Only recently are the virtually limitless uses for the Hemp plant; which can be harvested for its fibers, oils, and seeds, being realized. It has been legal in most jurisdictions to possess, use, and sell Hemp products. With the Farm Bill of 2018, Industrial Hemp was legalized nationwide by removing it from the Schedules of the Controlled Substances Act.
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Is Hemp the same as Marijuana?
NO! It is a common misconception that Hemp is the same as Marijuana. While true, they are cousin plants, the differences between the two are like night and day. Marijuana (Pot, Reefer, Ganja, etc.) has a THC content (TetroHydroCannabinol, the chemical compound that gets you "high") of from 20 to 50% depending on how and where it is grown. By comparison, Hemp has less than .3% (often way less) of THC, meaning that injesting it will not get you "high." The fibers which make up the stalks of the Hemp plant are stronger and more versatile, and therefore more desirable as a usable material than those of the Marijuana plant. A Hemp plant is physically taller and narrower than it's cousin, Marijuana. When grown side by side, this difference is obvious, making it virtually impossible to hide a plot of Marijuana in a Hemp field. The Hemp plant contains a higher concentration of CBDs (Cannabinoids) than a Marijuana plant. These CBD's can be extracted and used in a wide variety of supplements, and health care uses (of course, none have yet been evaluated by the FDA). CBDs can be infused into capsules, gummies, tinctures, snack bars, and many other ingestible forms.
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What is the current legal status of Hemp in the U.S.?
In a nutshell, Yes, it is legal in the U.S. currently. Let's look at the nuances f5rom different perspectives. The sale, purchase, possession and use of Hemp products in their FINAL FORMS has ALWAYS been legal, this has never changed. The distinction is more applicable to the FARMING of Hemp. Up until 2018, Hemp was considered a Controlled Substance, regulated and policed by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). After the 2018 Farm Bill took effect (with a couple of exceptions from section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill), Hemp was removed from the schedules of drugs (see the Controlled Substances Act, CSA) and placed under regulatory authority of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Thus removing the Federal prohibitions on the growth of Hemp. The USDA created a framework set of regulations, but has generally left the regulation and licensing up to the states, most of which have passed some form of Hemp regulations. After a period (unknown) the USDA is supposed to finalize their regulations that will apply to all 50 states. The regulation of Hemp Seed, Seed Oil, and CBD Oils has been tasked to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which is just now (as of June 2019) beginning to hold public hearings on the subject. So, in summary, Hemp is perfectly legal at the Federal Level, and still subject to state rules about growing it. Check with your states Department of Agriculture, the USDA and FDA for updates.
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Why was Hemp Made Illegal in 1937?
To understand why Hemp was made illegal, one must first understand the history behind it, beginning with the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. Another interesting article about The Act can be found here. The then head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, Henry Anslinger, was a staunch crusader against marijuana and championed this act. There is much speculation as to the contributing causes of the support for this act, such as: The Dupont company had recently invented and patented Nylon fiber, and the Hemp fibers were a direct threat to that revenue. Hemp used to make paper was cheaper and more preferable than paper made from timber, which threatened the holdings of billionaire's like William Randolph Hearst. Federal officials were looking for a convenient excuse to arrest and deport mexican immigrants, in fact, the first conviction obtained under the Act was of a mexican immigrant in possession of less than an ounce of the substance. No matter whether any of these and more were a major factor, or simply a contributing factor, to the support of the Act, it passed Congress (under objection by the AMA) and was used to enforce a prohibition on Marijuana for many years. It has since been repealed and codified in other laws. Hemp was lumped in with Marijuana under the Act due to it's similarities (and other reasons mentioned above) and was Scheduled alongside Marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. This error was corrected recently in the Farm Bill of 2018 by removing it from the Schedules in the C.S.A., thus finally making Industrial Hemp legal in the United States. The opportunities for Hemp and its uses have been expanded greatly due to the lifting of this prohibition.
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Where can I do more research on Hemp?
There are many books you can find, and articles on the Internet that discuss Hemp. States in which Hemp is grown usually have some form of Commission to advocate and educate, and even regulate, for Hemp. In NC, it is known as the North Carolina Industrial Hemp Association (NCIHA). There is also the National Hemp Association (NHA). You can also check out this Wikipedia article about the plant. And of course, you can always just contact us and ask your question, we'd be happy to help.
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Are there any legal requirements to grow Hemp?
Yes there are a few. First of all, the farmer may be subject to the licensing and regulatory requirements of the state in which they are located. Federally, the Hemp is classified as Industrial Hemp, and legal as long as the THC content does not rise above .3% (dry weight). Many farmers themselves, and state regulators will test samples periodically to ensure this is the case, and rules applying to imported seeds require the plants grown to meet this threshhold.
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Are Hemp advocates just trying to find other ways to sell Marijuana?
NO. Although the industries have their similarities, the differences far outweigh them. While many Hemp advocates are also Marijuana advocates, the two serve different purposes in the economy. Hemp is a proven, successful crop that has prospered in many countries where Marijuana is ALSO legal. Not to mention that Hemp is the earliest known human crop and was around long before people figured out you could smoke Marijuana for a "high."
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What are your policies on Shipping and Returns?
We have several policies applying to shipping and returns. Rather than repeat them here, please Click Here to review them on our Website.
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Do you have a Privacy Policy?
Yes we do. You can click on the link "Privacy Policy" in the footer, or here to review it.
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What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept many standard forms of payment including cash (in person sales only), major credit cards (Visa, M/C, etc.), Debit Cards, and PayPal. No, we do not accept payment in Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency. In addition, for special orders (bulk, wholesale, etc.) we will also accept payment via Company check (no personal checks) or bank certified check, or invoice ppayment over Paypal.
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Do you have a physical store (location)?
Currently, our retail operation only consists of this website, and participating in a few Farmer's Markets and Trade shows.Please check the map and schedule on our Home Page to find these. However, we do have plans for a storefront in the future. Perhaps several! Keep checking in on the Site, or join our Mailing List , located in the footer, to stay informed.
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How do I contact your business?
Our contact information is listed in the Footer of our Website. You may call, write, or e-mail anytime. You can also use the Messenger Icon on the bottom right of the screen to leave us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. We are generally available to take your calls and messages from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on business days. You may also contact us by completing the CONTACT form on our homepage, or through one of our many Social Media accounts.
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Do you accept inquiries about wholesale, bulk, or special orders?"
Yes we do. Please complete the Contact Form on our Home Page with which service, and details about what you wish to order and we will be back with you. Please bear in mind, these special types of orders are handled differently than within our retail outlets and may take longer, due to the need to source products, negotiate prices, etc.
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Do you sell Vaping or smoking supplies on your website?
No. We have several reasons for this. Please review our Smoking and Vaping sales policies on our website.
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What types of industries can Hemp be used within?
Hemp can be used in virtually limitless applications. Hemp is a nearly 700 Million dollar industry in the U.S. and growing. Here are a few examples: Food; The Hemp seed is an excellent source for necessary nutrients. They can be eaten directly, or processed with other foodstuffs. The seeds can be ground and used as a substitute flour. Seeds with the shell removed (De-hulled, or Hemp Seed Hearts) can be used to produce Hemp Milk, and other essentials. It accounts for approximately 19% of Hemp use in the U.S. FULL SPCTRUM HEMP OILS/CBD Oil: The Hemp plant can be put under pressure to extract it's oil. The oil is rich in CBDs (Cannabinoids) which is used in the supplement industry to make everything from capsules, tinctures, Gummy Bears, and Chewing Gum. Many people take these for the health benefits (* see FDA note below) as supplements to their medical or physical training regimens. This accounts for approximately 24% of Hemp use in the U.S. Textiles: Hemp fibers are very versatile and a great replacement for cotton or other synthetic fibers like Rayon and Nylon. It is durable and when the item is ready to be discarded. biodegradable. It can be used as fabric for clothing, household items, shoes, accessories, parachute webbing, etc. It is extremely versatile and accounts for about 14% of the U.S. usage of Hemp. Other Consumer Products: Brushes, Cleaning supplies, toilet paper, these things can all be produced from Hemp. Hemp can be used cheaper, and is more efficient in use, than many of it's cousins like paper, or animal hair, etc. These other uses can account for approximately another 2%. Industrial Applications: Would you believe me if I told you that you can build an entire house out of Hemp? It has been done in a few examples. Hemp can be used to make the insulation, chipboard, and many of the little touches that go into building a home. Hemp is also used to make BRICKS! Hempcrete, as it's called, is a lighter weight, more flexible and durable type of brick than it's stone and earth made cousins. These applications add another 18% of usage to the total. Personal Products, or Other: This encompasses everything else you can use Hemp to produce. If you can think of it, likely can you use Hemp to produce it. 24% of Hemp is used in such cases. Source: Hemp Business Journal and Vote Hemp.
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How is the Hemp plant processed for use?
Please check out this interesting article on Madehow.com, it should explain the basic process.
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When used for health and wellness, have Hemp products been evaluated by the FDA?"
No, not yet. Like many other products on the supplement market, the FDA has chosen not to study their effects, advantages, or disadvantages. This is why we are required to place a disclaimer in the footer of the Website. As Hemp gains popularity as a crop and in the health care arena particularly, hopefully the FDA will see fit to weigh in on the subject.
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How are CBD oils derived from the Hemp plant?
After Harvesting, Hemp plants are transported to an extraction facility, where they will undergo one of two possible methods: 1. CO2 Extraction; The plants are filtered through a series of chambers of varying pressures and temperatures. At various stages and pressures, the extractor is able to isolate and remove the CBD's from the plant. 2. Ethanol Extraction; This alternate method is used for larger quantities. It involves mixing the plants with a solvent, in this case Ethanol, this solvent causes the CBD oil to separate from the plant. You can also, at lower temperatures, filter unwanted items, such as chlorophyl, from the plants easier using this method. After it is extracted, the Hemp oils are filtered one additional way, by chromatography. This involves passing the oil through a media to further isolate the Cannabadiol and separate it from unwanted plant material. CBD oil products may also undergo a process called decarboxylation, in which the cannabinoids are heated, thus creating a form which is more usable in the body. Then the oils are ready for packaging, or can be turned into other forms, such as: 1. Tinctures and drops: The finished oil can be consumed directly, although it usualy is combined with another oil, or a flavoring agent, to make the taste more palatable. 2. It can be converted into capsules and pills. 3. It can be processed into powders, or slabs, for use in other products
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Is Hemp legal to grow, possess, or sell?"
Yes. Recent years brought about many changes to the longstanding prohibitions on Hemp from early in the Twentieth Century. Finally, the Farm Bill of 2018 has Removed the plant from the Controlled Substance Act, effectively making Industrial Hemp fully legal in the United States.
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Can you hide Marijuana Plants within a field of Hemp?
No. There are several reasons that this would be impractical, but opponents of Hemp legalization, especially those in Law Enforcement, have used this idea for years as an argument in opposition to it. 1. Physically, Hemp and Marijuana plants, although cousins, are noticeably different. Hemp is tall (about 20 feet) slender, and only bushy at the top. Marijuana tends to be shorter (about 6 feet), bushy through its entire height, and has noticeably more leaves. 2. Marijuana plants require a very controlled environment (high heat, humidity controlled, etc) which cannot be provided outdoors, whereas Hemp can be grown in nearly any environment. 3. Hemp fields are very densely planted, with only inches between them, whereas a Marijuana plant should be at least 6 feet away from another one for optimal growth. 4. If someone were to plant a marijuana plant in, or even near, a field of Hemp, the pollens from the Hemp would take to the Marijuana and effectively ruin the potency (i.e. THC concentration).
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Could you extract enough THC from Hemp to produce a "high"?"
Why would anyone want to. Although THC can be "removed" from the Cannabinopids to produce THC Free products, it requires additional steps in processing. To isolate the THC and remove the other Cannabinoids, Terpenes, etc. would be both a time consuming and expensive project. It would be far more efficient and easier (and likely have better results) to simply go out and purchase Marijuana.
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What is CBD?
CBD is short for Cannabidiol. It is derived from the flowers and leaves of the Hemp plant. CBD is one of the many compounds found in Hemp oils that interact with your bodies Endocannabinoid System (a series of receptors found throughout the body which assist in contributing to maintaining health and healing. CBD has come to be synonymous with products which are manufactured with Hemp oils. Since CBD is only one compound of many, it is not a good description of these products. Many manufacturers and retailers have come to use the terms Full Spectrum, Whole Spectrum, Whole plant and similar as it better describes what is actually contained within the product.
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What is an "Endocannabinoid System" and how does it work?"
The Endocannabinoid System is a series of receptors which interact with Cannabinoid compounds (Fatty Acid compounds which are normally present in the body and produced naturally by the Hemp plant). This system plays a role in regulating the health and healing of our bodies, including maintaining a healthy immune system. Many of the processed foods, and even some plants do not produce Cannabinoid compounds, so depending upon your diet, you may not be replacing these molecules within your body at an appropriate rate, creating a weakness in your immune system and making you less able to recover quickly from certain injuries.
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How can CBD benefit me?
CBD, added as a supplement to a healthy lifestyle can have several benefits. Although these benefits and effects have not been tested or investigated by the F.D.A., many state sponsored and independent labs have begun to look into them. (As always, consult your Health Care Provider before changing your routine.) Some of the benefits believed to be derived from CBD include: 1. Aiding in recovery from certain injuries. 2. Helping you relax and control anxiety, improve mental health and mood. 3. Anti-Inflamation and Pain relief/management. 4. CBD has been attributed to aid in treating or preventing numerous diseases and medical conditions.
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How do I take CBD and what products are there that I can choose from?
CBD is taken either orally, or for some applications, applied directly to the skin. There are three primary means of ingesting CBDs, they are: I. Ingestion: Basically, taken orally (via the mouth), it is then processed through the digestive system and metabolized in the liver.Examples Include: a. Candies- Gummy Bears, Chewing gums, suckers and other types of treats. b. Capsules, Gelcaps and Pills- Swallowed as a typical medicine. c. Infused foods- The oils can be infused into almost any type of cooking aid and eaten such as Cooking oils, Salad dressings, powders, Honeys and other condiments. II. Sublingually: Another type of oral application, except the dosage is applied under the tongue to allow for faster absorbtion into the bloodstream. Some methods include: a. Tinctures- CBD's and other compounds are mixed with a carrier (coconut oil, etc.) and the dosage is measured out and taken under the tongue. b. Crystals- Sometimes referred to as "isolate", the raw CBD can be applied in powder form directly under the tongue where it mixes with saliva and is absorbed there. III. Direct Application: CBD and Cannabidiols can be applied directly where they are needed, and absorbed through the skin. This is a popular method for pain relief applications. Examples may include: a. Balms- Cannabinoids are suspended inside of a carrier "jelly" and applied by rubbing directly on the affected area. Such as chap sticks or pain sticks. b. Creams and Salves- Similar to balms, but the compounds are suspended inside of a more viscous cream for application directly to the affected area. These may also be infused with a natural perfume oil to create a pleasant smell. c. Sprays- Cannabidiol compounds suspended in a liquid and applied by spraying in onto the affected area. Such as burn relief sprays.
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Is there a difference between CBD Oil and Hemp Seed Oil?
Yes there is. CBD Oil (more commonly referred to as Full Spectrum Hemp Oils, Whole Plant, or some variation) is extracted from the upper parts of the plant (flowers, leaves, stems, etc.) and contains the Cannabinoids which make up CBD Oil products (including CBD, THC, Terpenes and others). They are generally sold in smaller amounts and with a "dosage" associated (usually in mg/mL). These oils also tend to be more expensive per volume. Hemp Seed Oil is more akin to other types of nut and fruit oils. It is usually extracted from the seeds of the plant by "Cold Pressing" the seeds.It is then bottled and sold by volume. It can be used as cooking ingredients (except as a replacement frying oil) or in skin and body care items. The oil is extremely nutritious, containing all essential Omega Fatty Acids and several key minerals. It DOES NOT contain any of the cannabinoids or other chemicals that Full Spectrum Hemp Oils contain. It tends to be sold in larger volumes and cheaper prices. Both Oils have been referred to, erroneously, as "Hemp Oil." But as you can see, there is a distinction. Be careful and check with your retailer if unsure, that you are purchasing the product you are looking to buy.
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Do I need a Prescription or "card" from a physician to purchase CBD Oil products?"
No. CBD Products derived from legally grown Industrial Hemp is NOT a controlled substance, and requires no such additional steps to purchase. It would be wise to CONSULT with your Health Care Provider before pursuing use of CBD Oils, but it is not required.
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Will using CBD Oil products make me fail a drug test?
This is a source of debate amongst many in the industry, and there have been numerous papers and articles on the topic. The general answer is NO, Hemp products contain <.3% THC, which is nowhere near enough to get you high. The differences center around the type of testing and your particular employers policy. Some drug screening tests are more sensitive than others and can detect concentrations down to the nanogram. Whether it does or not depends on several things like how much you have had, how long ago it was, your weight, etc., etc. It may be wise to discuss your CBD use with the technician and make sure he notes it within the remarks. You will also need to consult with your employers HR department, or your boss, to determine the company's policy. And of course, talk to your doctor and make sure he/she notes your usage in your Health record. Satisfy all the questions in your own mind first. Be aware, also, there are THC free products, and products like Isolate CBD that are an option with less risk for failed drug testing. In the end, get all the information you can, and determine for yourself whether or not this is a concern of yours or not before using CBD Oils. Also, as a reminder, Hemp SEED Oils are different products which contain NO cannabinoids (CBD, THC, etc.) and are NOT a concern when it comes to drug screening.
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Are the Constitution and Declaration of Independence written on Hemp paper?
This is another mistruth grounded in reality. Although they could have been, the final versions of these 2 documents are actually written on PARCHMENT paper. The original first 2 DRAFTS of the Declaration of Independence were written on Dutch Hemp paper, only to be transcribed to parchment once approved.