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HEMP 101

Hemp ? Marijuana ? What’s the difference?
Hemp and marijuana are both botanically members of the Cannabis family. Just as with tomatoes or grapes, there is a vast variety of cultivars grown for unique traits and characteristics. The two main species, C. Sativa and C. Indica, have been grown for centuries as sources of food, medicine, fiber and so much more. There are many new studies taking place to look more deeply into the chemotaxonomic data to really sort out what separates one cultivar for its psychoactive traits from one that produces resins like CBD to one that produces more fiber.
Until recently, hemp and marijuana were indistinguishable in the eyes of the federal government. Growth, distribution and sales of marijuana or hemp products were forbidden in most states. In the United States cannabis plants that contain over .3% THC are still listed under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.  These dynamics are rapidly changing state-by-state.
Individuals familiar with cannabis have long known that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive constituent producing a “high.” Hemp plants, in contrast, contain naturally minute levels of THC yet have numerous other active compounds. When we start to look at the chemotaxonomy of Cannabis, we find more than 480 compounds. Over 100 of those compounds are Cannabinoids, and more than 60 of those are unique to Cannabis. Over 100 of those compounds are Terpenes, but unlike Cannabinoids, there are over 20,000 Terpenes in existence. Terpenes are chemicals that determine how things smell, the citrus smell of an orange, the relaxing smell of Chamomile or Lavender, the fresh pine scent in the mountains. Both Cannabinoids and Terpenes can have amazing impacts on our bodies and health.
Scientifically, it all works with our EndoCannabinoid system. Originally thought to be just within receptors primarily in the brain and nervous system, research has shown the EndoCannabinoid system to work with receptors throughout the body. It’s main function is to help the body maintain homeostasis. The EndoCannabinoid system has evolved in all vertebrates for millions of years to keep the body in harmony and fight biological stress. Study of how plants interact with this system were frowned upon for centuries, now research has expanded and is evolving daily. As research has discovered these receptors throughout the body, connections have been made to skin, bone, fat, muscle, as well as organs like the liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart, and systems like the gastrointestinal tract and the blood vessels throughout the body. Connections within this system are being made with mood, stress, sleep as well as pain, appetite, and metabolism, additionally  immune, intestinal and reproductive system functions.
When we start to talk about hemp, Cannabidiol (CBD), is just one of these naturally occurring compounds/cannabinoids, but currently the one most well known. Well maybe second to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Which is extremely low in the hemp cultivars.
Cannabigerol (CBG), is another, but is rather unique among its peers due to its essential role in the synthesis of other cannabinoids and the overall chemical composition of the plant. 
You’ll also find minor cannabinoids, like Cannabinol (CBN) and Cannabichromene (CBC), . CBN is a non-intoxicating compound best known as the cannabinoid created when THC ages. For that reason, it’s usually present in high amounts in older cannabis. CBC was discovered over 50 years ago as one of the “big six.” There is lots of promising research on both of these showing promising benefits. Cannabis plants produce Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA), as the precursor to all three major cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA). 
With so many Cannabinoids and compounds present in the Cannabis plants, many feel that these all work synergistically together, often called the “Entourage Effect.” Much like your body needing all of the vitamins and minerals, the Cannabinoids and Terpenes work together in harmony for balance. 
The 2018 Farm Bill
With passage of the 2018 Farm Bill the federal government now defines hemp as cannabis that contains less than .3% THC. This low level means that hemp, unlike other strains of cannabis, will not get you “high.” The Farm Bill also allows the growth, manufacture, distribution and sale of hemp based products across state lines, and some internationally. Recently the FAA has also updated its policy, allowing passengers to fly with hemp based CBD products. These important distinctions make hemp a legitimate agriculture product.Federally funded studies have recently begun to examine the benefits of CBD-CBG-CBN-CBC and other compounds. As such, no claims can be made about its medical benefits, however, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a cannabis derived CBD-based drug that treats severe childhood-onset epilepsy. As more research is done, we will learn more and more about the wonders of cannibinoids and HEMP.
We start with superior sourced genetics for our plants. Once the season’s genetic blend, "vintage,” is chosen, the season’s journey on the Ranch begins. Given plenty of high altitude Colorado sunshine and all organic amendments and nutrients, they are cared for throughout the growing season by hand with love.  In raw form, CBD oil is quite concentrated, some love it, to others it can be very pungent, less than palatable, and difficult for some to consume, but thankfully there are many ways to create quality consumer products. Products are found in a wide range of applications and formulations, from softgels and capsules, to tinctures and oil, and on to salves, creams, blams and other topicals, to a wide array of edibles and tonics.
Many products contain far less than stated if any at all!! You need to be able to TRUST your supplier, knowing your farmers and suppliers strengthens that relationship beyond measure. #RanchPure #RanchPurePromise.
Know Your Farmer
With the FDA currently reviewing regulatory options and guidelines for CBD products, there is NO governing body to monitor purity or quality, making it important for customers to use brands that have been third-party tested and verified. It is also critical to read labels closely to understand where and how a product was manufactured and how much CBD it actually contains. CBD-HEMP products that are derived from cannabis strains with THC levels greater than 0.3% are NOT federally legal, which is why we grow our own organic hemp cultivars here on the Ranch in Colorado and only partner with other farmers from right here in Colorado, all made in the USA.
Full Spectrum and Isolate
While some CBD-HEMP products are whole-plant, whole-flower which contain full-spectrum oils, others contain oil that is purified into CBD or other cannabinoid isolates. Whole-plant or whole-flower extraction yields all of the natural compounds found in hemp. Many believe the broader range offered from the full-spectrum of cannabinoids is more effective than the sum of their parts, the so-called “entourage effect” interaction of all the plant’s compounds. These other hemp-based cannabinoids include CBG (Cannabigerol), CBN (Cannabinol), CBC (Cannabichromene) and THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) as well as trace amounts of non-psychoactive THC. Along with important vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and Omega 3 & 6 in the perfect 3:1 ratio; it also contains many naturally occuring and unique aromatic oils, called Terpenes .
In CBD isolate production, hemp oil has been purified to remove all additional substances, cannabinoids, and compounds found within the hemp plant, resulting in pure CBD. These isolate products are ideal for individuals who may be sensitive to cannabinoids or are concerned about putting THC into their body.
There are over 30,000 uses of this amazing plant. Hemp has been used since ancient times to help support the mind, body and spirit in an endless number of ways. As the newly embraced CBD oil has gained attention, science and botanical exploration are now discovering and unlocking the power of this amazing plant. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  |  These products are not intended for use or sale to persons under the age of 18 without adult consent.  Always check with your physician before starting any new dietary or topical program.  |  Note: We do not currently ship any products to South Dakota or Idaho.  |  Colorado Licensed Hemp Derived CBD. © 2020 RanchPure. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.