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Artisanal Hemp; The Soothing Path of Craft-CBD

5/1/2019

18 Comments

 
“Why do farmers farm, given their economic adversities on top of the many frustrations and difficulties normal to farming? And always the answer is: "Love. They must do it for love." 
~ Wendell Berry

​Say Hello To The Cannabis Plant

PictureRobin Chadwell, Luce Farm
Hemp, it turns out grows very well in Vermont. Fifty years of hemp prohibition ended with the 2018 Farm Bill and CBD is on the rise. All good news. Seems like the right time to meet some of the farms, the businesses, and the cannabis compound superstar of Vermont’s craft-hemp movement.

Hemp, a common name for Cannabis sativa L. is a legal but regulated agricultural commodity and the source of 1000s of food, fiber, medicinal, and "industrial" products. CBD or cannabidiol is a non-intoxicating compound found in all varieties of the cannabis plant. CBD may be the latest hemp revelation, and it won't be the last.

Cannabis sativa goes by lots of unscientific names, with hemp and marijuana being the most common. Both have CBD but what legally sets them apart is the amount of euphoria-producing THC or tetrahydrocannabinol in each variety. By current legal definition, hemp can contain no more than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight (a trace amount). This is an arbitrary quantity of THC that legally distinguishes hemp from marijuana, which is cannabis that measures over 0.3 percent THC.

No matter the source, CBD itself will not make you high. Period. And yes, it is legal in all fifty states. According to the World Health Organization, cannabidiol presents no risk of toxicity or dependence. Other research on CBD points to its excellent safety profile.

With hemp’s new legal status, we can expect to see considerably more clinical and human trials delving into CBD’s effectiveness. So far, the dozens of peer-reviewed studies I’ve evaluated (see below) point to CBD’s benefits as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-anxiety, and antipsychotic compound. Cannabidiol alone, or acting synergistically with hundreds of other active compounds in hemp is shown to have potential medical benefits in the treatment of addiction, anxiety, arthritis, cancer, cognitive decline, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, nausea, pain, and PTSD.

​Just Google “CBD” and you'll get 190,000,000 hits. That’s a lot of CBD. According to one recent report, 22 million Americans, or an estimated 7% of the US population are using it. How could this be? Quite simply, they're finding relief.

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If all this sounds like new news, or too good to be true, consider that humans have been growing cannabis for 10,000 years. And in the U.S. for one-hundred years before 1940, cannabis tinctures from the likes of Parke-Davis (Pfizer) and Eli Lilly were routinely prescribed by physicians to help treat muscle spasms, chronic pain, and sleep disorders, as well as melancholia, migraines, and much more.

​Modern medicine might not see the interconnectedness of these ailments, but apparently, cannabis surely does.

Vermont CBD Artisans’ Tour de Hemp

PictureSunsoil Farming, Hardwick VT
The year before Alejandro Bergad moved to Hardwick to buy a farm, he’d gotten a good feel for growing hemp in Colorado. In 2016 he and his close friend, Jacob Goldstein started Green Mountain CBD, now called Sunsoil; Vermont's first commercial, vertically integrated CBD wellness company.

Their inspiration for starting Sunsoil rings a familiar note among Vermont’s hemptrepreneurs. "Jacob and I shared a clear vision of the utility of CBD and the benefits of using hemp oil," says Bergad.

​Now their Vermont grown, certified organic, full spectrum tinctures, capsules, and edible salve are gaining national attention. Twenty-eight full-time employees work at Sunsoil, and 60-100 more are needed during the 60-day harvest and drying season.

Hemp gives good reason to come to Vermont to work, live, play, and stay.

About the time Bergad was eyeing Vermont, Carl Christianson was returning to the Green Mountains to be part of the new hemp economy. Carl brought with him his family, a Ph.D. in natural products chemistry, and a passion for hemp.

This combined for a fitting launch, when he and his close friend Noah Quist established Northeast Processing (NEP); a premier botanical processing, testing, and hemp extracts company located in Brattleboro.

“Noah and I identified a gap in hemp processing services and lab testing in Vermont,” says Christianson. “We brought Northeast Processing's team together to help small farmers. They needed the infrastructure.”

NEP uses a cold ethanol process, and by adhering to precise and consistent standards for purchasing, testing, and processing hemp, Quist and Christianson are able to, in Carl’s words, “showcase the Vermont brand as an exemplar of quality.”


Those words echoed my recent conversation with Alejandro.
​“What’s most important to look for in a CBD product?” I had asked. There was no hesitation, "Transparency," he replied.
​
​Bergad maintains that organic production, GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) and third-party lab documentation are the keys to CBD product safety, “This is what builds customer’s trust; that what it says on the label is what’s in the bottle.”


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Due-north 150 miles from Brattleboro, Rebecca DeGiuseppe and her husband John run Lily Hill CBD from their farm in Eden. John and Rebecca are full-time hemp growers and artisanal producers of organically grown, CBD-rich tinctures, capsules, topical salves, and manicured flowers. Rebecca carries a certificate in family herbalism, focuses on formulations and sales, and assists John with the farm. Their neighbor, Ryan Podd of Northern Roots Nursery, supplies the hemp starts and seeds. All of Lily Hill's products are third-party tested multiple times for accuracy and consistency.
​

Curious if there was a customer favorite, when I asked Rebecca, she replied that their tinctures sold the most.

“It seems people are able to find their correct dosage more readily,” she said.

Their salve is her 
go-to. She uses it for arthritis, and to keep her hands relaxed during a day of filling jars.

John pointed out, “I’ve been taking our CBD caps daily for two years… they really help me over the afternoon hump.”


This sounded strikingly familiar. As I was saying goodbye to Carl earlier, I asked about his experience using NEP’s extracts. "No question,” Carl told me, “having daily access to our CBD helps with stress relief."

A pattern of craftsmanship and “product benefit” among these entrepreneurs was emerging. I reached out for additional confirmation to MP Labs in Burlington. They buy or processes Vermont-grown hemp for others, and to supply the main ingredient to their own CBD line, Mansfield Provisions. Following a common theme, "transparency is key," all their products are also third-party tested.

For partners Kyle Rapoza, and Drew Kaigle, having steady access to their own supply of CBD has been a real benefit of starting the two companies (Drew has been hampered by sports-related pain). Tim Ruarks, the third partner, solidly confirmed my realization that regular CBD use is soothing for entrepreneurs and their families.
​
Said Tim, “40 milligrams of our tincture every morning in my coffee not only helps me with the stress of running the business, it’s helping me to raise my one-year-old, and I’m sleeping better.”


PictureAerial view, Luce Farm, Stockbridge VT
The last stop on this Vermont Tour de Hemp was with organic farmers Rebecca and Joe Pimentel, who started Luce Farm Wellness in Stockbridge. The couple puts a great deal of care into their line of organically grown CBD-infused products, and it shows. All are third-party tested, from field to jar.

The Pimentels moved family and farm operations here from Massachusetts in 2013, eventually settling at the old Luce Farm. Their first crop was a true adventure.

“Our plants were very productive our first year,” Joe told me. “And no one was set up to process yet in Vermont, so I ran all over New England looking for an extraction lab. That experience showed us why it’s much better to have a plan in place 
before you start the crop. We’re better prepared now.”

He and Rebecca went “all-in” for 2017 as full-time artisanal hemp farmers and craft formulators to produce their infused-honey, elderberry syrup, extracts, and body rubs.
​

Online sales on their eye-catching website are brisk. ​“It’s exciting,” says Joe. It’s also intense, but that, he says is what the CBD is for, “We use it to ‘help run the business’. Every day.”

​~ Netaka, May 1, 2019

​

​Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. This is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

This article was written for the annual 2019 ACORN Local Food & Farm Guide

Vermont Artisanal Hemp Gallery


Where To Buy Vermont CBD Products

*The products mentioned in this story and others grown in Addison County are available throughout Vermont, at the Middlebury Co-op, Emerald Rose Grows, Green Mountain Gaia, or online at:
​
sunsoil.com
northeastprocessing.com
lilyhillcbd.com
northernrootsnursery.com
mansfieldprovisions.com (and MP Labs)
​
lucefarmvt.com
vermontpurecbd.com
methodorganics.com

*Only a partial list. You'll find many other fine Vermont CBD products & shops; too numerous to count!

As always, thank you for posting your comments and questions below! 

Sources and Credits

  • World Health Organization 2018 CBD Report:  https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/WHOCBDReportMay2018-2.pdf?ua=1
  • ​Maroon, J., & Bost, J. (2018). Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids. Surgical neurology international, 9, 91. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938896/
  • M. Mecha; A. Feliú; P. M. Iñigo; L. Mestre; F. J. Carrillo-Salinas; C. Guaza (2013). Cannabidiol provides long-lasting protection against the deleterious effects of inflammation in a viral model of multiple sclerosis: a role for A2A receptors. Neurobiology of disease, ISSN: 1095-953X, Vol: 59, Page: 141-50. - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969996113001939#s0025
  • Ruiz-Valdepeñas, L., Martínez-Orgado, J. A., Benito, C., Millán, A., Tolón, R. M., & Romero, J. (2011). Cannabidiol reduces lipopolysaccharide-induced vascular changes and inflammation in the mouse brain: an intravital microscopy study. Journal of neuroinflammation, 8(1), 5. doi:10.1186/1742-2094-8-5 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3034694/
  • Crippa, J. A., Guimarães, F. S., Campos, A. C., & Zuardi, A. W. (2018). Translational Investigation of the Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD): Toward a New Age. Frontiers in immunology, 9, 2009. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6161644/
  • Perucca E. (2017). Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Epilepsy: Hard Evidence at Last?. Journal of epilepsy research, 7(2), 61-76. doi:10.14581/jer.17012 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5767492/
  • Rosenberg, E. C., Tsien, R. W., Whalley, B. J., & Devinsky, O. (2015). Cannabinoids and Epilepsy. Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, 12(4), 747-68. - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604191/
  • Maroon, J., & Bost, J. (2018). Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids. Surgical neurology international, 9, 91. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938896/
  • Ramírez B.G., Blázquez C., Gómez del Pulgar T., Guzmán M., de Ceballos M.L. Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease pathology by cannabinoids: Neuroprotection mediated by blockade of microglial activation. JNeurosci. 2005;25:1904–1913. http://www.jneurosci.org/content/25/8/1904.long
  • Pellati, F., Borgonetti, V., Brighenti, V., Biagi, M., Benvenuti, S., & Corsi, L. (2018). Cannabis sativa L. and Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoids: Their Chemistry and Role against Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cancer. BioMed research international, 2018, 1691428. doi:10.1155/2018/1691428 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6304621/
  • Ibeas Bih, C., Chen, T., Nunn, A. V., Bazelot, M., Dallas, M., & Whalley, B. J. (2015). Molecular Targets of Cannabidiol in Neurological Disorders. Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, 12(4), 699-730. - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604182/
  • Boggs, D. L., Nguyen, J. D., Morgenson, D., Taffe, M. A., & Ranganathan, M. (2017). Clinical and Preclinical Evidence for Functional Interactions of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 43(1), 142-154. - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5719112
  • Watt, G., & Karl, T. (2017). In vivo Evidence for Therapeutic Properties of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Alzheimer's Disease. Frontiers in pharmacology, 8, 20. doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00020 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5289988/
  • De Petrocellis, L., Cascio, M. G., & Di Marzo, V. (2004). The endocannabinoid system: a general view and latest additions. British journal of pharmacology, 141(5), 765-74. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1574255/
  • History of medical cannabis:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_medical_cannabis#Ancient_Egypt
  • Cowen Report, "...nearly 7% of respondents in January 2019 reported using CBD as a supplement", http://www.cowen.com/reports/cowen-collective-view-of-cbd/
  • Photo Credits as indicated in captions. All Rights Reserved.

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18 Comments
Anna Summers link
1/2/2020 10:18:10 pm

This was a very informative blog, with the market these days, I'm sure the planning ahead stage is critical. I would imagine that the end product is much easier to extract and Joe and Rebecca are doing it themselves. Is that correct?

Reply
Otis link
3/3/2020 09:48:25 am

Thanks so much for all of the fascinating, informative content provided throughout your site. The hemp industry is evolving so rapidly, as is the range of products available with hemp and CBD infusions. I can't wait to read more of your site's publications in the future, and to try some of the craft products you've described.

Reply
hemp flower link
3/24/2020 09:12:07 am

Thanks for sharing information

Reply
Nina s link
5/7/2020 07:11:36 pm

Intresting post!

In Sweden where I live there are so many myths and lies about cbd, hemp and cannabis.
For some reason the police and the government are afraid of the benefits of cannabis.
I know several that have ended their pain medications because of cbd oil. Bit they cant say it out loud because of the stigma.

We should all work for making cbd and cannabis legal. For example, in Sweden we have online shops like https://cannabislight.se who sells legal cbd weed online. The best part is that its totally legal 😋

Reply
Syed Nayab link
5/20/2020 02:36:24 am

Almost same situation in india. we have whole relgious approval of HEMP & MARIJUANA, but under international pressure this has turned into some criminal thing. Upuntill 90's HEMP which we call PATSAN we acceptable form of rope making material but after 2000 it just because too much of a taboo subject. for this reason i have started my blog to educate people

Reply
vidhan link
9/21/2021 02:51:44 am

Now , some States are allowing cultiavation and people have started talking about it more openly

Thegreenery Shop link
6/30/2020 05:58:04 am

You always sharing very useful content.
Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Hemp Flower link
7/24/2020 10:53:20 pm

So many great products being created with this amazing plant. Thank You!

Reply
Netaka White
8/11/2020 09:58:20 am

You're so right! Thanks for commenting.

Reply
hemp buds link
8/5/2020 07:04:47 am

Thanks for sharing information.

Reply
Netaka White
8/11/2020 09:57:30 am

You're most welcome!

Reply
hemp buds link
8/13/2020 07:39:16 am

Thanks for sharing information.

Reply
Watermelon Haze CBD link
8/19/2020 03:28:16 am

Thanks for sharing useful information. keep sharing

Reply
cbd flower link
8/19/2020 07:42:15 am

Thanks for sharing information.

Reply
Cosmetics hemp NZ link
1/19/2021 11:32:12 pm

This is a very informative blog, thanks for sharing about artisanal hemp farming Vermont at the start of the craft cbd movement . It will help a lot; these types of content should get appreciated. I will bookmark your site; I hope to read more such informative contents in future… great post!!You must also check out Forbiddenbeauty.nz it has some great insights too.

Reply
syed link
2/20/2021 08:47:40 am

i came across CBD oil sometime back. once i tried i realised how much relax i have been for entire week. i wasnt buzzing just calm and relaxed. i have mild anxity and it works like charm

Reply
Netaka White
2/22/2021 05:28:04 pm

Syed, Thanks for dropping by and leaving your comments. Glad to hear that you've found the CBD oil is helping!

Reply
cure by design link
6/2/2021 04:29:22 am

amazing talk about hemp article well done team .
check out https://curebydesign.in/ for hemp health products we are trying to serve the same cause of raising the awareness of what this might herb is capable of.
thank you.

Reply



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    Author

    I'm Netaka, friends call me Tak ("tock"). I write from Vermont and curate Tak About Hemp.

    ​My deep affinity for hemp fiber, food, and medicine has spanned 30 years as an entrepreneur, grower, processor, and policy wonk.

    ​For two years, from 2018 to 2019 I focused that energy on consulting and blogging in support of the American hemp experience. 

    I hope you enjoy these writings and find them useful and insightful. Cheers!

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