TESTSTSARDSARCompeting for Customers is the Next Evolution of Cannabis by Arnold J. Howard, Ph.D. Since 2021, there has been a 22% increase in global sales of cannabis, with some forecasting the U.S. market to reach $40 billion by 2030. As the market expands key forces are at play. Firstly, large companies often referred to as MSOs (multi-state operators), are outpacing the industry trends via mergers and acquisitions. For example, the five largest companies more than doubled their revenue, cumulatively from 2020’s $1.8 billion to over $4.3 billion in 2021. This may come as no surprise as consolidation often occurs as industries mature. However, a lesser followed but equally significant trend is that the number of licenses granted is also outpacing the industry’s average growth rate, and by a large margin. In 2018 alone, the number of legal cultivation licenses increased over 113% from 4,106 to 8,701. Furthermore, this pace is expected to increase as more states relax historically tight limitations on licenses in favor of open market models and, presumably, more tax revenue. The net effect is that the legal market for cannabis is increasingly competitive, and this is showing up in pricing. Indeed, basic economic theory demonstrates that when firms must compete for customers, it leads to lower prices, higher quality goods and services, greater variety, and more innovation. What does this mean to the MSOs, new entrants, and other producers? It will drive the need for new products, brands, and other ways to create differentiation and customer loyalty. But at its core, cannabis is a crop, and cultivation efficiency will likely be the key factor that separates the winners from the losers. One of the most crucial concerns many growers face is pathogen pressure that can damage or destroy crop value. Even when growers can pass all microbial and pathogen tests for their specific regulators, they need to find ways to increase yields and quality and grow genetics that are unique and differentiated in some way. If not, they are left with crops that must be destroyed in the worst case or sold at bargain basement prices in the best cases. Critters Curtailing Crop ValueMicrobial diseases caused by fungi (e.g., molds including powdery mildew), bacteria, and other pathogens, may affect the seeds, flowers, foliage, stems and roots, or the whole plant – also known as systemic disease. These diseases may impact the growth, quality, and yields of cannabis plants, by deeming them noncompliant and unsellable. This is complicated by the ever-increasing state-regulated lab testing requirements such as increased frequency of required lab pathogen and pesticide presence or absence testing. Yet when it comes to finding solutions to managing cannabis diseases, the average cultivator will know all-to-well the difficulties and challenges associated with controlling such pests and pathogens. A Hazard to Human Health?Cannabis colonized by potential pathogens pose an increased risk to human health, so much so that several states in the U.S.A. with legalized cannabis markets require that products intended for consumption by inhalation be tested for key pathogenic species. These human-disease causing pathogens include the Aspergillus species A. flavus and A. fumigatus, which are known to cause mild to life-threatening diseases. In addition to posing potentially significant health risks, many of these pathogens render cannabis crops unsellable due to visual defects and other quality concerns. Chemical ConcernsDespite ongoing efforts to attain suitable safety standards in the industry, the wide use of toxic, environmentally-persistent pesticides remains an unwelcome reality in the Caribbean. Use of such substances may result in chemical runoff from cannabis farms into streams and lakes, adversely impacting the ecosystem. Furthermore, many of these agents are not sustainably produced and result in adding widely used plastic bottles with toxic residues to landfills. Safer AlternativesFormulations that are deemed safer for workers and the environment, are of course the ultimate ‘Nirvana’ for all farms and their staff. For example, the Terra Vera (TV) technology which utilizes the electrolysis of naturally occurring food-grade amino acids and salts to destabilize molds may potentially exhibit antimicrobial activity when sprayed or fogged onto cannabis (or related agricultural) plants during growth from cloning, to veg, as well as post-harvest. Such agents which may also be used to treat surfaces (i.e., wiped) in grow facilities, have proven effective without depositing highly toxic compounds onto the plant. This, in turn, has enabled minimal toxic exposure to workers, requiring personal protective equipment (PPE) or lengthy facility re-entry intervals (REIs) after the workplace is safe for workers and their surrounding environment. For example, researchers at the University of the West Indies (Jamaica) saw that upon application of the TV treatment, despite a reduction in visible damage to food crops (determined by average hole size observed in cabbages caused by predators), the treatment appeared to have a minimal effect on the presence of commonly observed beneficial insects (preliminary data) further highlighting the propositioned safety of these alternative chemical agents. Better Plant Health?In many cases accelerated rooting/root growth may be seen because of using these alternative agents, speeding-up propagation, and cloning rates, as well as enhancing the health of the plant and ultimately reducing production costs. Presumably, if the plant is not infected with pathogens or pests, and constantly ‘fighting them off,’ it can focus its energy on healthy growth. Control = Sanitation, Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment … in That Order!Elimination of visible mold infestations is an important and necessary quality attribute required to meet the rapidly developing consensus standards, in the ever-growing cannabis industry. This is achieved with TV chemistry as demonstrated in Figure 1. Electrolysed, naturally occurring amino acids and salts may treat plant diseases such as powdery mildew and other molds on cannabis, resulting in healthier plants. Furthermore, application of these agents during practices such as cloning, may also be shown to support better root growth, by potentially reducing the occurrence of root-rot, a significant culprit of plant death or “damping-off.” ConclusionIn the current economic circumstance, many cannabis production practices will prove unsustainable, until the safest procedures designed to maximize yield are developed, tested, and followed. Obviously the first step in this process is to begin with healthy clones’ stock; well adapted and ready to thrive when transplanted and ready to enter the vegetative phase. Innovative practices such as cloning with electrolyzed, naturally occurring amino acids and salts to accelerate clone readiness for transplant will reduce time in the clone/seedling phase and, hence increase the amount of time spent in the vegetative phase, all other things equal. The initial impact of increased vegetative or “veg” time has been found to increase harvest flower weight by 3% per day of additional “veg” time up to one additional week with diminishing returns thereafter. The above results were observed in a Southwest U.S. cultivation site. Once viable, plants are further cultivated in “veg” and flower phases. Proactive management methods such as the steady application of safe and effective formulations for controlling pest and pathogen infestations on their cannabis hosts, will play a crucial role in filling the gap in quality control, to minimize crop loss, product recall, risk to human health, and the environment. As the medical and recreational cannabis market continues to mature, the burden of the safest, most consistent production which demonstrates the lowest rejection rate, falls squarely on the shoulders of the producer. Deviation from the aforementioned safety and consistency will consequently result in potential loss of permit or an increased presence of, or intervention from, regulatory agencies, as well as a negative market reaction from patients/consumers, due to the impact of social media and the tight-knit, communicative nature of the market. A link to your site, with your site's name and description as anchor text. Via https://cannatechtoday.com/competing-for-customers-is-the-next-evolution-of-cannabis/
0 Comments
TESTSTSARDSARYour Competitive Edge is Your Packaging Technology by Thom Brodeur Today, nearly every consumer-packaged good from food to pharmaceuticals and now even cannabis products, are seeking the most effective, efficient and advanced formed and sealed packaging. The materials used for this packaging varies from majority plastics to sealed metal cans. The benefits of sealed packaging are widespread: producers value it mainly for preservation in the fresh food space, while the pharma industry seeks tamper proofing and safety. Canned food companies seek extended shelf life and food safety. Consumer goods seek both creative shelf presentation and even security – as anyone who’s ever tried to open plastic formed packaged toys at the holidays knows! Almost all of these forms of packaging are reliant on plastics to achieve their objectives. In the past, very little consideration was given to the environmental impact of this heavy reliance on plastic. But now the consumer has become much more socially and environmentally conscious, with Millennials and Gen Zers making their preferences known that they want more sustainable products, as well as increased government regulations for post-consumer recyclability. These market forces are requiring innovators across the supply chain to explore more environmentally friendly packaging options to meet the next generation consumer demands while maintaining the same freshness, safety and shelf-life features. This innovation shift can best be seen in the fast-growing legal cannabis sector, which has adopted a multitude of packaging formats for its products. Plastic pouches, glass jars and sealed cans are some of the most popular form factors you can find on dispensary shelves today. Cannabis flower and its extracts are highly susceptible to freshness and flavor profile degradation in the presence of oxygen. Sealed packaging can ensure that the same care the grower put into growing the product will be experienced by the end user. Market research shows that packagers want automated solutions that can handle multiple packaging formats (Packaging World, “2021 Cannabis Reports”). Automation already exists within the cannabis packaging space, but reliability and affordability are top concerns, according to the report. Can-sealing technology, widely adopted within food and beverage markets, is now making inroads, and driving standards in cannabis as well. Pushing the cannabis sector forward towards modern CPG packaging standards, N2 Packaging Systems uses a patented liquid nitrogen technology, combined with a proprietary can and child resistant, senior-friendly lid technology, that delivers value across the ecosystem from cultivator to consumer. For growers desiring product efficacy, modified atmosphere packaging with liquid nitrogen sealed cans has proven to be a valuable solution for maintaining the integrity of their products. These operators receive further benefit as this technology achieves regulatory compliance and drastically increases the shelf life of their product. And for consumers seeking consistently enjoyable and fresh experiences that adhere to their environmentally conscious values, they receive a product that meets their needs with the peace-of-mind that their product has been sealed safely, securely and sustainably. Preservation and security must be top of mind in order to ensure that customers, business partners, and the planet continue to benefit from safe, secure, sustainable packaged goods. Companies that are actively differentiating their products, preserving freshness and meeting their sustainability goals with sealed packaging are gaining a significant edge over their competitors and watching their market share grow. Or, as we like to say in the industry, their products are staying preserved, while their competitor’s have soured. Consumer spending habits will continue to trend towards supporting businesses with a social conscience and producers of consumer packaged goods must anticipate this sentiment shift and embrace packaging which benefits their products, the consumer, and the environment. A link to your site, with your site's name and description as anchor text. Via https://cannatechtoday.com/your-competitive-edge-is-your-packaging-technology/ TESTSTSARDSARCannabis policy changes in Africa are welcome. But small producers are the losers by Clemence Rusenga Cannabis is a drug crop with a long history in Africa. Alongside coca and opium poppy, it has been subjected to international control for nearly a century. The International Opium Convention of 1925 institutionalised the international control system and extended the scope of control to cannabis. In 1961 a new international convention was adopted to replace the existing multilateral treaties for control of narcotic drugs. The prohibitionist framework it provided for control of cannabis was adopted by post-colonial African states. These official efforts succeeded in driving cannabis production underground and limiting its contribution to citizens’ livelihoods. But they failed to eradicate the crop. Paradoxically, many African states that persecuted citizens for cannabis related offences for years are now promoting legal cannabis production. Over the past five years 10 countries have passed laws to legalise production for medical and scientific purposes. These include Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, Ghana, Eswatini, Rwanda and Morocco. South Africa has also legalised the private growing of cannabis plants by adults for their own personal consumption. The cannabis policy liberalisation in Africa has been brought about by two main factors. One is the lobbying by local activists. Cannabis use is still criminalised in most African countries. But even in the most conservative ones there are emerging debates ultimately aimed at spurring cannabis policy reforms. The other factor is the emergence of the global legal cannabis industry projected to grow to nearly US$200 billion by 2028. For state authorities, policy changes are aimed at opening avenues for scarce foreign exchange revenue critically needed to boost stagnating economies. But there are still policy and practical concerns requiring attention if the cannabis sector reforms are to have a positive impact on the economy and citizens’ livelihoods. These include the need to ensure participation of ordinary producers in the legal cannabis sector. This is because the emerging regulation frameworks seem to favour corporate businesses over smallholder farmers. Winds of changeThe liberalisation of the cannabis policy in Africa is primarily for production for medical and scientific purposes. Production, trade and consumption of cannabis outside of these purposes remain criminalised. The production by many smallholder farmers, who historically were custodians of the cannabis plant and knowledge, is not covered by the new regulations. It means their cannabis related livelihoods are still in contravention of the laws. Among other conditions, producers must acquire a license from state authorities. There are various types of licenses and fees for cannabis manufacture, distribution and research. These can range from US$5,000 to US$50,000 in Zimbabwe. In South Africa the gazetted fees range from R9 200 (US$579.27) for an export permit to R25 200 (US$1,586.69) for the manufacture permit. The highest licence fees have been reported in Lesotho and Uganda. Here, they range from hundreds of thousands of dollars to a couple of million dollars. The average farmer in these countries can’t afford these kinds of fees. Additional requirements include tax clearance certificates, bank guarantees, compliance with cultivation guidelines and security guarantees. For authorities, these preconditions are designed to secure an end-product that could be easily “abused” if not properly regulated. They seem to be aimed also at ensuring that governments do not lose on tax revenues from the emerging industry. However, the limited scope of legal production, the high license fees and business set-up costs and other conditions are likely to limit participation of many smallholder producers who lack resources to set up legal cannabis businesses. The emerging pictureWe are involved in a pan-African research project which aims to develop a deeper understanding of cannabis in Africa. We focus not only on its “traditional” uses, but on its contemporary growth as an economic cash crop, and source of livelihoods in a global context where drug policy is in flux. Run jointly by the universities of Bristol and Cape Town, the project is gathering new empirical data in Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa. This will be used to examine the historical and contemporary place of cannabis in African rural and urban settings. Our research also involves capturing the experiences of ordinary citizens, beyond the official narrative of medical and scientific production. Our initial observations show that the risk of corporate capture of the legal cannabis industry, and exclusion of smallholder producers, is serious. Because the license fees are high, many smallholder producers cannot afford them. This leaves corporate businesses as the main holders of licences. In Uganda, for instance, only one company is currently licensed by the government to produce medical cannabis. The strict regulations include a minimum capital of US$5 million and a bank guarantee. This is clearly a deterrent to most aspiring producers. In Zimbabwe, the government licensed dozens of new investors for cultivation and processing of medical cannabis in 2021. The beneficiaries are established agribusinesses and large-scale commercial farmers. Similar concerns in Malawi and South Africa led small farmers to protest against the licensing process in November 2020 and April 2021. Jacob Nyirongo, the chief executive officer for the Farmers Union of Malawi, argued:
Other conditions attached to licenses are also obstacles for smallholder producers. For South Africa, applicants need to comply with certification, be registered, and provide police clearance, among other conditions. Police clearance, in particular, may affect those with past criminal records for the illegal production, possession or consumption of cannabis. Towards an inclusive cannabis futureEarly insights from our research show an emerging legal cannabis industry with a limited role for smallholder producers. This limits the industry’s ability to contribute to livelihoods of the poor and the majority more widely. Further, the limiting of legal cannabis production to medical and scientific purposes excludes production activities of many existing smallholder producers. This perpetuates their criminalisation. It also creates a dual model where established businesses benefit from the reforms while small producers’ activities remain outlawed and suppressed. Legalising cannabis production for medical purposes is all very well. But ensuring the participation of ordinary citizens and producers in the industry is the big challenge facing African states. The risk of corporate capture of the industry is a real possibility. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. A link to your site, with your site's name and description as anchor text. Via https://cannatechtoday.com/cannabis-policy-changes-in-africa-are-welcome-but-small-producers-are-the-losers/ TESTSTSARDSARUniversity of Sydney to Offer Free Cannabis Testing by Johnny Green The University of Sydney is launching a fairly robust study in an attempt to, as the university describes it, “investigate cannabis consumption, behaviours, and attitudes among users.” Part of the study involves offering free, anonymous cannabis testing for people that cultivate their own cannabis in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Cannabis was decriminalized in 2020 in the ACT and the university is researching any societal issues that may have arisen from the public policy change, as well as gain insight into the potency and varieties of cannabis that patients and consumers are using. Free cannabis testing is available to both medical patients and non-medical patients, although only people that are current residents of the ACT can participate. “The cannabis collected from growers’ homes will be analysed for cannabis content, including its main psychoactive components – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and non-intoxicating cannabidiol (CBD) – as well as a range of other cannabinoids and biologically active molecules, free of charge. Participants will be able to view, anonymously, the analysis results from their cannabis samples online,” the university stated in a news release. Initial results from the University of Sydney study are expected to be released in early 2023 and will presumably be used by lawmakers and regulators to craft regional and national cannabis policies and industry regulations. International cannabis observers will likely also benefit from reviewing the results. Studies like this one can be very insightful because it involves cannabis that is actually being cultivated and consumed by people in real life versus cannabis that is cultivated by the government that often does not resemble the cannabis that people are actually consuming. Results from the latter types of studies always have to be taken with a grain of salt. This article first appeared on Internationalcbc.com and is syndicated here with special permission. A link to your site, with your site's name and description as anchor text. Via https://cannatechtoday.com/university-of-sydney-to-offer-free-cannabis-testing/ TESTSTSARDSARNew Zealand Approves Sale of Domestic Cannabis Products by Marguerite Arnold The island nation of New Zealand has relied on exports to treat medical cannabis patients so far. Allowing the dispensation of domestically cultivated cannabis will help the nascent industry grow and lower overall costs. Last week, New Zealand officials approved the beginning of the domestically sourced medical cannabis market. The Department of Health began allowing local producers to supply patients as of September 9. This has, of course, created new opportunities for domestic companies which have already established themselves in hopes of exporting to other countries. Under the 2020 New Zealand Medical Cannabis Legalization Act, licensed doctors can prescribe cannabis to any patient and for any medical condition. However up until now, all of this had to be imported – mostly from Australia and Canada. Two medicines have already been approved for local dispensation. The first New Zealand cannabis company to achieve global GMP standards only happened last year. A Shorter Supply Chain (and Lower Costs)Unlike Germany, which only has three producers and, thanks to the highly stringent language of the first medical cultivation bid, imports the vast majority of the same, most of the medical cannabis in the New Zealand market will begin to be sourced domestically. It is unclear whether legalization of recreational cannabis will change that. In the meantime, Germany has been one of the top targets of New Zealand producers so far, as has South America. That said, given the aftermath of Covid, with its disrupted supply chains, not to mention the much higher costs of energy, New Zealand’s decision may be replicated elsewhere – including countries in Europe. Will a Switch to Domestic Supply Move Reform Forward?It is highly likely, in addition to lowering costs – and expanding domestic patient numbers, that the decision to source domestically will also drive the “other” cannabis discussion forward too. This has been the case in many other places as medical use expanded. Indeed, in Germany, public support for recreational cannabis reform has increased steadily for the past five years since full medical reform became reality. In 2020, the recreational discussion was narrowly defeated in New Zealand, when it was put up for a referendum vote during the last national election by 51-48%. However, with more patients, and greater awareness of the efficacy of medical cannabis at home, attitudes are likely to continue to shift in support of full legalization. Patients and their advocates are obviously ecstatic about the victory, which has, like everywhere else, been a long time in coming. This article first appeared on Internationalcbc.com and is syndicated here with special permission. A link to your site, with your site's name and description as anchor text. Via https://cannatechtoday.com/new-zealand-approves-sale-of-domestic-cannabis-products/ Less than a month after the cosponsors of the CBD Product Safety and Standardization Act slammed the FDA for their lackluster response to the bill (and four years after the 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp), two more (Republican) congressmen are probing the FDA for a sufficient response with little patience left for discretion. As Marijuana Moment reports, House Representatives Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Brett Guthrie (R-KY) sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf this Monday (Sep 19th) emphasizing the agency’s procrastination since the Farm Bill, leaving the CBD marketplace a fractured and unpredictable landscape for brands and consumers alike. Specifically, Representatives Griffith and Guthrie ask the FDA in their letter to provide answers to the following issues by October 17th, among others:
Since 2018, the FDA has made multiple calls for research into CBD’s safety (pregnant women included), efficacy, and effective dosage parameters, but congressional supporters of CBD are no longer buying the oft-repeated party line, “we need more research.” Representatives Griffith and Guthrie echo the concerns of consumer safety advocates across the country when expressing the urgency of FDA regulation of CBD to commissioner Califf. “The United States currently has a robust but largely unregulated CBD market, which leads to an unsafe marketplace for consumers,” stated the letter. Indeed, bad actors have had the freedom to peddle products containing synthetically derived isomers of cannabinoids as a way of obtaining a “legal high” where delta-9-THC is prohibited, aided by an almost complete lack of FDA regulation. This is just one of several issues plaguing the CBD industry, as even more trustworthy brands who have their products tested by third-party labs still have no official dosage recommendation to work with, and are forced to market their products generically in fear of making unlawful healthcare claims. As consumer-first insiders and close watchers of the CBD industry, we will continue to update you as Congress and CBD industry members apply more pressure to the FDA. via The CBD Insider https://thecbdinsider.com/news/congress-presses-fda-for-response-as-cbd-goes-unregulated/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=congress-presses-fda-for-response-as-cbd-goes-unregulated Table of ContentsWelcome to our Bluebird Botanicals review! Since well before it was cool, the Bluebird Botanicals team has been formulating hemp-based CBD products, so we figured it’s high time we trained our sights on this well-reputed brand. After sampling several of their oils, gummies, and topicals over a period of several weeks and speaking with Grace Kaucic, Senior Content & Communications Manager, we’ve arrived at a final score for Bluebird Botanicals. Our final score for Bluebird Botanicals is 89.5/100. Speaking of, we use a 27-item assessment to comprehensively grade every brand we review across the following major categories:
For a preview of one of our favorite products from the review, check out these CBD-infused gummies. Bluebird Botanicals CBD GummiesRecommended ProductBluebird Botanicals CBD GummiesThese gummies feature a botanically enhanced full-spectrum hemp extract with no artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Our testers reported feeling grounded after just one dose (of 3-4 gummies). The best part? They taste amazing, and there are only two grams of added sugar per piece. Bluebird Botanicals Strawberry Margarita Flavored Broad-Spectrum CBD OilRecommended ProductStrawberry Margarita Flavored CBD OilThis broad-spectrum tincture from Bluebird boasts a cannabinoid-rich hemp extract that has been lab-tested to contain non-detectable amounts of THC. The flavor is incredible, and at just $19.95 for a 600mg bottle, it’s hard to deny the value as well. Strawberry not your jam? Try the same formulation in lemon drop or watermelon. Bluebird Botanicals Organic CBD OilRecommended ProductOrganic CBD OilFor those who demand the highest standards in cleanliness and accountability, this Organic CBD Oil from Bluebird Botanicals is a must. Every bottle is lab-certified to contain organically grown, full-spectrum hemp extracts. If you’re looking for the simplicity of an organic, CBD-rich extract and a carrier oil, this is the answer. How Bluebird Botanicals Got StartedA lifelong passion for herbs, particularly those of the cannabis family, drove Bluebird Botanicals founder and CEO Brandon Beatty to start Gaia Botanicals in 2012. Just a year later, Gaia Botanicals transformed into Bluebird Botanicals, which is when Beatty and team pivoted from a broader range of herbal supplements to hemp-based CBD products. Bluebird really was early to the party – they were the fourth company in the US to start selling CBD and the first company with a completely transparent batch system, Grace informed us. Since their founding, Bluebird has made their presence known at the consumer level as well as the legislative level, even helping with the 2018 Farm Bill language (more on that below). What Makes Bluebird Botanicals Unique?Before this review, we had yet to review or work with a Certified B corporation, and admittedly, we were unsure as to what exactly that entailed. We learned that Certified B corporations are “a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit,” per the official website. In other words, Certified B corporations like Bluebird Botanicals are beholden to higher standards of social and economic equity. In the words of Grace Kuacic, this means partnering with environmentally responsible suppliers, developing and maintaining best practices for taking good care of employees, and working with non-profit organizations to reinvest into the community. Considering how many companies claim they follow these standards without any real proof, it’s great to see a case where the claims can actually be substantiated. Bluebird also informed us that they only partner with farms that use organic and/or regenerative practices, which speaks to the level of accountability they’re maintaining. Moreover, they test all of their ingredients (not just the hemp) under highly stringent QA standards to make sure everything is just right well before moving on with production. Our Bluebird Botanicals ReviewKeeping to our usual review process, we spent several days sampling Bluebird Botanicals products, testing and exploring the website, researching the brand, and more to gather as much information as possible. Then, we plugged everything into our handy ranking system, which assigns points to each criterion toward a total of 100. For a more specific breakdown of how we score each criterion, we invite you to check out our scoring guide. As always, we’ll start with the most heavily weighted category: quality. QualityMax score = 35 points. Bluebird Botanicals = 33.69 points. Effectiveness alone does not capture the entire definition of quality; even highly effective CBD products suffer in the quality department if they are unsafe or inconsistent. As such, we’ve made it a point to capture every aspect of quality, including the brand’s certifications, available formulation/extract types, third-party testing, and more. Product QualityWe like to begin with the first thing every customer engages with when receiving and using products from a brand: the packaging. Our tinctures (we tried the Uplift CBG + CBD Oil and Downshift CBN + CBD Oil combination) came in very darkly tinted glass bottles with dropper lids. The dropper lids were particularly effective in dosing out at least three quarters of a lid with each squeeze, even as the bottles ran low. The label featured all the basics—supplement facts, ingredients, usage suggestions, and warnings—as well as a QR code for accessing third-party lab reports, but nothing else in terms of consumer education. The gummies came in a resealable pouch complete with a child-proof feature (an extra interior seal), which we love to see. Labeling here included everything the tinctures did, with the addition of a short blurb about the company. Finally, the full-spectrum Sport CBD Lotion we tried came in the typical squeeze bottle, and this product also contained additional information, this time in the form of a short blurb about the product and the extract within it. All of the packaging was durable and easy to use, and the labeling was informative and succinct, so Bluebird received a full score for packaging. The next dimension of product quality we examine is the availability of popular formulation types. Between their Upshift, Downshift, and classic/extra strength CBD oils, Bluebird fulfills most requirements, but we took off a few points because they didn’t have anything specifically marketed for relief/relaxation (partial credit awarded because of classic/extra strength CBD tinctures). Ingredients lists for all product types are both clean and rich in terpenes and botanicals, with no artificial sweeteners or preservatives in sight. Finally, the hemp itself is grown organically and sourced from Colorado and Oregon farms licensed under their states’ Departments of Agriculture, earning full marks for high-quality sourcing. Testing and CertificationBluebird Botanicals sends their hemp extracts to Botanacor Laboratories, where they are tested for cannabinoids (full panel), residual solvents, toxins, heavy metals, and more, earning full marks for third-party testing. Bluebird holds Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Glyphosate Residue Free, Certified B Corporation, and U.S. Hemp Authority certifications in addition to Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status. Needless to say, this is a solid repertoire, especially with the U.S. Hemp Authority certification. Extraction MethodFinally, Bluebird Botanicals uses CO2 to extract CBD and other cannabinoids from the hemp plant, and in some cases, they use a steam distillation process to increase terpene extraction efficiency. CO2 is widely considered the safest and most effective extraction method for CBD, as it leaves behind so little (non-toxic) solvent. As such, full points for extraction. TransparencyMax score = 12.5 points. Bluebird Botanicals = 12.25 points. Our interpretation of transparency in this context is a CBD brand that will share everything customers might want to know about, including:
Why does this matter? Because transparency translates directly into trust; a transparent brand that falls slightly below any given standard is more valued than a well-reviewed brand that makes customers dig for information they never find. Info AccessibilityAs mentioned, every Bluebird Botanicals product we sampled comes with a QR code that allows customers quick access to third-party lab reports. Bluebird is also known as the first CBD company to open up their batch database for public viewing, which is about as transparent as it gets. Between product labeling and the website, everything we wanted to see in terms of product information (full ingredients lists, explanations of technical terms, etc.) was there. The “about us” page is also robust, naming names, pinpointing dates, and explaining B Corp certification. Supply Chain TransparencyIf a company will openly share with us and/or their customers how they extract their hemp, where it comes from, and where it is tested, we award full points. Bluebird delivered on this frontier with very little digging required, earning full points here. Website ExperienceMax score = 7.5 points. Bluebird Botanicals = 7.25 points. We don’t demand to see the latest and greatest innovations in web design when we visit a CBD brand’s site, but we do want our secret shopping experience to be a fluid one. Simply put, when posing as customers navigating the site and purchasing products, we deduct points for problems we encounter that take us out of the experience, no matter what form they take. Speaking more optimistically, we award points for cleanly organized and easily navigable product/category pages, educational content, and to a smaller extent, overall design quality. Product Navigation and PurchasingWe were duly impressed with just about everything on the Bluebird site, including product searchability and the bump-free e-commerce experience. It’s just as easy to pull up all their CBD products onto a single page as it is to apply multiple filters and customize your search to suit your needs. Once we clicked through to the actual product pages, we found all the details we were looking for (ingredients, supplement information, etc.) in a cleanly organized format. Moreover, fake purchasing was a smooth experience completely devoid of unnecessary “halfway pages” or intrusive pop-ups. Site ContentIn the arena of supplemental/educational content (what is CBD, what is the endocannabinoid system, etc.), Bluebird keeps the bar high with about a dozen FAQs and more than 100 blog posts, the two sections that comprise the “CBD School” area of the site. Browsing the site on our mobile devices was a completely seamless experience that mirrored desktop browsing, so we awarded full points for mobile responsiveness. Though they scored well for site content, we did make a small deduction because the 100+ blog posts were not categorized or otherwise grouped in any way. Customer ServiceMax score = 10 points. Bluebird Botanicals = 8.5 points. For better or worse, one of the strongest access points between brand and consumer is customer service. Few elements can expose a brand’s willingness to work for their customers more effectively than the customer service experience, which is why we prioritize it in our review criteria. Included in this ranking factor are shipping and return policies, contact options, and contact responsiveness/accommodation. Contact Options and ResponsivenessWe look for three customer support services: live chat, email, and phone. Bluebird Botanicals has email and phone, but no live chat, resulting in a moderate deduction. When we tested their phone and email services, we received helpful and prompt replies. Shipping and Return PoliciesFor the most part, Bluebird’s shipping and return policies are consistent with other high-quality CBD brands, offering 4-5 business day delivery times through USPS. However, returns and exchanges are limited to one per customer, and purchases over $110 do not qualify for a refund. While this may not affect the majority of customers, it still seems like an unnecessary stance to take, so we made a small deduction. Otherwise, no red flags in the shipping and return policies department. ValueMax score = 10 points. Bluebird Botanicals = 6.81 points. There’s no need to mince words here – value refers to the price of the brand’s products compared to the ingredient quality and CBD density of said products. We’ve weighed both of these factors (raw price and ingredient quality relative to price) equally so that highly affordable brands and more expensive brands have equal opportunity to score well or poorly for value. Pricing and Ingredient QualityBluebird took a significant hit when it comes to the raw price per milligram of CBD, since most of their CBD products contain a lower concentration of CBD. However, the relatively high proportions of terpenes and supporting cannabinoids recouped plenty of points on the back end, such that Bluebird landed right in the middle (hence, around 5/10 points) when both price and ingredient quality were factored in. Brand ValueMax score = 25 points. Bluebird Botanicals = 21 points. Finally, brand value is the footprint that a particular brand leaves on the CBD industry, the surrounding community, and the rest of the world. This includes, but is not limited to:
Product InnovationShiny gimmicks need not apply; sometimes, the best way to innovate is to simply do what everyone else does, but better. For the most part, Bluebird Botanicals offers a standard set of CBD product types, including oil, capsules and gels, gummies, pet capsules and oils, and isolate powder. However, they’re the first brand we’ve seen to offer a product bundle (e.g., the Uplift + Downshift bundle) designed to fit perfectly into your daily rhythm, facilitating an active lifestyle and a healthy evening routine at the same time. Community, Research, and Legislative InvestmentAs active members of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, the Hemp Industries Association, and the American Herbal Products Association, Bluebird Botanicals has been highly involved in promoting positive change throughout the industry. As mentioned, they even helped with the drafting of the 2018 Farm Bill. To date, Bluebird has not participated or invested in any medical studies, but their institutional knowledge runs deep. CEO and founder Brandon Beatty sits on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, formerly serving as Executive Vice President. Regarding philanthropy and community outreach, Bluebird Botanicals offers an unlimited 20 percent discount to veterans, and they’ve supported s CBD- and non-cbd-related drives for good causes, such as the #StopAsianHate movement. Our Bluebird Botanicals Overall RatingAll tallied, Bluebird Botanicals earned 89.5 out of 100 points. Here are some key takeaways to sum up our review:
The biggest deductions occurred in all-or-nothing criteria, such as participation in research. Overall, Bluebird Botanicals excelled in product quality and brand authority, and their catalog boasts a diverse range of botanically rich CBD products. We recommend Bluebird Botanicals for CBD veterans and newcomers alike. Bluebird Botanicals Product ReviewsConcentrationThis tincture contains 720mg of CBD per 30-mL bottle, or 12mg per serving (Bluebird uses half-droppers as servings). Per the label, the tincture contains 180mg of CBN (cannabinol), which is a much higher supporting cannabinoid ratio than most competitors. The certificate of analysis for this product reported the following:
ValueThis tincture retails for $49.95, which reduces to just under $0.07 per milligram of CBD. Normally, we don’t account for supporting cannabinoids, terpenes, or botanicals when grading on value, but in this case, the generous CBN content is enough to reduce this price at least a penny per milligram. Either way, $0.06 and $0.07 are both fairly competitive for a high-quality brand. PackagingAs mentioned, this tincture comes in a darkly tinted bottle with a dropper lid that actually works every time. All of the packaging was intact upon receipt, and the lid was easy to work with. IngredientsHere is the ingredients list for this tincture: Fractionated coconut oil (MCT), hemp (cannabis sativa) (aerial parts) distillate, cannabinol distillate (CBN) (from hemp aerial part(s)), linalool, beta-caryophyllene. This is a strong showcasing of terpene content, as linalool and beta-caryophyllene are evidenced to have wellness-affirming effects. What we don’t see—artificial ingredients, added sugar, etc.—is just as important. TasteWhile this tincture doesn’t technically have any flavoring to cover up the hemp taste, the terpenes seem to take the bitter edge off. Terpenes can range in flavor from citrus to nutty to bitter, but in this case, they added mild, herbal flavors. That said, consumers averse to earthy flavors may not love this tincture. As CBD veterans who don’t mind the hemp taste, we found the Bluebird Botanicals Downshift CBN + CBD Oil tincture to be plenty tasty. EffectivenessThis product may not be bursting through the CBD concentration ceiling, but as mentioned, the impressively high ratio of chill-supporting CBN did noticeably come into play. It took a dropper and a half, but once we climbed to this dosage level (and held), we noticed significant improvements in feeling ready for bed. Pros & ConsLet’s start with the pros:
And now for the cons:
ConcentrationBluebird Botanicals gummies come in 30-count pouches, and each gummy contains 15mg of CBD, totaling 450mg for the order. The certificate of analysis for this product batch reported the following cannabinoid levels (per gummy):
Our gummies also contained a number of terpenes, especially limonene and beta-pinene. While it may not be the most cannabinoid-rich product they offer, Bluebird Botanicals over-delivers on the CBD while keeping the THC well within legal limits. ValueThese CBD gummies retail for $49.95, which reduces to $0.11/mg of CBD. It’s no surprise that the gummies are more expensive than the CBD oil tinctures, as is the case with virtually every CBD brand. Anything under $0.14/mg is a decent value ($0.10 and below is a great value), so we still consider these gummies a competitively priced product. PackagingThe resealable pouch has a child safety feature in the form of an extra seal on the inside, a rarity that we and many consumers appreciate. Otherwise, it’s a standard resealable pouch, on which customers can view supplement facts and the ingredients list, suggested use and warnings, basic product information, a QR code for COAs, and a short blurb about Bluebird Botanicals. Everything was intact upon receipt, both of the seals held up throughout our entire usage of the product, and the QR code made accessing lab reports easy. IngredientsHere is the ingredients list for this product: Organic tapioca syrup, organic sugar, organic pear juice concentrate, organic tapioca maltodextrin, pectin, fractionated coconut oil (MCT), citric acid, sodium citrate, fruit & vegetable juice (for color), natural flavors. Sweeteners (and some form of preservative) are all but inevitable when it comes to CBD gummies, but that doesn’t give brands a pass to use high-fructose corn syrup or other harmful ingredients. In this case, we’ve got all-organic sweeteners and natural flavors/preservatives, which is exactly what we want to see. We also want to see less than four grams of sugar per gummy, and these gummies only have two. Altogether, this is an exemplary ingredients list for CBD gummies. TasteEspecially considering these gummies only use two grams of sugar per piece, we were very impressed with the taste. Each lemon, watermelon, and strawberry gummy actually tasted like the fruit, and the natural sugars kept the saccharine goodness from treading into cheap, syrupy candy territory. In other words, they were flavorful, delicious, and very sweet without overdoing it. EffectivenessBoth because of the lower concentration and how great they tasted, we started out taking at least three gummies at a time (the label recommends not exceeding four). At three gummies, we noticed a mild grounding effect that persisted for roughly half of the day. When we upped our dosage to four, the effect intensified. Overall, these gummies are a great choice for people who want to chill with a gentle, yet effective product—just don’t expect these results from one or two gummies. Pros & ConsLet’s start with the pros:
And now the cons:
ConcentrationOur tube of Full-Spectrum Sport CBD Lotion contained 700mg of CBD, per the label. The certificate of analysis for this batch reported the following cannabinoid levels:
Like their other products, this CBD-infused lotion passed all tests for residual solvents, toxins, pesticides, and other potential contaminants. As we had hoped, Bluebird Botanicals over-delivered on the CBD while remaining well under the mandated THC limit. ValueThis product retails for $39.96, which reduces to $0.06/mg of CBD. The larger size (six-ounce tube/1,250mg of CBD) retails for $59.96, which reduces to under $0.05/mg of CBD. Both of these price points are more competitive than the tinctures and gummies—especially since the smaller size doesn’t appear to be marked up as much as most. PackagingThis product comes in a standard squeeze tube with a snap-on lid. On the tube are included a short blurb about the product, the ingredients list, basic product info, and a QR code for access to lab reports. Everything was intact upon receipt, and the lid made usage easy without leaving a mess. IngredientsHere’s the ingredients list for this product: Aqua (deionized water), cannabis sativa (hemp) extract, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, emulsifying wax, caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut oil, MCT), simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, daucus carota (carrot) seed oil, menthol, arnica montana flower extract, sodium benzoate, gluconolactone, camomilla recutita (chamomile) extract, zingiber cassumunar (plai) extract, helichrysum italicum (helichrysum) oil, zingiber officinale (ginger) extract, rosmarinus officialis (rosemary) extract, daucus carota (carrot) seed essential oil. As expected, this CBD topical is filled with natural botanicals and safe surfactants/preservatives. Scent and TextureThis topical smells pleasantly of pine and mint, emphasis on the pine. While this may be hard to tolerate for some, we enjoyed the strong pine smell, and the consistency was easy to work with. With light massaging for about ten seconds, the lotion was already worked into the skin, leaving the application area clean and dry. EffectivenessThis lotion was particularly effective for small target areas. The one caveat is that this topical does not produce as potent a cooling and/or numbing effect as heavily mentholated alternatives. Pros & ConsLet’s start with the pros:
And now the cons:
Recommended ProductsUplift CBG + CBD OilRecommended ProductBluebird Botanicals Uplift CBG + CBD OilWhen it comes to supporting cannabinoids like CBG, Bluebird goes far and above the underwhelming status quo, making this tincture equal parts CBD and CBG. As usual, this tincture is also loaded with terpenes, and sourced from US-based farms using organic and regenerative practices. All this, and it beats most of the competition on price as well. Strawberry Margarita Flavored CBD OilRecommended ProductBluebird Botanicals Strawberry Margarita Flavored CBD OilGoing broad-spectrum doesn’t have to mean settling for a hum-drum product, thanks to this delicious, cannabinoid-rich tincture. No need to worry, the sweetener is naturally sugar-free, and the THC falls below non-detectable levels. Check out the reviews to see what people are saying about this new flavor. CBD Oil for CatsRecommended ProductBluebird Botanicals Companion CBD for CatsBluebird Botanicals uses the same ingredients from their Classic CBD Oil (for humans) to craft this feline-friendly tincture. As always, this product is thoroughly tested for THC/cannabinoid levels, solvents, and other potential contaminants. At 0.84mg of CBD per serving, you can safely build up to an appropriate dosage level. All Bluebird Botanicals ProductsSince their inception, Bluebird Botanicals has grown their product catalog to provide full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate products in various formats, including oil tinctures, softgels, gummies, topicals, powder, and pet CBD products. Within most product categories, customers can choose between multiple flavors, concentrations, and formulations. As usual, we’ll start with the most popular product type: CBD oil tinctures. CBD OilBluebird Botanicals offers broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD oils. Between their several formulations, which include Upshift CBG + CBD, Downshift CBN + CBD, Classic, Extra Strength, and more, customers can choose from dozens of botanicals, terpenes, and cannabinoids. Available concentrations range from 250mg to 3,000mg of CBD, and flavors include classic, lemon drop, strawberry margarita, and others. Newer additions to the Bluebird Botanicals CBD oil collection also include CBN Boost and CBG Boost tinctures, allowing for stronger concentrations of these supporting cannabinoids to enhance relaxation as well as alertness. The newer tinctures come in 1/3oz bottles, each providing 300mg of its featured cannabinoid. Best Use: CBD oil tinctures allow for reliable dosage, and they’re easy to use and take with you. As the most popular product type (now closely rivaled by gummies), oil tinctures are typically available in a broader range of concentrations and flavors. Extra Strength Complete CBD + CBDA OilExtra Strength Complete CBD + CBDA OilConcentration1,500mg CBD/CBDA: 25mg/serving (1oz bottle) 3,000mg CBD/CBDA: 25mg/serving (2oz bottle) Price1,500mg: $119.95 ($0.08/mg) 3,00mg: $219.95 ($0.07/mg) IngredientsOrganic extra virgin olive oil, hemp extract (raw and decarboxylated) (Cannabis sativa) (aerial parts), steam-distilled hemp terpenes (aerial parts). Extra Strength Classic CBD OilExtra Strength Classic CBD OilConcentration1,500mg: 25mg/serving (1oz bottle) 3,000mg: 25mg/serving (2oz bottle) Price1,500mg: $99.95 ($0.07/mg) 3,000mg: $169.95 ($0.06/mg) IngredientsOrganic virgin hemp seed oil (product of Canada), hemp (cannabis sativa) extract (aerial parts). Uplift CBG + CBD OilUplift CBG + CBD OilConcentration900mg of CBD/CBG: 15mg/serving (1oz bottle) Price$49.95 ($0.06/mg) IngredientsFractionated coconut oil (MCT), hemp (cannabis sativa) extract (aerial parts), cannabigerol (CBG) (from hemp extract aerial part(s)) isolate, D-limonene, D-alpha-pinene. Downshift CBN + CBD OilDownshift CBN + CBD OilConcentration900mg of CBD/CBN: 15mg/serving (1oz bottle) Price$49.95 ($0.06/mg) IngredientsFractionated coconut oil (MCT), hemp (cannabis sativa) (aerial parts) distillate, cannabinol distillate (CBN) (from hemp (aerial part(s)), linalool, beta-caryophyllene. Flavored Broad-Spectrum CBD OilsFlavored Broad-Spectrum CBD OilsFlavorsLemon Drop, Strawberry Margarita, and Watermelon ConcentrationAll flavors: 600mg: 10mg/serving (1oz bottle) PriceAll flavors: $19.95 ($0.03/mg) IngredientsLemon Drop: Organic fractionated coconut oil (MCT), broad-spectrum hemp (cannabis sativa) distillate (aerial parts), natural lemon drop flavors, stevia (reb a). Strawberry Margarita: organic fractionated coconut oil (MCT), broad-spectrum hemp (cannabis sativa) distillate (aerial parts), natural strawberry margarita flavors, stevia (reb a). Watermelon: Organic fractionated coconut oil (MCT), broad-spectrum hemp (cannabis sativa) distillate (aerial parts). Companion CBD for CatsCompanion CBD for CatsConcentration500mg: 4.17mg/serving (2oz bottle) Price$35.95 ($0.07/mg) IngredientsOrganic virgin hemp seed oil (product of Canada), hemp extract (cannabis sativa) (aerial parts) Flavored Full-Spectrum CBD OilsFlavored Full-Spectrum CBD OilsFlavorsChocolate, Hibiscus Rose, Lemon Ginger ConcentrationAll flavors: 900mg: 15mg/serving (1oz bottle) PriceAll flavors: $49.95 ($0.06/mg) IngredientsChocolate: Organic frationated coconut oil (MCT), hemp (cannabis sativa) distillate (aerial parts), natural chocolate flavoring. Hibiscus Rose: Organic fractionated coconut oil (MCT), hemp (cannabis sativa) distillate (aerial parts), natural hibiscus rose flavoring. Lemon Ginger: Organic fractionated coconut oil (MCT), hemp (cannabis sativa) distillate (aerial parts), natural lemon ginger flavoring. Extra Strength Signature CBD Oil + BotanicalsExtra Strength Signature CBD Oil + BotanicalsConcentration1,500mg: 25mg/serving (1oz bottle) 3,000mg: 25mg/serving (2oz bottle) Price1,500mg: $119.95 ($0.08/mg) 3,000mg: $219.95 ($0.07/mg) IngredientsOrganic virgin hemp seed oil (product of canada), hemp (cannabis sativa) extract (aerial parts), organic black cumin seed (nigella sativa) oil, frankincense (boswellia carterii) extract (resin). Classic CBD OilClassic CBD OilConcentration250mg: 4.17mg/serving (1oz bottle) 500mg: 4.17mg/serving (2oz bottle) Price25omg: $19.95 ($0.08/mg) 500mg: $35.95 ($0.07/mg) IngredientsOrganic virgin hemp seed oil (product of Canada), hemp (cannabis sativa) extract (aerial parts). Complete CBD + CBDA OilComplete CBD + CBDA OilConcentration250mg: 4.17mg/serving (1oz bottle) 500mg: 4.17mg/serving (2oz bottle) Price25omg: $29.95 ($0.12/mg) 500mg: $49.95 ($0.10/mg) IngredientsOrganic virgin hemp seed oil (product of Canada), hemp (cannabis sativa) extract (aerial parts). Organic CBD OilOrganic CBD OilConcentration900mg: 15mg/serving (1oz bottle) Price$49.95 ($0.06/mg) IngredientsOrganic fractionated coconut oil (MCT), organic hemp (cannabis sativa) extract (aerial parts). Signature CBD Oil + BotanicalsSignature CBD Oil + BotanicalsConcentration250mg: 4.17mg/serving (1oz bottle) 500mg: 4.17mg/serving (2oz bottle) Price250mg: $29.95 ($0.12/mg) 500mg: $49.95 ($0.10/mg) IngredientsOrganic virgin hemp seed oil (product of Canada), hemp (cannabis sativa) extract (aerial parts), organic black cumin seed (nigella sativa) oil, frankincense (boswellia carterii) extract (resin). CBD Oil for PetsCBD Oil for PetsConcentration250mg: 4.17mg/serving (1oz bottle) 500mg: 4.17mg/serving (2oz bottle) Price250mg: $19.95 ($0.08/mg) 500mg: $35.95 ($0.07/mg) IngredientsOrganic virgin hemp seed oil, hemp extract (cannabis sativa) (aerial parts). CBD GummiesBluebird Botanicals may only have the one gummy as of this writing, but it’s delicious, effective, and affordable. This product contains a full-spectrum hemp extract, and it’s sweetened with organic cane sugar—only 2 grams per piece. Best Use: CBD gummies make it easy to measure doses, and they’re more approachable for people who prefer to avoid the hemp flavor. CBD GummiesCBD GummiesConcentration450mg: 15mg/unit (30-count) Price$49.95 ($0.11/mg) IngredientsCannabidiol (CBD) (from hemp cannabis sativa) distillate (aerial parts), organic tapioca syrup, organic sugar, organic pear juice concentrate, organic tapioca maltodextrin, pectin, fractionated coconut oil (MCT), citric acid, sodium citrate, fruit & vegetable juice (for color), natural flavors. CBD SoftgelsBluebird Botanicals offers several CBD softgel products in a variety of sizes and formulations. Their Classic CBD Oil Softgels, for example, feature a full-spectrum extract including a deep roster of supporting cannabinoids and terpenes. Bluebird Botanicals also has softgels with added botanicals, and even softgels for pets. Several of their latest additions in the softgel collection include Bluebird Botanicals Adaptive Stress, Dynamic Immune, and Snooze Support softgels. To facilitate their self-explanatory uses, these softgels recruit the help of ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea, elderberry juice, echinacea, valerian root, and more. Best Use: Softgels/capsules allow CBD consumers to work around the hemp taste with a dose that’s still very easy to measure. Signature CBD Oil + Botanicals CapsulesSignature CBD Oil + Botanicals CapsulesConcentration450mg (30-count, 15mg/capsule) 900mg (60-count, 15mg/capsule) Price450mg: $29.95 ($0.07/mg) 900mg: $54.95 ($0.06/mg) IngredientsOrganic virgin hemp seed oil (product of Canada), hemp (cannabis sativa) extract (aerial parts), organic black cumin seed (nigella sativa) oil, frankincense (boswellia carterii) extract (resin), softgels (bovine gelatin, glycerin, purified water). Classic CBD Oil CapsulesClassic CBD Oil CapsulesConcentration450mg (30-count, 15mg/serving) 900mg (60-count, 15mg/serving) 120-count (undefined) Price450mg: $24.95 ($0.06/mg) 900mg: $44.95 ($0.05/mg) IngredientsOrganic virgin hemp seed oil, hemp (cannabis sativa) extract (aerial parts), softgels (bovine gelatin, glycerin, purified water). Complete CBD + CBDA Oil CapsulesComplete CBD + CBDA Oil CapsulesConcentration450mg (30-count, 15mg/serving) 900mg (60-count, 15mg/serving) Price450mg: $29.95 ($0.07/mg) 900mg: $54.95 ($0.06/mg) IngredientsOrganic virgin hemp seed oil, hemp (cannabis sativa) extract (aerial parts), softgels (bovine gelatin, glycerin, purified water). CBD Oil Capsules for PetsCBD Oil Capsules for PetsConcentration450mg (30-count, 15mg/serving) 900mg (60-count, 15mg/serving) Price450mg: $24.95 ($0.06/mg) 900mg: $44.95 ($0.05/mg) IngredientsOrganic virgin hemp seed oil, hemp (cannabis sativa) extract (aerial parts), softgels (bovine gelatin, glycerin, purified water). CBD TopicalsCustomers of Bluebird Botanicals can choose between multiple formulations and sizes of CBD-infused lotion, including essential-oil-enhanced Silk Lotion, Sport CBD Lotion, and more. Best Use: Though this product type makes measuring doses significantly trickier, it provides an opportunity to perfuse CBD deeply into specific application areas throughout the body. Cooling Pain Relief Menthol CreamCooling Pain Relief Menthol CreamConcentration500mg Price$34.99 ($0.07/mg) IngredientsAqua, shea (butyrospermum parkii) butter, cetearyl glucoside, cetearyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, CBD (cannabidiol) isolate (from hemp (cannabis sativa)), organic aloe vera (aloe barbadensis) leaf juice, tapioca starch, glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, xanthan gum, organic rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) leaf extract, organic arnica (arnica spp.) extract, glyceryl caprylate, caprylhydroxamic acid, citric acid. Hemp CBD Sport LotionHemp CBD Sport LotionConcentration700mg 1,250mg
Price750mg: $39.96 ($0.05/mg) 1,250mg: $59.96 ($0.047/mg) IngredientsAqua (deionized water), cannabis sativa (hemp) extract, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, emulsifying wax, caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut oil, MCT), simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, daucus carota (carrot) seed oil, menthol, arnica montana flower extract, sodium benzoate, gluconolactone, camomilla recutita (chamomile) extract, zingiber cassumunar (plai) extract, helichrysum italicum (helichrysum) oil, zingiber officinale (ginger) extract, rosmarinus officialis (rosemary) extract, daucus carota (carrot) seed essential oil. Hemp CBD Silk LotionHemp CBD Silk LotionConcentration700mg 1,250mg Price750mg: $39.96 ($0.05/mg) 1,250mg: $59.96 ($0.047/mg) IngredientsAqua (deionized water), cannabis sativa (hemp) extract, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, emulsifying wax, caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut oil, MCT), daucus carota sativa (carrot) seed oil, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, sodium benzoate, gluconolactone arnica montana flower extract, sodium benzoate, gluconolactone, rosmarinus officialis (rosemary) extract, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, pelargonium graveolens (rose geranium) oil. Hemp CBD Essential LotionHemp CBD Essential LotionConcentration700mg 1,250mg Price750mg: $39.96 ($0.05/mg) 1,250mg: $59.96 ($0.047/mg) IngredientsAqua (deionized water), cannabis sativa (hemp) extract, cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, emulsifying wax, caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut oil, MCT), daucus carota sativa (carrot) seed oil, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, sodium benzoate, gluconolactone, rosmarinus officialis (rosemary) extract. CBD Isolate PowderYes, CBD isolate is generally regarded as a less effective alternative to broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products, since these have the synergistic benefits of multiple cannabinoids to work with, but it’s still an important item for a brand to have on hand. This is because many people are concerned about drug testing at their place of employment, and beginners often want to try CBD by itself to more accurately gauge its effects. For these reasons, brands like Bluebird Botanicals stock CBD isolate, often in the form of powder or tinctures. Best Use: For customers concerned with drug testing, or anyone who simply prefers to start with CBD only. CBD Isolate SampleCBD Isolate SampleConcentration1 gram 5 grams Price1 gram: $24.95 ($0.02/mg) 5 grams: $99.95 (<$0.02/mg) IngredientsHemp CBD isolate (aerial parts). CBD Isolate WholesaleCBD Isolate WholesaleConcentration100 grams 250 grams 500 grams 1,000 grams Price100 grams: $379.95 ($0.0038/mg) 250 grams: $749.95 ($0.0030/mg) 500 grams: $1,275 ($0.0026/mg) 1,000 grams: $2,000 ($0.0020/mg) IngredientsHemp CBD isolate (aerial parts). Preview of Coming Attractions: Minor CannabinoidsBluebird Botanicals is reaching across multiple product categories to sprinkle in more well-rounded (in terms of cannabinoids) products that feature CBDA, CBG, CBN, and others, including the following examples: -Clarify CBDC + CBD Oil These products reflect both an industry-wide trend and the aim of Bluebird Botanicals to reach out to a broader audience while providing general-purpose CBD users with added potency. Bluebird Botanicals Review ConclusionBluebird Botanicals excelled in product quality, customer service, and website experience. We sought out to verify every claim they made, including those upheld by their B Corp certification, finding they were legitimate. These products are thoroughly tested, organically grown, and reasonably priced. We recommend Bluebird Botanicals to anyone interested in CBD. via The CBD Insider https://thecbdinsider.com/review/bluebird-botanicals-review/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bluebird-botanicals-review TESTSTSARDSARFrance reenters medical marijuana industry after more than a half-century hiatus – a cannabis historian explains by David A. Guba, Jr. David A. Guba, Jr., Bard Early College Baltimore Early in 2022, the French legislature greenlighted the cultivation of cannabis inside French territory to supply the nation’s ongoing pilot program in medical marijuana. The clinical trials were launched in March 2021 with cannabis supplied from abroad and have been overseen by the country’s food and drug office, the Agence Nationale de Sécurité du Médicament, or the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products. This two-year pilot program consists of 3,000 patients in France using medical cannabis, something that’s been prohibited since 1953. While the agency has praised the pilot program for its groundbreaking efforts to produce “the first French data on the efficiency and safety” of cannabis for medical therapies to treat cancers, nerve damage and epilepsy, the trial is not the nation’s first foray into the medical cannabis industry. Far from it. ‘A drug not to be neglected’I am a historian of cannabis and colonialism in modern France. My research has found that in the middle 19th century, Paris functioned as the epicenter of an international movement to medicalize hashish, a THC-rich intoxicant made from the pressed resin of cannabis plants. Many pharmacists and physicians then working in France believed hashish was a dangerous and exotic intoxicant from the “Orient” – the Arab Muslim world – that could be tamed by pharmaceutical science and rendered safe and useful against the era’s most frightening diseases. Starting in the late 1830s, some of those same pharmacists and physicians began preparing and selling hashish-infused edibles, lozenges and later tinctures – hashish-infused alcohol – and even “medicinal cigarettes” for asthma in pharmacies across the country. Throughout the 1840s and 1850s, dozens of French pharmacists staked their careers on hashish, publishing dissertations, monographs and peer-reviewed articles on its medicinal and scientific benefits. French epidemiologist Louis-Rémy Aubert-Roche published a treatise in 1840 in which he argued that hashish, administered as a small edible called “dawamesk” taken with coffee, successfully cured plague in seven of 11 patients he treated in the hospitals of Alexandria and Cairo during the epidemic of 1834-35. Aubert-Roche was an anti-contagionist in the era before the germ theory – the idea that microbes can lead to disease – became scientific dogma. He, like most physicians then, believed the plague to be an untransmittable disease of the central nervous system spread to humans via “miasma,” or bad air, in unhygienic and poorly ventilated areas. Aubert-Roche thus believed, mistaking symptom relief and luck for a cure, that hashish intoxication excited the central nervous system and counteracted the effects of the plague. “The plague,” he wrote, “is a disease of the nerves. Hashish, a substance that acts upon the nervous system, has given me the best results. I thus believe it is a drug not to be neglected.” Reefer madnessPhysician Jacques-Joseph Moreau de Tours, organizer of the infamous Club des Hachichins in Paris during the 1840s, likewise heralded dawamesk as a homeopathic wonder drug for treating mental illness. Moreau believed insanity was caused by lesions on the brain, and he also believed that hashish counteracted the effects. Moreau reported in his 1845 work, “Du Hachisch et l’aliénation mentale” (“On Hashish and Mental Illness”), that between 1840 and 1843, he cured seven patients suffering from mental illness at Hôpital Bicêtre in central Paris with hashish. Moreau wasn’t totally off-base; today cannabis-based medicines are prescribed for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorders. Despite the small sample size, doctors from the U.S., the U.K., Germany and Italy published favorable reviews of Moreau’s work with hashish during the late 1840s and across the 1850s. One praised it as a “discovery of much importance for the civilized world.” Tincture warsThough physicians in France and abroad touted dawamesk as a miracle cure, they also complained about the inability to standardize doses due to the variation in the potency of different cannabis plants. They also wrote about the challenges posed by the common adulteration of dawamesk, which was exported from North Africa and often laced with other psychoactive plant extracts. In the early 1830s, several physicians and pharmacists in the British Empire attempted to solve these problems by dissolving hashish in alcohol to produce a tincture. By the middle of the decade, French practitioners followed suit. They developed and marketed their own hashish tinctures for French patients. One pharmacist in Paris, Edmond de Courtive, branded his concoction “Hachischine” after the infamous Muslim assassins often associated with hashish in French culture. The popularity of hashish tincture grew rapidly in France during the late 1840s, peaking in 1848. That was when pharmacist Joseph-Bernard Gastinel and the aforementioned De Courtive engaged in a legal battle over the patent – then known as the “right to priority” – for a tincture manufactured though a particular distillation method. “L’Affaire Gastinel,” as the press termed it, or The Gastinel Affair, caused an uproar in French medical circles and occupied the pages of journals and newspapers in Paris for much of that fall. To defend his patent, Gastinel sent two colleagues to argue his case to the Academy of Medicine in October 1848. One, a physician called Willemin, claimed that not only did Gastinel devise the tincture distillation method in question but that his tincture provided a cure for cholera, also thought to be a disease of the nerves. Though Willemin was unable to convince the Academy of Gastinel’s right to priority, he did convince doctors in Paris to adopt hashish tincture as a treatment against cholera. Physicians in Paris didn’t have to wait long to test Willemin’s theory. A cholera epidemic erupted in the city’s outskirts just months later. But when hashish tincture failed to cure the nearly 7,000 Parisians killed by the “blue death,” doctors increasingly lost faith in the wonder drug. In the following decades, hashish tincture fell into disrepute as the medical theories of anti-contagionism that underpinned the drug’s use against the plague and cholera gave way to the germ theory and thus a new understanding of epidemic diseases and their treatment. During the same period, physicians in French Algeria increasingly pointed to hashish use as a key cause of insanity and criminality among indigenous Muslims, a diagnosis they termed “folie haschischique,” or hashish-induced psychosis. Heralded as a wonder drug only decades before, by the end of 19th century the drug was rebranded as an “Oriental poison”. Lessons for todayIn my view, these earlier efforts to medicalize hashish in 19th-century France offer doctors, public health officials and policymakers of today several important insights as they work to return cannabis-based medications to the French market. First, they must aim to dissociate cannabis intoxicants and medicines from colonial notions of “Oriental” otherness and Muslim violence that ironically underpinned both the rise and fall of hashish as medicine in France during the 19th century. As scholar Dorothy Roberts astutely argued in her 2015 TED Talk, “race medicine is bad medicine, poor science and a false interpretation of humanity.” As I see it, doctors and patients should also temper their expectations of the benefits of medicinal cannabis and not overpromise and then deliver lackluster results, as happened with hashish tincture during the cholera outbreak of 1848-49. And they should be mindful that medical knowledge unfolds historically and that staking the new career of cannabis as medicine on contested theories could hitch the drug’s success to the wrong horse, as happened with hashish after the obsolescence of anti-contagionism in the 1860s. But if France were to engage its colonial past, reform its prohibitionist policies and continue to open up legal room for medical and recreational cannabis, I believe perhaps it could again become a global leader in this new medical marijuana movement. This is an updated version of a piece that was published on Sept. 24, 2019. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. A link to your site, with your site's name and description as anchor text. Via https://cannatechtoday.com/france-reenters-medical-marijuana-industry-after-more-than-a-half-century-hiatus-a-cannabis-historian-explains/ TESTSTSARDSARCanadian Doctors Need Better Education About Cannabis by Frank Schuler Despite what some governments around the world may claim, cannabis does indeed possess tremendous medical value. This is repeatedly proven by a growing number of peer-reviewed studies and personal testimonies from suffering patients that have successfully treated their condition(s) with cannabis. So why are many doctors still unfamiliar with medical cannabis? More cannabis laws are being reformed around the world which is boosting safe access to medical cannabis. For instance, Canada has had a medical cannabis program for several decades now and is the only G-7 nation to have a nationwide adult-use law on the books. However, doctors and medical professionals in Canada are still lagging behind when it comes to knowledge of medical cannabis and related topics. Below is more information about it via a news release from NORML: Montreal, Canada: Despite the federal government having legalized patients’ access to marijuana two decades ago, most Canadian health care providers acknowledge that they possess little knowledge about medical cannabis and almost none report having received any training about it while in medical school. Survey data published in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies reported that 56 percent of respondents felt either “uncomfortable or ambivalent regarding their knowledge of medical cannabis,” and that only six percent of medical professionals received any formal training about it while attending medical school. By contrast, 60 percent of respondents said that they had attended either a workshop or a conference on the topic. Fewer than one-in-three (27 percent) acknowledged being familiar with the regulations surrounding patients’ access to medical cannabis products. The results are consistent with numerous other surveys from the United States and abroad finding that health professionals seldom receive any formal training about cannabis and that most lack sufficient understanding of the subject. Authors concluded: “The majority of HCPs [health care practitioners] received little, if any, formal training in cannabinoid-based medicine in medical school or residency, … and nearly one-third were unfamiliar with the requirements for obtaining CMP [cannabis for medical purposes] in Canada. Respondents endorsed discomfort with their knowledge of MC [medical cannabis.] …. These findings suggest that medical training programs must reassess their curricula to enable HCPs to gain the knowledge and comfort required to meet the evolving needs of patients.” Full text of the study, “Healthcare practitioner perceptions on barriers impacting cannabis prescribing practices,” appears in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. Additional information is available in NORML’s fact sheet, ‘Health Clinicians Attitudes Toward Cannabis.’ This article first appeared on Internationalcbc.com and is syndicated here with special permission. A link to your site, with your site's name and description as anchor text. Via https://cannatechtoday.com/canadian-doctors-need-better-education-about-cannabis/ TESTSTSARDSARFifth Annual Cannabis Expo Proves Successful in East Hampton by Chris Mellides The fifth annual Cannabis Expo (CanXpo) was held on August 20 at the Clubhouse in East Hampton, New York. It was well-received with close to 200 attendees. It showcased a number of cannabis-forward companies and a host of expert guest panel speakers. Gary Bierfriend is the brainchild of CanXpo and first began producing cannabis events in 2018. This summer’s cannabis expo saw Bierfriend returning to the affluent Long Island area with the intention of creating a space where like-minded professionals could discuss the commercialization of cannabis while also promoting a positive image of the industry at large. “There was a big gaping hole in the industry, despite the economic opportunity,” Bierfriend said. “In great part that was due to the stigma and generational morals.” “I figured what better place to start than in my own community of the Hamptons, where many of the top people and relevant industry professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs have homes and visit,” he added. Cannabis was recognized as being legal for medicinal use in New York State in 2014 under the Compassionate Care Act and as of 2019, cannabis has been decriminalized by New York State law. Roughly two years later, state legislators passed the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), which legalized the purchase, possession, and transporting of marijuana up to three ounces and up to 24 grams of concentrate for the 21 and over crowd, according to Weedmaps. While cannabis products are legal for recreational use by New Yorkers who are at least 21 years of age, licensed adult-use dispensaries are not yet operational for buyers in the Empire State. Weedmapa claims adult-use dispensaries will open and be fully operational by the end of 2022. Several exhibitors both local to New York and areas abroad were in attendance. These companies shared in their reverence of cannabis products and their stake in the future of the industry in a state rich with potential. These exhibitors showcased products and services ranging from marijuana-centric jewelry and fashion to THC-infused cocktails and food enhancers. While others presented refined CBD tinctures and edibles designed to combat inflammation and anxiety. A jewelry designer by trade, Jill Jacobson was among the exhibitors at the CanXpo. Her company, Canna Culture, sells cannabis themed merchandise to both high-end boutiques and dispensaries. Jacobson says that she’s always been interested in cannabis and that her experience in jewelry and high fashion eventually led her to seize the opportunity to combine the two as cannabis becomes more mainstream. “There’s a lot of jewelry out there but this is actually trend fashion,” Jacobson said. “I’m selling to high-end boutiques and high-end dispensaries. And I’m just going to keep building the brand. I plan on building it into a lifestyle brand actually, where there will be bags and t-shirts and baseball hats as well.” As cannabis is becoming more popular, Jacobson hopes that people will stop stigmatizing cannabis users, and that her brand best represents that sentiment. “I’m selling to better boutiques where it’s not even legal and people are wanting to put it in their stores just because it’s so fashionable,” Jacobson said. “I guess what I’m trying to do is to alleviate some of the stigma through fashion. That was kind of my plan.” Not far from Jacobson’s tent was Warren Bobrow, the CEO and co-founder of Klaus. As a master mixologist, Bobrow describes Klaus as the “best cannabis-infused, terpene-forward beverage in the world.” The company was founded about two years ago in California and Bobrow was excited about the prospect of expanding Klaus through his company’s direct-to-consumer product plan, which is on the horizon. “My peers would kill me if I just made another seltzer,” Bobrow said. “It’s a ready-to-drink, terpene forward, hippie crasher strain. This is a hippie crasher terpene, cannabis-infused beverage and it’s the best in the world.” While cannabis is becoming increasingly popular, Chef Federico Moreno firmly believes that people still associate cannabis with junk food that more or less coincides with the expectations of the stoner stereotype popularized in the mainstream media for generations. Through his company, Refined Infusions, the young chef wants to stray from junk food and inject a bit of class into his brand of cannabis cuisine. “I’m trying to direct people away from junk food and really class things up,” Moreno said. “I have balsamic, salts, and sugars that allow you to use them on pretty much anything you want.” He added, “I infuse everything with MCT oil which allows for it to digest through your body a lot quicker. So, the intake and the moment you feel the high is a lot faster than as if you were going to eat a conventional edible. The MCT oil will bypass all of the food products.” Operating in a certified lab in Connecticut a wife and husband duo have created a wellness brand called Grace Health and Wellness. In 2018, wife Nicole DiMonda was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer and credits her husband, Jaime Birambila, with saving her life. His expertise as a cannabis extractor and chief science officer were put to the test when treating DiMonda’s condition with a combination of THC and CBD. With her cancer now in remission, DiMonda and her husband decided to build their wellness brand to help others who may be suffering from a host of health problems that can be effectively treated with cannabis. Birambila is the author of a peer-review paper that focuses on his wife beating cancer. That case study will be published in Drug Science Policy and Law, a high-profile magazine in the UK, according to the couple. “We are absolutely just amazed that this is happening because it will provide so much of the proper research necessary to get the information out there,” said DiMonda when asked about the case study. “Cannabis does kill cancer cells. We’ve known this for a very long time and now it’s a matter of bringing it to the forefront so that people can heal.” As the cannabis industry takes shape, certain areas will be pushed to the forefront, while others will be left behind, according to Bierfriend, when asked about his attitude towards this year’s CanXpo. The event organizer says the theme this year seemed to be that, “the investment and growth [of the industry] has dried up, while consolidation, debt, insurance and disciplined financial and sales management are all at critical choke points.” “Currently, there’s a huge conflict, juxtaposition, between New York being the greatest state opportunity aside from California; along with one of the greatest business failures due to regulatory and tax burdens,” Bierfriend said. “The consensus is to not follow the herd off the cliff, but to wait patiently to see how and if early adopters can succeed.” Lead Image: Attendees of the CanXpo gather in excitement as exhibitors and speakers help make the event hosted at the Clubhouse in East Hampton, New York on Aug. 20 a success. All images herein are courtesy of Chris Mellides. A link to your site, with your site's name and description as anchor text. Via https://cannatechtoday.com/fifth-annual-cannabis-expo-proves-successful-in-east-hampton%ef%bf%bc/ |
ABOUT MEHallo, ik ben Renz Verspaget, ik ben een betrouwbare administratief medewerker in de gezondheidszorg met 4,5 jaar ervaring met patiëntendossiers, medische facturering, werkschema's van ziekenhuizen en gezondheidszorgbeleid. Ziekenhuiskosten met 13% verlaagd door nieuwe factureringsmethoden te implementeren. Archives
April 2023
Categories |