Should I wash cannabis buds after harvest?

While not mandatory, it’s definitely a good idea to wash cannabis flower buds that were grown outside. The process reduces outdoor air pollutants that may have accumulated on the buds such as dirt, dust, pollen, toxic wildfire ash, caterpillar poop, insects, bird debris, and other particulate matter. You certainly want to avoid inhaling or ingesting all that stuff if possible.

If you think about it, you wash fresh produce before eating it, right? We always do, even our organic homegrown produce from the garden. So why not wash your buds? Especially considering our lungs are far more sensitive and susceptible to harm from contaminants than our guts are. 

Since it’s so resinous, sticky cannabis flowers are particularly good at attracting and holding on to pollutants. That said, cannabis isn’t as easy to simply rinse off with water as other plants are. Yet the bud washing process we’ll show you today does an excellent job at dislodging and stripping contaminants without harming trichomes or terpenes. 

It’s not usually necessary to wash cannabis that’s grown indoors, unless you’ve used foliar sprays that you’d prefer to rinse off before consuming the flower (though foliar sprays are usually not recommended during the flower phase anyways).

Does washing cannabis flower cause mold?

No, washing your cannabis buds shouldn’t cause mold – as long as you spread it out to thoroughly air dry that is, and don’t leave it in a wet heap after washing. Note that washing cannabis buds does add a couple days of drying time to your post-harvest routine. We’ll talk more about how to properly dry cannabis after washing below. 

On the other hand, the baking soda and lemon juice used to wash cannabis can kill mold spores and therefore may help prevent mold from growing during drying, curing and storage. However, washing cannabis will not remove advanced mold or “bud rot” that is already present at the time of harvest. We don’t recommend using, consuming, or inhaling obviously moldy cannabis. Cannabis with only a small amount of mold on the plant (e.g. powdery mildew on the leaves, not moldy buds) could still be used for topical applications, such as homemade cannabis salve.

Why baking soda and lemon juice?

Often described as an “old school organic produce wash”, baking soda and lemon juice has been used to remove impurities from fruits and vegetables (and even greasy kitchens) for many decades. The mixture acts as a natural surfactant that gently encourages dirt, dust, and other debris to dislodge from deep within the plant. 

Lemon juice is a natural antimicrobial and baking soda is mildly anti-fungal. When combined, they create a chemical reaction that neutralizes the solution and generates non-toxic carbon dioxide gas. This appears as fizz and bubbles that further help deep clean your bud! Hydrogen peroxide acts very similarly, is safe and organic, and can be used to wash cannabis as well.

Does washing bud decrease cannabinoids or trichomes?

Cannabinoids are fat-soluble; they only like to attach themselves to fats – like oil. Thus, this gentle wash will not strip the cannabinoids or decrease the potency of your flower. Try not to bang the branches into the sides of the bucket too much while washing, but also keep in mind that the few loose trichomes that may get knocked off during washing would’ve likely fallen off during the trimming and drying process anyways.  

Supplies needed for bud washing

• 3 five-gallon buckets (or similar) 
• water
• ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup lemon juice
• OR 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide (3% strength)

*Note: Some cannabis bud washing recipes call for as little as ¼ cup of lemon juice and baking soda each, while others say to use 1 cup of each. We feel that ½ cup of each is more than enough to adequately clean the cannabis, but not be overly strong or wasteful. An alternative bud washing method uses 1 cup of 3% household hydrogen peroxide (per 5 gallons of water) in the “wash” bucket instead of lemon juice and baking soda, which is also effective. Use what you have!

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep

1. Clean three 5-gallon buckets. The first bucket is for the cannabis “wash”, followed by two “rinse” buckets.
   
2. Gather your plant material. It will be easiest to both wash and dry if you leave the branches as large as possible, but still cut short enough to fit completely inside the buckets (e.g. don’t cut it down into too many small pieces or individual buds yet). You can also roughly trim off leaves now, or wait until after washing. Removing at least some of the larger fan leaves upfront will help expedite drying. 
   

3. Fill the first bucket with warm water (not hot), and the other two with tepid or cool water. The warm water helps the baking soda and lemon juice dissolve and mix. We fill the warm bucket in our laundry room sink, but if you don’t have access to a large sink or hot water outside, add a couple tea kettles of hot water to a bucket of otherwise cold water. 

Wash & Rinse

4. In the first 5-gallon bucket, add ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of lemon juice to the warm water and stir. It should fizz and bubble. (Or, add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide instead).
   
   
5. Dunk, swirl, and rapidly wiggle the cannabis in the first wash bucket for about 30 seconds. Then hold it up over the bucket to drip off excess liquid and give it a few shakes.
   
   
6. Next, submerge and swirl the branches in the second bucket to rinse, then rinse one final time in the 3rd clean bucket of water. 15 seconds in each rinse bucket is adequate. This washes off remaining impurities as well as the baking soda and lemon juice residue.
   

Dry

7. After giving each one a good shake, hang the washed cannabis branches outdoors to drip dry for a few hours (up to 24 hours). For the best quality, choose a shady well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight. A nearby fan (but not blasting right on them) will provide additional airflow to expedite drying, as will trimming off leaves. For smaller branches or buds, consider using an herb drying rack.
   
   
8. Finally, proceed with drying and curing the cannabis as you normally would. 

That’s all there is to it! Isn’t it satisfying to see that gross dirty water, and know that isn’t in your bud anymore? If you found this information to be useful, please consider leaving a rating below – or sharing this post! If you need any tips more tips on when and how to harvest, trim, dry, cure and store you cannabis, check out this guide. Otherwise, have fun and enjoy your harvest!

Don’t miss these related articles:

• How to Grow Organic Cannabis at Home: Seeds, Soil, Containers, and Care
• Homemade Cannabis Oil Recipe
• Homemade Cannabis Salve Recipe
• How to Make Cannabis Tincture: Easy Cold Alcohol Extraction
• How to Feed Cannabis, Organically: Top-Dressings, Teas & More
• Sexing Cannabis: How to Tell the Difference Between Young Male vs Female Cannabis Plants
• Organic Cannabis Pest Control: How to Keep the Bugs Off Your Nugs

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How to Wash Cannabis Flower Buds

Growing your own medicine outdoors? Come learn how to wash cannabis buds after harvest using lemon juice and baking soda, or with hydrogen peroxide. It’s easy to do, 100% organic, and removes potentially harmful debris – without reducing the potency or quality of your flower!

Keyword bud washing, washing cannabis buds, washing cannabis flower

Equipment

• 3 five gallon buckets

Ingredients

• cannabis flower
• 1/2 cup lemon juice and
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• OR 1 cup hydrogen peroxide (3% household strength)

Instructions

• Clean three 5-gallon buckets.
• Collect your plant material. Keep the cannabis branches as large as possible, but short enough to fit completely inside the buckets. Optional: remove large fan leaves before washing.
• Fill the first bucket with water (not hot), and the other two with tepid or cool water.
• In the first 5-gallon bucket, add ½ cup of baking soda and ½ cup of lemon juice to the warm water and stir (OR 1 cup hydrogen peroxide and water)
• Dunk, swirl, and rapidly wiggle the cannabis in the first wash bucket for about 30 seconds. Then hold it up over the bucket to drip off excess liquid and give it a few shakes.
• Next, submerge and swirl the branches in the second bucket to rinse, then rinse one final time in the 3rd clean bucket of water. 15 seconds in each rinse bucket is adequate.
• Shake out then hang the washed cannabis branches outdoors to drip dry for a few hours (up to 24 hours). For the best quality, choose a shady well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight. A nearby fan (not blasting right on them) will provide additional airflow and expedite drying, as will trimming off fan leaves. For smaller branches or buds, consider using an herb drying rack.
• Finally, proceed with drying and curing the cannabis as you normally would.

The post How to Wash Cannabis Flower Buds After Harvest appeared first on Homestead and Chill.

What is Alfalfa Tea?

Alfalfa tea, also known as alfalfa meal tea, is a liquid fertilizer made by steeping alfalfa meal in water. It’s much like making herbal tea to drink, but on a larger scale – and for plants! As it soaks, beneficial nutrients from the alfalfa meal are extracted into the water. Yet compared to adding dry alfalfa meal fertilizer directly to soil, the nutrients in alfalfa tea are highly soluble and more readily-available to the plants. 

Benefits of Alfalfa Meal Tea Fertilizer for Plants

Alfalfa meal is a great source of nitrogen. That means alfalfa tea fertilizer is ideal for tomatoes, leafy greens, corn, cannabis, brassicas (e.g. cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts), roses, and other nitrogen-loving plants. In addition to nitrogen, alfalfa tea offers an array of other vitamins and minerals essential for plant growth including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, boron, iron and zinc. Again, all these nutrients are more bio-available to plants when provided in tea form. It also makes a little alfalfa meal go a longer way!

Furthermore, alfalfa meal (and alfalfa tea fertilizer) contains triacontanol: a root-stimulating growth hormone. Large, healthy roots directly equates to larger, healthier plants! Plants with a robust root system are able to better access and uptake nutrients and water in the soil, and are also more resilient to stress, drought and disease. Finally, alfalfa tea is known to enhance photosynthesis and the activity of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. 

Can alfalfa tea burn plants?

“Nitrogen burn” or fertilizer burn is a common concern when applying high-nitrogen fertilizers such as alfalfa meal or alfalfa tea. Though the nitrogen content in alfalfa meal is much lower than many common fertilizers (alfalfa contains about 3 to 5% nitrogen, while blood meal and feather meal are around 13%), you do still need to be careful with it. Alfalfa-based nitrogen is faster-acting than other forms, so it can be too strong and damage or shock plants when used in excess. 

So in theory, yes, alfalfa tea could potentially burn plants. However, our alfalfa tea recipe already errs on the side of caution. With only 1 cup of alfalfa meal per 5 gallons of water, our recipe is quite mild and dilute compared to some others. (I’ve seen instructions to use as much as 4 cups of alfalfa meal for the same volume of water). Please see the section about using alfalfa tea on seedlings below.

How to Make Alfalfa Tea Fertilizer

Supplies Needed

• 1 cup of alfalfa meal. We love and use this alfalfa meal from Down to Earth.
• 5 gallon bucket full of water 
• Optional: A reusable food strainer bag, cheesecloth, or other porous “tea bag” material. Keeping the alfalfa meal contained in a tea bag is a great option if you intend to disperse the tea through a watering can, which will prevent it from clogging. Or, if you simply don’t want the spent alfalfa meal in your garden soil.
• ¼ cup kelp meal (also optional)

Instructions

• Fill a 5-gallon bucket with water
• Add 1 cup of alfalfa meal directly to the water and stir thoroughly 
• OR, add 1 cup of alfalfa meal to a porous sack (explained above) to create a tea bag to steep in the water instead. Dunk the tea bag up and down several times to get it nice and saturated. We secure it to the bucket handle with twine. 
• We also add ¼ cup of kelp meal to our alfalfa tea. It’s not required, but kelp meal is loaded with over 70 different vitamins and minerals – so it’s a welcome addition! It’s also exceptionally gentle on plants compared to most other fertilizers.

Instructions continued

• Allow the alfalfa meal tea to sit and steep for 24 to 48 hours. Stir occasionally if your schedule allows.
• After 24 to 48 hours of steeping, water your plants with the finished tea! It’s best to use it all right away. See amounts and frequency below.
• If you didn’t use a tea bag, stir the tea as you use it so the alfalfa meal particles are evenly dispersed among your plants.
• If using a tea bag, gently squeeze and ring out the tea bag to extract the maximum goodness before removing it. Repurpose the spent alfalfa meal by adding it to your compost, spread around the base of a tree or shrub, or directly to your garden beds. 

How much alfalfa tea to give plants

Because this alfalfa tea fertilizer recipe and concentration is quite mellow, it’s okay to give each plant a fairly generous serving of tea: as little as a few cups each, or as much as you’d usually water the plant (up to a half gallon each, depending on the size of the plant.) Tea recipes that call for more than 1 cup of alfalfa per 5 gallons of water should be used more sparingly. See notes about further dilution for seedlings below.

How often should I feed my plants alfalfa tea?

In general, once per month is a safe application frequency for alfalfa tea fertilizer. You can use it as often as once every week or two for large, established, vigorous plants like tomatoes or cannabis. Or, it can be applied on occasion only, such as a single mid-season boost for your summer garden. When in doubt, start with a small amount and wait a couple weeks to see how your plants respond before fertilizing them again.

We use alfalfa tea the most as part of our organic cannabis fertilizer routine (once per week), and also give it to our veggie garden as needed a few times throughout the growing season. For instance, our leeks are looking a tad sad right now, so this particular batch will be used to fertilize them as well as our tomatoes and peppers. 

Keep in mind that alfalfa tea is not the primary or only way we fertilize our garden. We also top-dress the garden beds with fresh compost and several slow release organic fertilizers at least twice per year (before planting spring and fall seedlings). Last but not definitely least, we provide aerated compost tea several times per year. Think of alfalfa tea as just one more tool in your garden toolbox!

Using alfalfa tea fertilizer for seedlings

I don’t recommend using alfalfa tea on seedlings within the first month after germination. Young seedlings don’t need many additional nutrients, and are significantly more susceptible to fertilizer burn and shock than mature plants. Once they’re at least a month old, you can use alfalfa tea on seedlings but dilute the recipe to use only ¼ to ½ cup alfalfa per 5 gallons of water. However, we typically use seaweed extract and/or homemade aloe vera fertilizer on our seedlings instead. They’re both far more gentle!

Happy steeping!

All in all, making homemade alfalfa meal tea is a great way to feed your garden. It’s simple, effective, and more gentle than store-bought liquid fertilizers. Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments below. If you found this information to be useful, please consider sharing or pinning this post!

You may also like:

• How to Amend or Fertilize Garden Bed Soil Between Seasons
• How to Make Actively Aerated Compost Tea
• The Benefits of Using Mycorrhizae In the Garden
• Homemade Aloe Vera Fertilizer Recipe
• How to Make Stinging Nettle Tea Fertilizer

The post How to Make Alfalfa Tea Fertilizer for Garden Plants appeared first on Homestead and Chill.

Tinctures are a convenient, discreet, and easy way to enjoy your plant medicine. It’s kinder to your lungs than smoking or vaporizing, and offers more controlled and consistent dosing compared to smoking or homemade edibles. (I love that I can take just a few drops if needed.) You can use this homemade cannabis tincture recipe with any of your favorite cannabis strains, with CBD hemp only, or like we do – with homegrown herb!

What is a cannabis tincture?

A cannabis tincture is a concentrated alcohol-based cannabis extract, often referred to as “Green Dragon” among the cannabis community. High percentage alcohol is used as a solvent to extract the medicinal compounds (cannabinoids and terpenes) from the plant flower or “buds”. Though tinctures are essentially cannabis-infused alcohol, you do not get drunk since only a tiny amount is consumed.

Cannabis tinctures are highly therapeutic. Studies show that cannabis can be used to soothe a wide variety of physical and mental ailments, including sleep disorders, stress, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, muscle tension, joint pain, migraine headaches, inflammation, seizures, cancer, chronic pain and more. Cannabis tinctures can contain THC only (such as THC isolate), a blend of THC and CBD, or CBD alone.

When it comes to CBD, I always use my favorite certified organic full-spectrum CBD oil from NuVita. It’s federally-legal and is the most effective, potent and pure CBD oil I’ve ever tried. It does wonders for my anxiety, TMJ, and sleep issues! (Use code “deannacat” or this link to save 10% off) But if we want something with THC, we make our own tinctures using homegrown cannabis. It’s fun, rewarding, and a great way to save money!

What type of alcohol to make homemade cannabis tincture?

It is best to use either 200-proof food grade ethanol (aka ethyl alcohol) or 190-proof Everclear alcohol for this cannabis tincture recipe. Both are strong natural solvents that will effectively strip and separate the desired cannabinoids from the plant material. We use USDA organic ethanol from Culinary Solvent. It is pure food-grade grain alcohol, and doesn’t contain any additives or water.

**Use code “deannacat” to save 10% off pints, quarts, and gallons of regular and organic ethanol from Culinary Solvent here!**

Lower-proof alcohol (e.g. 80 proof vodka) is a weaker solvent and also has a higher water content than ethanol, which can interfere with the extraction and tincture-making process. You technically can make homemade cannabis tincture with vodka or other lower proof liquor, but it requires additional steps that we aren’t going to cover in this article. 

Do not use rubbing alcohol. 

What type of cannabis should I use?

It’s important to use decarbed cannabis in this homemade cannabis tincture recipe. If you’re not familiar with decarboxylation, it’s essentially the process of heating cannabis to “activate” it (explained more below). When exposed to heat, raw forms of THCA, CBDA, and other cannabinoids are converted to their active forms of THC and CBD – making it psychoactive as well as more therapeutic. (It’s the same reaction that occurs when you heat cannabis via smoking or vaporizing, and why eating raw bud doesn’t get you high). 

Aside from that, use whatever cannabis you prefer or have on hand! Choose a strain (or combination of a couple) with traits you personally desire from your homemade cannabis tincture. We use what we grow: well-rounded sativa/indica hybrids that also offer a good amount of CBD. Learn how to grow your own organic cannabis at home here, and shop for seeds here. 

For the most therapeutic tincture, I recommend using strains with a well-balanced THC to CBD ratio. If you’re looking for daytime relief with less mental effects, choose a CBD-dominant strain. Yes, you can totally use this cannabis tincture recipe with CBD hemp alone! 

Why freeze alcohol and cannabis for extraction?

This homemade cannabis tincture recipe uses a cold ethanol extraction method, also referred to as quick wash ethanol extraction or “QWET”. Freezing the cannabis makes the trichomes detach from the plant material more efficiently. When mixed with cold ethanol, the desirable cannabinoids and terpenes readily extract and combine with the alcohol – resulting in a stronger, better tincture. 

Furthermore, keeping the mixture at a very low temperature helps reduce the amount of undesirable compounds in your tincture, such as lipids and chlorophyll. It’s a chemistry thing, but basically the freezing temperature influences the polarity of the lipids and chlorophyll so they’re more likely to stay bound to the plant material (and therefore get filtered out) rather than combining with the ethanol. 

When done right, the resulting filtered tincture wash will be clear and golden in color rather than cloudy or green. 

Supplies Needed to Make a Homemade Cannabis Tincture

• 8 grams of decarbed cannabis
• 6 ounces of 200-proof food grade ethyl alcohol (ethanol) or 190 proof Everclear
• Freezer-safe glass containers, such as wide-mouth pint mason jars or half-pint jars with lids. 
• Small unbleached coffee filters, like these ones
• Cheesecloth
• Digital Scale
• Dropper bottles to store your finished tincture. We like these 2-ounce amber bottles; the droppers have mL markers on them for accurate dosing.

Yields: 2 ounces of homemade cannabis tincture

Please note that this is a two-day process, though ingredients are just sitting in the freezer for 97% of that time.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Decarb your cannabis 

To decarb cannabis, start by tearing up the buds into fairly small pieces. Then spread it out evenly on a baking sheet. For THC-dominant strains, heat the cannabis in the oven at 250°F for 25 to 30 minutes. For high-CBD strains, bake it for 40 to 50 minutes at the same temperature. (It takes slightly longer for CBDA to convert to CBD than THCA to THC does.) If you’re using a well-balanced THC:CBD strain, meet in the middle at 30 to 35 minutes. See this article for a more in-depth look at decarbing cannabis. 

Don’t want to stink up the house? Consider using an Ardent Nova device for an easy, nearly odor-free decarboxylation experience. We just got one recently and love it!

Note that your cannabis will decrease in weight slightly during the decarb process (as it gets more dry). So, start with a few extra grams so you’ll end up with the 8 grams needed for this cannabis tincture recipe. Or, bake plenty so you have enough leftover to make homemade cannabis oil or topical salve!

Step 2: Freeze Cannabis and Alcohol (separately)

Use a scale to weigh out 8 grams of decarbed cannabis. Add the cannabis to a freezer-safe glass container with a lid. We like to use a wide-mouth pint glass jar. (Even though it seems more than large enough, the extra room in the jar makes it easier to shake compared to a half-pint jar.) Next add 6 ounces of ethanol to a separate freezer-safe container. Do not mix the alcohol and cannabis yet. Put both containers in the freezer for at least 24 hours. 

Step 3: Combine Cannabis and Alcohol (First Wash)

After the initial 24 hours (or longer) is up, remove the cannabis and alcohol from the freezer. Pour ONLY HALF of the cold alcohol (3 ounces) into the container of frozen cannabis. Add a lid and shake vigorously for 5 minutes. Wrap the jar in a kitchen towel if it’s too cold to comfortably hold. 

This process extracts the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material, and is considered the “first wash”. We’ll do two rounds total. 

Now return the cannabis-alcohol mixture as well as the separate remaining 3 ounces of plain alcohol to the freezer for an additional 2 hours.  

Step 4: Shake and Strain

Once the two hours are up, it’s time for another shake – and then we strain! Remove the jar of mixed cannabis and alcohol from the freezer, and shake it again for an additional 5 minutes. (We don’t need the jar of plain alcohol at this time.)

Next we’re going to strain the tincture through two mediums: cheesecloth first to filter the larger plant material, and then a finer coffee filter to further remove unwanted lipids and other residue. 

First set up the coffee filter straining station. We find it easiest to set a small coffee filter in the top of a separate clean pint glass jar, fold it over the rim of the jar, and then screw on a lid ring to hold it in place. The cannabis tincture takes a while to seep through the filter, so holding it by hand isn’t fun.

Next, put cheesecloth over the jar that contains the cannabis-alcohol mixture (we use the ring trick again) and slowly pour it through the cheesecloth and into the coffee filter jar. See the photos below. 

Now return the jar of remaining cannabis to the freezer while the first wash liquid is straining through the coffee filter (about 10 minutes).

Step 5: Second Wash & Strain

Now it’s time for the second and final wash. This step helps extract any final remaining cannabinoids from the plant material into your homemade cannabis tincture. 

Grab the jar of cannabis that was in the freezer while the first wash strained (for about 10 minutes) and then repeat the washing/straining process from steps 3 and 4. Add the remaining 3 ounces of cold plain alcohol to the cannabis jar, add a lid, shake vigorously for 5 minutes, and strain through the cheesecloth and coffee filter once again – pouring it into the same filter and jar as the first wash. 

Step 6: Reduce

After all the liquid has strained through the coffee filter into the jar, it’s time to reduce it by about half the volume. Excess alcohol will easily evaporate off, and the result is a more concentrated and effective homemade cannabis texture. 

Do this by simply allowing the jar to sit out at room temperature with the lid off for several hours. We place the jar in front of a fan to help expedite the process. Note the volume of liquid in the container when you start (use a rubber band around the jar, or a glass marking pen). Keep an eye on it! Once it reduces by half, add a lid to stop further evaporation – or go ahead and bottle your final homemade cannabis tincture.

Step 7: Bottle and Store

Once it’s reduced by half, transfer the strained cannabis extract to a final storage bottle – such as these amber glass dropper bottles. Amber bottles are ideal since they reduce light exposure, which degrades cannabinoids. Store the bottle in the refrigerator for the best long-lasting quality. Congratulations, you just made a homemade cannabis tincture! Keep reading for usage and dosing information.

How to Use or Take a Cannabis Tincture

You can consume your cannabis tincture either under your tongue (sublingually) or mixed with a beverage (oral ingestion). Sublingual consumption will result in more immediate effects, while oral ingestion will have a slower onset but longer-lasting results. See the graphic below.

However, proceed with some caution! 200 proof ethanol is very strong, and I find it causes a burning sensation when applied straight under my tongue. To avoid that, I put a very small amount of water in my mouth first, squirt in the tincture, hold the diluted mixture in my mouth for a few minutes, and then swallow. Therefore my intake is mostly sublingual, but with a little oral ingestion too.

Strength and Dosing for Homemade Cannabis Tincture 

When first trying your tincture, I suggest to start low and go slow. Without lab testing, it’s difficult to say exactly how potent a homemade cannabis tincture is. There are simply too many factors: the initial cannabinoid concentration and strain you used, how long and hot you decarbed it, the efficacy of your ethanol extraction process, and how much it was reduced at the end.

Start with a few drops, and then gradually increase the amount to find your “sweet spot” and desired results. (But wait a couple hours to see how you feel before taking more.) With this recipe, a quarter dropper is a fairly conservative starting point. I personally like to take .25 mL or a quarter dropper (though I’ve taken more just fine) while Aaron prefers about .5 mL or half a dropper. That’s just enough to take the edge off, relax our muscles, and help us sleep better without being too stony. 

That was fairly simple, right?

Well folks, I hope this tutorial was easy to follow – and will enable you to successfully make your own cannabis tinctures at home now. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below. If you found this information useful, please consider leaving a rating/review and pinning or sharing this post. We greatly appreciate you tuning in today. Now go have fun making your own medicinal Green Dragon!

Don’t miss these related posts:

• How to Grow Organic Cannabis at Home: Seeds, Soil, Containers, and Care
• Homemade Cannabis Oil Recipe
• Homemade Cannabis Salve Recipe
• How to Feed Cannabis, Organically: Top-Dressings, Teas & More
• Organic Cannabis Pest Control: How to Keep the Bugs Off Your Nugs
• How to Harvest, Dry, Trim, Cure and Store Cannabis

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Homemade Cannabis Tincture Recipe

Come learn how to make your own homemade cannabis tincture (aka Green Dragon) using a simple cold alcohol (ethanol) extraction method.

Keyword cannabis tincture alcohol, ethanol extraction cannabis tincture, green dragon recipe, homemade cannabis tincture, how to make cannabis tincture

Total Time 1 day day 3 hours hours

Servings 2 ounces

Equipment

• 2 freezer-safe glass containers, such as wide-mouth pint mason jars or half-pint jars
• 1 small unbleached coffee filter
• cheesecloth
• digital scale
• Baking sheet
• freezer
• bottle for final storage, such as 2-ounce amber dropper bottles

Ingredients

• 8 grams decarbed cannabis
• 6 ounces 200-proof food grade eylth alcohol (ethanol) or 190-proof Everclear alcohol

Instructions

• Decarb your raw cannabis. Tear it up into fairly small pieces and spread on a baking sheet. For THC-dominant strains, heat the cannabis in the oven at 250°F for 25 to 30 minutes. For high-CBD strains, bake for 40 to 50 minutes and 30 to 35 minutes for a well-balanced THC:CBD strain. (I suggest starting with a few more than 8 grams since it will get lighter as it dries.)
• Add 8 grams of decarbed cannabis to a freezer-safe glass container with a lid, and 6 ounces of ethanol to a separate freezer-safe container. Put both containers in the freezer for at least 24 hours.
• First Wash: After the initial 24 hours (or longer), remove the cannabis and alcohol from the freezer. Pour only HALF of the cold alcohol (3 ounces) into the container of frozen cannabis. Add a lid and shake vigorously for 5 minutes. Now return the cannabis-alcohol mixture as well as the separate remaining 3 ounces of plain alcohol to the freezer for an additional 2 hours.
• After two hours, remove the jar of mixed cannabis and alcohol from the freezer and shake it again for an additional 5 minutes. Then strain the mixture twice: first through a cheesecloth and then through a coffee filter into a separate clean container (as shown in this article). Return the jar of remaining cannabis to the freezer while the liquid is straining through the coffee filter (about 10 minutes).
• Second Wash: Grab the jar of cannabis that was in the freezer while the first wash strained (for about 10 minutes) and then repeat the washing/straining process from steps 3 and 4. Add the remaining 3 ounces of cold plain alcohol to the cannabis jar, add a lid, shake vigorously for 5 minutes, and strain through the cheesecloth and coffee filter once again – pouring it into the same filter and jar as the first wash.
• Reduce the liquid by half via evaporation. Simply set the jar out at room temperature with the lid off for several hours, or place in front of a fan to expedite the process. Note the volume of liquid in the container when you start. Once it reduces by half, add a lid to stop further evaporation – and/or transfer your finished tincture into it's final storage bottle.
• Store your homemade cannabis tincture in an opaque glass bottle in the refrigerator. We recommend 2-ounce amber dropper bottles.
• Consume the tincture either under your tongue (sublingually) or mixed with a beverage (oral ingestion). Sublingual consumption will result in more immediate effects, while oral ingestion will have a slower onset but longer-lasting effects. **Please see notes of caution and additional information on usage/dosing below.

Notes

Usage and Dosing:

1. **Ethanol alcohol is very strong and may cause a burning sensation when applied straight under the tongue. To avoid that, I put a very small amount of water in my mouth first, squirt in the tincture, hold the diluted mixture in my mouth for a few minutes, and then swallow. Therefore my intake is mostly sublingual, but with a little oral ingestion too.
2. Re: Dosage, start low and go slow. Start with a few drops, and then gradually increase the amount to find your “sweet spot” and desired results. (But wait a couple hours to see how you feel before taking more.) With this recipe, a quarter dropper is a fairly conservative starting point. 

 

The post How to Make a Cannabis Tincture: Easy Cold Alcohol Extraction appeared first on Homestead and Chill.

Read along to learn how to make homemade fertilizer with aloe vera. We’ll cover the benefits aloe vera provides, and how to use it in your garden as a soil drench or foliar spray. You can even use it on houseplants! Homemade aloe vera fertilizer is quick and easy to make with either fresh aloe vera leaves or aloe vera powder. The result is a gentle but effective superfood-like solution that your plants will love. 

Need tips on growing aloe vera? Check out this guide.

Benefits of Using Aloe Vera as Fertilizer

Improved plant growth

Aloe vera (A. barbadensis) is absolutely loaded with nutrients. Studies show that aloe vera contains over 75 beneficial compounds including amino acids, antioxidants, complex carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, C, E, B-vitamins, and more. When blended into a homemade fertilizer, your plants receive a gentle but potent boost of nutrition. Aloe vera fertilizer can encourage seed germination and rapid root development, improved cell strength, and contribute to overall superior plant health, growth, and vigor!

In fact, aloe is so great at promoting growth that it’s commonly used as a natural rooting hormone, used to help plant cuttings establish new roots. To use aloe vera as a rooting hormone, either: 1) dip a cut stem in pure aloe gel and then plant it, 2) soak the cutting in aloe fertilizer (like we’ll learn to make today) for 6-12 hours before planting, or 3) soak the potting medium/soil in aloe vera fertilizer. We’ve also squeezed fresh aloe vera into a broken fruit tree limb, bandaged it, and it healed!

Enhanced resilience

Aloe vera also contains enzymes and plant hormones that help to reduce transplant shock, and boost the plant’s resilience to drought, stress, and disease. For instance, the high levels of acemannan and saponin found in aloe vera both provide antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. This helps to protect plants from pathogens including harmful microbes, fungus, yeast, mold, or blight.

Last but not least, the high levels of salicylic acid naturally found in aloe vera plays a big role in its healing powers! You’ve probably heard of salicylic acid before; it’s commonly found in skincare products to fight blemishes. In a similar manner, salicylic acid enhances the plant’s version of an immune system (known as the systemic immune response or SAR) that will help them fend off disease. 

The combination of all these things leads to happier, healthier plants that are more resilient to disease, pest pressure, as well as environmental stresses like transplanting, drought, chilling, heat, soil-borne contaminants, and more. Resilient plants require far less fussing and frustration, so you’ll be much happier too!

Using Aloe Vera Fertilizer in the Garden

First, what type of aloe should we use to make fertilizer? It is best to use Aloe barbadensis if possible; the only edible and most medicinal variety of aloe vera. That is what we grow, shown throughout this article. However, while it is not edible, Aloe chinensis has many medicinal properties and is often sold for topical use to treat burns, insect bites, and other skin ailments too. It’s easy to confuse the two, so check out this guide to learn the difference. I suspect it is okay to water plants with an A. chinesis solution, but I would avoid spraying it on the edible portion of your plants.

Now, there are two main ways to feed plants with aloe vera fertilizer: through a soil drench, or applied as a foliar spray. The most simple method is to blend aloe vera in water, dilute it further, and then use the solution to water plants (aka, as a soil drench). The plants then soak up all the goodies through their root system. In contrast, you can spray dilute aloe vera directly on plant leaves. Foliar sprays enable plants to readily absorb nutrients directly into their vascular system, though it takes a little more effort to prepare and apply.

How to Make an Aloe Vera Soil Drench

It’s incredibly simple to make homemade aloe vera fertilizer to use as a soil drench. Essentially, all you have to do is toss some aloe vera in a blender with water! If you’re using fresh aloe vera leaves, you don’t even need to remove the skin or extract the inner gel. 

Use about ¼ cup to ½ cup of fresh aloe vera per gallon of water total. A little goes a long way! (To be honest, we don’t measure but do try to estimate in that ballpark.) We’ll begin by creating a smaller concentrated batch of aloe vera in the blender and then further dilute it before applying it in the garden. So, calculate based on the total volume you plan to make. For example, we blend about 2 large aloe vera leaves (or 4 – 5 small leaves) to make a 5 gallon bucket of finished aloe vera fertilizer. 

Before getting started, keep in mind that it is best to use homemade aloe vera fertilizer within 20 minutes of mixing it. Once cut, processed, and exposed to air, fresh aloe vera quickly ferments and begins to degrade.

Using whole fresh aloe vera leaves:

• Harvest one to several aloe vera leaves, depending on the size batch you’re making. To harvest fresh aloe vera, take the oldest, outermost leaves from the plant. Holding the leaf near the base of the plant, gently pull while rocking back and forth until it peels away. Or, use a knife to cut the leaves off near the base. 
  
  
• Cut the aloe vera leaves into several chunks and add them to a blender half-full of water. (The solution has a tendency to foam up, so leave some space for expansion.) Again, we don’t bother removing the skin. Blend until thoroughly combined.
  
  
• Next, pour the blended aloe vera solution into a larger volume of water to dilute it to the desired concentration. We typically add one blender full of aloe into one or two 5-gallon buckets of water. See the photos below.
  
  
• Finally, give a little love to each plant! Much like compost tea, apply approximately half a cup up to 2 cups of aloe vera fertilizer to each plant, scaling up or down depending on the size of the plant. When planting a new tree, we’ll give it up to a gallon! There is no risk of overdoing it, so “eyeballing it” is perfectly acceptable. Sometimes we add the finished solution into a watering can to apply to the garden. Other times, I use a large beaker or 2-cup measuring cup to scoop portions out of the main bucket.
  
  
• Tip: I find it’s best to water with aloe vera soon after the plants receive their routine water (the same day or next day) so that the soil is moist, readily accepts the aloe drench, and won’t need to be watered again for another couple days – giving the aloe some time to soak in and do it’s thing!

No fresh aloe?

If you don’t have fresh aloe vera leaves on hand, create a similar solution by combining about ⅛ tsp of aloe vera powder per 1 gallon of water. Note that aloe vera powders come in varying concentrations, so when in doubt, follow the instructions provided on the package. (We use this 200x concentrated freeze-dried aloe vera powder.) Theoretically, I suppose you could even follow the same instructions described above (for fresh leaves) using bottled aloe vera gel instead, but ensure it’s 100% pure aloe vera – not something with a bunch of other ingredients and preservatives.

When to use aloe vera soil drench

We use homemade aloe vera fertilizer to water young seedlings, sometimes mixed with a little splash of seaweed extract too. Our indoor-raised seedlings get their first aloe and/or seaweed drink a few weeks after sprouting, repeated once or twice before they’re transplanted outside (about once per month). It’s so gentle and mild that it poses no risk of burning seedlings like other fertilizers can! Additionally, you can pre-moisten seed starting soil with aloe vera solution to aid in germination.

Another ideal time to use aloe vera fertilizer is after transplanting – for new seedlings, shrubs, or even trees! Simply water them with the aloe solution after planting. Mycorrhizae is another fantastic aid for plant growth and transplant shock, which we also use when transplanting seedlings. You can also use aloe vera fertilizer to nourish established plants, especially for any that seem stressed – or those you want to spoil. For example, we water our cannabis plants weekly with aloe vera powder (200x freeze-dried aloe vera) dissolved in water throughout the entire growing season. 

Related articles: Indoor Seed Starting 101 and Tips for Transplanting Seedlings Outside

How to Make and Use Aloe Vera Foliar Spray

Mixing the foliar spray

Just like the soil drench, you can create an aloe vera foliar spray using either fresh aloe vera leaves, pure bottled gel, or powder mixed with water.  Use the same dilution ratios: about ¼ cup of pure aloe vera gel per 1 gallon of water, or 1/8 tsp of dry aloe powder. We mix the powder and water right in the sprayer, shaking vigorously to combine.

As you may imagine, using whole aloe leaves can easily clog your sprayer. Therefore, it’s necessary to remove the skin and use only the inner gel portion of the leaf. Watch the video below to see how to easily extract the gel from an aloe vera leaf. In summary: slice off the ribs along the outer edges of the leaf, carefully peel away the top (flatter) portion of the skin, and then use a spoon to scoop out the inner clear gel. Thoroughly combine the gel with water in a blender first (blend it a lot!), and then dilute it with more water as needed in your sprayer.

Applying aloe vera foliar spray

It’s best to apply foliar sprays (of any kind) in the very early morning hours, or after sunset in the evening. Avoid wetting leaves when the plant is receiving direct sunlight, as it can increase the risk of sunburn or scorched leaves. Give your sprayer full of aloe vera fertilizer a good final shake – and then spray away! Thoroughly wet the leaves until the point of dripping. Make an effort to get the undersides of the leaves as well. Re-apply on a weekly basis for plants you’re giving extra-special attention to (e.g. cannabis) or monthly for general garden care. You can also add a bit of aloe powder to other foliar spray treatments, such as when applying neem oil.

So easy, right? And oh-so good.

Alright folks, I hope you enjoyed this lesson on how to make your own natural, homemade fertilizer using aloe vera. I bet your plants will enjoy it even more! As you can see, it’s a very simple process – minimal effort for maximum results. Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. If you found this information to be valuable, please share or pin the article to spread the love. Cheers, to plants feeding plants!

Don’t miss these articles:

• How to Make Actively Aerated Compost Tea
• How to Property Emulsify and Use Neem Oil Spray
• Amending & Fertilizing Garden Soil Before Planting
• How to Make Homemade Stinging Nettle Fertilizer 
• How to Grow Cannabis Organically: Seeds, Soil, Care & More
• Feeding Cannabis Organically: Teas and Foliar Sprays

The post Homemade Fertilizer with Aloe Vera: Soil Drench or Foliar Spray appeared first on Homestead and Chill.

Read along to learn all about mycorrhizae. This article will cover what it is, how to use it in the garden, and most importantly, the benefits mycorrhizae provides plants. Spoiler alert: it will help your plants grow larger and healthier than ever! We’ve been using mycorrhizae in our garden for many years now, ever since Aaron’s dad turned us on to it. Even if you’re not a hardcore soil nerd, I bet you’ll find this information fascinating!

What is Mycorrhizae?

When you break it down, the word “mycor-rhiza” literally means “fungus-root”. Mycorrhizae is a form of beneficial fungus; one that cannot live without being connected to plant roots. Yet the connection isn’t just about helping the fungi survive! Together, they form a symbiotic relationship that offers outstanding benefits to the host plant as well, such as increased nutrient uptake, added resilience to disease or stress, and higher yields. We’ll talk about the benefits of mycorrhizae in more detail below. 

Over 95% of the world’s plants form beneficial associations with mycorrhizal fungi. Some types colonize on the surface of plant roots only, known as ecto-mycorrhizae. These fungi bond with select woody trees like conifers, hazelnuts, and pecans. In contrast, endo-mycorrhizae penetrate the root cells to become a part of the root system itself. They’re also far more prevalent. 80 to 85% of edible garden crops, fruit trees, flowers, herbaceous plants, and ornamentals make associations with endo-mycorrhizae, so that’s the type you’ll find in mycorrhizal products made for home gardens.

What does mycorrhizae do?

After colonizing plant roots, mycorrhizae acts like an extension of the plant’s root system and can increase the absorptive surface area of roots by up to 700 times! Imagine millions of little straws and fingers now available to more deeply and efficiently access valuable resources within the soil – including water, nutrients, and even air.

Furthermore, mycorrhizal fungi release enzymes that help to ‘unlock’ and dissolve essential nutrients within the soil. That reaction makes those nutrients more bioavailable for plants to easily utilize, including phosphorus, iron, and other minerals. Keep in mind that mycorrhizae isn’t a fertilizer however, so it will only help the plant use nutrients that are present in the soil (albeit better) – so you still need to routinely amend soil with compost and organic fertilizers. Last but not least, mycorrhizal fungi form intricate webs that capture and store excess nutrients in the soil for later use. This enhances soil fertility long-term.

So, what do the fungi get out of all this good samaritan work? The answer is food. As mycorrhizae helps plants to better utilize nutrients for growth and photosynthesis above-ground, the plants send sugars back down to their roots to nourish the fungi. Everyone wins! 

Benefits of Using Mycorrhizae

Due to the mutually beneficial exchanges that occur between mycorrhizal fungi and plant roots (e.g. increased nutrient uptake), studies show that mycorrhizae offers plants the following benefits:

• Promotes larger plant growth and healthier, deeper dark green foliage.
• Leads to greater flower and fruit production (more and/or larger). For farmers, higher yields also means higher income. 
• Enhanced resilience to stress, heat, and other environmental changes.
• Improved water uptake, leading to increased drought-resistance and less water demand for the plant. 
• Lessens the risk of transplant shock, such as when planting new trees or moving indoor-raised seedlings outside.
• Increases plant disease resistance by promoting overall improved plant health. Also, when plant roots are colonized or coated with mycorrhizal fungi, it limits access to the roots by other harmful pests, fungi, or diseases. For instance, studies show that plant roots colonized by mycorrhizae have added protection against parasitic root-knot nematodes and root-chewing insects!
• Reduces the need for fertilizer inputs (and associated costs).
• Decreases the accumulation and residual levels of toxic contaminants in crops, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which plants typically readily absorb in their roots and tissues.
• Naturally improves soil structure, fertility, and promotes a healthy living soil food web.

Sound too good to be true? Check out the photos of side-by-side grow trials below. The plants were treated exactly the same, with the exception of one being inoculated with Plant Success mycorrhizae – the larger plant in every photo!

Plants that Benefit from Mycorrhizae

Nearly all plant species benefit from mycorrhizal associations! Mycorrhizae’s ability to make phosphorus more bioavailable is especially valuable for flowering and fruiting horticultural crops like tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, beans, cannabis, berries, fruit trees, and more. It will also help your ornamental flowers and shrubs thrive, including both annuals and perennials. Beyond flowers and fruit, mycorrhizae promotes more vigorous growth in herbs, lettuce, potatoes, carrots, asparagus, garlic, and onions as well. 

The brassica plant family is among the small number of plants that do not form mycorrhizal associations. Meaning, your broccoli, cabbage, turnips or radishes will not benefit from mycorrhizae – but it also will not harm them!

How to Use Mycorrhizae in the Garden

Mycorrhizae should naturally be present in healthy, organic soil to some degree. Using organic gardening techniques such as compost, compost teas, cover crops, mulch, or no-till methods all foster a rich and diverse living soil food web! Harsh chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides make soil sterile and inhospitable to all living things – including the good guys. 

However, it can take a long time to develop a robust population of mycorrhizal fungi in the average home garden, especially in newly-established gardens. Also, the native populations of fungi can vary drastically from season to season or bed to bed. Therefore, the best way to guarantee your plants reap the rewards of beneficial fungi is to inoculate your garden with mycorrhizae. 

• One option is to sprinkle granular mycorrhizae directly on the root ball or in the planting hole when transplanting new plants into the garden or into a larger container. See the photos below. Water the soil well after application and planting!
• Another awesome way to add mycorrhizae to soil is to mix up a water-soluble mycorrhizae product and water it in. You can do this any time – be it right after transplanting, or to boost established plants later (e.g. fruit trees or shrubs). If you direct-sow seeds right in your garden (such as beans, peas, or garlic), wait to water them with mycorrhizae until they’re at least several weeks old and have developed a couple sets of ‘true leaves’ – which means they’ll have some roots developed by then too!
• No matter which method you choose, keep in mind the fungi need to come in direct contact with living roots as soon as possible in order to survive. For this reason, always apply mycorrhizae immediately around the plant’s root system. They can’t travel in search of roots. 
• Again, remember that mycorrhizae isn’t a fertilizer – it simply helps plants make better use of nutrients in the soil. So, be sure to routinely amend your garden with compost and mild, organic fertilizer too!

Related: Transplanting Seedlings Outside: Tips for Success and How to Amend & Fertilize Garden Beds Between Seasons

Our Favorite Mycorrhizal Inoculants

There are a number of mycorrhizal products available on the market. We personally love and use the granular and water-soluble mycorrhizae inoculants from Plant Success Organics. They’re one of the most established and reputable brands, and offer high-quality, effective products that are OMRI-certified for organic gardening. I also love that they add beneficial bacteria to their products to further support the soil food web. Bacteria play a similarly significant role in plant health. In a nutshell, think of them as pre- and probiotics for roots, and roots as the gastrointestinal system of plants. There is a direct link between the human gut, probiotics, and overall improved health outcomes – and plants are no different! (Use code “DEANNACAT” to save 15% on the Plant Success website)

Can mycorrhizae be harmful to plants?  

There is virtually zero risk of harming plants by using mycorrhizal fungi products in your garden, especially if you follow the application directions provided. Even then, it is difficult to ‘overdo it’. Mycorrhizae is not a fertilizer and therefore cannot “burn” your plants like a high-nitrogen product might. If excess beneficial fungi are added to the soil beyond what can form associations with plant roots, they will simply die. 

Where does mycorrhizal fungi come from? 

The relationship with mycorrhizae and plants can be traced back millions of years. According to genetic studies, prehistoric ocean-dwelling plants began to slowly migrate onto land approximately 700 million years ago. They had very minimal root systems, and the soil was tough and unforgiving. Over time, plants partnered up with the fungi that already ruled the land. They evolved together to improve soil: plants developed more complex root systems, nutrient cycles became established, organic matter grew (and decomposed), and terrestrial life as we know it flourished. 

Modern mycorrhizal products are created at facilities that ‘farm’ or breed select strains of naturally-occurring beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. Mushrooms and fungi reproduce by releasing spores. Those spores are then collected, turned into mycorrhizal inoculant products, and sold with the spores in a dormant state. Later, once they’re added to your soil and come in contact with living plant roots and moisture, the spores will germinate and become one with the roots!

Remember: feed the soil, not the plant!

Organic gardening is all about building and maintaining rich healthy soil as opposed to simply fertilizing plants, and it’s safe to say that mycorrhizae are an essential part of a complete soil ecosystem! I hope you enjoyed this mycorrhizae 101 lesson and learned something new. Are you excited to inoculate your garden with mycorrhizae too? Please feel free to ask questions in the comments below, and share this article if you found it valuable. Last but not least, we want to thank Plant Success Organics for sponsoring this post. And thanks to you all for tuning in!

Don’t miss these related articles:

• What is No-Till Gardening or Farming (aka No-Dig): Benefits Explained
• Composting 101: What, Why and How to Compost at Home
• How to Make Actively Aerated Compost Tea to Feed Your Garden
• Transplanting Seedlings Outside: Tips for Success
• How to Fertilize and Amend Soil Between Seasons

The post The Benefits of Using Mycorrhizae in the Garden appeared first on Homestead and Chill.

This article will provide tips and information about using grow lights for seedlings and other indoor plants, including: 

• A quick introduction on the benefits of using grow lights, including what types of plants and situations they’re most useful for.
• Part One: Considerations for choosing a grow light. We’ll explore the differences between LED and fluorescent lights, along with various ratings to look for like temperature, color, lumens, and size.
• Part Two: Best practices and common questions about using grow lights, such as how high to hang them, how many hours to leave them on, and safety considerations. 
• Part Three: Finally, we’ll highlight a few popular and well-rated grow light options by category, such as “biggest bang for your buck” or the most versatile houseplant light. 

By the end, you should have a pretty good idea on how to choose and use the best grow light for your individual set-up and plants! Then once you’re ready to start seeds, be sure to stop by our Seed Starting 101 tutorial for more start-to-finish tips. After all, not having adequate light is one of the top 9 seed-starting mistakes you can make!

Jump straight to popular grow light options here.

Why use a grow light?

Plants rely on light to survive! Through the process of photosynthesis, plants harness energy from sunlight and convert it into chemical energy that is used to fuel their growth. In most cases, the amount of light a plant receives directly correlates to how vigorously it will grow. Using grow lights is an easy and excellent way to provide supplemental light and support plants where adequate natural sunlight is lacking.

Have you seen seedlings that are super tall, or even leaning towards a window? They’re stretching in search of more light. In the seedling world, taller doesn’t mean better! Without sufficient light, veggie seedlings get lanky, thin, and weak (also known as getting “leggy”) and are at risk of flopping over or breaking. Other indoor plants may struggle to grow, produce, or otherwise thrive to their fullest potential without enough light. 

One of the best ways to prevent leggy seedlings and grow the most healthy, successful plants is by using grow lights inside. I hate to say it, but more often than not, a bright sunny window alone won’t provide enough light for starting seeds indoors. Especially in the winter months when daylight hours are already scarce; the time most gardeners start seeds for the spring and summer season ahead. The ample light provided by grow lights will keep seedlings short, stocky, and strong. However, bright windows and ambient light are typically sufficient for most houseplants.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products for your convenience, such as to items on Amazon. Homestead and Chill gains a small commission from purchases made through those links, at no additional cost to you!

What plants need a grow light?

Certain plants require impeccable bright light for the majority of the day, described as needing “full sun”. Light-loving plants include most flower and vegetable seedlings, warm season annual crops like tomatoes or pepper plants, and hemp. Those guys will all benefit from a grow light while they’re indoors, no matter how naturally bright the space is. Succulents, cacti, microgreens, and herbs also enjoy full sun, but may be grown successfully inside without the use of grow lights as long as they’re near a very sunny window (ideally south-facing if you live in the northern hemisphere). 

On the other hand, some plants can get by with lower to moderate light, such as pothos, philodendron, or sansveria – all popular houseplants. Ferns, orchids, and leafy greens can also happily grow in partial shade. Whether or not your houseplants will need a grow light depends on your space. In our home, we’ve found the ambient light from our windows is adequate for most common houseplants. However, plants in darker homes or interior rooms without windows will greatly appreciate a light! See our Houseplant Care 101 guide for more details on low, moderate, and bright light plant types. 

Growing something unusual? Do a quick search on that plant’s unique light needs.

PART ONE: CHOOSING A GROW LIGHT

Grow lights come in all sorts of shapes, types, and sizes. So much so, that the various choices and number of grow lights on the market can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I get it! We’ve used several styles of grow lights over the years. LED, T5, multi-bulb arrays, single bulbs, with and without reflectors… the list goes on. Each of them has their pros and cons; it all depends on what you intend to use them for. And that’s the very purpose of this article – to help you figure it out!

Which grow light should I buy?

You’ll have to evaluate your unique needs to decide. As you read through the information below, consider the area and type of plants you want to use grow lights for. For example, how much square footage you need the grow light to cover. Will you need multiple lights, or one strong one? Can the style you’re looking at ‘daisy chain’ or connect several lights together? Is there a lot of headroom above your plant to hang a light high? Or, will it need to be kept fairly low, such as over trays of seedlings in between shelves?

The price for grow lights also varies widely, so do whatever fits within your budget. No matter what you choose, providing indoor plants with supplemental light will make them significantly more happy than going without!

Fluorescent vs LED Grow Lights

LED grow lights are all the rage these days! LED, which stands for light emitting diodes, are very efficient, and can also be quite powerful. Yet some old school gardeners swear by their classic fluorescent lights instead. 

Note that there are many types of ‘fluorescent’ lights, including compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), basic fluorescent tubes, high-output T5 fluorescent tubes, and more. When it comes to fluorescent grow lights, T5s are considered the best choice for plants. T8 tubes aren’t quite as effective and bright, but are cheaper and can do a decent job for indoors seedlings or lettuce plants.

In general, a standard 45 or 60 watt incandescent light bulb (or LED equivalent) that you’d use in a household lamp fixture will not provide sufficient light for starting seeds or growing other plants that require ample light.

Differences between LED and fluorescents:

• LED lights are generally more energy-efficient than fluorescents, and therefore lead to lower electric bills.  
• LED lights typically have a higher upfront cost than classic fluorescent tube lights, but may have a longer lifespan. 
• Since they’re made up of dozens of diodes, LED lights come in a wider variety of shapes and sizes. T5 fluorescents are long slender tubes (e.g. “shop lights”) with either one or several tubes mounted in a ballast fixture.        
• Per watt, LED lights give off more lumens of light. Therefore, a compact LED fixture has the potential to give off stronger light than a comparatively larger T5 fixture (but it depends on each light’s specifications). Some LED lights are weaker than T5s.
• It is usually recommended to keep LED grow lights suspended significantly higher above plants (feet) than T5 fluorescent lights, while fluorescents can be kept only inches above plants. This makes fluorescents more ideal for shelving systems with close quarters. Read each light’s specific recommendations! 

Grow Light Ratings: Temperature, Brightness & More

As you shop for grow lights, you’ll notice various ratings for light temperature, Kelvins, watts, lumens, and more. This topic has the potential to get complicated (and often does), so I’ll try to keep it as simple as possible! 

What color grow light should I get? 

For growing seedlings indoors, choose a grow light that is described as “full-spectrum” or broad spectrum. I recommend the same for houseplants too. With a full-spectrum light, you’re getting a good balance of both blue and red light – and the closest thing possible to natural sunlight! Makes sense, right?

If you’re really curious to know the difference, cool blue light is great for promoting leafy green foliage but also regulates plant growth, keeping plants short and stocky. This is great for microgreens and seedlings (or plants in the ‘veg’ stage), but too much blue can also lead to stunted plants over time. Warm red light stimulates both vegetative growth and flowering, yet excess red light can make plants tall and lanky. Average household incandescent light bulbs emit mostly warm light, giving off a comfortable and cozy vibe – but not ideal for plants.

If the grow light temperature isn’t stated outright, look for its Kelvin rating. That will tell you the color of light it will emit. A full-spectrum grow light that closely resembles daylight will have a Kelvin rating of 5000 to 6500K. Cooler blue grow lights are rated around 4000 Kelvins, while warm or reddish lamps have even lower ratings – around 3000K. If you can’t find a full-spectrum light in the ideal Kelvin range that also fits your other needs (budget, size, availability, etc) a “cool white” light (4100-4500K) will also work well for germinating vegetable seedlings, growing microgreens, and raising young transplants. 

Light Brightness and Lumens

Lumens is a measure of visible light that a source emits. The more lumens, the brighter and more powerful the light is. Vegetable seedlings and other “full sun” plants require about 2000 to 3000 lumens (at minimum) per square foot of growing space. So, if you’re growing just a single standard tray of seedlings, using a grow light that emits 3000 lumens is sufficient. Otherwise, do the math and scale up to a brighter light. Or use multiple light fixtures to provide a good canopy of light over a bigger space. 

For example, consider a grow space that is 3 feet by 3 feet, or the equivalent to 9 square feet. Multiplying 9 by 2500 lumens (the average of the adequate range) tells us that a 22,500 lumen light would work well (or several lights that add up to cover that space). If math isn’t your strong suit, don’t worry. Most grow light manufacturers provide specs on the square footage they’re designed to cover.

Finally, keep in mind that wattage doesn’t dictate brightness! As we briefly discussed previously, LED lights give off more lumens per watt, so a low wattage LED (say, 20 watts) may give off even more bright luminous light than a 60 watt incandescent or fluorescent bulb.

Size of Grow Light

Consider two variables when it comes to sizing grow lights: the size of the actual light fixture, and the size of surface area it’s rated to adequately illuminate below the grow light. (See the section above about lumens and square footage too). Your growing area, ideal set-up, and number of plants directly influences the size of light that will work for you.

Are you growing trays of microgreens or seedlings on a shelf? Try fluorescent tube lights or strip LEDs suspended from the shelf above. Is there a dark corner in your living room where you’d like to keep a houseplant or two? You could use a single strong LED bulb or a sleek lamp fixture that blends in with your home decor. Panels or boxy light fixtures are ideal in a grow tent, starting seedlings on a table in your garage, or other larger area.

Some grow lights illuminate an area significantly wider than the light fixture itself. Others only adequately support the plants that are directly below the lights. If you aren’t sure, your plants will tell you! Seedlings on the outskirts of the light canopy will often lean inwards towards the brighter light. In that case, you may need a larger light. Or, you’ll need to routinely rotate the seedling trays below the light every day or two so all the plants have equal time in the spotlight. 

Also remember that most gardeners pot-up their seedlings from small seed-starting cells to larger containers at least once (sometimes twice) before transplanting them outside. That move to a larger pot size will also increase the space the plants take up under a light! Meaning, you may need larger (or more) lights than you imagine when you first set out planting seeds!

PART TWO: USING GROW LIGHTS

How high should I hang my light above my plants?

A common question about using grow lights is how high to hang them above plants. The answer is: it depends! Usually, it’s recommended to hang high-output LED lights at least at foot (or higher) over plants. If they are too close, LED lights can and will burn your plants – known as ‘light burn’, and akin to a human sunburn. On the other hand, many fluorescent lights do best when they’re kept only a few inches above the plants.

When in doubt, follow the height recommendations provided by the light manufacturer. If that information isn’t provided, watch your plants for signs! Happy seedlings receiving adequate light will grow straight upwards, and stay fairly short and stocky. Seedlings that are hungry for more light will stretch tall and thin, and/or lean towards the brightest light source. If a light is too close and intense, burned leaves will turn yellow or brown, and sometimes have papery dry brown spots or tips. 

In most cases, you’ll want to be able to raise the lights as the plants grow taller. This can be accomplished with an adjustable light chain, pulley system, or good old-fashioned string. Keep that in mind if you’re starting on a shelving unit that is already tight.

How long should I leave my grow lights on?

Seeds don’t need light in order to sprout. Steady warm temperature is more important for sprouting, such as that provided via a seedling heat mat. So, you technically don’t need to turn your grow lights on until after they emerge from the soil. However, you’ll want to provide light as soon as possible after germination. Freshly sprouted seedlings have the tendency to get leggy, fast! To play it safe, you could turn on the light a few days after you plant seeds, even if they haven’t popped up yet.

Once sprouted, most vegetable seedlings and other garden plants require at least 12 hours of good light per day, along with 8 hours of darkness. However, seedlings will grow the best when provided 14 to 16 hours of light. Houseplants are happy with less, where 6 to 12 of light is sufficient (depending on the type of plant).

To help keep our light schedule on target, we’ve found it incredibly convenient and useful to add a timer to our grow light set-up! The timer is set to turn the lights on around 6 am and off at 9 pm. You can find a full list of all our favorite seed-starting supplies here.

Grow light reflectors

Most grow lights come with built-in reflectors around the bulb fixture, helping to amplify and cast the light downwards. You can also create additional reflectors in your grow space! For example, one of my good friends starts her garden seeds using grow lights in a spare closet. Lining the back and side wall around the seedling trays with tin foil creates a reflective surface that bounces additional light back to the plants. The inside of specialized grow tents are usually lined with a reflective material for the same reason. 

Can grow lights hurt my eyes?

The short answer is yes, so don’t stare at them. Any type of extra bright UV light can be damaging to our eyes. Blue light is also known to disrupt brain activity and sleep patterns. Working around colored grow lights can be generally uncomfortable to some folks (as opposed to those that emit white or “natural” looking light). We tried using an LED light that produced a very pink/purple hue one year, and being around the light gave me an instant headache. The plants that year also didn’t look nearly as healthy as they normally do with T5s.

Other safety considerations

Always be sure to mount or hang your light in a safe and secure manner that meets the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some grow lights give off heat. In general, LED lights are the least warm, T5 fluorescent tubes are also fairly cool but slightly warmer than LED, while T8 fluorescent, CFLs, or incandescent bulbs heat up the most. 

Choose quality, reputable light brands that have good reviews. The light should be UL-listed or certified, meaning it has been tested to meet safety standards for electrical devices. If you’re using grow lights in an area that may be exposed to moisture (e.g. a humid greenhouse or one with ceiling vents), seek out a light that is considered waterproof or otherwise safe to use in that setting, and connect the light to a grounded outlet.  

PART THREE: POPULAR GROW LIGHT OPTIONS

Biggest Bang for Your Buck

Several of the customer reviews for this Durolux T5 high output light fixture literally say “the biggest bang for your buck“! I haven’t seen many comparable units at this affordable of a price. With four fluorescent bulbs that emit a combined 20,000 lumens, this four-foot long shop-light style unit provides ample bright full-spectrum light for growing seedlings and more. It would be perfect hung over a table or mounted inside a wire shelving unit, and is equipped to connect several lights together if needed. Despite the strength, you can still keep them as low as 3 to 4 inches above plants without burning.

Looking for something a tad more compact? Check out the shorter two-foot version here.

Most Versatile Houseplant Grow Light

This sleek little LED grow light is ideal for houseplants that could use a boost! It can clamp onto a variety of surfaces (e.g. bookshelf or table) and has 3 swivel heads that move around as needed. The lamp provides a cozy warm-looking light but is indeed full-spectrum, and has 5 different brightness levels to choose from. It also has a built-in timer! This unit is so versatile, it could probably also work for small number of veggie seedlings (especially as supplemental light with a sunny window). The three-light version is shown below, and a smaller two-light option is available as well.

Best all-in-one set up for serious seed starters

Vermont-based Gardener’s Supply Co has created some awesome all-in-one grow light shelf kits! If you plan to start more than a handful of seedling trays, or have dozens of small potted plants, this could be a great option for you. After all, once you factor in the cost to purchase several quality lights plus a shelving unit, this snazzy 3-Tiered SunLite shelf would just about break even. The unit gets great reviews for being sturdy, mobile, easy-to-use with adjustable lights, and most importantly, effective at providing high quality light. I’ve also seen folks hang additional light over the unit and create a 4th upper shelf! The one shown below is the full-spectrum 6500K T5 fluorescent version.

You could also step it up a notch and go for the ultra-efficient LED version. We recently added this grow light shelf to our grow room/barn at the new homestead, and had the most robust, healthy seedlings we’ve ever grown!

Best Little Lights for Beginners

If you’re a brand new gardener, only need one modest light or two, or otherwise want to keep things as simple and inexpensive as possible, consider these options. First, check out this two-pack of 2-foot long T5 fluorescent lights. We’ve used the 4-foot long versions, and they’ve held up to many years of use. They aren’t the highest output lights in the world (2500 lumens per two foot bulb), but they’ll do the trick! Their mounting/hanging system is admittedly a bit wonky too. We had to MacGyver that. Another similar (perhaps brighter) option is this two-foot long box light from VivoSun.

If you’re a beginner looking to try LED lights on the other hand, MarsHydro is a really well-known brand. Here is one small and affordable full-spectrum light fixture they offer. It’s rated to light a 2 feet by 2 feet space of veggie seedlings. However, keep in mind you’ll need to hang LEDs much higher over your plant canopy. The one recommends to hang the light about 18 to 24 inches above.

Best overall LEDs for grow tents (& more)

Are you venturing into grow tents, or creating a DIY grow set up in your closet or shed? Horticultural Lighting Group (HLG) Quantum board lights are incredibly well-rated and powerful. The lighting portion of the lights are made by Samsung, and are quite popular with the herb-growing community (if you catch my drift). Yet you can use them for other types of plants and locations too of course! We have this model (shown hanging in our greenhouse earlier in the article), which is rated to adequately light a 3×3′ space of plants in veg, or 2×2′ area while they’re in flower. Note these lights can’t daisy-chain together, but they do have larger options. Another popular brand with similar specs and options to HLG is Spider Farmer.

And that concludes this crash course on using grow lights 101.

Well that was illuminating, now wasn’t it? I hope that this article turned on a few light bulbs in that noggin’ of yours, and helps you plan your grow light set up for the happiest plants possible! I also hope I made this somewhat complex subject nice and easy to understand. Please let me know if you have any questions or feedback in the comments below. Also, please help spread the love and knowledge by sharing or pinning this article. We appreciate you coming to us to learn something new. See you next time!


I think these related articles will tickle your fancy too:

• Seed Starting 101: How to Sow Seeds Indoors
• A Beginner’s Guide to Using a Hobby Greenhouse
• 9 Common Seed-Starting Mistakes to Avoid
• How to Build a Raised Garden Bed
• How to Grow Microgreens Indoors
  

The post Using Grow Lights for Seedlings or Indoor Plants appeared first on Homestead and Chill.

Read along to learn 6 key things to consider when choosing CBD oil (or similar products). We’ll talk about quality, potency, testing, types, and more – all the things we look for when we’re shopping for CBD ourselves. Other frequently asked questions about dosing, legality, drug tests, and CBD for pets will be covered too. I hope this information will help you feel more confident in making informed decisions about trying high-quality CBD. It has become a staple in our natural health care routine!

For those of you brand-new to the world of CBD, we’ll also briefly discuss what CBD oil is and the health benefits it can provide. However, for a more thorough exploration of CBD, including history, research, different forms, and exactly how it works in the body, please see this introductory article: “CBD 101: Uses, Health Benefits, & Precautions of Hemp”. Or, if you’re already fairly familiar with CBD, feel free to skip the primer and jump straight to the list of 6 things to look for in a quality CBD oil.  

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, and this is not intended to be medical advice. I am simply sharing information that I have gathered through my personal research and experience. Academic studies are linked throughout the article for reference. Also, this is not a sponsored post but may contain affiliate links. Meaning, I may receive a small commission on purchases made through those links – at no additional cost to you. Rather, you can save 10% by using the code “DEANNACAT” on NuVita CBD oil – any time!

CBD oil: relief without the “high”

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the dozens of therapeutic botanical compounds naturally found in cannabis plants. Both marijuana and hemp are part of the same cannabis plant family, and each contain varying levels of CBD. However, the vast majority of CBD oils you’ll find today are derived from commercially-grown hemp. With that, hemp-derived CBD products contain little-to-no THC (less than 0.3% by law) and are therefore not psychoactive. 

Therefore, folks can use CBD oil with ease in a variety of situations and everyday life. For instance, while working, driving, exercising, or taking care of children. This makes CBD products very comfortable and attractive to use – to ease stress, anxiety, pain, inflammation, and more!

How is CBD oil made?

To create CBD oil, cannabidiol is extracted from resinous hemp plants post-harvest by one of a number of extraction methods. The industry gold standard is C02 extraction, discussed more to follow. The result is a highly-concentrated CBD oil that can later be diluted, such as mixed with a carrier oil for safe consumption as a tincture/drops. Or, it is added to other CBD products like edible gummies or topical balms.

At home, we use a simple infusion process to create homemade cannabis oil from our homegrown flower. Then, we turn it into a healing topical salve, perfect for sore muscles and achy joints.

How does CBD oil work?

Did you know that we have an endocannabinoid system, also known as the ECS? The ECS is made up of receptors found throughout our bodies that interact with phytocannabinoids like CBD or THC, along with endocannabinoids (those produced internally).

The ECS plays a key role in moderating dozens of physiological processes, helping us maintain a healthy balance – also known as homeostasis. Experts believe that when the ECS is out of whack, disease and health issues more readily arise. In contrast, nourishing the ECS with cannabinoids (including CBD) can help restore balance, treat and potentially prevent many diseases. 

What health issues does CBD oil help with?

Medical research continues to show promising and significant healing properties of cannabinoids, with few known risks! CBD in particular has been reported to help ease a wide array of physical and mental health issues, including but not limited to:

• Depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD, PTSD and other mood or brain disorders.
• Insomnia, restlessness, and related sleep disorders
• Chronic pain, joint pain, and inflammation – such as that which comes with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and inflammatory bowel disease
• Seizures and epilepsy
• Nausea and appetite issues, popular for patients on chemotherapy or similar treatments
• Nerve pain and multiple sclerosis
• Muscle spasms or tightness – including tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease, and discomfort associated with endometriosis, menstrual cramps, and TMJ or teeth-grinding
• Headaches, possible relief from migraines
• Topical use of CBD (e.g. with a balm, salve, or lotion) can soothe localized pain, inflammation and skin issues such as acne, eczema or psoriasis.
• Studies also show promising relationships between CBD and disease prevention, such as preventing of cancer cell growth and neuro-degeneration.

Possible Side Effects of CBD

Overall, studies show that CBD has very low toxicity in humans and other species. Yet like any supplement, medication, or food we consume, CBD may cause undesirable side effects for some. Every body is different! The most common potential side effects of CBD include reduced blood pressure, changes to appetite, tiredness, and diarrhea. Furthermore, it may interact with certain prescription medications (in a similar manner that grapefruit does). If you are currently taking medication or have a serious health issue, please do further research and/or talk with your physician about taking CBD. 

If CBD has ever made you feel icky, it is also possible that you’re experiencing a negative reaction to impurities or other additives in the oil, not the CBD itself! That is why it is so important to choose high-quality, organic CBD products. So without further ado, let’s talk about how to carefully choose CBD oil.

6 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN QUALITY CBD OIL

1) Hemp Cultivation Practices

CBD oil sourced from organically-grown hemp is the most pure and safe. Domestically-grown organic hemp is even better! Choosing organic CBD is even more important than eating organic food. The issue is, cannabis plants are excellent bioaccumulators. Meaning, they readily take up and store whatever is in their soil or applied to their leaves – including any heavy metals, synthetic fertilizers, chemical fungicides, or other pesticides used during cultivation! If present, all of those nasty things become exponentially more concentrated during the oil extraction process.  

Finally, is the carrier oil (e.g. MCT coconut oil or olive oil) used in the product also certified organic? That isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but important to me personally.

2) Extraction Method

A transparent CBD brand will share what extraction method was used to obtain their CBD oil. C02 extraction is the top-of-the-line choice. However, because C02 extraction is also the most expensive option, some producers cut costs by using ethanol, butane, propane, or other solvent extraction instead. Solvent extraction can contaminate CBD with unwanted byproducts such as hexane (a gnarly neurotoxin) or benzene (a known carcinogen)! Therefore, I highly suggest seeking out CBD products that utilize C02 extraction. Cold ethanol is another good and safe choice. ‘Hydrocarbon extraction’ is synonymous with using butane or propane, and is the least desirable.

3) Third Party Lab Results Available

If the last two points made you nervous about what else may be in your CBD, check out the lab results! Quality CBD companies will provide lab test results (aka Certificates of Analysis or COA) for every batch of CBD oil made. These results should be done through a third party accredited laboratory, readily available, and updated often – such as on their website. 

The analysis should show results or the presence of pesticides, heavy metals, mold, solvents, bacteria, and other contaminants. If you’re not accustomed to reading lab reports, here are a few tips: Look for the “results” column. N/D or ND stands for not detected – a good thing to see! The exact concentration of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids or terpenes present will also be listed. 

I have seen really shady “lab reports” on some CBD websites – such as listing the total CBD and THC content, but completely lacking any contaminant analysis! Yikes. I’ve come across others that do provide results for select pesticide and solvent residuals, but not nearly as many as a robust report should provide. For instance, one that omitted benzene, toluene, and xylenes from the residual solvent analysis – while this information is readily included by other brands.

4) Full-Spectrum CBD & The Entourage Effect 

CBD oil is formulated as either full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or in isolate form.  Full-spectrum CBD retains the raw, rich diversity of compounds found in the mother plant during extraction – including other cannabinoids, terpenes, phenolics, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Broad spectrum CBD oil has been processed to remove the small residual amount of THC, but still contains some of the other botanical goodies found in full-spectrum formulas.

An isolate is stripped down to one select cannabinoid of choice. Isolates may be sold on their own, such as a CBD isolate (not ideal). Or, different cannabinoid isolates (e.g. CBG, CBN) may be incorporated in more robust CBD formulas for distinct added benefits. Check out the chart below.

For the most powerful and broad range of health benefits, opt for full-spectrum CBD oil. Full-spectrum CBD capitalizes on something called “the entourage effect” – the concept that the plethora of plant compounds found in cannabis induce the most effective results when used in conjunction with one another, rather than alone. In other words, teamwork makes the dream work! However, some folks may need CBD oil that is completely THC-free, such as those in a zero-tolerance workplace. 

Can I fail a drug test from taking CBD oil?

Drug tests are looking for the presence of THC (amongst other “drugs”), not CBD. It is fairly unlikely for full-spectrum CBD products to cause a THC-positive result on the average urine test. However, it has been known to happen. Especially if the THC content in the product was inaccurately labelled, or the person consumed very large quantities of the CBD product over time. A blood test will be even more likely to show trace amounts of THC. Therefore, if you have concerns about passing a drug test, stick with a THC-free broad spectrum formula. 

5) Concentration or Potency

What do the numbers on the CBD bottle mean?

When you look at a bottle of CBD oil, you should see two numbers. One is the amount of CBD that the bottle contains (in milligrams), and the other is the total volume of overall oil within the bottle (likely in milliliters). The same size bottle can have significantly different concentrations of CBD inside. For instance, a 30 mL bottle of oil may contain as much as 3000 mg of active CBD, or as little as 300 mg. This is something to carefully consider, especially if you’re comparing cost!

Dosing

The CBD oil brands should provide some sort of dosing guidance, such as X mg or X drops per X body weight. Of course, these are general recommendations and may vary based on personal comfort, tolerance, and the severity of your symptoms. Yet you can use the recommended dose to figure out approximately how many servings you’ll get out of each bottle.

Theoretically, the higher the concentration, the fewer drops you need, and thus the longer the bottle will last you. For example, I only take about a quarter dropper of NuVita each day. Other brands recommend a full dropper! So while high-potency formulas are more costly upfront, you’ll need to buy them less often. 

For reference, note that the standard conversion is 20 “drops” per 1 mL. Most droppers hold 1 mL. So, one quarter of a dropper (or .25 mL) is approximately 5 drops of oil.

6) Company Values, Transparency, and Reputation  

While we are nowhere near perfect, we do try to be conscious consumers – carefully considering exactly what our dollars support. With that, I gravitate towards USA-made products, companies that follow sustainable practices, and small transparent businesses over big conglomerates. Not that large companies can’t also be transparent! Yet I find that smaller companies are especially prone to put quality and customer care over profit. 

Also consider where you are buying your CBD oil… To be frank, I would NOT recommend purchasing CBD from a gas station or convenience store. That stuff gives me the heebie jeebies. If possible, choose a CBD oil that comes highly recommended (e.g from a knowledgeable friend, verified customer reviews, by your doctor or naturopath), from a cannabis dispensary, or perhaps you even know a hemp farmer!

When I was on the hunt for my own personal CBD oil to use, I was turned on to NuVita by a friend. I fell in love with everything the company stands for – ticking all my boxes, and then some. NuVita CBD oil is made from organically-grown Colorado hemp and is high-quality, potent, and effective. It also happens to be a small woman-owned business, and donates a portion of proceeds to organizations that help survivors of human trafficking. Since I started using NuVita CBD oil, my joint pains, muscle aches, stress, and anxiety have all significantly reduced. I also sleep so much better! Feel-good, all around…

With that, this concludes the 6 things to consider when while you shop and choose a CBD oil to use. Short of growing your own organic cannabis or hemp at home, carefully assessing these factors will help you obtain the safest, highest-quality CBD possible. Now let’s address some FAQ!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does CBD make you drowsy?

No, CBD oil shouldn’t make you feel drowsy. It is a common misconception that CBD is a sedative. Rather, it helps to restore balance to our natural cycles – like an adaptogen. So, while it enables you to fall asleep more quickly and sleep more soundly through the night, it can also help increase alertness and focus during the daytime. It also has a long-lasting and cumulative effect. I typically take my CBD oil mid-morning, it still helps me sleep well that night!

If a really deep sleep is what you’re after, you could also consider a CBD formula that contains higher levels of CBN. CBN (cannabinol) is another lesser-known but increasingly popular cannabinoid. It is sold in isolate form, or added to other CBD products. Because CBN is a sedative, you’ll only want to use it before bed. 

How do I take CBD oil?

CBD oil absorbs most readily and quickly when held under the tongue. Drop the called-for dose under your tongue and allow it to sit for one to four minutes before swallowing. Then, follow it up with a drink of water! Be consistent about taking CBD for the best results.

You can also add CBD oil directly to a beverage of choice. Coffee or morning smoothies are popular options! However, keep in mind that ingesting CBD oil as an edible means it must be processed by your digestive system first. This leads to a slower onset, and possibly less potent effects. 

CBD and other cannabinoids are fat-soluble and require a lipid precursor to activate their receptors. Hence, CBD products almost always contain a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil) to help increase the bioavailability of CBD. Consuming CBD with high-fat foods or a meal also aids in adsorption.

What is MCT oil?

MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, and is a common type of carrier oil mixed with CBD products. MCT oil most often comes from palm oil or coconut oil. In its full raw form, coconut oil contains both long and medium chain triglycerides, but can be processed down to MCT only – which is what makes it stay liquid at room temperature. 

MCT oil is low in cholesterol and less likely to cause weight gain than long-chain triglycerides, making it popular with the keto crowd. It is also highly bioavailable and readily increases the absorption of CBD. However, MCT can cause an upset stomach for some people (especially in large quantities). If you are sensitive to coconut oil or MCT, consider trying Green Gorilla CBD oil. They’re a reputable, well-rated, certified organic CBD brand that uses olive oil instead. (Use code “Deannacat20” to save 20%)

What if I don’t feel anything when I take CBD oil?

I’ve heard this quite a few times, and there could be a number of factors at play! First, consider the potency of the CBD oil you’re taking. Are you following the recommended dosage? Try using a tad more and see if the result is different. Is your formula full-spectrum? You could also try a different brand. Also, keep in mind that CBD oil is mild and natural. Aches, pains, and stress should fade, but it is not a magic bullet!

CBD takes the edge off, but you shouldn’t feel like you’re “on something”. 

If you’re new to taking CBD (or haven’t had much exposure to cannabinoids in general), there is a chance you won’t experience as sudden of changes as seasoned users. When the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is under-stimulated, it can lead to a deficiency in ECS receptors – or connection points that bind with CBD and trigger responses. The more the ECS is stimulated, the more receptors develop. (This is the same reason some people don’t “get high” the first time they use cannabis that contains THC). Finally, CBD has a cumulative effect. For the most significant results, be consistent about taking it, and give it several days to weeks to prove what it can do.

Can I use CBD oil on my skin? 

Yes, you can totally apply CBD oil topically. Cannabinoids can help with a number of skin issues, as well as provide localized pain and inflammation relief. Since CBG (cannabigerol) has added anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, I love to use our NuVita CBG-infused CBD oil for acne spot-treatment.

However, if you need regular topical relief to a large area of skin or muscles, I suggest seeking out a quality CBD balm, salve, or lotion rather than using your precious CBD oil tincture drops. Use code “DeannaCat20” to save 20% with Green Gorilla certified organic CBD Balms. Or, learn how to make your own cannabis salve here.

Is CBD oil legal?

Yes! Under the 2018 Farm Bill, it is legal to grow, process, and distribute hemp and hemp-derived CBD products within the United States – attempting to normalize hemp as an useful agricultural crop. However, hemp farms and CBD products must adhere to certain restrictions. Namely, the concentration of THC must stay below 0.3% – amongst other testing and labelling requirements. The Farm Bill allows for CBD oil to be legally purchased online and delivered to all states, though few select states still impart more strict regulations on CBD within their state.

Why is CBD oil “not approved by the FDA?”

The FDA does not review the vast majority of CBD, with the exception of a handful of prescription-level products. Consequently, you won’t see “FDA approved” on most CBD items. The FDA treats over-the-counter CBD like other wellness products – including supplements and vitamins. Rather than issuing approvals, the FDA leaves it to these producers to follow Good Manufacturing Practices in regards to purity and honest labelling. That is why it is so important to choose CBD oil brands that have excellent transparency, including third party certification and lab test results available. 

Can pets take CBD oil too?

CBD can provide the same benefits for your furry friends as it does for us humans: ease pain, arthritis, anxiety, seizures, as part of a cancer treatment regimen, and more. All mammals have an endocannabinoid system after all! In fact, dogs have even more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans do. With that, they’re more sensitive to smaller doses of cannabis per body weight than we are. Furthermore, THC is known to be toxic to pets and can easily lead to serious health issues when consumed in large quantities. CBD on the other hand has low toxicity in all mammals. Despite a lack of pet-specific research, is generally considered safe for pets by most veterinarians. 

Please note that it is incredibly important to choose CBD oil that is specifically formulated for pets. Human CBD products are too highly concentrated. Even more, select high-quality and lab tested CBD products for Fido and Figaro… because you want to be 100% sure there is less than 0.3% THC in it. Start with very low doses, and keep an eye out for adverse effects. 

Key Takeaways

Seek out organic, full-spectrum, lab-tested CBD products for the highest quality and therapeutic experience possible. The information you’re looking for should be relatively easy to find, as any company “doing it right” should be proud to share that! Once you find something you feel confident in, the only way to know if it’s right for you is to give it a try. Be patient with the results – though I always feel almost immediate relief!

All in all, I hope you found this discussion on how to choose CBD oil to be both insightful and interesting. It truly does help with my anxiety, aches and pains, and sleep issues – and I can only hope that it may bring similar relief to you. If I left any questions unanswered, please feel free to ask them in the comments below. Cheers, to the power of plant medicine!

Don’t miss these related articles:

• CBD 101: Uses, Health Benefits & Precautions of Hemp
• How to Grow Cannabis Organically: Seeds, Soil, Containers & Care
• How to Make Homemade Cannabis Oil (CBD or THC)
• Homemade Cannabis Salve Recipe
  

The post How to Choose Quality CBD Oil: 6 Things to Look For appeared first on Homestead and Chill.

Read along to learn the basics of CBD. What is CBD? Where does it come from? Is it legal? This article will cover all of these frequently asked questions and more. We’ll explore the mental and physical health issues CBD can help with, how it works in the body, various ways to use it, along with some notes of precaution about safety and side effects. My goal is to provide an easy-to-understand but comprehensive summary of CBD. Then, you can decide if trying CBD is best for you! 

I’ll be upfront and say that I am a believer and proponent of CBD! That is, the use of high-quality, organically-grown, lab-tested CBD by an educated consumer. Because there is a lot of junk out there too. Ready to dive in?

WHAT IS CBD?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a powerful plant compound naturally found in cannabis. Evidence shows that CBD has been utilized by humans in herbal medicine as far back as 500 BC. Neat, huh? CBD and THC are two of the most well-known cannabinoids (a fancy name for cannabis plant compounds) but they aren’t alone! According to UCLA, there have been over 100 distinct cannabinoids as well as dozens of terpenes and flavonoids identified in cannabis – all of which can induce physiological changes in our bodies. However, the vast majority of them do not get you “stoned”, CBD included. 

CBD will not get you high.

CBD has no intoxicating effects and is not psychoactive. This means people can use CBD products with ease in everyday life and in a variety of situations. For example, while at work, exercising, driving, or taking care of children. Combined with its ability to ease stress, anxiety, pain, inflammation, insomnia and more, this makes CBD very attractive and comfortable to use! 

On the other hand, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the mental and physical “high” that people usually associate with consuming cannabis. THC also boasts a number of wonderful beneficial uses; some say even more powerful than CBD! Yet the psychoactive component makes it far more limiting for day-to-day use, less appealing to many folks, and still illegal in some states. It is legal for us to grow our own organic cannabis here in California (and we do – learn how here), though we still enjoy using quality CBD oil during the daytime. 

Where does CBD come from? Hemp vs. Marijuana

Most CBD is derived from commercially-grown hemp plants. Hemp and marijuana are both species of the cannabis plant family (cannabis sativa), but are fairly different! Most notably, hemp contains little-to-no THC (no more than 0.3% by legal standards) while marijuana rings in with an average concentration of 12 to 25% THC. Both hemp and marijuana contain CBD, with varying levels depending on the particular strain. 

Historically, industrial hemp has been grown for manufacturing of textiles, biofuels, and building materials. Those hemp plants are tall and lanky, looking far more like spindly weeds than the robust leafy cannabis plants most folks imagine. The stalks are of primary interest, processed for fibers.

Modern hemp, such as that grown to produce medicinal CBD oil and other extracts, has been selectively bred with low-THC strains of marijuana. The result is a hybrid: shorter, bushier hemp plants with larger “buds” (flowers) that are rich in terpenes, flavonoids, CBD, and other cannabinoids – but low in THC. 

How are CBD products made?

After harvest, CBD is extracted from the resinous hemp plants by one of a number of extraction methods. The result is a highly-concentrated CBD oil. Then, the raw CBD oil can be diluted to a desired concentration and used in a variety of ways. For instance, mixed with a carrier oil for safe consumption as a tincture, or added to edibles, capsules, or topical creams. 

The industry gold standard is C02 extraction. It is the safest method of extraction, and results in the most pure CBD oil. However, because C02 extraction is also the most costly option, some producers cut corners by using ethanol or solvent extraction instead. Solvent extraction can contaminate CBD with unwanted and toxic byproducts such as hexane. Therefore, I highly suggest seeking out CBD products that utilize C02 extraction only. At home, we use a simple infusion process to create homemade cannabis oil and then turn it into healing topical salve. 

Is CBD legal in the US?

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, it is legal to grow, process, and distribute hemp and hemp-derived CBD products within the United States. That is to say, as long as it stays below 0.3% THC – amongst other requirements. If the plants or products exceed the low THC concentration threshold, it is considered marijuana and thus federally illegal. The Farm Bill also removed hemp-derived products from the Schedule 1 category of controlled substances. Despite its federally legal status, select states still impart partial or full restrictions on CBD products. That said, CBD can be purchased legally online and delivered to all states.

Also keep in mind the FDA does not review the vast majority of CBD, with the exception of a handful of prescription-level products. Consequently, you won’t see “FDA approved” on most CBD items. The FDA treats over-the-counter CBD like other wellness products – including supplements and vitamins. In that case, it is up to the producer to follow Good Manufacturing Practices in regards to purity and honest labelling. That is why it is so important to choose CBD brands that have excellent transparency, including third party certification and lab test results available. 

What health issues can CBD help with?

On the whole, cannabis is a profoundly magical plant! Emerging research continues to show promising and significant healing properties of cannabinoids – with few known risks. 

CBD in particular has been reported* to help with a wide array of physical and mental health issues (listed below); some that are traditionally treated with prescription medication, and thereby fraught with their own issues, side effects, and often addictive nature. Rather, CBD has enabled many people to reduce their dependence on prescription drugs, opting for more natural relief instead.  

CBD may ease or treat:

• Depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, ADHD, and other mood disorders. CBD boosts and stabilizes our overall mood by improving serotonin responses in the brain. It also increases the production of an endocannabinoid (a compound we make in our own body) called anandamide – named after the Sanskrit word for “bliss” or “joy”.
  
  
• Insomnia, restlessness, and other sleep disorders – helping you naturally fall asleep more quickly, and also sleep more soundly through the night. However, it is a misconception that CBD is a sedative. It can actually help increase alertness and focus during the day, and does not make most people feel overtly drowsy.
  
  
• Chronic pain, inflammation, and joint pain, including that which accompanies arthritis and fibromyalgia.
  
  
• Seizures and epilepsy. Charlotte’s Web is a famous high-CBD cannabis strain, named after the young girl that it was first documented to help. Charlotte had Dravet’s epilepsy, a very severe and debilitating form. CBD proved to be the only effective treatment at curbing the frequent seizures associated with the disease.
  
  
• Nausea and appetite issues, making it especially effective for patients going through chemotherapy or similar treatments.
  
  
• Nerve pain, such as that common with multiple sclerosis.
  
  
• Muscle spasms or tightness. For example, to reduce tremors for patients with Parkinson’s disease. CBD can also ease discomfort associated with endometriosis, menstrual cramps, and TMJ or teeth-grinding.
  
  
• Headaches, and for some, relief from migraines.
  
  
• Topical application of CBD (such as through a balm, lotion, or salve) may provide relief from localized pain, inflammation and skin issues such as acne, eczema or psoriasis. 
  
  
• Studies also reveal notable relationships between CBD and disease prevention, such as the prevention of cancer cell growth and neurodegeneration.

Evidence and Research on CBD

Medical research on CBD is still in its infancy. Due to the long-standing illegal status of cannabis, scientific studies have been underutilized or outright prohibited in the past. Yet things are evolving!

In early 2017, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine completed a comprehensive review of over 10,000 scientific studies on marijuana health research. In their final report, the researchers deemed many of the health applications listed above to have “conclusive and substantial evidence” for therapeutic benefits. Some only have “moderate” or “limited” evidence – such as for migraines or stopping cancer cell growth. But again, that may only be because the studies themselves have been limited. Each year, more and more trials are being conducted.

Consumer experiences and personal reports of the benefits of CBD are also substantial. Let me tell ya, the CBD we use significantly helps with my anxiety, stress, joint pain, and sleep issues. I’ve heard numerous wonderful testimonials and success stories directly from people I know as well! When you’re shopping around, don’t forget to browse the reviews. Since each of our bodies (and issues) are unique, the best confirmation is personal trial and error. 

HOW DOES CBD WORK?

The Endocannabinoid System

When ingested or inhaled, CBD molecules interact with our internal endocannabinoid system to trigger a variety of physiological responses. Yes, you read that right! Similar to an immune or endocrine system, our bodies contain an entire network of natural receptors that are designed to interact with cannabinoid compounds. 

Scientists only recently discovered the existence of the human endocannabinoid system in the mid-1990’s, and have since revealed that all mammals have one! Moreover, they’re discovering just how critically connected it may be to good health and wellbeing. A properly functioning endocannabinoid system helps our bodies maintain homeostatic balance to the nervous and immune systems, as well as many other organs. 

When the endocannabinoid system is out of whack, serious issues can arise. Researchers believe that a clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (a shortage of either compounds or receptors) throws off homeostasis or normal balanced bodily functions, and therefore allows for disease to develop. It is suggested that everything from cancer and IBS to migraines and fibromyalgia could be attributed to deficiencies of the endocannabinoid system. 

This is why CBD sounds like a “magic bullet” that can help with an almost unbelievable number of issues: because the system it jives with keeps dozens of key physiological reactions in balance!

CB1 and CB2 receptors 

The endocannabinoid system is made up of two key receptors, CB1 and CB2. They’re designed to accept cannabinoid molecules like a lock and key. When this connection happens, they in turn influence one or more body processes – such as those related to mood, appetite, pain sensation, metabolism, anxiety, sleep, and more. The receptors respond to both internal endocannabinoid compounds (those naturally produced by the body) as well as introduced phytocannabinoids – like CBD. 

Both CB1 and CB2 receptors are found readily throughout the body, though each is concentrated in distinct areas that directly correlate to the response they elicit. For example, CB1 is primarily concentrated in the brain and central nervous system. Fittingly, CB1 stimulation plays a significant role in memory, mood, sleep, pain and motor functions. 

In contrast, CB2 extends outward to other parts of the body and peripheral organs, including muscles, skin, the stomach, kidneys, pancreas, liver, cardiovascular system, immune system, glands and nerves. Considering, it should come as no surprise that CB2 is the good guy responsible for controlling inflammatory responses, cell regeneration, and tissue repair. 

In a nutshell, when one of these systems is having a hiccup (and giving us an unpleasant physical response), CBD can come in and right its course. And while CBD can be powerful on its own, it is even more effective when its friends come along for the ride!

 
The Entourage Effect 

Experts in cannabis research and medicine believe that CBD is most effective when combined with other botanical compounds naturally found in cannabis. This includes additional cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, THC, flavonoids, and terpenes. Terpenes are the same aromatic compounds found in the essential oils of lavender, eucalyptus, orange, black pepper, pine and more – which have notable health benefits of their own, hence the essential oil craze!

CBD works synergistically with the other substances found in cannabis to provide unique and improved therapeutic benefits, dubbed the “the entourage effect”.

Just as wholesome, balanced meals provide superior nutrition than eating just a plate of veggies, or only a bowl of lentils – there is strength in numbers! For example, a 2010 study found that cancer patients received the most relief from pain and nausea when administered a combination of both THC and CBD over either of them alone. 

Now, that isn’t to say you need a high level of THC to go along with your CBD treatment! Many folks don’t want the associated “stoned” feeling. A doctor might suggest a well-balanced CBD:THC cocktail for patients battling serious medical issues, though a small amount of THC (including the 0.3% found in legal hemp) is also believed to augment CBD effects. 

Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, or Isolate

CBD oils, extracts, and products are available as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate form. 

• Full-spectrum CBD retains the raw, rich diversity of compounds found in the mother plant, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, phenolics, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids during extraction. If you’re hoping to take advantage of the entourage effect for the most broad range of benefits, opt for full-spectrum products. Don’t worry, the 0.3% THC (or less) found in quality full-spectrum CBD products is not nearly enough to get you high. The product you purchase should have lab results available that show the exact concentrations of every component it contains.
  
  
• Broad-spectrum extracts are processed to remove the small residual amount of THC. This is a good option if you want to avoid THC completely, such as those concerned about drug testing. It is fairly unlikely for full-spectrum CBD products to cause a THC-positive on an average urine test. However, it has been known to happen. Especially if the THC content in the product was inaccurately labelled, or the person consumed very large quantities of the CBD product.
  
  
• Isolates are formulated to contain only a single cannabinoid, such as CBD or THC alone. CBD isolate will not offer quite the same bang-for-your-buck as broad or full-spectrum extracts. Yet isolates enable producers or consumers to take advantage of precise compounds if desired. NuVita, our favorite CBD brand, offers some full-spectrum CBD oils that are further infused with either CBG or CBN isolates. CBG (cannabigerol) is said to have additional anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, and intestinal health benefits. CBN (cannabinol) is a sedative and helps promote sleep, so we only use that one before bed. 

WAYS TO USE CBD

CBD products come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and delivery methods. The three primary ways to use CBD are ingestion (oral), topical use on skin, or inhalation. 

Oral 

Popular CBD edibles include gummies, soft gels, hard candy, or powder to mix with beverages. Concentrated CBD oil tinctures are very efficient and effective, and typically come in either dropper bottles or spray form. For maximum and fast absorption, hold CBD oil under your tongue for 30 seconds to a couple of minutes. This is my preferred way to take CBD. If you add oil to a beverage (coffee is a popular one) then it acts more like an edible – and must be processed by the digestive system first, leading to a slightly slower onset. 

CBD and other cannabinoids are fat-soluble and require a lipid precursor to activate their receptors. Hence, CBD products almost always contain a carrier oil (such as coconut oil or olive oil) to help increase the bioavailability of CBD. Consuming CBD with high-fat foods or a meal also aids in adsorption.

Topical

CBD-infused creams, salves, lotions and balms can provide relief from localized pain and inflammation. The application of topical CBD can also help skin ailments such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It may even slow the growth of irregular skin cells, including cancer cells. Topical use of CBD or THC will not cross the blood-brain barrier. Meaning, it will not provide systemic relief or the same widespread effects as it does when ingested or inhaled. This is why our homemade cannabis salve (which contains both THC and CBD) does not get us stoned.

Inhalation

“Vaping” is another very trendy way to use CBD. This is an area I suggest you use an immense amount of precaution. Personally, I am not a fan of inhaling concentrated oils or “dabs”. Any impurities or contaminants within the raw cannabis are exponentially concentrated in extracts. Then, delivered directly to one of the most sensitive and critical organs in the body – your lungs. In addition, many vaporizers are cheaply made and could potentially add toxins such as heavy metals to the mix. 

Inhalation delivers the most immediate effects of CBD and THC. We do vaporize our organic homegrown cannabis, but with the safest and most efficient vaporizer available. You can also vaporize or smoke whole flower CBD (hemp buds) in the same manner as marijuana, with far less risk than concentrates. To learn more about vaporizing, please see this article: “Vaporizing Cannabis: Science, Safety, Quality and Technology”

CBD HEALTH & SAFETY CONCERNS

A review of CBD wouldn’t be complete without some words of caution. The goal of this article is not to get you overly excited – running out to try the next CBD product you can get your hands on. Due to the boom of the CBD industry, the potential to make money, and the lack of regulation, there are a lot of sketchy products hitting the marketplace. For instance, I don’t trust the stuff you can find at the local gas station or convenience store as far as I can throw it! They’re cheap for a reason, most likely cutting corners somewhere. And just like anything else, CBD may not be the best fit for every person. 

For an in-depth look at discerning quality CBD oil, please see this article: “How to Choose Quality CBD Oil: 6 Things to Look For”. It covers the importance of potency, purity, dosing, certifications, testing, and more. 

As a sneak peak: NuVita is the brand we’re currently using, trust, and enjoy! Their CBD oil is made from organically-grown Colorado hemp, meets my stringent quality standards, and delivers effective results. Even more, NuVita is a small woman-owned business, and they donate a portion of profit to organizations that help victims of human trafficking. NuVita has helped me immensely with stress, anxiety, focus, joint pain, and sleep issues. (Use our affiliate link or the code “deannacat” to save 10% at checkout) 

Before we sign off, let’s address some possible adverse side effects and other safety concerns. 

Possible Side Effects of CBD

Overall, studies show that CBD has very low toxicity and minimal side effects. This is one reason it is so appealing, especially compared to THC or many prescription medications. The most commonly reported side effects include tiredness, changes to appetite, and diarrhea. CBD also has the potential to lower resting blood pressure. For folks who already struggle with hypotension, this can be troublesome.

The risk of side effects also vary depending on how you use CBD. For example, vaping may lead to lung irritation, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, and/or dizziness.  

What else is in it?

While CBD is generally well-tolerated, contaminants in CBD products may cause adverse reactions. Impure CBD oil could contain heavy metals, pesticides, mold, or other toxins that lead to headaches, general malaise, or more serious complications. Cannabis plants readily uptake and store whatever is in the soil, or applied to their foliage. That is why it is SO important to choose high-quality, third party certified, lab-tested CBD that is derived from organically-grown US hemp. I can’t stress this enough. 

Quality CBD products will provide lab results (aka Certificates of Analysis) readily available for every batch. The analysis should show results or the presence of pesticides, heavy metals, mold, solvents, bacteria, and other contaminants. The exact concentration of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids or terpenes present will also be listed. 

Additionally, folks may have issues with other ingredients in CBD products. I’ve talked to a few people with coconut allergies. Lo and behold, coconut oil (MCT) is a very common ingredient in CBD oil. MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, and is a type of coconut oil that is liquid at room temperature. In that case, consider trying Green Gorilla. They’re a reputable certified organic CBD brand that uses olive oil instead.

Interactions with other medications

If you are currently taking prescription medication or have a serious health issue, please do further research and/or talk with your physician. CBD may interact with a variety of drugs, including antibiotics, blood thinners, and antidepressants. Or, potentially interfere with the way certain medications are metabolized (processed) in the liver. 

Have you ever heard that you’re not supposed to consume grapefruit if you’re taking certain drugs? The interaction is similar. CBD and grapefruit both temporarily neutralize an enzyme in your liver (P-450) that should otherwise be busy breaking down your medication. 

Key Takeaways

• CBD is a natural plant compound that boasts promising benefits for a wide array of physical and mental health ailments, by enabling the body to maintain desirable homeostasis.
  
  
• Hemp-derived CBD containing less than 0.3% THC is federally legal, but the industry is very new. Therefore, it is wise to be a cautious consumer and choose CBD products carefully. 
  
  
• Seek out US-made products from domestic and organically-grown cannabis that have third party certification and lab results available for every batch.
  
  
• Full-spectrum CBD products offer the most effective and widest range of therapeutic benefits. Broad-spectrum products (THC-free) may be the best choice for those with a zero tolerance workplace and looming drug tests. 
  
  
• Ingesting CBD as edibles or oils offers full-body benefits with fewer known risks than vaping concentrates.
  
  
• When in doubt, talk to a doctor about your personal health questions and medications before starting your journey with CBD. It may interact with certain prescription medications. 

Plant medicine is pretty wonderful, don’t you think?

Well, I hope you enjoyed learning more about CBD! As you can see, it is a fascinating, complex, and evolving subject area. No wonder you had questions. Please let me know if there is anything you’d like to know more about in the comments below. Also, please feel free to spread the love and knowledge by sharing this article. Stay tuned for a follow-up article on how to choose and use organic CBD oil. Thanks for reading!

You may dig these related articles:

• How to Grow Cannabis, Organically: Seeds, Soil, Care & More
• How to Make Homemade Cannabis Oil
• Homemade Cannabis Salve Recipe (can be used with THC or CBD/hemp)
• Vaporizing Cannabis: Science, Safety, Quality &b Technology
• How to Choose a Quality CBD Oil: 6 Things to Look For

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