After months of anticipation, news broke today that the 2018 Farm Bill has officially been signed by the House and Senate. The final step is for President Trump to sign off on the bill, changing the hemp-derived CBD industry overnight.

So what is the significance of this bill and what does it mean for consumers, businesses, and farmers? Here is a look at how the 2018 Farm Bill will change the industry for the better.

The Historical Evolution of Federal Control

Hemp cultivation has not always been a source of controversy. This hearty plant was once an agricultural staple. Hemp seeds and strong, durable hemp fibers were relied upon for numerous products. Early American settlers used hemp to make building materials, cloth, paper, rope, and canvas. During Colonial times, farmers were required to grow hemp, and several colonies used hemp as legal tender.

Until the enactment of the 1937 Marijuana Tax Act, cannabis plants were legal. It was during the government’s efforts to discourage marijuana use that hemp first became entangled in the crossfire. Some historians believe campaigns to generate public support for curtailing marijuana use intentionally blurred the lines between hemp and marijuana. Some believe hemp was deliberately “demonized” to eliminate hemp as a competing fuel source. While hemp and marijuana were understood to be entirely different plants, hemp farmers were subjected to heavy taxation that made hemp farming unsustainable.

It was the Controlled Substance Act of 1970 that (temporarily) sealed hemp’s fate. When the government classified cannabis as a schedule 1 drug, a substance with no accepted medical use, the order was written to cover cannabis, not marijuana specifically. Once the government included cannabis as a whole, it was no longer legal to grow hemp in the US without the consent of the US Drug Enforcement Agency.

The Significance of the Agricultural Act of 2014

For a long time, there was no legal differentiation between hemp and marijuana. To our government, cannabis was cannabis, whether psychoactive or not. The 2014 Farm Bill was a significant development for the hemp industry.Until the passing of this monumental legislation, hemp cultivation was banned in the United States, forcing manufacturers to rely on imports from Canada, Europe, and China. This bill provided the legal differentiation between hemp and marijuana based on their THC content. THC is the compound in cannabis responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. The Agricultural Act of 2014 set the following parameters:

• While hemp and marijuana are both cannabis plants, The Agricultural Act of 2014 defined hemp as a cannabis plant containing 0.3 percent THC or less. For reference, marijuana contains 5-30 percent THC. Under the terms of that definition, if a crop is grown containing more than 0.3 percent THC, it is considered marijuana and must be destroyed.

• Our most recently enacted Farm Bill also opened the door for hemp cultivation by setting the parameters for hemp pilot programs. Today, the legality of hemp crops is left to the discretion of the state. Once a state has approved hemp farming, those interested in growing hemp can apply for approval with their State Department of Agriculture.

The 2018 Farm Bill Clears the Confusion Surrounding Hemp Products

While the 2014 Farm Bill left hemp farming decisions to state discretion, it did not remove hemp from the list of substances regulated by the federal government. The 2018 Farm Bill does. With federal restrictions lifted, hemp will be treated in the same manner as any other commodity. Just a few of the anticipated benefits of removing hemp from the list of controlled substances include:

• Legal Clarity

  As it stands, some people still question the legality of hemp and hemp-derived products because of hemp’s federal classification as a controlled substance. Provisions clearly separate the definition of hemp versus marijuana removing any potential grey areas. When the shades of grey resolve to black and white, there will be no more reason to debate, or explain, the legality of hemp in the US.

• Ease of Conducting Business Transactions

  Many CBD companies suddenly find themselves without access to a bank account or payment processor. This can happen when the bank determines that hemp products are legally questionable. With the legal clarity provided by the 2018 Farm Bill, product vendors will have better access to third-party processing, banking services, and investment opportunities.

• Destigmatization of Hemp Products

  There is still a stigma associated with hemp use. With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill clearly recognizing the legality of hemp products, we believe much of the uneasiness some people experience when considering the use of hemp CBD will be resolved.

• Federal Protection for Hemp Farmers

  Although hemp crop legality varies by state, hemp farmers are not eligible for federal crop insurance. That’s because hemp is still not considered an agricultural crop. Once hemp is reclassified as an agricultural commodity, hemp farmers will be able to protect their investment from lost revenue caused by declining prices or natural disasters.

• An Increase in hemp-derived CBD research

  CBD is one of the many potentially beneficial cannabinoids found in cannabis extract. Hemp CBD provides all the potential health and wellness benefits as marijuana without the risk of intoxication. Prior to the Farm Bill, it was difficult for researchers to obtain funding for hemp oil research. By removing federal restrictions, researchers gain access to federally-funded research programs to further investigate the potential medicinal benefits of hemp oil.

The Economic Benefits of Federal Legalization

We believe that the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill will provide substantial economic benefits. As domestic hemp production increases, industries will no longer have to rely on imported hemp. Economic stimulation will continue as we welcome more hemp farmers, product manufacturers, business investors, and product consumers to our thriving community. Hemp products are anticipated to evolve into a 22 billion dollar industry by 2022.

CBDistillery has a mission to educate the public about the differences between hemp and marijuana, and the many potential benefits of CBD oil. With the 2018 Farm Bill passing, our mission has never been more important and ask our followers to help up educate others. To learn more about what CBD could do for your health and well-being, download the Ultimate CBD User Guide. Our CBD user guide explains how CBD interacts with your body and why CBD has so many potential health and wellness benefits.

Additional Sources:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476

https://www.cannalawblog.com/category/hemp/

http://www.kyagr.com/marketing/hemp-pilot.html

https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-pennsylvania-industrial-hemp-applications-20180103-story.html

With the holiday season in full swing, it’s time to start figuring out gifts for those hard-to-shop-for friends and relatives. But fear not—there’s one gift that can easily be adapted to all the important people in your life: CBD oil. Strange though it may sound, anyone who’s experienced CBD’s benefits can vouch for it as a brilliant gift idea.

What is CBD?

Before you consider buying CBD as a gift, it’s helpful to know a little bit about what it is and why it works. CBD simply stands for cannabidiol, one of the 113+ naturally occurring compounds in hemp plants that acts on the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a large network of receptors that exist throughout the body. These receptors react to molecules known as cannabinoids, which are both produced naturally and found in hemp plant. CBD is one such cannabinoid.

The endocannabinoid system is important because it influences the functionality of key systems throughout the body. CBD binds to certain receptors in the system that regulate these responses, which is why it is so popular for its wellness benefits.

It’s important to briefly note that while CBD is derived from hemp plants (a member of the cannabis family), it is not psychoactive. Simply put, CBD won’t get you high. This is because CBD oil is derived from hemp plants, which legally contain less than 0.3% of THC—the molecule responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects.

Why Gift CBD?

There’s no doubt that gifting CBD products is a bit unconventional. Your recipient may not be even familiar with CBD, or maybe you aren’t yourself. But you shouldn’t let any of that stop you! Here are our top three reasons why CBD oil should be at the top of your shopping list.

1. It makes you feel good.

By gifting CBD oil, you’re actually gifting the huge range of health and wellness benefits that come along with consumption of CBD. While CBD oil is not generally approved to treat medical conditions, users report a huge range of benefits from its use.

When you give CBD, you give the opportunity to get healthier and feel better without the side effects of other offerings. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving!

2. It’s unique.

Be the person to first introduce CBD to your loved ones! The gift of a CBD product is sure to stand out as not only memorable but also extremely useful.

3. There’s a product for everyone.

The great thing about CBD is that it comes in many forms. The numerous delivery methods make it convenient for users, but they also make holiday shopping a breeze since there’s something to suit every taste.

Choosing a CBD Gift

For the Foodie

While CBD is often consumed as an oil, vaped, or applied topically, it can also be baked into foods! CBDelicious is the perfect gift for all the master chefs in your life. Ninety-nine-percent pure, CBDelicious contains no THC and is derived from non-GMO, pesticide-free hemp. And because it’s powdered, CBDelicious can be incorporated into any recipe with absolute ease. If you’re lucky, your foodie friend might even share the results of their experimenting with you.

For the Sweet Tooth

CBD-infused gummy bears? Yes, please! By far the tastiest product here, these gummies are packed with both fruity flavor and the soothing essence of pure CBD. Gummies are also extremely approachable for those who may hesitate to incorporate a new health product into their routine.

For the Health Nut

Technically, any of the options here are great for a health-conscious friend seeing as they all benefit health. Still, for those who might shy away from candies or baking brownies, you can’t go wrong with a fresh isolate or full-spectrum tincture (the preferred method for consuming CBD oils.)

For the Always On-the-Go

Getting a dose of CBD doesn’t have to be a chore. CBD-infused softgels or capsules are the perfect choice for the busiest people in your life—and they probably need the relaxation the most! Available in both isolate and full-spectrum and in a variety of doses, capsules and gels are flexible and convenient enough to fit into anyone’s day.

For the Pet Lover

Believe it or not, CBD isn’t just for humans. Our furry friends have endocannabinoid systems too, so special tinctures can allow pets to experience the calming benefits of CBD.  To go the extra mile for your favorite crazy cat lady or dog lover, be sure to get them their own matching tincture as well.

For the Beauty-Obsessed

Even frequent CBD-users may be surprised to learn that CBD can be applied topically. CBD is said to have anti-aging properties when applied to the skin, making it a great alternative for less natural skincare products. If you know someone who adheres religiously to their skincare routine, they’re sure to love a CBDol topical salve.

For the Trendy

We all have that friend who no longer leaves the house without their vape pen. For them, consider something from our extensive line of vape products. Disposable vape pens are a tasty, convenient way to experience CBD for the first time. Our 200 mg disposable pens come in a range of delicious flavors such as grape and strawberry lemonade. There are even variety packs to satisfy the pickiest of tastes. Alternatively, treat them to a shiny new stylus vape pen or a flavored e-liquid to use in their own device.

Learn More

When shopping for CBD gifts, it’s important to choose a responsible retailer. CBDistillery sells only the highest-quality hemp-derived CBD grown using organic methods. For more information on the products in this guide, feel free to get in touch with us, or download our Ultimate User Guide for answers to all your questions about CBD and its uses. Happy holidays!

It is official: the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared insufficient sleep to be a “public health epidemic”. A recent survey by Consumer Reports found that over two-thirds of people struggle to enjoy a good night’s sleep at least once each week. Even worse, roughly 30% of respondents reported difficulty falling or staying asleep the majority of each week. If you are among the growing number of Americans who battle sleep problems, do not despair. There are many simple measures you can take to rest more soundly. Below are ten tips to help you get a good night’s sleep.

1) Establish a nightly routine

“A relaxing, routine activity right before bedtime conducted away from bright lights helps separate your sleep time from activities that can cause excitement, stress or anxiety which can make it more difficult to fall asleep, get sound and deep sleep or remain asleep.”

– The National Sleep Foundation

Establishing a regular nightly bedtime routine is one of the best ways to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. By resolving to stick to the same schedule and routine each night – even on the weekends – you can help to regulate your body’s clock and feel sleepy faster.

2) Invest in a comfortable mattress and bedding

Mattresses and pillows are not designed to last forever. They are manufactured with a specific life expectancy and it is up to you as a consumer to periodically replace worn or aging mattresses and pillows. Most mattresses are designed to last approximately 7 to 10 years, though some brands are constructed to last longer. In general, the mattresses that are the longest lasting and most durable are manufactured with latex or memory foam.

3) Turn down your thermostat

“The ideal sleeping temperature falls anywhere between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit, and as you sleep your body temperature lowers naturally. Introducing your body to a cooler environment helps stimulate sleep and allows you to cycle naturally though the sleep stages.”

– Frank Apodaca, The Sleep Judge

Creating a cooler environment is one of the best ways to promote sound sleep. Experts recommend that you keep your thermostat between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit to help your body progress through each key stage of sleep. In addition to enjoying a better night of sleep, you can also enjoy significant cost savings on your utilities.

4) Eat sleep-inducing foods

Dietary changes can have a significant impact on the quality of your sleep. Foods that include tryptophan, potassium, and carbohydrates are typically good choices – especially if you are seeking a pre-bedtime snack. Here is a short list of foods that can help you enjoy better sleep:

• Turkey
• Bananas
• Kiwi
• Yogurt
• Hummus
• Almonds
• Milk
• Figs

“Figs pack potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. These minerals help with blood flow and muscle contraction, which are key for falling asleep.”

– Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, Nutrition Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute

5) Limit your use of caffeine before bed

Sometimes the foods you do not consume are just as important as those you do consume. Caffeine is a powerful stimulant found in coffee, soft drinks,  and iced tea. Consuming caffeine prior to bedtime can leave you wide awake right around the time you should be winding down for the evening. Additionally, caffeine stimulates bladder activity, which can interrupt an otherwise peaceful night’s sleep with repeated trips to the bathroom. If you are searching for a sleep-inducing beverage before bedtime, consider an herbal tea or a glass of warm milk.

6) Introduce CBD to your evening routine

Researchers have found that CBD helps to improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia. Specifically, supplementing the endocannabinoid system helps regulate sleep stability and promotes overall health. There are many types of CBD supplements, including hemp oil, CBD topicals, capsules, and vapes. One of the best CBD products to consume before bed is CBD Gummies, which offer just the right combination of sweetness and sleep-inducing CBD. Available in convenient 30-count bottles, CBD Gummies offer a tasty way to help you drift off to sleep.

7) Invest in a sound machine

A sound machine can help mask noise disruption and create a calm, soothing environment. Most sound machines offer you a variety of peaceful sounds that can help you peacefully drift off to sleep after a long day of activity. Popular sound choices include rainfall, white noise, ocean waves, and rainforest activity. Sound machines are available in stationary and portable models, and are growing in popularity among frequent travelers who battle sleep deprivation on a regular basis.

8) Resist the urge to take a long nap

“A short nap is usually recommended (20-30 minutes) for short-term alertness. This type of nap provides significant benefit for improved alertness and performance without leaving you feeling groggy or interfering with nighttime sleep.”

– The Sleep Foundation

While a 15-minute power nap might not interfere with a sound night’s sleep, naps that last an hour or longer can hinder your sleep routine and your ability to fall asleep quickly at night. If you are overcome by sleepiness during the middle of the day, do your best not to nap for longer than 30 minutes.

9) Avoid self-medicating

Some people attempt to regulate their sleep by depending on sleeping pills, alcohol, or other substances. While it can be tempting to try to combat insomnia with a pill or a few of your favorite cocktails, you may end up doing more harm than good to your sleeping routine. In addition to fostering substance dependence, self-medicating may end up complicating your sleeping habits and can prove to be dangerous.

10) Know when to seek professional help

While most people will be able to improve their sleep quality by following the tips above, some situations require the guidance of a medical professional. If you are unable to improve your sleep in spite of making adjustments to your daily life, you may wish to discuss your situation with your primary care provider or a sleep specialist. A trained professional will be able to evaluate your health and sleep habits and provide professional recommendations to help you sleep better.

The Bottom Line

Enjoying a good night’s sleep is not as easy as it sounds for some people. Fortunately, there are many measures you can take to improve the duration and quality of your sleep. By following the tips above, you can prime minimize distractions and prime your body for a peaceful night of rest.

At some point during the early years of your education, you learned how your body works. You learned about the many key operating systems that you need to survive, including your circulatory system, digestive processes, and respiratory system. You also learned how these many vital processes are regulated by your central nervous system. It’s quite likely that you entered adulthood believing you had learned everything you need to know.

It could interest you to know that there is one vital regulatory system you may not be aware of, a network of messengers and receptors regulating nearly every vital process of your body. This crucial communication network is called your endocannabinoid system.

Named for the Plant Guiding Researchers to Their Discovery

Your endocannabinoid system was named for the plant species that led to its discovery, cannabis. As an herbal remedy, cannabis has been used throughout the centuries to treat an extensive list of health concerns.

While our ancestors recognized the benefits of cannabis, they did not understand why cannabis was beneficial for so many seemingly unrelated conditions. The knowledge of the many medicinal uses of cannabis was passed down throughout history based on empirical evidence, observation, and documentation. Consider the following:

• 2,737 BCE Emperor Shen Neng of China recorded the use of cannabis for medical purposes
• 2,000-800 BCE dried cannabis is mentioned in the sacred Hindu text Atharvaveda (Science of Charms)
• 130-200 CE Greek Physician Galen prescribes marijuana for medical use
• 1523 French physical Rabelais mentions the medical effects of marijuana
• 1840 Cannabis preparations are available in America

The Unexpected Discovery of a Fascinating New Regulatory System

The beginning of our understanding of the effects of cannabis began in the 1940s when American chemist Roger Adams isolated the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) from the cannabis plant. Decades later, Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam isolated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from CBD. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for marijuana’s intoxicating effects. While these were significant discoveries, the full impact of their research would not be realized for two more decades.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that the discoveries of CBD and THC led researchers to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system. During that time, President Ronald Reagan allocated tens of millions of dollars for research to prove marijuana causes brain damage. When investigations determined that the brain was not harmed by THC, the administration chose to fund additional studies. Those subsequent studies led researchers to the first endocannabinoid receptor in 1988, which eventually led to the discovery of your endocannabinoid system.

Although the research into the many functions of the endocannabinoid system is still in its infancy, scientists have a much better grasp of what this system is and how it functions.

Your endocannabinoid system is a complex network of messengers (neurotransmitters) and receptors that are essential to the function of every vital process in your body. Some of the many functions regulated by your endocannabinoid system include:

• Pain perception
• Immune system function
• Moods and emotions
• Cardiovascular function
• Functions of the digestive system
• Memory and learning
• Immune system function
• Sleep cycle regulation
• Neuroprotection
• Muscle movement
• Metabolism and thermal regulation
• Stress responses
• Reproductive functions

This fascinating network of messengers and receptors is essential to your survival. Many researchers now believe that your endocannabinoid system is responsible for homeostasis, the internal balance that all living organisms need to survive. When the internal balance is disrupted, homeostasis is the regulatory process engaged to reestablish equilibrium. When balance is restored, life continues, if not, the organism will not survive.

The Messengers and Receptors of Your Endocannabinoid System

If researchers had not located the receptors that respond to cannabis, they never would have discovered that your body creates its own cannabinoids. The two main cannabinoids produced in your body are 2-AG and anandamide. Anandamide was discovered in 1992 by Dr. Lumir Hanus and researcher William Devane. This team also discovered the cannabinoid 2-Ag a short time later.

While these key cannabinoids perform a variety of functions, anandamide is shown to alleviate pain, while 2-AG inhibits the inflammation associated with stress. These vital cannabinoids are made as needed and broken down quickly by enzymes. 2-AG and anandamide interact with the receptors of your endocannabinoid system. The receptors of your endocannabinoid system include:

• CB1 Receptors

  While CB1 receptors can be found throughout your body; they are most concentrated in your brain and spinal cord. The CB1 receptors in your amygdala influence your memories and emotions, while the CB1 receptors in your hypothalamus influence your metabolism and energy levels. CB1 receptors are also found in nerve endings.

• CB2 Receptors

  Your CB2 receptors are found in the highest concentration in your peripheral nervous system. Your peripheral nervous system extends from your brain and spinal column to other areas of your body. CB2 receptors regulate muscle movement, organ function, and the processes of your immune system, which is how CB2 receptors minimize inflammation when they are activated.

The cannabinoids created in your body are called endocannabinoids, endo meaning created within. The cannabinoids in cannabis are exogenous cannabinoids, meaning from a source outside your body. Exogenous cannabinoids are found abundantly in cannabis plants.

The functions of your endocannabinoid system are crucial to your health and well being. Researchers today believe that many difficult to treat health conditions are the result of endocannabinoid deficiencies.

Hemp CBD Supplements the Messengers of Your Endocannabinoid System

Hemp CBD is a natural dietary supplement that can protect you from the consequences of endocannabinoid deficiencies. Just like you would take calcium to fortify your bones, or glucosamine to protect your joints, you can use hemp oil to supplement the processes regulated by your endocannabinoid system.

This is a significant discovery. Under the strain of illness, stress, or injury your body may need more endocannabinoids than it can produce. When there are not enough messengers to interact with the endocannabinoid receptors the communication processes can deteriorate.

The cannabinoids in CBD mimic the effects of your naturally occurring cannabinoids, plus the effects of exogenous cannabinoids are stronger and longer lasting than anandamide and 2-AG. By interacting with the receptors of your endocannabinoid system, hemp CBD is shown to provide significant health and wellness benefits.

CBD oil is not a medication. It is not a cure for any medical disorder. CBD is a dietary supplement with the potential to support the functions of your endocannabinoid system. The many reported benefits of CBD are based on laboratory tests, animal studies, case studies, and the testimonies of those who claim health and wellness benefits from using CBD products.

Available to Anyone Interested in Endocannabinoid Support

CBD is just one of the 113 non-psychoactive and potentially beneficial cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Many people are initially concerned when they learn that CBD is extracted from cannabis, but there is no cause for alarm. There are two potential sources. CBD (Cannabidiol) is found abundantly in hemp and marijuana. The CBD from hemp will not cause intoxication. That’s because hemp CBD does not contain high levels of THC, the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects, the euphoria, that marijuana is known for.

While marijuana CBD contains 5-30 percent THC, hemp derived CBD contains only trace amounts. It’s the .3 percent THC (or less) content that differentiates the two plants. Most of the CBD products you will find online are processed from industrial hemp. Since hemp oil cannot cause intoxication, it is available to anyone interested in endocannabinoid supplementation.

Your endocannabinoid system was discovered because scientists were curious about the effects of cannabis on the brain. Investigating the effects of THC prompted the discovery of the endocannabinoid receptors, the cannabinoids produced by the body, and the significance of endocannabinoid supplementation.

CBD mimics the effects of the neurotransmitters produced in your body and interacts with the receptors of your endocannabinoid system. For more information about the many potential benefits of hemp CBD, visit CBDistillery to download  The Ultimate CBD User Guide. We offer a quality assortment of non-psychoactive CBD tinctures, capsules, topical products and CBD pet products.

Additional Sources

https://www.labroots.com/trending/cannabis-sciences/8456/endocannabinoid-system-discovered

https://echoconnection.org/discovery-endocannabinoid-system/

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/4d1b/e7fae3e0b28ffe5c2a04523348b3ac1a07b7.pdf