Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of particular hemp-derived products.

Hemp plants are a species of cannabis plant within the Cannabaceae family. The term “hemp” is used to distinguish cannabis that contains 0.3 percent or less THC content by dry weight from plants with a higher THC content. Hemp can be used to make a variety of products, which will be explored further in this article.

Textiles and Paper Products

Hemp fabric is a form of textile manufactured from fibers extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant’s stalks. For millennia, this plant has been recognized as a source of extremely tensile and durable textile fibers. Cultivators have purposely lowered the quantities of psychotropic cannabinoids produced by their crops in order to breed Cannabis sativa to produce stronger and superior fibers.

Hemp has a texture similar to cotton when turned into fabric, but it also has a canvas-like feel. Hemp fabric does not shrink and is highly resistant to pilling. Hemp fabric is very soft, but it is also quite durable, as the fibers from this plant are long and tough. While a regular cotton T-shirt lasts 10 years at most, a hemp T-shirt may last double or triple that period. Hemp cloth is three times stronger than cotton fabric, according to some estimations. This makes hemp an incredibly popular fabric choice.

Despite being illegal for many decades, the 2014 federal Farm Bill permitted cultivation of industrial hemp for research purposes on the federal level in the United States. More and more states are taking matters into their own hands and growing this crop for commercial purposes without the explicit permission of the federal government. In most cases, the states pursuing this agricultural endeavor are those that have also legalized the use of recreational marijuana.

In 1916, American agricultural experts found that hemp pulp could be used to create paper. Not only did paper made from hemp have better characteristics, but it also produced four times as much paper per acre than paper made from trees. Hemp-based paper has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient China and Egypt. Despite the fact that it produced a larger yield and was more environmentally friendly, hemp fiber production was essentially non-existent on a national basis by 1933 thanks to the wood-pulp paper industry.

It was their lobbying efforts in the early 20th century that contributed to the smear campaign against hemp. Luckily, hemp paper products can be produced today, and are an incredibly popular greener alternative to traditional wood-pulp papers.

Balms, lotions, and other topicals

Another popular method of consuming hemp is by using CBD products. Non-psychoactive and full of medicinal properties, CBD is an incredibly popular choice in alternative medicine and naturopathy. Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of particular hemp-derived products.

Overall, lotions and balms sparked the most interest among consumers in the US followed by gummies, tinctures, and supplements, allowing consumers to enjoy a wide variety of CBD products. While research is still in its early stages, some data suggest that topical CBD may be beneficial in the treatment of muscle soreness. The potential of CBD for pain and inflammation was highlighted in a 2018 study, while its pain-relieving properties were mentioned in a 2019 study.

Topical CBD may also help cure certain skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema, or acne according to other research. CBD ointment is a safe and efficient treatment for inflammatory skin disorders, according to a 2019 study, and may help improve skin hydration and suppleness.

Ingestible hemp products

The last popular category includes gummies, vapes, or other methods of consuming CBD or hemp-derived products. CBD can be extracted from the hemp plant and mixed with a solvent to create an extract or distillate.

Extracts and distillates can be consumed orally as a tincture or oil, and they can also be combined with other ingredients to create edibles. Distillate can also be vaped. These products are incredibly popular for their versatility and enjoyable delivery method. Inhalation causes the quickest results, whereas oral consumption typically requires 30 minutes to 1 hour to fully kick in.

Hemp products are an extremely popular category in markets today. The legalization of cannabis in the United States has opened doors for producers in all industries to take advantage of this wonderful plant and all of its benefits. If you’re interested in high-quality, lab-tested extracts or topicals, Abundant Labs is here to help. Contact us today to learn more.

Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of particular hemp-derived products

Hemp can be used in numerous ways, from plant fibers to the compounds within it: its natural versatility has led to an increase in the availability of products in the hemp space. When considering which hemp derivative to purchase, you must first understand the differences between your options. Below is a breakdown of the differences between crude, distillate, isolate, and other hemp-derived products.

The act of accurately raising the temperature of the mixture to activate the cannabinoids is known as decarboxylation, or “decarbing.” This is the first step in extracting CBD from the hemp plant.

CBD-A is the precursor to CBD (and many other cannabinoids). This extra “A” stands for CBD’s naturally occurring acidic condition. Cannabinoids that are acidic are not considered active until the acid is eliminated by decarboxylation. CBD-A can only supply the potential advantages after it has been activated by this process. CBD-A is converted to CBD during this stage and thus becomes active. Once it becomes active, medicinal products can be made.

Crude CBD Oil

Crude CBD oil is as close as you can get to the chemical makeup of the real plant as it grows in the ground. Every chemical and component found in hemp is present in this dark-brown to black liquid. Crude contains over 80 distinct phytocannabinoids, as well as terpenes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, among several other natural plant compounds. Crude is unrefined. The phytocompounds that remain in CBD crude, such as chlorophyll, give it a pronounced plant flavour. Due to what is known as “the entourage effect,” it is theorized to be optimal for individuals looking to gain the highest therapeutic potential from their product because it contains a wide range of plant chemicals in a concentrated form.

This is a mechanism called “The entourage effect.”  The entourage effect supposes that cannabis chemicals other than tetrahydrocannabinol work together to control the plant’s overall psychoactive effects. However, this theory is highly debated among scientists and researchers.

If one were to further distill crude CBD, they would next go through the process known as winterization, where contaminants are further filtered out. First, a  solution of high-purity ethanol and crude extract is required for winterization. After these two have been well combined, the mixture is frozen for 24-48 hours in a laboratory-grade freezer.

The lipids and waxes in the mixture harden and separate from the extracted CBD during this process. The gelatinized contaminants are subsequently disposed of by technicians. Rotary evaporation is used in the final step of winterization.

Distillate 

Distillate is a broad category referring to different ranges of CBD purity. Concentrations are upwards of 80% CBD, and it is often a viscous liquid that is amber or honey-like in its coloring. Due to its adaptability, purity, and potency, distillate has acquired favor among CBD brands over the past few years.

Distillation is the process of selectively separating chemicals from a liquid. They separate by carefully heating the liquid. The degree to which to a certain boiling point for the chemical a company wishes to isolate. The targeted compound begins to boil, condense, and collect in a separate container once the correct equipment and temperature are in place.

Full-spectrum distillate (FSD) maintains the closest natural cannabinoid and terpene composition. Users can get the most out of the entourage effect by using products that use full-spectrum distillate. Broad-spectrum CBD distillate, or THC-free distillate, has undergone THC remediation to fully remove traces from the distillate.

Isolate

CBD isolate is a pure extract of the cannabinoid cannabidiol, as opposed to complete and broad-spectrum CBD (CBD). Isolate products exclusively contain cannabidiol and no other cannabinoids or terpenes found naturally in hemp plants. It can thus boast a 99% purity rating. This is achieved through extensive extraction and distillation procedures. When the right distillation processes and machinery are used, next-level purity can be achieved.

Labs like Abundant Labs are leading the way with state-of-the-art distillation technologies. They don’t skimp on equipment, nor do they take shortcuts. That’s why their product boasts the highest possible purity ratings and is the cleanest on the market. If you’re interested in CBD extracts, Abundant Labs has your back. Contact us today at https://abundantlabs.comcontact-us/

Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of particular hemp-derived products.
Though both are technically concentrates, distillates contain a less robust terpene profile, allowing for more specific dosing. Concentrates, on the other hand, encompass a wide variety of products. In this article, we break down the differences between two popular products: distillates and concentrates.

What are distillates and concentrates?

Distillate is an extract from Hemp/Cannabis refined to remove undesired compounds and plant material from the final product, leaving only the pure form of one specific cannabinoid behind. These extracts do not retain the natural terpenes found within the cannabis plant and have no flavor or aroma.

Since distillate has little to no taste, manufacturers control their final products’ smell and taste profiles. This has given manufacturers the ability to create products without an overpowering or strong taste of cannabis, which can be especially useful in manufacturing vapes and edibles.
Since it is the pure form of one specific cannabinoid, distillate is incredibly strong. This potent and simplified compound is also very versatile and can be vaporized quite cleanly.

A hemp extract is a sort of concentrate, with specific extraction processes varying slightly depending on the solvent utilized. In general, the procedure entails mixing hemp plant elements with another chemical or substance. The plant matter separates from the cannabinoid-infused solvent, which is either evaporated or eliminated by another method. This is what leaves us with the highly-concentrated hemp compounds.

Concentrate contains more organic plant matter and is not one specific cannabinoid in its purest form. While concentrates are potent and take immediate effect, they aren’t as strong as distillates. They’re also combustible, so you can smoke concentrates at high temperatures.

Read more about concentrates in our article here.

Benefits of both options

Distillates have the highest THC or CBD content percentage of all the cannabis extracts available. Ranging from 75–85%, they are truly ahead of the competition in terms of strength and potency. For example, dried flower rests around 15-25%, while BHO and CO2 extracts cap around 60-80%.

One drawback of distillate, though, is the lack of terpenes. Terpenes are naturally occurring plant compounds that give cannabis its characteristic smells, flavors, and colors; terpenes also offer numerous medical benefits! Since distillates remove all plant matter, terpenes get swept away in the process.

Concentrates come complete with a total terpene profile, so you can experience all the benefits of cannabis in a convenient vehicle. For medical patients especially, distillates and concentrates are helpful because they can allow for precise dosing. Concentrate is a broad-spectrum product and allows consumers to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of certain terpenes while dabbling in a balanced cannabinoid experience.

Both distillates and concentrates can provide cannabis enthusiasts with a stronger, more specific effect than just flower. Distillates give smokers the benefit of enjoying a pure, potent product with no carcinogens, toxins, or plant matter. Concentrates offer the medicinal benefits of terpenes and the natural flavors of cannabis. At Abundant Labs, we offer high-quality CBD distillates and concentrates, so you can have the best of both worlds.

Medical decisions should not be made based on advertising. Consult a physician on the benefits and risks of particular hemp-derived products.

Extracts and concentrates are becoming the go-to items for consumers as the cannabis (hemp)  market evolves. These products are particularly appealing due to their unbeatable flavor profiles, increased strength, and healthy consumption. With the steady growth of the legal cannabis (hemp) market, the number of different cannabis (hemp) extracts that are available is increasing as well to keep up with consumer demand. As a result, a variety of cannabis (hemp) extracts have been introduced, and we’ve compiled a handy list of them to help you choose the best cannabis (hemp) product for you! (Or simply to sate your curiosity).

What Is An Extract?

The terms “extract” and “concentrate” are sometimes used synonymously, however, this is not entirely accurate. Every extract is a concentrate but not every concentrate is an extract. 

A cannabis (hemp) extract is a sort of cannabis (hemp) concentrate that is made through the use of solvents such as butane, propane, ethanol, and supercritical carbon dioxide, although, there are alternative solventless cannabis (hemp) extraction methods as well. 

The specifics of cannabis (hemp) extraction processes vary slightly depending on the solvent utilized. In general, the procedure entails mixing cannabis (hemp) plant elements with another chemical or substance in such a way that all of the plant’s cannabinoids are removed. The plant matter is subsequently separated from the cannabinoid-infused solvent, which is either evaporated or eliminated by another method. This is what leaves us with the highly-concentrated cannabis (hemp) compounds we know and love. 

So, how many extract types are there? 

Cannabis (hemp) extracts usually get their names from their textures (which can range from liquid cannabis (hemp) oil extracts to crumble, a dry, powdery THC extract) or in some cases, by the method of extraction. 

There is a myriad of extracts currently in existence, and it’s likely that we’ll see many more being developed as the cannabis (hemp) industry grows – and cannabis (hemp) research and science with it. Some of the most common cannabis (hemp) extracts on the market as of today are as follows: 

• Crumble

Known as plain crumble, crumble dab, or cannabis (hemp) wax, this cannabis (hemp) extract gets its name from its crumbly texture and tends to be one of the stronger concentrates. Crumble is commonly used to treat pain, anxiety, depression, and stress.

• Wax

Due to its elevated potency, amazing scent and flavor, and rapid effects, cannabis (hemp) wax is one of the most popular extracts. It has an opaque color, spanning from light to dark golden with a soft and flexible consistency and waxy texture, hence the name “wax.”

• Shatter

Cannabis (hemp) shatter extracts have a golden-amber sheen and pure, clean flavors due to their extraction process, which leaves them with a glasslike appearance. The name “shatter” is fitting for this translucent cannabis (hemp) extract.

• Budder 

Budder is generally extracted through the use of butane or carbon dioxide, purged at high temperatures, and then “whipped” into its final butter-like consistency. This cannabis (hemp) extract type generally has a high potency as well as being extremely pure.

• Live Resin

Live resin is produced from raw plants rather than dried cannabis (hemp) plant materials, giving this extract extremely rich aromas. It’s usually a dark yellow color, and it’s highly sticky, so you’ll need a dab rig to manage it.

• ISO Hash

Isopropyl hash oil, often known as QWISO (quick-wash hash oil), is a cannabis (hemp) extract made with isopropyl alcohol or ethanol as the solvent.

• Butane Hash Oil

Butane hash oil (BHO) is any cannabis (hemp) extract generated using butane as the principal solvent in an extraction process. It includes various different types of concentrates, each of which has its own texture and consistency.

• CO2 Oil

This cannabis (hemp) extract is created through supercritical fluid extraction and generally has its focus on terpenes rather than cannabinoids. 

• Tincture

Cannabis (hemp) tinctures are alcohol-based and interestingly enough, these were the main form of cannabis (hemp) medicines prior to cannabis (hemp) prohibition in the US. This cannabis (hemp) extract is an ideal starting point for new recreational and medical cannabis (hemp) users due to its fast-acting effects and discreet, easy-to-dose form.

Many studies have investigated the health benefits of cannabis (hemp) extracts for medical marijuana patients, and many recreational cannabis (hemp) consumers enjoy their potency and discreet methods of consumption. It’s no wonder the list of available cannabis (hemp) extracts is steadily growing. At Abundant Labs, we utilize scientific methods and approaches to provide you with high-quality, consistent, and safe cannabis (hemp) products. Shop our range of premium cannabis (hemp) extracts and other products on our website. 

Cannabis or hemp-derived byproducts have been used by mankind in a variety of ways since the dawn of civilization. The ingestion of hemp derivatives can take many different forms, and non-smoking methods of ingesting this plant have become increasingly popular over the past few years! 

THC and CBD syrups are just what they sound like: they’re infused syrups that can be ingested on their own or mixed with other liquids. As extraction and infusion techniques have improved, the variety of drinks available to consumers has increased, so where does this leave the beverage industry, and what does the future look like for hemp beverages?

What are THC and CBD syrups?

As the name suggests, THC and CBD syrups are liquid hemp products made by mixing distilled plant extract with an oil base. They typically are made with vegetable or coconut oil and can also be mixed with sugars. With THC syrups especially, the highs come on faster and last longer than they would with traditional edibles due to their liquidity. CBD, though not psychoactive like THC, functions the same when extracted and mixed into an oil or syrup base. 

The smokeless highs are quite attractive to both recreational and medical consumers! The low barrier to entry allows chronically ill people to seek natural pain relief without unnecessary discomfort, and those just looking for a fun time can enjoy a fast-acting, powerful high without a smell! 

What does this mean for the drink industry?

Traditionally, THC syrups are very sugary and have a flavor profile reminiscent of cough syrup. For some, this is part of their appeal. However, not all consumers are looking for a lean alternative. Luckily, the market is diversifying and innovators across the industry are coming up with new and innovative THC and CBD syrups. 

These products are now available in a wide variety of flavors with varying sugar contents. In turn, the flavored syrups are being used to create a range of different drink options! Major players across the food and beverage industry like Pabst, known for the famous PBR,  are even beginning to dabble in hemp-derived beverages. Indie brands in regions where marijuana is legal are also making new and exciting drinks.  

The future of hemp beverages

These are still relatively new to the scene: though options are being produced at a record rate, there’s still plenty of room for the industry to grow. THC’s recreational popularity may lead to a new competitor for alcoholic beverages, and we could see the introduction of hemp drinks on tap at local bars and restaurants in the future! Lemonade, soda, and even coffee can be infused with THC syrup of varying flavors, creating a unique taste and experience.

CBD may even become a more popular drink infusion for casual consumption: its non-psychoactive qualities provide consumers with relaxation and pain relief without distorting their thoughts, making it an excellent medicinal infusion. Products like CBD infused-teas could become popular as well. 

When producing CBD and THC syrups, it is crucial to work with consistent dosages. When your product has an assured strength, consumers can feel comfortable giving themselves an adequate dose. Homemade distillation methods are often unreliable, and when creating products infused with hemp-derived products, knowing the concentration is important to have product uniformity. Most importantly, though, is consumer safety. This is why it is vitally necessary to source distillate from a reputable source. 

If you’re interested in creating your own CBD-infused drinks, consider sourcing your distillate product from a reliable lab like Abundant Labs. Their proprietary technologies ensure quality control and accurate data, allowing you to worry less about the extraction process and to relax, knowing your product is safe for consumers.

While we may not know exactly what the future holds, it is certain that CBD and THC syrups will play a major role in the beverage industry. Their medicinal benefits and fast-acting nature have made them extremely popular players in the hemp world. With major alcohol producers and other beverage companies jumping on the bandwagon, it’s clear the future is pointing in a positive direction for infused drinks.