At Abundant Labs, our goal is to be a trusted cannabis/hemp extract supplier. Gaining trust is a difficult task, and it should always be preserved. One of the best ways to inform your customers about the quality of their purchase is through third-party certification. This blog article will clarify the benefits of certification and the steps necessary to attain NSF certification.

What Is the NSF?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal regulatory body created in 1950 under the Truman Administration. The purpose of the NSF is “to promote the progress of science; [and] to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare by supporting research and education in all fields of science and engineering.”

The NSF provides certification services for hemp-derived CBD products and testing services for both THC levels and residual solvents. They can also certify your facility operations for safety and quality. National and international accreditation bodies, such as ANSI and ANAB, have accredited NSF certification programs to various international standards.

What Does NSF Certification Mean? 

NSF certification is key to ensuring that the products you use are safe for public consumption. It provides assurance that a product and facilities are impartially reviewed to established criteria or guidelines, ensuring that your customers get the safest possible products.

Operators, resellers, and manufacturers all look for NSF certification to ensure that production standards are met or exceeded, making it a worthwhile investment for producers.

How to Get NSF Certified

If you’re looking to get your CBD and hemp products certified by NSF International, it’s essential to know what certification you need and how to get it.

The certification process is a multi-step endeavor. First, you will submit an application detailing all product, brand, and facility information. Then, the NSF will independently test your product and inspect your facility. Once all inspections have been completed, your results will be reviewed, and you will receive your NSF certification. After being initially certified, you will consent to annual re-inspection and re-testing to maintain your status as an NSF-certified cannabis/hemp producer.

At Abundant Labs, we believe that third-party certification is crucial to the success of any company in the cannabis/hemp industry. We are proud to have achieved ISO 9001 certification, a globally recognized quality management system. Beyond this, our extraction processes exceed all current cannabis/hemp extraction standards set by Health Canada and The Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

We take pride in our ability to provide our clients with the highest quality products from start to finish — from plant materials through extraction and into finished products — and we remain committed to maintaining this standard for all of our clients.

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

In response to increased legalization and the sheer deluge of funding from venture capital firms and other investors, the cannabis/hemp sector has developed substantially in recent years. In 2020, the sector made history when New Jersey, Montana, South Dakota, and other states and jurisdictions opted to allow recreational cannabis/hemp usage.

The following year, New York, Virginia, New Mexico, and Connecticut joined the ranks of states that have legalized recreational marijuana usage. This year, despite the many legal ramifications, even more dispensaries will be seen popping up all over the country.

Outside of the legal implications, other challenges exist that add to the roadblocks faced by cannabis/hemp research and development initiatives. At Abundant Labs, while we have moved our business model from strictly hemp extraction to other extractions, our dedicated and spirited scientists are keen to work within the strict parameters already set.

Cannabis/Hemp Juice May Not be Worth the Squeeze

In theory, operating legally should lower expenses for cannabis/hemp businesses because they no longer have to disguise their operations, making legal cannabis/hemp cheaper and enabling the legal market to thrive while diminishing the illicit sector.

However, this outcome is only possible provided the expenses imposed by new restrictions do not exceed the costs that operators would otherwise pay in the unlawful market. Many current legal systems, critics contend, generate precisely this disparity.

Demand for legal cannabis/hemp may fall if legal producers pass these expenses on to consumers. Larger, well-funded enterprises are better able to endure these penalties than smaller operations, which are more likely to be local and have previously operated illegally.

Obtaining permissions, as well as meeting new regulatory standards for purity, testing, distribution, and transportation, can also be complicated and costly. As an example, setting up a cultivation facility in Long Beach, California could easily run up to $1 million.

Although the cannabis/hemp sector is sometimes portrayed as a boost to local tax collections, municipalities may fail to fully capitalize on this opportunity. Fewer than half of California municipal governments that have legalized cannabis/hemp commerce have local cannabis/hemp taxation.

Community Concerns Centered on Cannabis/Hemp

While we, at Abundant Labs, are adequately equipped to perform our specialized function, community concerns are yet another challenge that stands in the way of cannabis/hemp research and development.

cannabis/hemp growth operations, like other forms of agriculture, may destroy existing greenery to expand cultivation, potentially resulting in deforestation, forest fragmentation, wetland loss, soil erosion, and damage to sensitive ecosystems. Important carbon sinks can also be destroyed by deforestation and land clearing.

Other issues concerning the cannabis/hemp sector include increased traffic and littering, unintentional poisonings, traffic accidents, and arrests for driving under the influence. Local officials may be concerned about the presence of cash-based, nationally illegal enterprises in their town, thinking that significant on-site cash stocks may be used as a target by criminals.

Anti-cannabis/hemp stigma can lead to communities allowing cannabis/hemp being labeled as “dirty,” and/or opponents of cannabis/hemp may apply this label to cannabis/hemp firms and workers. The most common reasons given by many municipalities for prohibiting cannabis/hemp operations were moral objections and concerns about community quality of life.

Anti-cannabis/hemp stigma can have long-term detrimental effects on community integration and social capital, causing disaffection that limits resident involvement in and with government, creating an environment conducive to illegal activities.

One of the main goals of any enterprise is to turn a profit. This may prove challenging for some operating in the cannabis/hemp industry and will be one of the main causes standing in the way of research and development. Fortunately, the cannabis/hemp industry has already proven itself to be financially lucrative, and despite the many legislative barriers, there is hope that this challenge can be overcome.

Community is another fundamental aspect, as it deals with the social fabric as perceived by society at large. Despite being legalized in several states and its proven health benefits, cannabis/hemp use is still severely frowned upon. This may simply boil down to the traditionally negative stigma attached to cannabis use. As with all problems of this ilk, it merely becomes a PR issue. Abundant Labs and many others in the industry are dedicated to and hopeful of future public support of cannabis/hemp.

If you found this post helpful and want to know more about what we do here at Abundant Labs, feel free to reach out.

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

For thousands of years, natural remedies were the only choice for both the treatment and prevention of human ailments. Natural products are crucial resources for the creation of new medications and have become instrumental in the cannabis/hemp industry. Developing efficient and focused extraction and separation processes for bioactive natural compounds is a key element of creating high-quality cannabis/hemp products such as isolates, tinctures, and other non-flower-based medical and recreational cannabis/hemp items.

What types of natural product extraction exist today? Currently, there are a few methods being used by cannabis/hemp companies around the globe to extract different cannabinoids from the hemp plant, with more being researched and discovered year on year as the legal cannabis/hemp market grows. This article will be taking a closer look at the different types of natural product extraction, their benefits, and their downsides.

Hydrocarbon Product Extraction (Solvent-Based)

Hydrocarbon extraction, sometimes referred to as butane hash oil (BHO) extraction, is one of the most well-known and efficient solvent-based extraction techniques.

Hydrocarbons in the cannabis/hemp industry can be used to mass-produce a wide variety of high-quality cannabis/hemp concentrates. Although butane is the preferred solvent, some extractors mix it with propane (typically 70/30) to preserve more of the plant’s terpenes.

Pros:

• Because butane and propane extraction have very low boiling points, more cannabis/hemp and hemp chemicals can be preserved.
• Producers can extract more therapeutic chemicals from the same cannabis/hemp plant material using hydrocarbon extraction methods since their yields are great.
• Processors may produce a wide spectrum of cannabis/hemp concentrates (live resin, shatter, crumble, and HTFSE) to satisfy any consumer need by utilizing different propane and butane solvent mixtures.
• The FDA has approved some hydrocarbons for use by industries that process cannabis/hemp.

Cons:

• Setting up the facility and purchasing the necessary equipment for hydrocarbon extraction is expensive.

CO2 Extraction (Solvent-Based)

One of the most non-toxic and sustainable solvents available today is carbon dioxide. Hence, the next popular technique for extracting particular cannabinoids from the biomass of the cannabis/hemp plant is supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction.

Carbon dioxide is a gas at normal pressures and temperatures. However, when heated over critical points, which are 87.8°F and 1,070 psi, CO2 transforms into a supercritical fluid, which has properties of both a gas and a liquid.

The cannabis/hemp buds are rinsed with supercritical CO2 during the CO2 extraction process. The CO2 permeates the buds and separates the plant’s desired components like THC and CBD.

Pros:

• CO2 is non-flammable and non-toxic, so its products are more appealing to consumers. (With the right safety measures in place, however, any cannabis/hemp extraction techniques can be safe for consumption and production.)
• Although the extraction apparatus can have higher initial costs than other processes, CO2 is easily accessible at a relatively low cost as the solvent.
• CO2 is a tunable solvent because it responds differently to changes in temperature and pressure. Producers can carefully choose the desirable compounds they want to separate by fine-tuning these parameters.

Cons:

• This type of natural product extraction is less efficient and produces a lower yield than some other extraction methods.
• CO2 cannot extract the entire spectrum of terpenes. Most are either lost during the extraction process or remain in the biomass.

Alcohol Extraction (Solvent-Based)

Alcohol is an effective solvent for extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis/hemp and hemp in high quantities.

Depending on the intended result, ethanol extraction can be done at a wide range of cold and warm temperatures by pouring the ethanol over the raw plant material.

Unwanted components (such as excess ethanol) can be eliminated during the solvent removal process to produce a tasty and pure ethanol-based concentrate for the cannabis/hemp industry.

Pros:

• In comparison to other extraction solvents, facilities are typically permitted to hold more ethanol solvent.
• As a food-grade solvent with low hazardous risk, ethanol is safe to use in the extraction of cannabis/hemp.
• Electrical and labor costs for ethanol are cheaper. As cannabis/hemp growers improve the rate of their production, scaling may also become more economical.

Cons:

• Considering how highly flammable ethanol is, this extraction procedure is among the riskiest to perform.
• Cannabinoids and chlorophyll can be destroyed by ethanol as it travels through biomass.
• Frequently needs extra processing before it can be turned into a useful product.

Agitation (Solventless)

The trichomes on cannabis/hemp flower buds or trim, which can also be used to create a range of cannabis/hemp products, can be broken by agitation techniques. For instance, various mesh screens or sieves are used to separate cannabis/hemp trichomes known as dry sift kief from the plant. The resinous trichomes, which are gathered at the bottom, are broken apart by the sieves through manual or mechanical agitation.

Another method of extraction using agitation is called ice water extraction, which includes putting the cannabis/hemp material in a succession of mesh bags with a solution of ice and water. The trichomes are easily broken when stirred up in cold water and fall to the bottom of the bags, where they can be collected later.

Pros:

• A solvent-free extract gives many health-conscious customers peace of mind, and there is no risk of poisoning or injury during production.
• This method of extraction is largely accessible and affordable, even for home users.

Cons:

• Agitation extraction methods have a lower yield than other methods, such as hydrocarbon extraction.

Heat and Pressure Extraction (Solventless)

Low heat and pressure are employed in rosin pressing devices to melt and compress the sticky resin from cannabis/hemp. The sticky, potent oil created is known as “rosin.” You can dab rosin or include it in a range of products, such as tinctures, topicals, and edibles.

Pros:

• Comparatively easier to carry out than solvent-based extractions.
• Less hazardous than most solvent-based extraction methods.
• Solventless extracts can be produced in a range of colors and consistencies by just changing the heat and pressure.
• Rosin pressing produces concentrates of very high quality.

Cons:

• The finished product cannot be kept for an extended amount of time before being used as it is perishable.

The growing demand for medical cannabis/hemp is driving the development of novel and efficient ways of extracting phytocannabinoids. In today’s cannabis/hemp-conscious world, a cannabis/hemp extraction method is available for every degree of expertise and risk tolerance, as well as every budget and physical space restriction.

Abundant Labs is a pioneer in safe, effective natural product extraction. We employ only the best methods to create only the best products. When you choose to work with us, you can trust that all safety precautions are adhered to strictly, and all cannabis/hemp products are of the absolute highest quality: that’s the Abundant Labs way. Visit our website for more information on our services or to view our full range of products.

Often our clients reach out to us to determine if CBD (Cannabidiol) is appropriate for treating various symptoms or illnesses. We always recommend contacting a physician before starting any new form of treatment, as we find it beneficial to share the background research we have come across.

Although there is limited available research on cannabinoids, new information is becoming readily available as more clinical trials are underway or completed.

With long work days and the additional stressors brought on by the COVID-19 virus, most of us are seeking that extra energy boost to combat fatigue. Two common questions relating to CBD we often hear are:

• Does CBD give you an energy boost?
• Does CBD boost concentration and focus?

In this post, we’re going to explore the clinical research on CBD as an energy aid.

Does CBD Give You Energy or Make You Tired?

While studies have shown that THC (or delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is effective as a sleep aid, several groups have begun to explore the effect of CBD as a wake-inducing agent.

In a previous post, we discussed how THC binds to the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors found naturally in the human nervous system. CB1 receptors are primarily active within your brain, central nervous system, lungs, liver, and kidneys.

Meanwhile, CBD does not bind to a specific endocannabinoid receptor and does not produce psychoactive effects, suggesting that CBD is a compound with potential medical use. CB2 receptors are mostly found on immune cells, circulating throughout the body and brain via the bloodstream.

More importantly, CB2 receptors are present in the brain when inflammation or injury occurs. All systems within the body, including our nervous system, are constantly trying to reach a state of homeostasis.

It is important to note that when THC binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, it acts as an agonist.

When CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors, it acts as an antagonist and has the opposite effect on the body when directly compared to THC.

Therefore, it is suspected that CBD counteracts some of the effects of THC. This brings us back to our introductory question: “Does CBD give you an energy boost?”

Does CBD give you an energy boost?

In a 2004 study by Nicholson et al., researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of THC and CBD on sleeping patterns. The study found that administering 15mg of THC did not affect nocturnal sleep. However, for participants given 5mg of THC and 5mg of CBD, there was a decrease in stage 3 sleep. The amount of CBD increased to 15mg, and the participants’ wakefulness increased.

Conversely, in a 2013 study by Chagas et al., researchers found that systematic administration of CBD increased sleep time and sleep latency in rats, which begs the question: why the conflicting information?

Can CBD Help You Sleep?

We often hear from our customers that CBD does help them sleep. But does it make you tired?

More than likely, upon ingesting the CBD, it begins to express its well-known anxiolytic properties that decrease anxiety, allowing individuals to rest easily without the world’s worries on their shoulders.

The endocannabinoid system is continually working to reach homeostasis, so administering one cannabinoid or the other could have different effects due to the body’s state before consumption.

As we all know, a good night’s sleep helps our bodies recharge and take on a new day. CBD can indirectly be an energy and focus booster. However, CBD won’t be a quick “pick me up” like a caffeinated beverage.

The increased focus and concentration can be attributed to the anxiolytic properties of CBD. Everyone tends to perform better when anxiety is lessened, so we can focus on the matter at hand.

Like most clinical trials, a large population is necessary to determine the efficacy of supplements. More research is essential to decide on the precise effects of each cannabinoid. Currently, more than 120 different cannabinoids have been identified within the human nervous system, so researchers have plenty to investigate as more research funding on the Cannabis/Hemp Sativa plant becomes available.

CBD Products For Energy and Relaxation Effects

It is essential to note the method of administration and the type of CBD product being used. CBD tinctures are a mixture of CBD (whether CBD isolates or distillates) and essential oils.

Abundant Labs has developed two formulas for CBD tinctures — Energy and Calm.

Both of these CBD tinctures contain the same full-spectrum distillate. However, the accompanying essential oils vary.

The Energy formula is composed of essential oils known to be uplifting, while the Calm formula is made of essential oils that exhibit more relaxing effects.

Visit our online store to read more about our cGMP-certified cannabis/hemp extracts and retail products.

Abundant Labs is here to help you find the product best suited for you or your customer’s needs.

*Disclaimer*

Abundant Labs recommends contacting a physician before starting any new form of treatment, as we find it beneficial to share the background research we have come across.

Infographic Text

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

States all throughout the nation are looking for new, high-growth industries to get involved in. It appears that cannabis/hemp could be one of those industries. cannabis/hemp sales reached $26.5 billion in 2020 (when only predicted to reach $26 billion) and are projected to reach $32 billion or more in 2022. Analysts estimate the value of the cannabis/hemp market each year. And each year, that number is higher than anticipated. Let’s take a look at all the top trends and stats you need to know about cannabis/hemp in 2022 to keep up with this ever-changing, exponentially growing industry.

US Cannabis/Hemp Industry as a Whole

The cannabis/hemp industry is booming.

According to New Frontier Data’s calculations, the legal cannabis/hemp market will be worth more than $57 billion by 2030, based on a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11% between 2020 and 2030.

Wall Street anticipates that the industry’s value will increase significantly by 2030 and will reach $100 billion. That’s undoubtedly feasible given the rising consumer demand and the new legal marketplaces that emerge annually.

Cannabis/Hemp Industry in 2021

• Some Up, Some Down

While the cannabis/hemp industry as a whole is currently flourishing, some states, particularly more developed markets, are starting to see sales decline year over year.

Since July 2021, Colorado’s sales have been decreasing. In February 2022, they were approximately 4% lower than in January and 13% lower than in the same month in the previous year. Despite this drop, they are still breaking records with $2.22 billion in cannabis/hemp sales in 2021.

While this trend is more common in older markets, we are still seeing it in some newer ones. When compared to December 2021, sales in Arizona fell by about 10% in January 2022. The medical industry in Hawaii has also had poor annual growth, falling from 110% growth in 2019 to 68% growth in 2020 to barely 12% growth in 2021.

Although growth may be slightly slowing, this doesn’t indicate sales aren’t remaining steady; rather, it just shows that consumers are becoming accustomed to legalization and are buying in more consistent amounts.

• Social Equity 

Weedmaps reports that 57% of cannabis/hemp users think everyone should have access to job possibilities in the cannabis/hemp business and that everyone would profit from those equitable opportunities.

The majority of respondents indicated they want to support minority and women-owned cannabis/hemp companies and 37% said they want to visit LGBTQ+ owned cannabis/hemp businesses.

(For a list of cannabis/hemp-related initiatives offered, consult this guide to social equity programs for dispensaries.)

Cannabis/Hemp So Far in 2022

• Cannabis/Hemp is Gaining Popularity 

The number of American people who claim to have tried cannabis/hemp is currently at 49%, which is the highest figure recorded to date according to Gallup. Only 40% of Americans claimed to have used cannabis/hemp at some time in their lives just 7 years ago.

The statistics revealed generational patterns as the cause of the increase, with 50% of Baby Boomers, 49% of Gen Xers, and 51% of Millennials reporting having used marijuana, compared to 19% of those born before 1945. (Based on statistics compiled from 2015 to 2021).

Additionally, according to Weedmaps’ 2021 survey of cannabis/hemp consumers, the pandemic has caused half of the respondents to start taking more cannabis/hemp since March 2020. In the first half of 2021, compared to the same period in 2020, online cannabis/hemp orders rose by 55%.

• Edible Enjoyment 

Except for Gen Z, who placed vapes as the top buy in 2020 and 2021, every generation’s top purchase in Eaze’s 2022 report was edibles. Interestingly, all generations ranked flower third in 2021, with Boomer’s rating lower than they did in 2020.

Given these two demographics prefer to buy edibles more frequently, the popularity of edibles will probably continue to grow as more young cannabis/hemp consumers reach the legal drinking age and as markets mature.

• Concentrate on Concentrates

While flower still commands a sizable share of the market, edibles and concentrates are becoming more and more well-liked as consumers gain more knowledge about cannabis/hemp and the marketplaces become more established.

Concentrates made up 2% more of the total in 2021 (from 22% to 24%).

• Women Entering and Overtaking Cannabis/Hemp Market Demographic

According to headset statistics, cannabis/hemp sales to both men and women have grown since 2020 with women experiencing the most growth. Headset examined data from early 2020 to late 2021 and discovered a 55% increase in sales to female clients. On the other hand, sales to male clients were up by 49%.

Additionally, their research reveals that while just around one-third of all cannabis/hemp sales belong to female consumers, their market share increased from 31.7% in 2020 to 32.6% in 2021.

Men continue to make up the majority of new customers despite the growing female market share, albeit only slightly. According to an Eaze analysis from 2022, of the new clients who consumed in 2021, 48% were women, and 52% were men.

• Ease of Deliveries

In 2020 anything that aided consumers in receiving their products swiftly and safely – including online ordering, curbside pickup, and delivery – rose in popularity. Weedmaps indicated a further 60% increase in cannabis/hemp delivery in the first half of 2021, continuing the trend that began in 2020.

The ecommerce possibilities made possible by the pandemic are still appealing to cannabis/hemp consumers. According to the State of the cannabis/hemp Industry study from 2020, stores with order-ahead capabilities typically sold 22% more than those without.

What Does This Tell Us?

These statistics show us a few key things that will make or break cannabis/hemp businesses in 2022. The first is the legal cannabis/hemp market is rapidly growing, meaning there is plenty of space for new businesses to make their way up the ranks and for job opportunities to grow.

Statistically, it is in businesses’ best interests to diversify their employee demographics – and ethically, it’s a no-brainer. Additionally, it will be beneficial for cannabis/hemp businesses to look into catering to the growing female demographic.

Lastly, cannabis/hemp flower is not the be-all and end-all of the industry! Diversify your product list with edibles, concentrates, CBD products, tinctures, etc., in order to stay current and cast your net as wide as possible when attracting new customers.

We at Abundant Labs wish all those in the cannabis/hemp industry a most prosperous 2022! Be sure to view our website for the crème de la crème of cannabis/hemp products and natural product extraction services.