Harmony Valley Farm CBD – Information and Uses

Hemp plants growing in the field at HVF

All Harmony Valley Farm (HVF) products are certified organic, which includes our CBD oil and CBD flowers. Our hemp products are grown in highly mineralized soil which includes trace minerals, and are subsurface irrigated as needed.  In other words, our hemp plants are grown in conditions which allow them to exhibit their full genetic expression!

Initial Lab Testing: Before we harvest our hemp plants, a representative from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) comes to the field and collects samples.  These samples are lab tested to verify that the THC content is less than 0.3%.  As a reference, marijuana typically tests between 15% to 30% THC content.

Hemp plants air-drying after harvest

Harvest: All HVF hemp is harvested by hand, and only the best buds are harvested.  The main stalk buds are harvested separately to use as CBD flowers, and the rest of the high quality buds are harvested to make into CBD oil.

After harvest, the hemp buds that are destined to become CBD oil are hung to dry in a clean space that is free of birds and rodents. When the flowers are dry the leaves are first removed, then the flowers are stripped from the stalks and stored for oil processing in small batches.

The main stalk buds are also hung to dry in a clean, pest-free space.  However, these flowers are more slowly dried and then cured.  After the curing process is complete these flowers are ready to be smoked or made into edibles.

HVF Single-Source CBD Oil

CBD Oil Processing: The buds that have been dried for CBD oil are transported to Driftless Dreams’ facility for processing.  Their new ‘white coat’ lab facility is also certified organic, ensuring that our completed CBD oil is certified organic each step of the way.  The Driftless Dreams facility is one of very few certified organic labs in the Midwest.  In order to maintain this certification they use a small batch press which uses only high pressure and heat to extract the CBD from the hemp flowers.  Heat is a necessary component of this process. Heating removes molecular carbon from the plant material, which activates the CBD making it available to the body.  One benefit of pressing the oil in small batches is that it allows for the individual inspection of the flowers before pressing.

Due to the organic certification of our CBD oil, it is guaranteed that no solvent extracted processing was used.  Solvent extracted oils are typically produced using ethanol.  This extraction method is used by other companies because it is cheaper and can be done in large batches.  Unfortunately, this method results in a lower quality oil which does not contain the full profile of 85+ cannabinoids and terpenes, and likely will contain unwanted solvent residues.  CBD oil from Harmony Valley Farm will always contain the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, and will never include unwanted solvents or chemicals.

CBD Oil Testing: After Driftless Dreams extracts pressed rosin from our hemp flowers they have a sample lab tested for CBD content.  These lab results are used to precisely mix the CBD rosin with MCT coconut oil for bottling.  This ensures that each bottle of HVF CBD oil contains the same concentration of CBD no matter which batch it was made from.

Storage: We store the dried flower buds at a cool temperature, and have batches of oil pressed as needed.  Once pressed and bottled we recommend storing the oil in the refrigerator for up to one year.  After refrigeration the MCT coconut oil will have a cloudy appearance, but will return to a more clear oil at room temperature.  Make sure to shake the closed bottle of oil before each use to maintain a consistent CBD content within the solution.

When storing the dried hemp flowers it is recommended to use an air tight container and to store the flowers at a cooler temperature, although they do not need to be refrigerated.  This will ensure that the flowers maintain their quality until you are ready to use them.

Carefully selected Hemp Flowers,
Dried and ready for use 

How to Use Hemp Flowers: When using the hemp flowers there are two delivery options- ingesting orally (edibles) or inhaled (smoking or vaping).  Ingesting CBD in the form of edibles is a tasty option.  For example, you can make CBD butter which can then be used to make baked goods such as cookies or brownies, or simply spread on a piece of toast.  The benefits of the CBD will be delayed 30-90 minutes, and some will be lost in the digestive process.  By contrast, smoking or vaping the flowers is a fast and efficient way to feel the effects of the CBD in just a few minutes. However, the effects of the CBD when inhaled will only last for a couple of hours

How to Use CBD Oil: CBD oil can be taken orally or used as a topical treatment.  When taking the oil orally it is recommended to use the sublingual method.  To do this you place the oil under the tongue and hold it in place for one to two minutes without swallowing.  When used this way the CBD is able to bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream directly. The effects of the CBD will become apparent more quickly with the sublingual method than if the oil is simply swallowed. However, swallowing the oil is still an effective, though slower, delivery method.

For shallow physical aches and pains CBD can be administered topically.  To use the CBD oil topically simply massage the oil into the area where you are experiencing pain or discomfort.  The oil needs to be massaged into the area for only a few minutes to be effective.

A Note about the Taste of the CBD Oil: When HVF CBD oil is held under your tongue you will notice the taste of a full spectrum CBD.  Along with the distinct flavor of hemp flowers, you will also taste the unique characteristic of our chosen CBD strain “Suver Haze”.  Oregon Organics, the producers of this strain, describe the flavor profile as a “walk through an orange orchard in bloom”.  There is also an after taste with a bitter profile, which is completely normal and is the result of the beneficial terpenes. We choose not to mask these tastes with artificial flavoring as some do.  The strong, distinct flavor is your guarantee that you are getting the full CBD spectrum and potential benefits.

A Note about the Legality of CBD: Our CBD products are completely legal and conform to state and federal regulations.  Our products are tested by a third party and ensured to contain less than 0.3% THC. Use of our CBD products will not produce any psychoactive effects or feelings of being “high”.

Benefits of CBD: The use of CBD products may provide some relief from:

• Anxiety disorders and PTSD *+
• Depression *+
• Arthritis Pain *
• Chronic Pain +
• Inflammation *+
• Chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting *
• Sleep deprivation +
• Oxidative Stress +
• Metabolism and body weight +
• Some pet owners are also using CBD to treat their animal friends’ discomfort. Our old dog Jack receives a high dose of CBD for his weight, and despite his severe arthritis he is able to make it to work every day on his own four paws.

Side Effects of CBD: CBD has been shown to be safe for humans, even with regular high doses.  Also, side effects for CBD are rare.  The most common side effect is tiredness/drowsiness, which can be mitigated by splitting up your CBD dosage throughout the day, or by only taking CBD before bed. Other possible side effects include:

• Diarrhea
• Change in appetite
• Lowered blood pressure

Dosage: CBD dosage is very individual, and is dependent on a variety of factors. Your body weight, personal body chemistry, sensitivity to CBD and medical conditions can factor in, as well as the condition you wish to treat and the method with which you use the CBD.  It is necessary to pay attention to your own experiences with CBD to determine the dosage that produces your desired effects. Your daily dose of CBD can be divided into 2-3 doses throughout the day to maintain the effects all day long.  A simple formula for determining your initial daily dosage is 5 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight.  (Source: CBDoil.org/cbd-dosage-guide) Our CBD oil contains 1200 mg of CBD per 2 ounce (60 mL) bottle of oil, so a full dropper (1 mL) contains 20 mg of CBD.  The following chart is a more detailed estimation of daily dosage levels based on body weight, and may be helpful for figuring out initial dosages:

Sources:

* CBDoil.org/cbd-dosage-guide

+ Acres USA, June 2019 issue, “The Low Down on CBD” by Maryam Henein