What is CBD?

What Is Hemp?

Hemp is the plant source for a broad range of cannabinoids, such as CBD, THC, CBG, and many more. Hemp produces a small amount of THC. The percentage of THC in hemp plants is heavily regulated in the U.S. In the United States, industrial hemp must contain no more than 0.3% THC. Thousands of hemp crops are burned each year for surpassing the THC percentage limitation. The European Union has an even lower THC limit, at 0.2% and UK is 0.0%.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is a more selective extract from the stems, stalks, leaves, and flowers of the mature hemp plant. CBD oil contains CBD. This oil is what is used in hōlus products. CBD oil is more effective than hemp extract oil.

What Is Hemp Extract?

Hemp extract also utilizes the stalks, flowers, and seeds. Hemp extract includes phytocannabinoids (including but limited to CBD), terpenes, and flavonoids. Hemp extract is more nutritional because it incorporates everything beneficial found in hemp, not a singular compound.

What Is Hemp Seed Oil?

Hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the hemp plant, not the plant itself. Hemp oil does not have much, if any, CBD. Hemp seed extract is also the same as hemp seed oil. This type of oil is processed from cold pressing hemp seeds. Hemp Seed Oil is a green colored oil often used in the beauty industry for skin health. The hemp seed itself does not contain any THC, making hemp seed oil a 0%THC product.

Hemp Oil = Hemp Seed Oil

Why holus?

1. USDA Organic: We align many of our products with USDA organic standards. While many companies claim to be “organic”, there is no guess work or doubt with our organic product line. Few CBD companies can openly advertise certain products as 100% organic without unintentionally being misleading. We are happy to provide our organic choice customers with such assurance using solely organic hemp and ingredients.

2. Farm Direct Process: A farm connection is important. hōlus cultivates much of its own hemp. This allows us to learn how to improve the flavor and aroma of our strains to ultimately serve the customer with an increasing level of quality each year. When we cultivate, we don’t need to rely on the word and promise of others. We can make decisions on nutrients, amendments, and environmental controls that a normal farmer would probably never make because it might cost too much. Ultimately, we love that the biomass comes from our own work, our own hands, our own processes and we feel the pride when we see the good that come from it.

3. Lab Tested: We third party lab test and we do it multiple times throughout the process. Our process has the lowest cross contamination likelihood. We test for above and beyond the common pesticides, residuals, chemicals, and heavy metals to bring you a product that is trustworthy.

4. CO2 Extraction: Here at hōlus, we are experts when it comes to environmental friendly processes. We use “Clean and Green” CO2 extraction and wish to make it clear that our process is both the most scientifically sound and most eco friendly extraction method. You make the earth a better place by choosing a company focused on the good of the environment.

5. Good Manufacturing Practices: We are a fully GMP compliant facility! All of our equipment meet Good Manufacturing Practices. We hold Good Manufacturing Practices for higher quality product.

CBD Basics

CBD is not one thing, but many things. In a nut shell, it is a non-psychoactive, natural, harmless, molecule. There are many falsehoods people have with CBD partly due to its strong association with the more psychoactive cannabinoid, THC.

CBD is a naturally occurring cannabinoid (canna-bin-oid) found in the hemp plant. Cannabinoids are active compounds found in industrial hemp. Much mystery surrounds the complete benefits of CBD, but it has been used in the past for medicinal purposes. It is most commonly used for calming nerves, anxiousness, and other stresses while also having a relieving side-effect for muscle aches, joint discomforts, neck tightness, and back irritations.

Types of Cannabinoids

There are three types of cannabinoids found within plants, as part of the human body, and synthetically created.

What Is A Cannabinoid?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds residing in plants such as the hemp plant. While new research continues to find exactly how many cannabinoids hemp contains – to date, have been 113 identified cannabinoids. CBD and THC are the two most well known.

• Phytocannabinoids – the cannabinoids found naturally in plants
• Endocannabinoids – the cannabinoids found in your body
• Synthetic Cannabinoids – lab synthesized cannabinoids

Phytocannabinoids are thought to have the role of protecting their plants from UV radiation or pests. CBD is a phytocannabinoid. 

Our bodies make their own endocannabinoids or endogenous cannabinoids. These are created in our central nervous system’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Sometimes our body lacks the proper amount of endocannabinoids, which is why taking phytocannabinoids can play such an impactful role in our health. 

Synthetic cannabinoids are created, such as Delta 8 THC. Synthetic cannabinoids are made through alterations of the chemical structures of other phytocannabinoids. 

Types of CBD Oil

CBD oil is also called cannabidiol oil. There are different types of cannabidiol oil, some being powders. Some have THC, some don’t. Some work better in certain products more than others. Your brand of choice should clearly state what kind of CBD they used in their products.

Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Broad spectrum CBD oil contains a broad array of phytocannabinoids, but no THC.

What Is 0%THC CBD?

0%THC is a category of products with less than 0.01% THC. Isolate and broad spectrum CBD fall into this category. This may also be labeled as THC-ND (THC Non-Detect) or “THC FREE”.

What is CBD Isolate?

CBD isolate is pure CBD. When isolate is processed to a white dissolvable powder, it does not contain any other phytocannabinoids, only pure CBD remains. This isolate is a dissolvable  powder, free of THC. This is the ideal form of CBD for products requiring the CBD to be dissolved into beverages such as shots, coffees, and teas.  Many companies use only CBD isolate to manufacture their products.

What is Full Spectrum CBD?

Full spectrum CBD oil contains CBD, THC, and a plethora of other phytocannabinoids and other natural hemp plant properties such as flavonoids, terpenes, fatty acids, and chlorophyll. This rich mix of phytocannabinoids work fluently together to promote better health and wellbeing. A full spectrum CBD product contains less than the legally safe 0.3% THC amount. CBD and THC have a very similar chemical structure, which make them great companions. 

Water Soluble CBD

Water soluble CBD is the micro particles of CBD. This type of CBD is H2O compatible. It dissolves in water for high bioavailability.

Is CBD Legal

Yes, despite the never ending confusion society on the legalities of CBD, it is legal. CBD became federally legal in late December of 2018 through the Farm Bill. Among the many programs implemented by the signing of this document, the commercialization of hemp began. Each state can approve or disapprove CBD usage or certain products. For example, CBD drinks may be okay in one state, while CBD tinctures may not. Check your state laws regarding CBD.

Is CBD Approved By The FDA?

CBD is legal, but it has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This is because extensive research has not been done into the exact medical value of the substance.

Is CBD A Drug?

CBD was determined by the FDA to not be a drug. The agency explains, “Under the FD&C Act, any product intended to have a therapeutic or medical use, and any product (other than a food) that is intended to affect the structure or function of the body of humans or animals, is a drug.” A drug is any product with the ability to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose a disease or condition. CBD has not been determined to have the ability to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose a disease or condition.

Is CBD Legal Outside of The United States?

International rules surrounding CBD  vary from country to country. Because it is unclear as to the legal status in each country for the consumption or application of CBD, many other brands do not ship outside of the United States, this includes hōlus.

Is CBD Medicinal?

CBD is not technically termed as a medicinal supplement. It cannot heal, treat, or diagnose a problem or condition because it is not approved by the FDA. That said, CBD has been shown to have some significant benefits. Our body’s endocannibinoid system interacts with phytocannabinoids, allowing them to work together. 

CBD Products

What Products Are There?

When it comes to CBD products, there are plenty to choose from. We will get further in depth as we continue, but for now there are six categories to introduce.

• CBD Topicals (roll on, creams, lotions, patches, face serums, face masks, lip balms, sprays, bath bombs)
• CBD Tinctures
• CBD Beverages (shots, coffees, teas)
• CBD Smokables (vapes)
• CBD Edibles (chocolates, gummies)
• CBD Capsules

Do All CBD Products Contain THC?

Not all CBD products contain THC. For those not comfortable with THC content, look for products that are )%THC, THC-ND or “THC-free”. These products will not contain a detectable amount of THC (>0.01%).

Is CBD Safe?

Despite the FDA’s concerns regarding CBD, the WHO’s review on the safety of CBD was positive as of a report given to the public November 2018. Experts determined recreational use and potential abuse was not a concern to the well being of the public. Furthermore, the WHO has encouraged the international posture of CBD to shift more positively as benefits were highly recognized. Still, the Food and Drug Administration’s stance remains unchanged.

Will hōlus CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?

There is no guarantee one way or the other as to whether consumption of CBD will “show up” on a drug test. Field screening is not as sophisticated as a full on lab test, and may highlight trace amounts of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Regardless of the type of CBD consumed/used, trace amounts of THC may be detected causing a failed drug test. Similar to the risk of eating poppy seed muffins or bagels, which have the potential to test positive as an opioid on a drug test. Simply put, hemp contains THC, and by law it must be no more than 0.3% THC. If you are in a position where screening and testing could take place, you may want to consult with your employer and/or doctor before taking the risk.

Who Can Take CBD? 

CBD is a relatively safe cannabinoid, it is unlikely to induce psychoactive effects known to be caused by THC. The FDA is unclear as to the age restrictions of CBD. For this reason, many companies ask for age verification before entrance to their site.

Does CBD Oil Expire?

CBD degrades over time. Depending on the practices of the manufacturer, the average shelf life of CBD oil is 1-2 years (or up to 24 months). Quality, ingredients, storage, packaging, and the extraction process all can affect the duration of time before your CBD oil expires.

“As long as the samples are sealed in an air free environment and not exposed to light, they will have no significant degradation over the 1-2 year shelf life we put on our products.  If they are exposed to light and there is oxygen present, there will be an ~10% decrease in potency over 1 year.” says Douglas Fryer.

What is a COA?

You may have heard the term COA, but what does this mean? A COA stands for Certificates Of Analysis. These are great assets to customers and all CBD companies should offer them. Why? Certificates of Analysis ensure transparency in testing standards and quality.

CBD is made in batches. These batch records or COA’s, record the safety of your product from any unwanted contaminants, pesticides, heavy metals, residuals, and toxins. In addition to documenting chemical reactants, testing is also important to ensure THC levels remain below the allowed amounts. Because hemp contains small levels of THC, it is important to make sure your product contains no more than 0.3% THC as is the federally safe and legal amount.

How Do I Choose A Product That Fits Me?

Focus on your personal wellness goals. CBD is taken for a variety of reasons. What are your reasons?

• General health (I am looking to up my health game.)
• Curiosity (Sometimes it does cut it.)
• Knee discomfort (My knees have a hard time.)
• Back aches (My back needs a new source of relief.)
• Sleep (My body just doesn’t love sleep.)
• Stress (I get stressed easily or I have a lot on my plate daily.)
• Sports (Looking for relief after your high energy activities?)
• Recovery (Trying to find a better recovery strategy?)
• Calm (Peace is something I live for.)
• Anxiousness (I get easily anxious about small things. It’s hard to manage my stress.)
• Focus (I have a hard time focusing and I easily get distracted.)
• For the experience? (CBD is something new, why not try it?!)
• Joint problems (I have constant discomfort in my joints.)
• A last resort (tried everything else, let’s give this a shot.)
• Weight loss (I am trying to get healthier.)

You know your body, we know the science. What do you value?

• Quality (I am not cheap. I have high standards.)
• Vegan (You prefer vegan or you are 100% vegan.)
• Organic (I believe organic is better.)
• Sugar free (Who needs the extra sugar?)
• Travel accessibility (I commute or travel regularly.)
• Easy (If it’s easy to use, it’s for me.)
• Kosher (I have Jewish standards.)
• Speed (Need it fast!)
• Taste (I have a culinary touch.)

Values vary from person to person, understand what you value the most. Needs change and what might fit you now, may not fit later. It is a never ending cycle. Simple little things can help you find the right product such as quizzes or reviews, but it all starts with knowing what you want in terms of your needs and quality.

What Do I Look For In A CBD Brand?

Transparency, transparency, transparency! A company not willing to be transparent is not interested in what is right for you. From 2015 to 2021, several hundred warning letters have been issued by the FDA for products found to not contain the levels of CBD they promised.

There are many things to look for in a CBD brand and transparency is among the top. Here’s an easy and thought provoking list to help you find a trustworthy company with customer health and transparency in mind.

1. Do some investigation into hemp sourcing.The United States has one of the strictest hemp production systems based on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). If hemp is derived outside of the USA, pay close attention to COA’s.
2. Verify the CBD brand knows and tracks where/how the hemp was grown and they know how the manufacturer is processing and manufacturing the CBD products. Many new CBD users get ripped off with flashy sales on sub-par or even harmful CBD products.
3. Consider the extraction methods behind the scenes by which they create their products. CO2 is the cleanest, lowest cost, and most sustainable extraction method.
4. Review the Certificates of Analysis – know what to look for and what should be tested for. Hemp grown outside of the United States may have residual and unknown pesticides, toxins, and heavy metals from the soil.
5. If the company claims products are organic without the USDA seal, double check all ingredients making sure hemp and other ingredients are organic. Confirm the manufacturer’s processing methods to ensure practices are followed to keep the organic ingredients organic.

How CBD Works

The Endocannabinoid System & CBD

Our Endocanniboid System (ECS) consists of endocannabinoids, whose main priority is to maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis is our body’s natural resting state, and the main factor keeping our body stable and balanced. Without our ECS, the body’s functions would soon deteriorate. CBD promotes a well balanced and healthy bodily state by resupplying and “boosting” our body’s natural supply of endocannabinoids.

Our ECS consists of…

• Two cannabinoid receptors – CB1 and CB2. These receptors control the effects CBD.
• Two endocannabinoids naturally produced in our bodies called anandamide and 2-Arachnidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Endocannabinoids maintain balance.
• Enzymes that destroy and synthesize endocannabinoids – fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monocluhlycerol lipase (MGL).

What Do Receptors Do?

Our ECS primarily consists of receptors, two in particular (CB1 and CB2) which are mentioned above.

Think of receptors as messengers – they send signals to the brain and boss the cannabinoids around. These CB1 and CB2 receptors play a part in our pain perception, memory, metabolism, inflammation, sleep, and mood.

Is CBD Psychoactive?

While CBD does affect our brains, it is non psychoactive to the extent it will not cause a high like THC. We answer this question here because CBD does interact with receptors.

THC has an affinity for binding to CB1 receptors. This binding causes strong signals to send to the brain, which is why THC has such a strong effect. CBD on the other hand cannot bind to these receptors, they merely interact with the receptors. They also tend to counterbalance THC’s relationship with receptors. 

The Role CBD Plays In Your Health

CBD plays a variety of roles in our health and well being. The most complex and important role however, is its ability to maintain balance or homeostasis. We all seek well balanced lifestyles. In work, relationships, family, and most importantly our health. CBD promotes balance by encouraging our endocannabinoids to do their job and assist where needed. CBD combats the feelings of stress and brings back the needed balance.

There are a surplus of reasons people take CBD:

• To promote tranquility.
• To reduce stress or anxiousness.
• To support a good nights sleep.
• To encourage focus.
• To promote healthy skin.
• To support internal balance.
• To relax mood.
• To reduce mild discomfort.

What Is The Entourage Effect?

The entourage effect is the idea cannabinoids are more efficient and effective toward our bodies when they are working together rather than alone.

Think of cannabinoids as a peer group. CBD is more comfortable and stronger in doing what it does best when it’s with other cannabinoids. CBD oil containing other cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBG, and more; terpenes; and flavonoids is more beneficial to the human body than oil stripped of the “extras”.

Products manufactured with broad spectrum oil contains CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes, but no THC. This is just half of the entourage effect.

The fullest and most natural CBD oil is full spectrum, which will allow CBD to be its full self.

What Are Carrier Oils?

Carrier oils are plant based oils. They “carry” other oils not able to be absorbed by our bodies or used by themselves. Carrier oils also play a role in product preservation. While CBD is naturally welcomed in by the human body, it is not absorbed very easily. This is why carrier oil choice is so important. Coconut oil is just one of several carrier oils, including almond oil, argon oil, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, and many more.

Is CBD Antioxidant? 

Much like blueberries, CBD has been linked to antioxidant properties according to U.S. patent 1999/008769. Antioxidants protect the skin against free radicals, like UV radiation or second hand smoke. Free radicals are harmful to the body as they damage cells, causing an increased likelihood of illness and aging. Take your antioxidants. Vitamin C and A are two popular anti-oxidant vitamins.

Can Pets Have CBD?

Pets also have an endocannabinoid system. In fact, all animals, birds, reptiles, and fish have an endocannabinoid system. We wouldn’t suggest giving your pet bird CBD, but it has been very popular with dogs, cats, and even horses.

An animal’s ECS works in a similar way to ours, controlling stress, sleep, appetite, and more. CBD may be just what your pets need for those lonely days or loud evenings. Before giving your pet CBD, we recommend speaking with your veterinarian.

How is CBD Made

CBD is made via extraction. Many cannabinoids are in the hemp plant and in order to isolate certain ones, you must separate plant from compound. There is a whole science behind such an idea, which we call separation science. hōlus is built and founded by separation and analytical science.

While many consumers may know what they want in a CBD product, the behind the scenes creation process is often overlooked. There are two primary extraction methods, ethanol extraction and CO2 extraction, and we will compare and contrast as these two processes. Each varies in its efficiency to create quality CBD oil.

While many companies gloss over how they make their CBD, we are highly transparent when it comes to our process. Why? Because, it is the best. hōlus was founded by a 10 year industry leader in botanical and hemp extraction. Our team is very knowledgeable when it comes to the safety behind the scenes of making the CBD products you love.

What Is Winterization? The process of removing fats and waxes from hemp extract.

What Is CO2 Extraction?

Let’s start with CO2 extraction. What is it? CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide (CO2) in liquid form as a solvent for saturating hemp biomass and stripping the plant of its important compounds. CBD also goes through a winterization process (an oil refinement step), where only a small amount of food grade ethanol is used for it to work.

hōlus uses this separation technique for a several important reasons.

• Clean & Green: CO2 extraction is the cleanest method period. Contamination is hardly an issue with CO2. In addition, it is the most environment friendly option as it does not contribute to harmful emissions into the environment when recycled. It is appropriately termed “Clean and Green” because of this.

• Cost Efficient: In comparison to other extraction solvents, CO2  is far less expensive. CO2  by the pound costs an average of four cents compared to ethanol, which can get up to $4.

• Safest For Consumers: There are no residual chemical denaturants or contaminants left over in a product extracted with CO2. Potency is also preserved with this process, making it very appealing to consumers looking for quality and safely.

What Is Ethanol Extraction? 

Ethanol extraction uses either denatured or food grade ethanol (alcohol) as a solvent to separate plant from compound. Ethanol has massive dissolving super powers. This means it will dissolve pesticides, waxes, and other unwanted plant material. It’s fast dissolving times, make it one of the fastest extraction options.

While ethanol extraction is a very fast process, it is not very selective on what it dissolves. By this we mean, while it has great dissolving abilities, it will also destroy important plant rich terpenes too. Let’s look at the pros and cons of ethanol extraction over CO2.

• Pro: Ethanol extraction has a fast run time because of its dissolving powers.

• Con: Ethanol almost always risks chemical contaminants and residuals. While ethanol extracted samples may pass solvent tests, denaturants, acetone, and even heptane can still reside. No long term toxicity studies have been done and because of this, ethanol is still an acceptable solvent to use for botanical extraction.

• Pro: Up front purchasing cost is significantly lower than CO2  extractors. 

• Con: Cost of solvents themselves, CO2 is far less expensive than ethanol. Ethanol extraction operations cost is unsustainably high.

We believe CO2 extraction is the clear winner as it is the cleanest, lowest cost technology in the world, often paying for itself in the first few months of operation.