CBD Blog

“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right”

Napoleon Hill, a famous self-help author, spoke these true words in the early 1900’s but it still applies today. Sometimes, we put a lot of obstacles in between ourselves and our goals—it’s a form of self-sabotage in a way. We’re often too afraid of failing to even take action in the first place. Instead, we wait for all the conditions to be just right. Spoiler: they never are. The same can be said when it comes to trying out CBD. We place a lot of hurdles or obstacles in our way that prevent us from seeing what good could potentially come from trying something different. 

Today, we’ll explore some of the most common barriers to trying CBD and explain why they aren’t nearly as bad as you may have thought. 

Barrier #1: I don’t want to fail a drug test (or get high).

This is one of the most common questions that people ask BATCH. Can I fail a drug test from taking a full-spectrum CBD product? What if I accidentally take too much? Will I get high? You can see how paranoia stemming from online rumors and misconceptions can be a major obstacle to overcome before considering CBD as a viable path along your wellness journey.

The reality is that it’s very unlikely that you would ever fail a drug test due to CBD use, especially under normal usage circumstances. Although full-spectrum CBD products include trace amounts of THC, all reputable sellers ensure their products meet the federal guidelines of containing less than 0.3% THC by weight. This ensures that the product could never get you high. That being said, never buy CBD products from a brand or store that doesn’t offer lab results for their products. Although it technically is possible to fail a drug test due to CBD, it is unlikely even under extreme circumstances (regularly consuming 100+ mg daily for multiple months). Nevertheless, there’s options for those who still might be wary about failing a drug test.

Topical CBD products, like lotions or balms, are applied directly to your skin and are not ingested orally. With these, there is no risk of failing a drug test because the cannabinoids in the product do not enter your bloodstream. Rather, they stay in the two layers of skin closest to the surface: the epidermis and dermis. Despite not being absorbed into the users bloodstream, CBD topical products can provide targeted relief for a number of ailments.

 

Barrier #2: I don’t know where to start. There’s so many CBD products out there; which one is right for me?

This one is a genuine concern. It’s known as choice paralysis: not being able to make a decision when there’s too many alternatives available. With hundreds of ways to get CBD into your system, it can be overwhelming to research and determine which solution is ultimately best for you. That’s where BATCH wants to help.

For starters, check out our previous article: Finding A CBD Product That’s Right For You. The blog is based off of actual determinants that make you better suited for one product over another. It also includes insight as to why your unique goals or lifestyle may steer you towards certain products. 

If you want a one-on-one product recommendation, we’re more than happy to listen to your unique factors and recommend a product for you on the phone. Simply call BATCH Monday-Friday, any time from 9am-5pm CST.

 

Barrier #3: I’m not sure if CBD is worth the money.

We get it, CBD is expensive. Or at least it appears to be until you break it down and compare it to the price of other medications. In 2019, the average American spent $1,200 for prescription medications over the course of the year. Now, we’re definitely not claiming CBD could replace your scripts, but it helps put price into perspective for many.

However, this might not make you feel any better if you’re already skeptical of CBD. With so many people buzzing about the hottest trend of 2018, it can be hard to believe all the hype. That’s why BATCH makes it easy for you to try CBD without the risk. We’re so invested in our product that we want everyone to be able to try it out for free! Follow this link to your free CBD sample, or share it with a friend that uses cost as their barrier from trying it out.

Barrier #4: I don’t want to ingest CBD.

You either love it or hate it: the earthy taste of full-spectrum hemp products is a bonus for some and a deal-breaker for others. Good news is that not all CBD has to be ingested orally. Although already mentioned under barrier #1, topical CBD products are a great way to experience the natural benefits of the hemp plant without the associated taste. If you’re still looking for full-body benefits, try our taste-free CBD softgels, fruity CBD gummies, or downright delicious CBD mint chocolate bars.

Conclusion

CBD might not be for everyone, but we’d rather you at least give it a chance before ruling it out altogether. Hopefully, this article was able to clear up some misconceptions, inform you on alternatives, and put things into perspective. BATCH believes natural doesn’t have to be the alternative. Now that we’ve dismantled some common barriers to trying CBD, we hope you can see that too.

What do Tim Cook, Michelle Obama, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Jennifer Aniston all have in common? Besides being successful in their careers, these household names are all out of bed by 5:00 am every day. While a bit extreme for some of us, there’s no doubt that a productive day starts with a productive morning. Harvard biologist, Christoph Randler, found that the early risers are often much more proactive. This leads to a more productive day overall. If you weren’t born a naturally early riser, creating a morning routine is a great way to help get you going in the right direction each day. Use these 5 BATCH tips to help create the best morning routine for you.

Tips for the Best Morning Routine

1. Wake Up Consistently

According to leading sleep experts, waking up at the same time each day has huge benefits for your overall health and productivity. Specifically, keeping your wake time consistent has proven to cut down on daytime sleepiness. Even on the weekends or off-days, you’re better off not sleeping more than 2 hours past your usual wake up time. For the best morning routine, utilize tools like the iPhone’s built-in bedtime feature. Using this allows you to easily set an alarm for the same time each day and even keep a weekly sleep log. An added bonus is that you can be reminded to get ready for bed however long you want before bedtime. No iPhone; no problem. There are a plethora of free sleep apps available for Android and Google OS phones that have the same vital features.

Related: BATCH’s 5 Tips for a Better Night of Sleep

2. Stretch Every Morning

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain on a daily basis. Stretching is a great way to help improve blood flow and can even help relieve nagging pain. Among other benefits, regularly stretching also helps improve posture, reduces risk of injury, and can reduce stress. For the best morning routine, check out Dr. Jo‘s seven-minute morning stretches. A physical therapist and doctor of physical therapy, Dr. Jo helps thousands with her informative and quirky YouTube demonstrations. Starting your day off with some simple stretches can make a big difference in having a productive day.

3. Water Before Coffee

According to a study conducted by the National Coffee Association, 64% of Americans start their day with a cup (or more) of coffee. While there are well-documented benefits of drinking coffee, it’s better to start your day off with water. Research shows that your body’s cortisol levels are naturally high in the morning, making you alert and dialed in. These levels usually drop off after 2 hours of being awake. Try to hold off on your morning coffee until you’ve been awake for a few hours. This will allow you to use your body’s natural productivity boost. If you’ve been drinking coffee first thing in the morning for some time, you’ll notice that you’ve developed a tolerance. For some, drinking coffee while cortisol levels are naturally high can even induce morning anxiety. This is because caffeine (via coffee) actually replaces your body’s response to cortisol, rather than adding to it. Added benefits of drinking water early in the morning include boosting metabolism and aiding digestion. All this goes to show that in order to have the best morning routine, you might have to change parts of your existing routine.

4. Coffee + Clarity

When it is time for coffee, try adding BATCH’s CLARITY blend CBD oil to your cup. Boosted with an uplifting blend of citrus terpenes, CLARITY CBD oil helps keep you dialed in so you can push away trivial thoughts and get to work. Because CBD is commonly used to improve sleep, most people assume it will make them drowsy. However, the benefit of taking CBD before bed lies in its ability to ease your mind from racing thoughts. The same benefit can be very useful if included in your morning routine. By clearing your mind, you’re better able to focus on the task at hand. Pairing CBD with coffee makes for an even more balanced boost. The calming effects of the hemp plant help counteract the sometimes jittery side effects of consuming too much caffeine. The result: the most productive day you’ve had in months.

5. Make the Most of Your Commute

If you want the best morning routine for productivity, don’t stop when you leave the house. What would you do with 26 extra minutes every day? According to the latest census, that’s how long the average commute is in the United States. Although enjoying music has its benefits, consider what else you could accomplish during your commute. Podcasts have been on a sharp rise since 2016; perhaps you’ve jumped on the bandwagon and started listening to one of the thousands of free and educational podcasts available. E-books are another popular choice for those who struggle to find time to read. Even simpler, use your morning commute to call an old friend or catch up with your parents or siblings. Even if they’re busy at the moment, giving a call will lead to conversations when you’re both free. Whatever you do, don’t continue to waste valuable time listening to the same radio ads over and over again. Get creative and reclaim your commute.

We’ve been fortunate enough to be in contact with many current growers throughout Wisconsin and would like to pass along some fundamental knowledge learned in our first few years to future WI hemp growers. The majority of information online regarding hemp is directed towards ‘hemp for fiber’ growing. Here, we look at growing hemp for CBD production which is akin to traditional cannabis growing. Each topic listed below should be reviewed, scrutinized, and challenged as necessary. This is by no means an extensive bible, rather a brief overview of the things that should be considered before growing.

The first thing most first-time hemp growers would tell you is that it was more work than they had expected, so, we highly recommend starting small before planting multiple acres.

Administrative

To legally grow hemp in WI you need to apply for an Industrial Hemp Grower License through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) which can be found here.

Hemp Soil

Soil should have a pH between 7.0 and 7.4 (slightly alkaline). Organic or untreated soil is best. ZERO pesticides/insecticides/fungicides should be used when growing for CBD. It is wise to have your soil tested for heavy metals before planting as well. Hemp is a bioaccumulator meaning it takes absorbs the compounds (good and bad) in the surrounding soil. These compounds become concentrated in the extraction process which makes it vital to be growing in clean soil.

Hemp Seed

Hemp seed must be on the DATCP approved seed list to be legally grown in WI. Your seed genetics are the greatest influencer of your end product. You can turn high-quality seeds into a worthless product with negligence, but it is impossible to turn low-quality seeds into a valuable product. Seeds can be “feminized” meaning the majority of male seeds are removed. This limits the number of undesired male plants that need to be removed in the ‘Growing’ phase. Another option is to plant seedlings (essentially mini hemp plants). These are typically clones of an already identified female plant called a “mother.” This ensures that all seedlings are females and genetically identical. The seed vs. seedling debate is outside the scope of this brief overview but is worth examining closer. We highly recommend Oregon CBD as a seed source.

Planting Hemp

Planting dates varied between early June to late July for most growers. This depends on the weather and seed type. Plants should be spaced 4 to 6 feet on center. This means the center of one plant is no closer than 4 feet to the center of another. Plant about 0.5? deep. One seed/seedling per spot. 5 feet on center equates to roughly 1700 plants per acre. Many growers hand-planted seeds in 2018, but some creative hemp growers are looking to modify existing equipment to automate this part. Placing a tarp with drip irrigation attached can save you many hours weeding/watering in the ‘Growing’ phase. Some growers enclosed their fields with electric or normal fencing to deter interested wildlife.

Growing Hemp for CBD

Growers should remove any male plants as soon as they are identified for maximum CBD production. Removing males ensures that the female plants remain unpollinated and continue producing cannabinoids. Minimally stressed plants yield more (just like humans!). Minimize stress on your plants by watering during droughts and keeping an eye out for insects/wildlife interested in your hemp. Organic fertilizers can be used to boost growth, but many of our growers had massive plants with no fertilizers whatsoever. Again, no pesticides/insecticides/fungicides should be used to grow. Neem oil is often suggested as a “natural” way to control pests, but this is ultimately concentrated into the oil and causes uncontrollable vomiting and should be avoided.

Harvesting

Before harvest, you must contact DATCP to schedule them to come and test your plants for compliance (i.e. they confirm your crop is below 0.3% THC). Harvest is ideally when your plants have the highest CBD content while still being below the 0.3% THC limit. This is, of course, very difficult to plan for. Most growers will just wait a certain amount of days, however, the savvy grower would use analytics to track cannabinoid levels and continuously monitor plants around the target harvest. Plants are typically hand-harvested by cutting at the root and transferred to a proper drying location. Yes, this is a lot of work. It may be difficult to harvest all in one day or all in one week. Some found it a good idea to stager their planting, so their harvest was also staggered.

Drying

Drying is a vital step in the CBD Hemp Growing process. Plants not properly dried end up moldy. Moldy plants are worthless to (most) processors and other end consumers. Please do not neglect the importance of your post-harvest duties. Plants should be hung upside down on ropes/stakes (similar to tobacco) in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. Ideal conditions would be no light, 60°F, 50-60% humidity for 2-3 weeks or till 8-10% moisture content in the plants (this is about when smaller stalks/stems snap instead of bend). Fans can help to prevent stale air, but should not be overused. “Cold and Slow” is the motto. Clean barns, sheds, or other enclosed environments appeared to be the most common 2018 drying spots. Popup tents could be used in a pinch for a minimal investment.

Trimming

Various trimming techniques are used depending upon the end product you wish to produce. The most valuable product is something akin to traditional cannabis found in dispensaries. From a processor’s perspective, this level of trimming isn’t quite necessary, but the more leaves/stems removed, the more valuable the material (it will also increase your CBD levels). Cutting away large stems and leaves by hand, followed by a Twister Trimmer produces a satisfactory product.

Curing

Curing is the last step of hemp growing. Some growers swear by it while others claim it isn’t entirely necessary, so you will have to decide for yourself. It does ensure the product is dried thoroughly and can increase cannabinoid content but takes time and energy. See the details of curing here. Note: the article only mentions increasing potency of THC, but CBD levels will rise as well.

Further Reading

DATCP Industrial Hemp Pilot Program home page, Planting Guide from Oregon CBD Seeds(*highly recommend*).

1/10/19 Update

I also wanted to touch on expected yields. Of course, every plant under different conditions will produce a different amount of flower, but generally speaking, 1 pound of flower can be expected per plant. For conservative estimates, use 1/2 pound per plant. For those interested in toll processing, you can expect roughly a 10% overall yield for 10%+ CBD material. That is, for every 100 pounds of material processed, 10 pounds of oil will be made. This is again, is dependent upon the quality of the hemp. Best of luck!

As we enter the heat of flu season, many of us are wondering how to stay healthy. This year more than ever, it is important to keep your immune health in good shape to avoid contracting a number of infectious diseases that can show symptoms similar to that of COVID-19. In the push to increase our immune health, one question keeps rising more often: can CBD boost your immune system?

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

To understand how CBD interacts with your immune system, you must first understand the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system, discovered in 1992, is a biological system comprised of endocannabinoids, which are lipid-based neurotransmitters, and the cannabinoid receptors they interact with.

Researchers have found two cannabinoid receptors in humans (and mammalian species). CB1, largely present in the nervous system and organs; and CB2, predominantly found in the immune system. Altogether, the body’s ECS has been found to regulate several communications between cells, including our immune system, appetite, metabolism, memory, mood, pain, and more.

How Can CBD Boost Your Immune System?

Once believed that CBD attached directly to CB2 receptors, scientists now know CBD doesn’t attach to either receptor directly. Instead, CBD instructs the body to use more of its own cannabinoids and impacts these receptors indirectly. However, just because the interaction is indirect doesn’t mean it isn’t powerful.

As early as 2010, one study showed that CBD includes anti-inflammatory properties and can work as an immunomodulator. Now, you might be familiar with CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, but what does immunomodulator mean? Simply put, immunomodulators are supplements that help regulate or normalize the immune system.

Specifically, immunomodulators are classified as immunosuppressants or immunostimulants. CBD is an immunosuppressant. This may intuitively sound bad but is not to be feared. Why would you want to suppress the immune system? You’re not; immunosuppressants suppress the secretion of cytokines. These are large groups of proteins produced by your body’s immune system. The body is better able to regulate inflammation, immunity, and the production of white blood cells when cytokines are suppressed. This is all crucial in making sure your immune system works efficiently to keep you healthy.

Other Ways to Boost Your Immune System

Although CBD offers benefits, it’s also important to take care of your body in other ways. Making a plan to stop smoking is one of the biggest ways you can increase your immune system’s health in the long-term. According to Harvard, even social (or light) smokers are at a severely increased risk of developing complicating health issues.

Similar things can be said about the impact of sleep on your immune health. Studies show that consistently getting less than 7 hours of sleep can drastically weaken your immune system. For tips on how to achieve healthier sleep, check out our past blog 5 Tips for a Better Night of Sleep.

Lastly, proactively taking steps to avoid infection can help greatly reduce your risk of becoming ill. Most people think only of personal hygiene and while that is important, there are a number of other precautions to keep in mind. For example, making sure to follow proper food preparation and handling standards can limit your risk.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to improving your immune health there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. CBD can supplement your immune system by keeping white blood cell counts high, but remember not to neglect other forms of prevention. Living a well-balanced lifestyle is the best way to avoid sickness during times of the year when infections increase.

Some BIO 101: Oxidative Stress

Every day, our bodies encounter a great number of toxins from our environment. One of the most destructive things these toxins do is create free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are a term for the destructive single electrons caused by oxidative stress. Not all free radicals are produced by encountering toxins. They can also be a byproduct of natural processes like our immune system fighting off bacteria. Regardless, free radicals spell bad news for the body. They cause a chain reaction, stealing one electron at a time from otherwise stable pairs of electrons. As a more tangible result, this process leads to inflammation, accelerates the aging process, and can even lead to heart disease and certain cancers.

Antioxidants: Nature’s Antidote

Antioxidants: you’ve likely heard about them, but don’t really know what they are. Everyone knows you’re supposed to eat foods rich in antioxidants, but few know the science behind their importance. Simply put, antioxidants help stop the process of oxidation from taking place at the cellular level within our bodies. Antioxidants offer up their spare electrons to be partnered with oxidized cells so that they don’t have to steal from our healthy DNA. This effectively protects our brains and bodies from degenerative diseases.

Our body produces some antioxidants in the form of alpha-lipoic acid and glutathione. However, our primary source of antioxidants is our diet. Foods high in antioxidants include fruits (dried or fresh) and vegetables, spices, herbs, cereals, nuts, and some beverages such as tea. The following is a list of foods the American Dietetic Association recommends for their high antioxidative properties:

• Wild blueberries
• Blackberries
• Sweet cherries
• Cranberries
• Prunes
• Red delicious apples
• Granny Smith apples
• Gala apples
• Plums
• Red kidney beans
• Pinto beans
• Black beans
• Artichokes
• Pecans
• Russet Potatoes
• Dark leafy greens (spinach, cabbage, and kale)
• Teas (especially green, but also black)
• Coffee (without milk)
• Red wine
• Grapefruit juice
• Pomegranate juice

CBD As An Antioxidant

If you’re struggling to see how CBD as an antioxidant fits into this article, buckle in. According to Harvard Medical School, phytochemicals from plants also have beneficial antioxidant properties. This isn’t much of a surprise since phytochemicals like Vitamins C and E are responsible for many of the beneficial antioxidant properties in the fruits and vegetables listed above. What is surprising is that lab studies as far back as 1998 have shown that CBD has even more antioxidant properties than both Vitamin C and E. In 2003, the United States government actually filed a patent on cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants. At this time, cannabis in almost any form was illegal. Despite this, the patent states, “cannabinoids act as free radical scavengers for use in prophylaxis and treatment of disease”. Yet another reason full-spectrum CBD is superior to isolate products. Full-spectrum CBD products contain a vast number of cannabinoids along with their namesake: cannabidiol.

Thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018, now anyone can get their hands on CBD with the hopes to supplement their antioxidant intake. Although many health claims for cannabis need further research, it can confidently be said that using CBD as an antioxidant is natural and effective.

For every one person who knows the natural benefits CBD can offer, there are about ten others who are skeptical. At BATCH, our philosophy is that it’s good to be skeptical. If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. That’s why we’re transparent about the fact that CBD isn’t a miracle drug that will solve all your problems. In fact, CBD may not work for you at all. That being said, there’s a pretty good chance that you will experience beneficial results from taking CBD oil. You just have to do so properly. In this blog, we’ll discuss five common mistakes to avoid when using CBD oil. If you or someone you know thinks CBD is a scam, take a deeper look at these mistakes.

Only Taking a Few Drops

For some reason, there’s a persisting notion that when taking CBD oil, only a few drops should be consumed. Perhaps due to the delivery mechanism (rubber dropper), too many think that a few drops should do the trick. In almost all cases that’s simply not true. Due to their inconsistent nature, drops are generally a bad way to measure your dosage. The size of the drop is dependent upon how much you’re squeezing the rubber end. Even with highly concentrated CBD oils, it’s much better to measure your dose with the lines on the dropper rather than by counting drops.

We recommend absolute beginners start with about 10-15mg of CBD twice a day. If you’re using a 1000mg concentration tincture, that’s just under half of a full dropper. Why count the number of drops (which will vary in size) when you can simply know to fill the dropper to the same line every time. If you keep this in mind, using a tincture becomes a lot easier. Simply fill the dropper, squeeze out drops until you get to your desired line, and then drop all the oil under your tongue.

Swallowing CBD Oil Too Fast

One of the most common mistakes to avoid when using CBD oil is swallowing it immediately after dropping it in your mouth. Although it’s not harmful by any means, you’ll get the most efficient use out of your CBD oil if you let it sit in your mouth for about 30-90 seconds before swallowing. This allows for the compound to be absorbed into your bloodstream faster and without losing potency due to your liver or stomach acid. If you’ve struggled to notice any effects from your CBD, let it sit under your tongue a bit longer next time.

Using THC-Free CBD

There’s nothing inherently wrong with THC-free CBD oils. In fact, some people may feel more comfortable using one if they have very strict no-THC policies in their line of work (law enforcement, machinery operation, teaching, healthcare, etc.). That said, even if you are in one of these careers, the risk of failing a drug test due to using full-spectrum CBD is extremely low. What is known for a fact is that CBD with even trace amounts of THC is therapeutically superior to THC-free CBD products. If you or someone you know didn’t notice any helpful effects from CBD, make sure the brand is full-spectrum for the best results. For more on why this is, research the Entourage Effect.

Not Talking With Your Doctor

Not talking to your doctor is another issue on our list of mistakes to avoid when using CBD oil. Your physician will be able to credibly tell you whether or not the condition you’re hoping to treat can be improved by CBD use. It’s also important to check that CBD won’t interfere with any other medications you might be taking. On top of that, your doctor knows your medical history, height, weight, and other key indicators that can help them suggest a more accurate dose for you. While we can recommend general dosing guidelines for everyone, there are a lot of factors that go into determining your optimal dose. Understanding this can help lead to a better experience.

Using CBD Irregularly

Using CBD once in a while can be beneficial for some. However, like with most supplements consistently using CBD is important for treating many conditions. This is especially true if the condition is severe or long-lasting. For example, when it comes to taking the edge off of back pain perhaps you only need a few doses to get you through. If you’re battling anxiety, however, it is much more likely that you won’t experience the benefits of CBD after just one use. This is because of how CBD works with your body’s Endocannabinoid System to regulate chemical imbalances. In cases like this (and a host of others), it is best to stick with CBD for 2-4 weeks before ruling it out as a viable solution.

Have Your Own CBD Tips?

Please, share them below.