It's easy to get overwhelmed by the number of hemp and CBD products on the market. There are so many options and so much terminology, it can be hard to know where to start.
If you've found yourself in that position, we've got you covered! We're going to walk you through four steps that will help you find a quality product you love, choose a delivery method that works for you, and begin your hemp-based wellness journey so you can start enjoying all the benefits of hemp and CBD.
First, let’s talk about our bodies’ natural hemp system, some quick terminology, and whether our products can get you “high.”
Everyone's Endocannabinoid System is Different
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a complex network of receptors and endocannabinoids that work together to regulate the body. While cannabinoids (CBD is an example) are the different healing compounds found in the hemp plant, endocannabinoids are simply cannabinoids made naturally by your body. The ECS is part of our nervous system, and it helps to maintain homeostasis—or balance—in our bodies.
Everyone's ECS is different, and there are many factors that can affect how your body responds to CBD and hemp—what works for one person may not work for another, so it's important to find what works best for you. It can take some time for your body’s ECS to integrate your new daily hemp wellness routine, so we recommend sticking to your routine consistently for two weeks, and tracking your results, before making any changes to amount, delivery method, or otherwise.
Why Does Green Compass Call Their Products “Hemp Flower Extract” Instead of “CBD?”
Short answer: Accuracy.
The hemp plant has so many different wonderful compounds inside, including over 140 different “cannabinoids.” Each of these cannabinoids possesses its own special healing properties, and we know they can have a positive effect on the function of every major system in our bodies. While CBD is one of the most popular cannabinoids in the hemp plant, our small batch CO2 extraction method extracts all the cannabinoids inside the hemp we grow—including but not limited to CBD.
When we say, “Hemp Flower Extract,” we’re talking about our golden elixir: all the cannabinoids (as well as other natural compounds like terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, and more) that we extract from the hemp plant. We infuse this extract into easily consumable products like oil tinctures, jellies, and even pet treats, to make hemp-based wellness safe, accessible, and approachable for you and your family.
Can Hemp or CBD Make Me “High?”
Short answer: No.
All Green Compass’ products are created using hemp plants grown on our very own farms. The hemp plant, according to the FDA, must include no more than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis plants). While hemp and the “high”-producing marijuana plant are essentially cousins under the cannabis family, hemp does not contain enough THC to be psychoactive, or create a “high.”
And, yes, the hemp we grow is 100% legal, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.
Now, let’s get into the four steps to getting started!
Step 1: Choose Between Broad-Spectrum, Full-Spectrum, or both
We currently offer two different types of Hemp Flower Extract: Full- and Broad-Spectrum. We recommend our Full-Spectrum Balance and Restore Collection for optimal results. We suggest taking your Broad-Spectrum Hemp Flower Extract in the morning when you wake up, and Full-Spectrum in the evening before bed.
Full-Spectrum
Full-spectrum Hemp Flower Extract contains all the different cannabinoids the hemp plant has to offer, including trace amounts of THC at 0.3% or less. The “entourage effect” refers to the synergistic benefits of having a small amount of THC in your hemp, as it has been reported to magnify the effects of CBD and vice versa.
Broad-Spectrum
For those who would like to avoid THC altogether, broad-spectrum is the same as full-spectrum, but without the THC*.
Step 2: Find your favorite delivery method
There are many different ways you can use Green Compass hemp and CBD, and it is important to find the right delivery system for you. Consistency is key when starting a new hemp-based wellness journey, so go with the type of product you’re most likely to take on a consistent basis.
Tinctures
Tinctures are a simple delivery method. Our Natural flavored organic oil tinctures are made with just two ingredients: Hemp Flower Extract and fractionated coconut oil. They’re taken using a dropper. We recommend placing 1-2 droppers into your mouth and swallowing.
Edibles
Our organic Nano Jellies are one of our most popular Hemp Flower Extract delivery systems. These tasty jellies use our proprietary nano-technology, making the plant medicine inside even more bioavailable, or easier for your body to absorb. Our Nano Jellies contain no THC* or artificial ingredients, so they’re an ideal alternative for those who prefer not to consume tinctures or THC but still want to experience this miracle plant.
Topicals
Our roll-ons and creams can be applied to the affected area. We find many of our customers get faster relief by pairing our topicals and tinctures/jellies together.
Try two different delivery systems in broad- or full-spectrum with our Balance and Restore Collection! It’s the perfect way to get started.
Step 3: Decide how much to take
Once you start your hemp wellness journey, it's important to keep track of how much you're taking, and the effects it has on your body. As we mentioned, everyone’s ECS is different, so this will help you figure out the optimal amount for your individual needs.
A good rule of thumb: Start with the recommended daily amount and adjust as needed! It's better to take smaller amounts and gradually increase when beginning a new regimen, especially because—while there is no evidence of anyone ever overdosing on hemp or CBD—it is possible to take more than your body can absorb, overstimulating your ECS and building a tolerance. By starting slow, it’s easy to identify the exact amount that brings the effects you’re looking for. When you do find it, stay at that amount—you don’t need to continue to increase!
We recommend starting with 1-2 droppers or 1 jelly daily and tracking your results using our Hemp Tracker.
Step 4: Select a quality hemp/CBD product
Selecting a quality product is important, as you want to know that the products you are consuming are safe, high quality, and free of pesticides, herbicides, and other toxins. Some things to look for when you’re buying hemp and CBD products are:
Quality
At Green Compass, we own our own farm, where we plant, cultivate, and hand-harvest our own organic hemp. This ensures a level of quality for our products that we feel comfortable sharing with our family and friends.
Farming
Hemp is a special plant for many reasons, but one of the things that makes it so special is that it absorbs all the compounds in the soil it’s grown in through a process called “phytoremediation.” Many hemp plants are grown outside the USA where the soil could contain toxins and contaminants. Green Compass hemp is grown in USDA-Certified Organic fields in North Carolina, meaning they are free of heavy metals and no chemical herbicide or pesticide is used.
Transparency
Transparency is one of Green Compass’ core values. We control product development from the time of planting to the time it is bottled and shipped. We test everything, and we mean everything—from our soil to our plants to our extracts and byproduct—and we keep our customers informed every step of the way.
We include a QR code on every package linking to the product’s “Certificate of Analysis,” a third-party lab document outlining the exact breakdown of the compounds inside. We own the entire process of creating our products from seed to bottle, and we’re proud to offer the utmost transparency and traceability for you and your loved ones.
Reliability
We recommend selecting products only from companies confident enough to offer a 100% money-back guarantee, like Green Compass.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the basics of getting started with hemp-based wellness and CBD products. The important things are that you take your time, document your experience, and find what works best for you. We also recommend consulting with your own medical professionals as you start down your hemp wellness path, as this post is not meant to be used as medical advice. We couldn’t be more excited to be on this natural healing journey together, and we invite you to reach out to us at support@greencompassglobal.com with any questions.
*THC-free means trace amounts less than 0.01% or 100ppm.
