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What is The Benefit Of Organic Craft Hemp?
Growing fruits and vegetables organically is so common these days that there is a whole section in the grocery store for this type of produce. However, more than just fruits and vegetables are being grown organically these days. Craft hemp farmers are also opting for organic growing practices. But, what’s the benefit of going through so much trouble? And how can organic craft grown hemp benefit you, the consumer?
Difference Between Craft Hemp and Industrial Hemp
The best place to start is with knowing the difference between craft hemp versus industrial hemp. Industrial hemp is more common, and was once considered illegal to grow, but became legalized in the United States with the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill removed hemp from the federal government’s list of controlled substances so that it could be grown for industrial purposes. Industrial hemp is often grown and used to make clothing, textiles, and building materials, as sustainable alternatives for cotton and wood. Although industrial hemp serves this purpose well, it often does not serve the CBD community. This is because industrial farmers focus on growing tall, strong plants filled with fiber and seeds over cannabidiol molecules. Industrial hemp plants are often low-resin and contain little to no CBD or natural terpenes. But this is where craft hemp comes into play.
Craft hemp is grown with the purpose of cultivating CBD molecules in the plant, for therapeutic use. Craft hemp plants are grown on a much smaller scale than industrial hemp, using much more responsible growing practices. Craft hemp farmers aim to cultivate diverse plant genetics to produce plants that are filled with cannabinoids and potentially beneficial terpenes. The craft hemp market is often compared to the craft beer market, both of which intend to serve discerning customers over production costs. Craft hemp growers will often opt for small batches with a focus on growing technique and plant quality over quantity. These hemp plants tend to be shorter, bushier, and more fragrant due to the cultivation of terpenes and resin.
Can Craft Hemp Also Be Organic?
However, just because a plant was grown on a craft hemp farm, does not mean that it was also grown organically. A craft hemp farm has to go to much greater lengths to receive USDA Organic certification. In order for a hemp plant to be certified Organic in the US, it has to be grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. The farm must also use sustainable growing practices, such as tillage, to preserve and improve the quality of the soil and limit erosion. All of these organic growing practices have to be inspected by a USDA inspector in order to receive official certification.
And just because a hemp plant is certified USDA Organic, does not mean that the CBD products created with the plant are certified organic as well. If a CBD extract oil manufacturer wants to certify their product as organic, they must adhere to a variety of additional guidelines outlined by the USDA. And if a CBD product manufacturer wants to use certified Organic CBD extract oil to make their product, it does not make the end product organic as well. They must also submit an application to be inspected by the USDA and receive official certification for all of the ingredients included in the product. This can be a lengthy and expensive process for many companies, but well worth the effort in the end.
Benefit of Offering Organic Craft Hemp
Offering consumers certified USDA Organic craft hemp also offers craft hemp farmers peace of mind. That is because they are providing the best possible product to consumers, many of which are seeking out CBD as alternative medicine, for use in beauty products, or for its many potential benefits in edible forms. Hemp is known to be a bioaccumulator, or a phyto remedial plant, which absorbs contaminants from the soil. This means any soil hemp plants are grown in is instantly improved. But, it also means that the hemp plant can absorb heavy metals or chemicals that are potentially present in the soil. These toxins ultimately end up in the dry herb that is smoked or extracted. So, when hemp is grown with organic and sustainable growing practices, it will improve both the quality of the soil and the quality of the plant.
The way the hemp is grown can also preserve the farm’s soil and improve it over time. By investing in organic growing practices, farmers are also investing in the lifespan of their craft hemp farm. They can minimize their energy and water use with organic farming practices, and help the local bee population by planting pollinating plants alongside the hemp plants. They use nature to help attract helpful insects to their farm, instead of interrupting nature’s cycle with pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Overall, a certified Organic craft hemp farm can offer the highest quality CBD-heavy herb in the US. These farmers put in the time, effort, and money to offer consumers the best hemp possible.
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