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When people talk about CBD (cannabidiol), they usually refer to its relaxing effects and medical benefits. It is a natural product used for many years as part of traditional medicine. Today we have a better understanding of CBD, and with technological improvement, it is gaining unbelievable strides in popularity.

CBD and Animals

The endocannabinoid system is not just limited to humans- it exists in all mammals. Recent research has indicated that dogs possess even more receptors than people do! In the same way that CBD produces a calming and relaxing effect in people, it also does in other mammals.  

CBD is used to help dogs deal with stressful circumstances, such as traveling or hearing loud noises. Of course, you need to research your dog's issues and current medical situation to see if CBD is the right option for your pet.

CBD is Environmentally Friendly

The extraction of CBD from hemp is a very environmentally friendly process, especially compared to other medicines manufactured on an industrial scale. The fact is that cannabis is very easy to grow at a large scale, and the growing technology is constantly improving.

The extraction process of the plant is simple. The first step is homogenizing the cannabis leaves or seeds into a mixture. A non-polar solvent like supercritical carbon dioxide 2 is then used to extract the CBD. Carbon dioxide-2 can be drawn from the atmosphere, so it is a carbon-negative process, making it a very green method.

Using All of the Plant

It is not the end of plant when the CBD is extracted. The seeds from the hemp plant are a rich source of easily digestible proteins that are ideal for vegetarian and vegan diets. The plant's stem can also be used as a source of cellulose, which is used to make eco-friendly plastics, paper, textiles, and more. The fact that the entire plant is utilized for many purposes is one of the main reasons for the boom in the CBD industry.

The cannabis industry has seen immense popularity and growth over recent years. People want natural remedies for their health needs rather than conventional medicine. They are also looking for eco-friendly products rather than depleting the earth's resources. We must remain open-minded and responsive to technological developments and innovative ideas.

Cannabis companies are starting to bet big on the untapped potential of the beverage sector. As more people begin to move away from smoking cannabis, we have seen tremendous growth in the industry’s edibles, oils, and lotion sectors. Consumers want to enjoy their cannabis product without the harmful effect of smoke inhalation. 

The beverage industry, which includes soft drinks, juice, coffee, bottled water, energy drinks, and others, is globally valued at around $1.5 trillion and $150 billion in the U.S. alone. Beverage companies are always looking to find the next major growth opportunity in their industry.

Several small and larger beverage makers have caught the attention of the major players in the beverage industry. These beverage entrepreneurs are experimenting with cannabis-infused beverages and test marketing them in several markets. 

The cannabis industry is booming, and the beverage world isn't exactly sure how to get in on the action. A few big names have jumped on board with this new trend, like Molson-Coors, which released their line of cannabis-infused beverages in Canada; PepsiCo created a hemp-infused energy drink, and Canopy Growth introduced a top selling CBD beverage. Jones Soda also announced the launch of a line of cannabis-infused sodas under the name Mary Jones. These are just a few prominent beverage industry names adding cannabis-infused, hemp-infused, or CBD-infused beverages to their product line. 

Cannabis infusions and alcoholic beverages go hand-in-hand. Some companies are pairing the two types of products together for an even more enjoyable experience! For instance, you can enjoy cocktails at certain establishments that have been infused with marijuana. Several states are planning to launch such adult-use markets, and other states are contemplating venues such as lounges and bars that can make such alcohol and cannabis-based drinks. 

Companies are betting that consumers will be more open to cannabis beverages as an alternative to alcohol consumption, which has various drawbacks.  Cannabis is becoming more popular with health-conscious consumers who avoid smoking and looking for alternative products that won't affect them the next day. 

It is like this analogy:  Cannabis beverages are to high-THC products, as beer and spiked seltzer beverages are to high-proof alcohol such as vodka, gin, and tequila.

The lower alcohol content of beer and spiked seltzer makes those drinks more appealing to more people in more situations.  By the same token cannabis-infused drinks can reach a broader consumer base than traditional cannabis products.

However, for cannabis-infused beverages to meet overall consumer acceptance and reach their growth potential, several things need to happen, according to industry experts.

State labeling, testing, and packaging requirements need to be cohesive for cannabis beverages to scale. The need for separate regulations makes sense because these drinks are often mistakenly grouped in with edibles when they have different needs and/or characteristics. Lastly, on-site consumption, like in bars and restaurants, is critical to mainstreaming cannabis beverages.

The federal government has yet to legalize cannabis, so companies are hesitant about entering the industry. Alcohol brands have been quicker than others because it's not illegal in conjunction with beverages like water or coffee drinks that don't contain any alcohol.

The cannabis industry is a hotbed for regulation. The federal government has been strict about who can produce and sell what. Still, state laws vary significantly from one state to the next, which creates an uneven playing field in advertising, packaging, labeling, and even dosing instructions. 

The end of federal prohibition will bring about a new era for infused cannabis beverages. The cannabis industry and regulators will need to prioritize policies and reconcile the regulatory conditions and state-by-state differences. We’re also likely to see the industry come together and advocate for responsible consumption, standard procedures, and best practices.

The federal cannabis prohibition is attracting companies that produce CBD-only drinks. Sales of these products are expected to hit $2.5 billion in 2021, and they're available where cannabis isn't legal.

You may have heard of cannabis-infused beverages sold in Canada, but you will soon be able to enjoy them across the United States. The market for these drinks is predicted to grow by leaps and bounds over the next few years - so don't be surprised if someday you find one on your local grocery store shelf.

Hemp has been legal in the U.S. for years to some extent. However, the USDA is trying to determine how it should be regulated. In March 2021, they released a final rule that will end the prohibition on hemp testing laboratories and require all of them to do whatever's necessary as compliant with this new federal law.

The hemp pilot programs allowed states to cultivate industrial hemp for research purposes. This agricultural act lifted restrictions and made it possible for farmers in those areas to increase their total acreage of industrial hemp from 0 to 90 thousand. 

As expected, some challenges arose with these hemp pilots programs. Those issues included inconsistent quality, varying laws between states, maintaining a consistent supply of seeds and pest control, and the knowledge and technology for hemp cultivation.

In December 2018, The Hemp Farming Act removed hemp from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act. The USDA requires that a third-party laboratory test all hemp to maintain quality and THC levels below 0.3%. Hemp is a highly regulated crop because of its close association with cannabis which still ranks under Schedule 1 controlled substances. Once hemp THC levels exceed 0.3%, it becomes classified as cannabis and must follow different regulations from those previously applied to them. This Act, however, made hemp legal at the federal level with conditions.

The FDA released the much-anticipated framework to regulate America’s newest crop: hemp. The agency published an Interim Final Rule in October 2019; The final rule was published in January 2021, which contained several provisions based on public comments received during that trial period and lessons learned from the 2020 growing season. The Final Rule made significant changes to the USDA’s hemp testing rules that affect how testing labs operate. 

Effective March 22, 2021, here are the changes that testing labs must now adhere to. 

Changes in Sampling 

With the new hemp rule, growers will be able to test their plants anywhere from 5-8 inches from the main stem instead of the previous top third only. This provision offers greater flexibility and reduces the chances of "hot" hemp-which means greater than 0.3% THC levels.

Specific Lab Testing Methods

The Final Rule requires hemp testing laboratories to use reliable methods of detecting THC levels. These methods include post-decarboxylation methods that consider the conversion of THCA into THC after decarboxylation. Currently, the only acceptable practices for this are gas chromatography or liquid chromatography. USDA also expects that these facilities demonstrate consistent reliability, validity and must have high specificity for THC levels in their testing. 

Negligence Limit Change  

Negligence limit is the flexibility given to hemp farmers regarding the THC levels in testing. If hemp tested above 0.3% and lower than 0.5%, they would be considered negligent and not guilty of breaking federal laws. The new change increases the limit for negligence from 0.5% to 1%.

The increase is crucial. Samples testing at or above 0.3% THC must be destroyed, while those below are not a criminal offense.

Labs must be Registered with the DEA 

All hemp-testing laboratories must be registered with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). The USDA had extended the registration deadline to the last day of 2022, and those labs that have not complied by this deadline will be banned from testing hemp.

Measure of Uncertainty (MU)

The Final Rule requires that laboratories calculate and include the MU when reporting test results. This relates to the margin of doubt that exists for the result of any measurement, as well as how significant the doubt is.

ISO 17025 Standards

The USDA strongly recommends, but does not require, that all hemp testing laboratories be ISO 17025 compliant since they are more reliable and accurate.

Laboratory SOPs

Hemp testing labs should have SOPs in place for testing and retesting. Labs should also ensure that the technicians and all staff are following them.

Reporting

The results of all the lab tests must be shared, with the THC reported on a “dry weight” basis, with the licensed producers, appropriate State Department of Agriculture, and the USDA.

Remediating and Retesting 

Any hemp sample tests over 0.3% in THC must now be flagged. Previously, the producers had to destroy the entire plant. With the new changes, parts of the tested plant can be salvaged for retesting by the lab using the same procedures.

The hemp rule took full effect on the last day of 2021; the only extended deadline is the requirement that all hemp-testing labs register with the DEA.

Fast Track Your Labs with a LIMS

If you're looking for a way to simplify the compliance process, look no further than a cloud-based Laboratory Management Information System (LIMS). With this system in place, your lab can monitor samples and analyze results while maintaining internal quality protocols. Plus, there's never any need to worry about falling behind on rules with digitization because everything is automated. This system takes the time and hard work out of being compliant.

LIMS enables hemp testing laboratories to:

Track samples through their lifecycle

Automatically share results

Flag hot hemp samples

Generate certificates of analysis (COAs) in prescribed formats

Meet regulatory compliance

Manage SOPs, staff training, and QA/QC protocols

Hemp that tests over 0.3% in THC is considered cannabis and is therefore illegal under federal law. Consequently, hemp testing is a process that is strictly regulated. Hemp-testing laboratories must optimize their operations to ensure regulatory compliance and the validity of their test results; a LIMS makes this all possible.

Plastic waste is a serious global problem. Each year, about 8 million tons of plastic find their way into the oceans. 

Hemp is an excellent material for eco-friendly applications due to its high durability, low water absorption rate, and natural biodegradable qualities. The use of hemp byproducts that have the elastic properties of natural rubber will be particularly beneficial to remove plastic pollution. 

 Hemp Plastic Properties 

The hemp plant has a lot of cellulose in its stem.  Cellulose can easily be converted into bioplastics by a simple process.  Since hemp is a vegetable product, not an oil-based product,  hemp plastics can degrade within a few months rather than the centuries it takes now for plastics. 

The comeback of cannabis has been a major topic in the past decade. It all started with hemp clothes, followed by its seeds as dietary supplements, and now we are witnessing how this plant is transforming our world through a new plastic. 

What Makes Hemp Plastic Sustainable?

Clean manufacturing

The traditional process of making plastics is from using petroleum.  For the last 80 years, we’ve been refining crude oil and creating greenhouse gasses.  In contrast, manufacturing hemp plastic is relatively clean. All that is necessary is to extract the cellulose from the dried hemp stem.

Biodegradable

Hemp plastics are biodegradable- this is a huge bonus.  Landfills cannot hold more plastic, and hemp plastic degrades very quickly.  We can re-use landfills and create a sustainable future by converting used hemp plastics into compost.

Non-toxic

Chemicals produced by refineries are carcinogens, and constant exposure may lead to cancer. Many workers in the oil industry are exposed daily to these chemicals, which are a health risk. However, hemp plastics pose no such issues.

Hemp Cultivation is Environmentally Friendly

The cannabis plant has a surprising amount of potential and can be grown on any type of soil with the exception of cold weather or desert conditions. For example, Arizona is currently experiencing a drought which could make it an ideal location to grow hemp as farmers there would benefit from its cash crop that requires little water compared to other crops. 

Hemp has many uses

Hemp plastic isn’t the only product made from the stem. There are various products produced from hemp, including textiles and paper.

Less reliance on pesticides

The problem with spraying plants with pesticides is that they can easily seep into the groundwater and travel to rivers, contaminating our drinking water.  The cannabis plant needs minimal pesticides.

Less fertilizer

Plants are like sponges that soak up nutrients from the soil. This is why it’s important to apply synthetic fertilizers regularly.  However, this also seeps into the groundwater and eventually our drinking water. Fertilizers are also expensive and increase the cost of production.

However, Hemp plants need much less fertilizer than most other crops do – they need just enough to maintain their deep roots.

Prevents soil erosion

Cannabis plants are usually 6-9 feet tall and grow close together like sugar cane. An advantage is that the roots of many plants tightly bind the soil. Even after harvest, the roots remain and protect the soil from erosion.

Fast-growing

Hemp is a sustainable crop that takes less than five months to harvest. Farmers can alternate between hemp and winter crops and can recoup their investment in as little as six months. Moreover, every ton of hemp captures 1.6 tons of carbon dioxide from the air. It cleans the air and soil and is excellent for bioremediation.

Are downsides to hemp plastic?

The only potential problem is the lack of supply.  Farmers believed that sugarcane and cotton were the only cash crops for many years.  Cannabis has recently entered the picture.  It hasn’t even been four years since farming became legal in the United States.  As more growers know how easy it is to grow hemp, the lack of supply will be significantly eased. 

What is the future of Hemp Plastic

With its strength and durability, hemp plastic is an excellent replacement for traditional plastics.  In fact, many car companies have started researching how they might incorporate this new plastic into future designs.