Decarboxylation Process - blog

Decarboxylation Demystified

If you have ever done any research into preparing hemp plants for edible purposes, chances are you have heard about decarboxylation.  In scientific terms, it refers to a chemical reaction resulting in the removal of a carboxyl group and releasing … Read more

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Save More Money at Fern Valley Farms

When we opened Fern Valley Farms for business, an important component of our model was to ensure that our customers could acquire quality hemp products at reasonable prices. We hear many businesses speak of sustainable operations but rarely do those … Read more

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What is Delta 8 THC?

Just as the “CBD craze” proved to be more than a trend, the excitement surrounding the appearance and use of Delta 8 THC is already showing signs of another key cannabinoid becoming firmly established as a valid and popular compound … Read more

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Flower Power! Your Complete Beginner’s Guide to CBD Flower

Flower Power! Your Complete Beginner’s Guide to CBD Flower

Interested in the benefits of Cannabidiol without THC? Then you may be interested in CBD flower. Here is your complete guide to CBD flower and its uses.

For the last few years, the sale of CBD (cannabidiol) infused products has been on the rise throughout the U.S.

People are seeing great results from these products, too.

In fact, almost 50 percent of people who start consuming cannabidiol in some form end up stopping their use of other medications altogether.

When most people think of CBD, they think of CBD oil or CBD topical products. There are many other ways to consume CBD, though, including smoking or vaping CBD flower.

If you’re not familiar with CBD flower or are unsure of whether or not it’s a good option for you, keep reading. Everything you need to know as a beginner is explained below.

What is CBD?

CBD is a compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant.

CBD is not like THC, which is another well-known cannabis compound. THC brings about the mind-altering effects of cannabis. In other words, it is the part of the cannabis plant that gets you high.

CBD, on the other hand, offers many of the same medicinal benefits. It does not have any mind-altering effects, though.

CBD also helps to minimize the effects of THC for those who want to experience the benefits of cannabis but don’t want to feel high.

THC and CBD in the Body

THC and CBD work differently in the body.

THC binds to specific cannabinoid receptors known as CB1 receptors. These receptors are located throughout the body,  but they’re mostly concentrated in the brain and spinal cord.

CBD does not appear to bind to the cannabinoid receptors.

Instead, it helps to increase the availability of the cannabinoids the body produces on its own. It also binds to other receptors in the body, including the serotonin receptors.

Hemp vs. Cannabis vs. Marijuana

There’s a lot of confusion out there right now regarding hemp and cannabis. Many people are wondering whether hemp and marijuana the same thing.

This has to do, in part, with the fact that many CBD products describe themselves as “hemp oil” or “hemp derived.” Legally, those who sell CBD products have to describe their products this way to comply with FDA laws.

If you’re not totally sure about the difference between hemp and cannabis, it’s okay. Here are some basics you ought to know:

  • Cannabis is a specific family of plants
  • The Cannabis plant can be broken up into two classifications: Sativa and Indica
  • Marijuana can refer to plants that are part of the Indica or Sativa classifications
  • Hemp is a part of the Cannabis Sativa family
  • Hemp has a very low concentration of THC compared to other cannabis plants

Because of this low concentration (as well as the myriad of benefits and uses hemp has) of THC, hemp is legal to grow throughout the United States. Other Cannabis plants are only legal to grow in certain states.

What is CBD Flower?

CBD flower is a bud from the hemp plant that provides the consumer with CBD but very little THC.

It has been cultivated specifically by cannabis growers to provide consumers with the benefits of cannabis without a mind-altering experience.

There are many different ways to use CBD flower. Smoking is perhaps the most popular options, but there are plenty of other uses as well.

However it’s used, CBD flower can provide relief from discomfort and bring soothing and calming sensations.

CBD Flower Uses

There are lots of uses for CBD flower. The following are some of the most popular options for those looking to experience the benefits of CBD:

Smoking

You can smoke CBD flowers the same way you’d smoke any other type of cannabis flower.

By grinding the flowers and then rolling them into a traditional joint or placing them in a pipe, you can experience relief and relaxation without getting high.

Research shows that smoking CBD flowers (and cannabis, in general) don’t appear to have the same effect on the lungs as smoking tobacco. However, this isn’t an ideal method of consumption for those who suffer from respiratory issues.

Vaping

Another option for those who aren’t into smoking is vaping. You can vape CBD flowers using a dry herb vape.

This still allows you to experience the benefits of CBD very quickly, but it’s not as harsh on the lungs as smoking can sometimes be.

This is a better option for beginners, as well as those who prefer a more discrete CBD consumption experience.

Baking

You can also incorporate CBD flower into baked goods. For those who don’t like the experience of smoking or vaping, CBD edibles are a viable option.

Keep in mind, though, that CBD edibles will take longer to take effect that CBD products that are smoked or vaped.

Smoking and vaping allow the CBD to enter the bloodstream almost instantly. Baked goods require the CBD to pass through the digestive tract first.

CBD Flower Shopping Tips

As you can see, there are plenty of different ways that you can incorporate CBD flower into your lifestyle.

For those who are seeking immediate relief, smoking and vaping are generally the best options. For everyday maintenance, though, edibles can be a good alternative.

No matter what your reason is for using CBD flower, it’s important to exercise caution when shopping for it. There are a lot of CBD products on the market these days, and they’re not all created equal.

Look for CBD flower that is organically grown. This ensures you’re not exposing yourself to pesticides and harmful chemicals when you consume it.

Pay attention to the concentration of CBD in the product you’re buying, too. The higher the concentration, the stronger the effects.

Try CBD Flower Today

Now that you know more about CBD flower and its uses, are you interested in giving it a try?

In order to see the greatest benefits from CBD flower, it’s important to make sure you’re using the highest quality product possible.

Head to our online store today to find a variety of strains, as well as pre-rolls and sample packs.

All of our products contain high amounts of CBD — between 14.4 and 21.4 percent — and are organically grown.

What is CBD Shake? Image from Fern Valley Farms

CBD Shake – What is it?

What is CBD Shake/Trim and how to use it

“Leftover flower” might be the simplest description. Shake/Trim consists of small pieces of hemp flower and leaves that break off larger buds, generally as the result of regular handling.  This includes the small leaves, often called “sugar leaves,” growing out the sides of a hemp bud that usually glister with trichomes. These are sugar crystal-like glands that get their name from their appearance; and they are extremely important parts of the cannabis plant. The trichomes are where most of the plants cannabinoids (THC & CBD) and terpenes are stored.

Machine/Hand Trimmed CBD Shake/Trim

This shake comes from the trimming process. It’s the “Sugar Leaf” that is either machine trimmed or hand trimmed from the flower. “Sugar leafs” are the smaller leaves near the flower that have more Trichomes (Crystals). Trim shake is the most potent.

If you buy shake separately, it’s almost always cheaper than flower that’s still in bud form. So, the question becomes whether the discount is worth it. The answer depends largely on the quality of shake, what you are looking for and how you plan to consume it. The good news is, FVF has you covered on quality! Here at FVF we have multiple checkpoint systems to ensure you are receiving premium products, organically grown and lab tested.

Now let’s talk about the ways you can use shake….

Pre-Rolls, Joints, Blunts, Pipes and Bongs

If you’re someone who regularly grinds your flower before using it, shake might be worth considering. You can smoke the leaf in the machine/Hand trim shake because it has a lot more Cannabinoid and terpene content than the bigger leaves. Many people enjoy using shake to roll Hemp cigarettes because it is already ground up. Joint, blunt, and spliff rollers are an obvious audience, but even fans of glass might be interested if the quality is good. It is common throw some CBD Kief on top to help take it to a whole other potency level! You can find our CBD Kief for sale by clicking here. 

Edibles, Butters, Oils and More

Bakers and other edible makers should also take a look: If you’re making infused butter, it doesn’t matter much if there are even a few small stems and leaves mixed in — just be sure to strain the butter well before using.

CBD Tea

Another option is to make tea with your CBD shake. CBD tea, like edibles, can be a great way to consume hemp without smoking or vaping. You can make it in a variety of ways using all kinds of different ingredients depending on your personal preferences. There are several methods for making hemp tea. You can choose to decarboxylate your dried herb beforehand or not (this depends on whether you’re looking for the benefits of CBDA or CBD.) Perhaps the easiest is to add your dried hemp flower and dried tea flower to a tea infuser and steep for 5-10min. You can add infused honey or coconut milk for added effects.

Hemp Feco, Tinctures and Vape Cartridges

The other, more advanced, option is using cbd shake to make FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil) or vape cartridges. This is a more complicated process but nevertheless, completely attainable with CBD shake and a list of items that most of us already own.

You can purchase Fern Valley Farms Shake/Trim by clicking here. 

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Industrial Hemp vs. Smokable Hemp

Industrial Hemp vs. Smokable Hemp What is the difference between industrial hemp and smokable hemp? Hemp is so “new” to this generation that most people don’t fully understand what it is. Let’s start with a little bit of history. Short … Read more

What is CBD benefits of CBD oil

What is CBD? – Quick Guide To Cannabidiol

What is CBD? Quick Guide to Cannabidiol

What is CBD? Is CBD Marijuana? Does CBD get you high? Is CBD safe? Will I pass a drug test? CBD is so new to science and American culture in general that there are still a lot of questions when it comes to this cannabinoid.

CBD Definition

CBD is short for Cannabidiol which is one of the many Cannabinoids in the Cannabis plant. CBD found in the Cannabis plant is 100% natural. Our brain has receptors known as the CB1 and CB2 receptors which are responsible for accepting CBD and other Cannabinoids into our bodies.

A Brief History of CBD

The history of CBD goes back as far as the 1940s when chemist Roger Adams became the first person to successfully extract CBD from a cannabis plant. 

The next key player in the emergence of CBD was Dr. Raphael Mechoulam who, in 1963, described the chemical structure of CBD. Interestingly, Mechoulam was inspired to explore the relationship of CBD to the cannabis plant, as he saw parallels between cannabis and opium, from which morphine had been successfully extracted.

In 2012, CBD got another major public exposure: Charlotte Figi, a six-year-old from Colorado who suffered from Dravet Syndrome (a severe epileptic disorder affecting children) demonstrated the true value and importance of CBD as a health aid when she began taking CBD oil to alleviate her seizures. The entire nation was drawn into her personal drama, rooting for her all the way. And all of America cheered ecstatically when it was reported that Charlotte’s grand mal seizures immediately plummeted from about 300 per week to only two or three a month!

How CBD Works

Our bodies are marvelous and complex with a variety of subsystems in constant operation to keep us alive and thriving. One of those important subsystems is the endocannabinoid system (so named because it was discovered while researching cannabis compounds and how they interact with the human body). 

In brief, our endocannabinoid system impacts and influences such key bodily functions as appetite, memory, mood, and sleep. As researchers delve deeper into our endocannabinoid system, expect more important and valuable information to rise to the surface.

The endocannabinoid system is composed of three elements: 

  • Endocannabinoids – support the body by maintaining internal functionality 
  • Enzymes – two different enzymes can break down the endocannabinoids for distribution
  • Receptors – are strategically located throughout the body and bind to endocannabinoids

As the receptors are the key connectors between bodily functions and cannabinoids, they play a major role. These receptors can be one of two types:

  • CB1 – resides mainly in the central nervous system; helps to manage and govern key functions including:
    • Appetite
    • Coordination
    • Memory
    • Mood
    • Movement
    • Pain
  • CB2 – resides in the peripheral nervous system, which influences inflammation and pain

While not fully understood, researchers have determined that, unlike most other cannabinoids,  CBD does not directly bind to either of these receptors. Instead, CBD appears to hold influence over them in ways not yet fully understood. 

As research continues, expect more exciting and life-changing discoveries to be revealed. Simply put, CBD is an amazing cannabinoid whose properties and powers we still do not fully grasp.

Potential Health Benefits of CBD

CBD has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects and may offer several health benefits. However, it’s important to note that research is still ongoing, and CBD should not be considered a cure-all. Here are some potential benefits that have been investigated:

  • Acne Treatments – its soothing properties work in tandem with its ability to limit the sebum production that causes acne
  • Addiction Management – getting off opioids is never easy (and sometimes proving fatal) but those who look to CBD find breaking addictions more manageable
  • Appetite Booster – sometimes relieving other symptoms like anxiety and depression may help but CBD appears to kick appetites into full gear
  • Bone Support – as we age, weakening bones can be a problem but consumers of CBD are learning that CBD may help keep bones stronger into the senior years
  • Cancer Treatments – many cancer treatments result in extremely unpleasant side effects, such as nausea; CBD has delivered relief to many patients in chemotherapy
  • Depression – because it can be such a vague and indefinable feeling, depression can feel omnipresent; often taking CBD can lift spirits and ease those oppressive senses
  • Ease Anxiety – public speaking is perhaps one of the most stress-inducing events for most people but speakers feel less anxiety when using CBD prior to their appearance 
  • Lower Blood Pressure – when blood pressure is reduced to normal rates, there is less stress on the heart, keeping it healthier
  • Pain Relief – not only can everyday ailments gain relief with CBD but those suffering from arthritis and multiple sclerosis have experienced much-desired relief through CBD
  • Sedation – when used with other cannabinoids like CBG, CBD appears to create calmer and more relaxed states that are conducive to more complete sleep sessions

It’s important to note that while CBD shows promise, further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits, optimal dosages, and long-term effects. It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD or any other supplements, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Will CBD Get Me High?

CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning that it will not get you high the way it’s cousin THC does. Many people do report a “relaxed” feeling when ingesting CBD. So especially when trying it for the 1st time it is a good idea to be at home or somewhere that you don’t have to leave until the next day. Although most people don’t report feeling impaired at all everyone is different and it is better to error on the side of caution when taking anything new into your body.

Will I pass a Drug Test if I use CBD Products?

This is one of the biggest questions on peoples minds who have a job that doesn’t allow Marijuana. The short answer is maybe.

Your best bet is to use a CBD isolate from a trusted extraction facility. Isolates are supposed to remove all other cannabinoids except the CBD. That is why they call it an isolate, because it isolates the CBD from the other chemical compounds.

Smokeable flower is a little more questionable because it will have small amounts of THC. Not enough to get you high but possibly enough to show up on a drug test. Especially if the flower you are smoking is above the legal hemp limit. Make sure your product comes from a trusted farm and is tested by a reputable lab.

What Does CBD Have To Do With Hemp?

The legal definition of hemp is any cannabis plant under 0.3% THC. All legal CBD comes from the hemp plant. When you buy a full spectrum CBD product it would be more accurate to say that you are buying a full spectrum hemp product as you are getting the full cannabinoid and terpene profile of the hemp plant.

Is CBD Safe?

We are not legally able to really comment on this but we can say that we never hear negative effects due to CBD. The most people ever report is being lightheaded or getting a headache. This is usually a result of lower quality CBD flower.

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CBD Oil Side Effects – Is CBD Safe?

CBD Oil Side Effects

CBD and CBD oil are still very new in the eyes of American commerce and most American consumers. But it has very quickly made its way into a large percentage of retail stores, including grocery and health stores.

Even with its new found popularity very little is known about how CBD and other cannabinoids effect the body and mind. Overall, CBD seems to be very safe with very few side effects, but we will talk about a few things to go over when using CBD oils that are worth considering.

Use The Best CBD Oil – Know Your Source

Let’s start with the oil itself. How the CBD Hemp is grown and processed is possibly the most important factor to know whether the product you are using is healthy or not.

There are not a lot of regulations yet when it comes to hemp so many farmers are using unhealthy chemicals and methods to grow their crop so they have less waste. This puts more money in their pockets but puts unhealthy ingredients into your body. It is important to buy from a farm that is either local or has a good track record and testing from reputable labs.

At Fern Valley Farms we include testing results with all of our products and strains so you know exactly what is in your product. You can find our CBD Oil by clicking here.

How it is farmed isn’t the only thing that is important though. The way your oil is made and processed is equally as important. If solvents or chemicals are used and not removed or additives for taste or smell are added that aren’t healthy then that will greatly affect the final product in a negative way.

Using CBD Oil While Pregnant or Breastfeeding

Even though there is not an overwhelming amount of research when it comes to using CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding, there are emerging studies everyday. With that being said, you will still be hard pressed to find a doctor to recommend the use of cannabis or CBD while pregnant or breastfeeding because there is no safety data. The medical community doesn’t support the use of CBD in these settings, because proper studies can’t be completed on the effect on the baby or infant.

Many new parents suffer from postpartum depression, anxiety, fatigue, mood swings and detachment from the infant. Along with helping these issues, some studies suggest starting CBD may still allow the mother to breastfeed and prolong the bonding time with the infant. The good news is CBD has been shown to be little risk to both adults and children. We recommend to do your research and weigh the risk versus benefits for the mom and infant.

So, can you smoke CBD oil while breastfeeding? In short, speak to your doctor before starting CBD, especially if you are a new mother.

Fatigue

Fatigue can be a side effect with CBD so keep that in mind if you are a new user or are trying a new product. The strain/terpenes are a big factor in how a product will affect you. A little trial and error is the best way to learn which products are best for you. We recommend trying multiple products in the comfort of your own home to test out the effects.

Smoking CBD Oil

Many people ask, can you smoke CBD oil? The simple answer, yes. Mind you, anytime you ignite something and pull smoke into your lungs there may be some effects such as coughing and dry mouth.

If you have any lung conditions we would not recommend smoking CBD oil at all. There are other ways to ingest CBD where you don’t have to get smoke in your lungs.

Using CBD Oil with pre-existing Health Conditions

Again, it is always good to consult your physician before using CBD Oil with a pre-existing health condition.

Conclusion

CBD oil is pretty mild on the body overall but it is always good to pay attention to what you put into your body. Everyone has a different chemical makeup so no two people react completely the same to CBD.

CBD infused coconut oil - how to make it

How To Make CBD Oil! 7 Easy Steps

How to make CBD Oil! 7 Easy Steps

CBD Oil is becoming more and more popular for all sorts of reasons. People love that they can get the benefits of the cannabis plant without the high. You can buy it in dispensaries, smoke shops, and many other places now that Hemp/CBD has become legal. Problem though, is that it can be very expensive and most products are not made well so they do not have the effect of good CBD Oil. That’s why a lot of people are asking the question “How do I make CBD Oil?”

Is it hard to make Hemp CBD oil?

It may seem like it would be difficult to make CBD oil out of hemp flower but it is really just a couple steps. As long as you don’t mind your house smelling like cannabis, it should be a rather painless process.

Step By Step Process

Step 1: Obtain CBD Hemp Flower or Shake

The first thing that you need to do is find some high quality Hemp Flower or Shake/Trim. Make sure that you get it from a trusted source with good reviews and test results from a trusted lab.

Strain

The Strain you choose will effect the way it makes you feel so it may take testing a few different strains to see what works best for you.

We have a great variety of CBD flower and Shake/Trim that we can ship directly to you. Click Here 

Step 2: Grind up flower or shake

The hemp you use needs to be ground up so you can maximize the plant and get the most oil. If you are using shake and it is already in small pieces then this may not be necessary. For flower or bigger trim/shake you can use an herb grinder or a blender (which is what I prefer because it makes it a lot quicker).

Step 3: Decarboxylate (Heat Up)

Decarboxylation is just a fancy word for heat it up.

Spread out your ground up product onto a baking sheet.

Preheat Oven

You will want to preheat the oven. People say anything from 220 degrees to 260 degrees for the best decarboxylation. This is another situation where some experimentation couldn’t hurt.

The reason for this is that the heat activates the chemical profiles in the plant and makes them more bioavailable to your body.

Cook time

Again, there is some variance of what people feel is best for how long to decarb your kief. I hear anywhere from 30 minutes to 120 minutes. You might start somewhere in between. You should be safe around 80 then you can adjust from there.

Step 4: Combine Oil and CBD Product

What kind and how much oil do I use?

What Kind?

Coconut and MCT oil seem to be the most popular these days. You can use other oils including Hemp oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, and others.

How Much?

I always start by placing my cannabis in the container, then I add just enough oil to be able to coat all the hemp once stirred. The more oil you add, the less potent the final product will be.

A half ounce of ground up hemp can make quite a bit of oil for most people.

Two Main Kinds of Containers

Double Boiler

A double boiler is just a jar or pyrex container placed inside another a pot with boiling water in it. Using a double boiler helps cut down the chance you will burn your product during cooking. Getting it too hot can destroy the CBD and other Cannabinoids in the plant making the oil not as effective.

When using a double boiler you will place the hemp product and the oil in the jar or pyrex container that goes in the boiling pot.

Crock-pot

Most crock-pots do a pretty good job on the low setting. We have used ours at home many times and it works great. The nice part about the crockpot is that you can just throw your flower and oil in there and walk away.

Step 5: Cook the oil and hemp plant together

Double boiler

When using the double boiler, bring the water to a low boil and let simmer for around 2 hours. You want to make sure that it doesn’t get too hot. You don’t want a roaring boil.

Make sure to check on your oil often to make sure it isn’t getting too hot and that your bottom pot has enough water.

Crock Pot

Mix your oil and hemp flower in the crockpot, turn it on low and let it cook for a couple hours. The crock-pot is great because you don’t have to watch it as close.

Step 6: Strain Plant Matter From Oil

I like to use a cheesecloth for this because it filters out the plant matter while letting through the oil easily.

You want to poor your oil and flower mix into the cheesecloth over the container you want to keep it in. You will then squeeze the cheesecloth to get out all the oil that is absorbed into the plant matter. If you are going to be squeezing it by hand you will want to let it cool down for a bit so it does not burn you.

Step 7: Let Oil Cool

Congratulations!!!! You made CBD Oil 

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