We know that understanding the ins and outs of hemp-based wellness can be overwhelming. There's a lot of information out there — not all of it completely clear or true — and the science behind this medicinal plant can seem foreign. But we don't want a lack of quality information to be the barrier between you and a path toward restored well-being.
We've seen firsthand the power of hemp and its unique abilities to restore homeostasis. Our intention is to make it accessible to people everywhere. The more you know about hemp, the more power you have to implement it into your daily routine in a meaningful, effective way. Below, we break down the most commonly asked questions about hemp — from how it affects the mind and body to legality, how much to take, and more.
What is hemp?
Hemp is a plant from the cannabis species that contains over 100 healing compounds called “cannabinoids,” including CBD and THC. Hemp contains no more than 0.3% of the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. Compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill ensures that legally grown hemp products do not contain enough THC to have psychoactive properties. This means hemp will not produce a “high.”
What is cannabis?
Cannabis is the species under which all hemp and marijuana plants exist. There are three subspecies of cannabis: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. At Green Compass, we strictly utilize cannabis sativa plants, specifically Cannabis sativa L, which is hemp.
What is a cannabinoid?
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds in the hemp plant that balance and activate the endocannabinoid system and can have a positive effect on the function of every major system in our bodies. There are over a hundred unique cannabinoids in the hemp plant. The most talked about? CBD and THC. THC is the cannabinoid commonly associated with the “high” from marijuana. CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid—found in high quantities in hemp—that is revolutionizing the health and wellness industry. Some other examples of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant include CBG, CBN and CBDA. Each works on different receptors in the body, targeting specific functions.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of many cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. CBD is a naturally occurring chemical compound with properties that can aid in anxiousness, nausea and pain.
Where do I start with CBD and hemp?
Getting started with CBD and hemp requires a little time and experimentation. To avoid overwhelm, start with these steps:
Consider your budget and how much you want to invest. CBD costs range according to strength and delivery method (ingestible, powder, topical cream, oil, extract, etc.).
When choosing a strength (in milligrams) for consumable CBD, think about your body's unique tolerance level to other medications and substances. If you have a low tolerance level, start with less than the suggested amount and work your way up. If you experience unfavorable side effects, halve your amount.
Take inventory of how you feel after ingesting CBD or hemp. Be mindful of subtle changes in the mind or body.
Be sure to select a quality CBD/hemp product, preferably organic, from a verified source that utilizes third-party testing.
What's the difference between hemp and marijuana?
The difference between hemp and marijuana is federally defined by how much THC (the psychoactive cannabinoid) the plant contains. Hemp is a term used to classify a variety of cannabis that contains 0.3% or less THC content, whereas marijuana is a term used to classify varieties of cannabis containing more than 0.3% THC. Both hemp and marijuana can produce CBD, the non-intoxicating cannabis compound; however, THC is found in much higher quantities in the marijuana plant and therefore can have psychoactive effects.
Can Green Compass products cause me to feel high or intoxicated?
No — we only use hemp flower extract, which contains less than 0.3% THC (the compound in hemp that produces an intoxicating effect).
Is CBD legal?
Yes, CBD or cannabinoids derived from hemp which contains no more than 0.3% THC dry weight are not regulated as a controlled substance and are federally legal according to the 2018 Farm Bill.
Can I fail a drug test while taking CBD?
Any product containing trace amounts of THC, that you take orally, could potentially show up on a urinalysis or blood screen. Topicals cannot trigger a drug test if used as directed. For the most accurate answer, seek information about what type of test you'll be taking. If you're subject to drug testing, you may want to consult with the testing facility and your employer before using CBD products. Green Compass cannot guarantee the outcome of drug tests.
Why do you call it hemp flower extract?
The hemp plant has an array of beneficial compounds inside. Each of these cannabinoids possesses its own unique healing properties. 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 flower—not just CBD.
When we use the term 'hemp flower extract,' we’re referring to our golden elixir—all the natural compounds and cannabinoids 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.
What is the endocannabinoid system (ECS)?
The ECS is a cellular receptor system within all humans and animals (with a spine) and is central to homeostasis — a process by which biological systems maintain stability. The ECS predates the appearance of the cannabis plant by several million years and is probably one of the most important discoveries in our time. There is not a single function in our body that is not somehow influenced or modulated by the endocannabinoid system.
Imagine a system like a switchboard functioning in and across all physiologic processes and organs. This “switchboard” acts and reacts to internal and external stimuli to control, correct and manage overall health. This is a careful balancing act that helps the body achieve homeostasis. Studies show the dysfunction of the ECS is directly linked to most disorders and diseases.
Fun fact: The body's ECS also produces natural “endocannabinoids” (similar to the cannabinoids extracted from the hemp plant), which bind to ECS receptors and aid in homeostasis. We like to think of using Green Compass products as helping to supplement the natural ECS.
How do I know how to choose a quality CBD brand?
Look for USDA-certified organic CBD brands that are transparent about where their hemp is coming from and are able to provide lab reports through third-party testing. Ask to see the USDA-certified organic seal and always make sure you know the source of where the hemp is being farmed and who processes it.
What does it mean to be transparent?
To us, transparency means being clear and honest about where and how we source our hemp. We rely on third-party testing so our customers can feel confident about what they're paying for and ultimately know that the products they're putting in or on their bodies is safe, clean and effective.
Is Green Compass USDA-certified organic?
Yes. Find details on Green Compass farms, including our organic certification on usda.gov.
What is a certificate of analysis?
Also known as a third-party lab report or independent lab report, a COA is a document that details the full analysis of the compounds found in the product sample sent into the laboratory. It details the breakdown, composition, and compounds, and can also show pesticides, solvents and other contaminants.
Every Green Compass product is thoroughly tested by a third-party lab and includes a COA.
Where can I find product certificates of analysis?
Green Compass COAs are always linked to a QR code on the bottom of any product that you purchase. They're also available to anyone on the product pages on our website.
How do I know how much to take?
It’s important to understand that the right amount of CBD is different for each person and there are many factors to consider, not just weight and height. For many, less is more. We've heard that many of our customers benefit most from lowering their usage amount. Maintaining proper balance so you don't overstimulate your cannabinoid receptors is key. Take time to learn how your body responds, track it and adjust along the way.
Can I take CBD with my medications?
To avoid possible negative interactions when introducing any new medication or supplement, always consult your doctor to determine what’s appropriate for you.
What is the difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum?
Full spectrum uses the entire flower and has a full array of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, including trace amounts of THC at 0.3% or less.
Broad-spectrum hemp undergoes a THC remediation process to remove the THC*, making it non-detectable by third-party lab testing.
*THC-free means trace amounts less than 0.01% or 100ppm.
Why do you use organic fractionated coconut oil in your hemp flower extracts?
We use it as a carrier oil in many of our products as it's the most bio-available and has a light texture with no taste or smell.
How do I know if I’m taking too much?
If you take more than your body’s optimal amount, overstimulation of your endocannabinoid can occur, causing drowsiness, upset stomach and other symptoms. If this occurs, we suggest conducting a reset, which is 48 hours or more of no consumable cannabinoids. Afterward, restart with a quarter to half of the amount you were taking and work back up to find your optimal amount.
How will CBD make me feel?
CBD affects everyone differently based on body chemistry. Common benefits you can expect include:
Pain management and performance recovery from daily activity or exercise
Relief from daily life stressors
Help in maintaining a sense of calm and focus
Healthy regulation of appetite
Supported sleep cycle
Overall body homeostasis
What are terpenes?
Found in all plants, terpenes are compounds responsible for aroma and flavor that also have therapeutic and medicinal qualities. Approximately 50,000 have been identified in nature and about 150 terpenes have been identified in Cannabis alone. Terpenes have a range of benefits and wellness properties—some are antibacterial, some antiviral and others can be energizing or have sedative-like properties.
What are flavonoids?
Known for their health benefits, flavonoids are a group of compounds that naturally occur in fruits, vegetables and other plants, like hemp. They're incredibly rich in antioxidants and can help protect the body from everyday toxins and stressors.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Announcement of Green Compass and ChildFund Partnership
While attending a concert a few years ago, Meredith Cook, Co-Founder and President, saw a video that touched her heart—it was a video that introduced ChildFund International and all they accomplish for children living in extreme poverty around the world. In fact, Meredith was touched so deeply by what this organization does for children around the world, she knew she had to be a part of it. She and her family began by sponsoring several children, but knew she was going to partner with them in a much bigger way in the future. Green Compass is that “bigger way.”
ChildFund Overview
Worldwide, 570 million children live in extreme poverty, vulnerable to many factors that threaten their well-being. Children need protection, support and care at each stage of childhood to stay safe, healthy, learning and on track to achieve their potential.
ChildFund works with local partner organizations, governments, corporations and individuals to help create the safe environment children need to thrive.
Loving caregivers
Clean water
Healthcare
Education
Nutrition
Opportunity and protection
Extreme poverty—the kind of poverty that deprives children of basic rights and resources, excludes them from opportunity and leaves them vulnerable to harm. As a global community of people who care about kids, ChildFund International works to change underlying conditions that create poverty, helping young people grow up safe and healthy, the way they deserve.
What do children need?
Parents often lack the resources to give their children what they need. For too many families, access to health care is a luxury, and opportunities for education and employment are severely limited. ChildFund’s programs address these issues so that children around the world can thrive at every stage of their lives.
A child’s chance accessing his or her true potential diminishes when any one of these factors is missing:
Three Opportunities to Partner with Us
August 1st through December 31st!
Green Compass is excited and committed to donate a minimum of $20,000 by December 31, 2019. Advocates and customers alike have THREE opportunities to participate in our partnership and directly impact children all over the world:
1. Round Up!
Advocates and customers who purchase a Green Compass product will have the opportunity to round up their purchase price to the nearest dollar. This additional money will be donated to ChildFund.
2. Green Compass/ChildFund T-Shirt!
Love Green Compass and ChildFund? Well, now you can wear your love around town! Advocates and customers may purchase this exclusively co-logo’d T-shirt for $22 and 90% of the sales of this item will be donated directly to ChildFund.
3. Exclusive Green Compass Branded Motorcycle Raffle!
Are you a motorcycle lover? Or is someone you know? If yes, you’re not going to want to miss this opportunity to WIN this custom Green Compass logo’d 2002 Wild West Vigilante motorcycle, valued at $12,500! The bike was re-built and graciously and donated by Green Compass Presidential Founder, Rick Frisk.
Each raffle ticket costs $5.00 and there’s no limit to the number of tickets you can purchase! Advocates and customers will be able to purchase raffle tickets from the Advocate website-- the same way you order products. All profits from the raffle tickets will be donated to ChildFund.
Hands On, Hearts In
American-grown hemp combined with robust quality control--our obsession with nurturing and cultivating the best plants--and meticulously harvesting and processing the beneficial compounds creates the highest quality CBD and hemp extracts. Combine all that with a unique compensation plan for our Advocates and now, the addition of an opportunity to change lives around the world, one child at a time through ChildFund, we’re sure we have an opportunity for everyone. We’d love to have you join us!