CBD Health

The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has released an Interim Final Rule to align its current classification of cannabis within the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) with the recently passed 2018 Farm Bill. This bill rubber-stamped industrial hemp production, removing Cannabis sativa L. containing a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) level of less than 0.3% from the auspices of the CSA.

In the new interim final rule, the DEA will designate all hemp products with THC levels greater than 0.3% as illegal and a violation of CSA statutes. This legal change poses a grave risk for owner/operators within the hemp supply chain, from growers to processors.

Although “hot hemp,” i.e., hemp above the THC threshold, is a well-known issue amongst farmers, cannabidiol (CBD) producers, and regulatory officials, the DEA ruling effectively criminalizes the problem instead of solving it.

“In order to meet the [Agriculture Improvement Act]’s definition of hemp, and thus qualify for the exception in the definition of marihuana, a cannabis-derived product must itself contain 0.3% or less 9-THC on a dry weight basis,” described the ruling.

We asked Brandon J. Beatty, CEO and founder of Bluebird Botanicals, what he thought the implications of the ruling on the CBD and hemp industries could be.

“This language does pose a potential threat to the CBD industry. The language stipulates that once a cannabis product at any stage surpasses 0.3%, it’s classified as ‘marijuana’ and therefore a schedule I drug under the purview of the DEA,” Beatty said.

He further added, “This is problematic for the CBD and hemp industry because there’s usually one significant step in the CBD manufacturing process when THC content will exceed 0.3%,” which Congress had accounted for in the 2018 Farm Bill but the DEA has seemingly ignored.

This poses a significant risk for hemp extractors according to Beatty, since “hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of extraction equipment in this country would be obsolete, and most extraction companies wouldn’t be able to pivot and would go out of business,” because hemp is known to the 0.3% threshold at multiple points in the refinement process.

In all, the recent DEA rules on hemp and acceptable limits of THC content raises a bevy of pertinent questions. For one, it is unclear how the changes will affect the fledgling delta-8 THC industry, which has just begun to explore the potential benefits of this cannabinoid in hemp. It also remains to be seen how this will solve the problem of “hot hemp,” an ongoing issue in hemp growing states across the US.

Of course, there is also the possibility that Congress may act on the DEA’s newest overreach into the hemp industry, establishing a clear legal precedent, which could curtail further encroachments by the DEA.

The DEA guidance is open to public comments until October 20.

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For decades, opioids have been the most widely used medications for the treatment of pain. However, these drugs have exacted a heavy toll on society. For this reason, the health sector is in desperate need of other medications that can effectively treat pain.

Many researchers and physicians know that cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids may offer a solution to pain without the addictive nature of opioids. However, clinical trials into cannabis as a pain reliever is lacking (despite plenty of evidence from observational and prospective studies), and there have been little guidance for medical professionals in prescribing it for patients.

To address this problem, an international task force, known as the Global Task Force on Dosing and Administration of Medical Cannabis, has come up with protocols for the use of cannabis for pain relief. Arun Bhaskar, MD, of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust Pain Management Centre in London, led the panel of 20 physicians. The guidance was presented during PAINWeek, a live virtual conference held September 11-13, 2020.

“We as a task force believe it’s extremely important to bring [medical cannabis] to patients,” said Dr. Bell. “Our main focus was to provide directions to clinicians.”

The first protocol involves treating patients using a routine scale. It dictates beginning with 5mg of cannabidiol (CBD) two times each day. This dosage is to increase until pain relief is achieved. If pain relief is not achieved by 40mg a day of CBD, then tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be added to the mix in dosages starting at 2.5mg daily, which would be capped at 40mg daily.

For the frailest of patients who are elderly and/or have severe co-morbidities, THC is to be issued conservatively. The task force recommends beginning with 1mg per day and increasing it slowly if needed.

Finally, the task force addresses patients in severe pain and those with an extensive history of cannabis consumption. Patients in these categories can be given cannabis under a rapid protocol, which allows doctors to administer equal doses of CBD and THC containing between 2.5 and 5 mg of each cannabinoid once to two times per day.

Members of the task force favor starting with CBD because many have seen its sole use for pain as effective. Additionally, they recommended that all medicinal cannabis be administered orally for ease of use.

The task force advised that pregnant women and those who breastfeed should abstain from medicinal cannabis, as well as those with psychotic disorders.

Members of the task force included physicians from North America, Brazil, Africa, and Europe. Some had extensive experience using medicinal cannabis on their patients in a variety of fields of medicine, including, oncology, primary care, and pediatrics.

In their poster, the group emphasized: “Tailoring medical cannabis treatment to the individual is a critical component of successful treatment.”

As always, speak to your doctor before initiating use of any therapy, including cannabinoids.

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Pismo Beach, CA, September 22, 2020 — MACE Media Group, one of the nation’s largest diversified media and information companies in the cannabis space, announced today that all of their magazines will now be free and digital-only.

The COVID-19 era has significantly altered the way readers prefer to consume content. After talking with different stakeholders, MACE Media decided that digital-only delivery would provide the safest method of readership due to health and sanitation issues.

The decision to go digital-only is accompanied by zero cost to readers, opening up a new portfolio of rich content that will be available to all. As of today, there will be no barriers to accessing any issues of MACE Media magazines, which include Terpenes & Testing, Extraction Magazine, CBD Health & Wellness, and Hemp Farmer. Print copies of the magazines will be available in limited supply upon direct request.

This decision is permanent for all magazines under the company’s banner, except for The Journal of Cannabinoid Medicine, which will be printed twice a year at a subscription rate.

MACE Media Group CEO Celeste Miranda is greatly looking forward to sharing the company’s diversified, in-depth content with current and future readers within the cannabis industry.

“We’ve all faced new challenges within the past year, and the team at MACE has quickly adapted to this new world,” she said. “The decision to go digital-only made the most sense to us. In addition to furthering the reach of our content, the cost savings allowed us to remove subscription fees and make everything open access.”

For readers who are interested in accessing current and past issues of each magazine, there is an option to view these on desktop, as well as on apps for each magazine through Google Play or iTunes. The company is also working on building a dedicated app allowing access to all publications in one place.

To access magazine content, please visit the following URLs:

Terpenes & Testing: https://terpenesandtesting.com/subscription/

Extraction Magazine: https://extractionmagazine.com/subscribe/

CBD Health & Wellness: https://cbdhealthandwellness.net/subscription/

Hemp Farmer: https://hempfarmermagazine.net/subscribe/

You can also sign up for each magazine’s newsletter, which delivers fresh content from curated blogs to your Inbox every week.

About MACE Media Group

MACE Media Group publishes niche cannabis industry trade publications. Its premiere title, Terpenes and Testing Magazine, was the first industry trade publication devoted to cannabis science. Its newer publications, CBD Health & Wellness Magazine, Extraction Magazine, and Hemp Farmer, revolve around the growing cannabinoid industry to provide news on trending applications, medical research, and updates with laws and regulations.

MACE also produces many trade events that attract dozens of cannabis and mainstream media journalists. Currently, MACE Media Group is producing a tour of CBD expos bringing together thousands of industry influencers, forming the most comprehensive CBD event in the United States.

Find out more at MACE Media Group or email info@macemediagroup.com

Who they are: Dr. Dabber has been around since 2013. The company was born from “two guys with a vision, picking and packing orders out of a garage in Florida.” Orders skyrocketed. They moved to Vegas and released the first electric dab rig. Dr. Dabber even trademarked the term “e-rig” but decided to let it go.

Since then, Dr. Dabber has developed several innovations, including induction heating (stay tuned). It’s fair to say the company walks the talk.

Why they’re unique: Dr. Dabber has pushed vaporizer tech and consumer experience to new levels. Striving to minimize health risks and maximize flavor, the company continues to deliver award-winning devices.

What products they have: Vaporizers of varying sizes and types; loads of attachments/accessories, tools, and parts; CBD vape carts. There’s also branded, limited edition playing cards if you’re feelin’ lucky.

The CBD carts are free from additives (like propylene glycol) and instead include terpene blends. Third-party lab reports are a QR scan or link click away.

The newest ticket item is the Stella, a vape pen that heats wax or oil with three temperature settings ranging from 460º to 775º F. The Temperature Coefficient Resistance (TCR) heating element is designed to better control temperature. This means no burnt taste and longer battery life. Another cool feature is the floating vaporization chamber, which keeps the heat in the vape and off your hands.

Perhaps the most popular product is the Switch. The main draw here is induction heating (patent-pending). Take a look at the numbers: 4 seconds to heat. Twenty-five temperature settings ranging from 300º to 800º F. One hundred-and-fifty puffs per charge and 60 minutes to recharge. That said, it’s a desktop vape at 13 inches tall. Though versatile, some users feel the Switch does not work as well for flower.

Attachments for the Switch include the Hive Ball, with a “large water reservoir,” and the Snowflake Recycler, with an “intricate percolator design.”

Aaron G left this comment on the Better Business Bureau^®:

“Great products that don’t break the bank and the customer service team at Dr. Dabber are second to none. I’ve had an issue or two with orders but all were dealt with very well and quickly.”

 Bonus: Vaporizers from Dr. Dabber come with a 1- or 2-year warranty depending on product. They also offer discounts to military, first responders, and teachers.

Who they are: California natives Jennifer Galvin and Kelly Stoll know a thing or two about massage therapy: they are the proprietors of Vital Body Therapy, a “beloved” orthopedic spa in Santa Cruz. We’re talking teams of therapists and 50,000+ clients. Dedicated to natural wellness, the dynamic duo launched CBD products from their kitchen. The products were a hit–Vital Body Therapeutics has since grown to a 5,000 square foot facility.

Popularity aside, products are still hand-made. Glorious. Each is designed to “target inflammation and pain.” Certificates of analysis are available but only report cannabinoid potency. With proof of non-detected THC, the company asserts “no psychoactive effect or risk of failing a drug screening.” That’s a tough claim to make these days, so we encourage you to reach out to the company if you have further questions about testing results.

But here comes the sun: the hemp is grown with organic practices and most other ingredients are certified organic. There’s also “solar infusion,” or extraction of herbs in oil under sunlight. Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting.

Why they’re unique: What’s better than a day at the spa? A day at the spa with CBD, of course. Vital Body Therapeutics delivers it in bottles!

What products they have: One tincture and an array of topical infusions: pain relief cream, balm stick, body oil, bath soak, and massage cream. The tincture packs 1,200 mg CBD but it’s the mixing with certified organic turmeric that’s intriguing. Topical bonus ingredients are even more impressive.

The relief cream draws together the likes of arnica, ginger, comfrey, St. John’s wort, thyme, devil’s claw, chamomile, and holy basil. This super squad of spa heroes works together with 200 mg CBD or, for extra strength, 800 mg. They’re certified organic with a mission to fight aches and pains. The on-the-go CBD balm delivers this lineup but as a convenient roll-on. Lad in distress over here!

Vital Body welcomes dandelion and rosehip oil to the healing party with CBD body oil. Lavender, juniper berry, and cedarwood essential oils mingle with 250 mg CBD to soothe and delight the senses.

Spa owners and massage therapists shouldn’t miss the massage cream. It brims with the aforementioned ingredients and offers up to 7,200 mg CBD under one lid. This stuff is made for professionals with “grip, glide, absorbency” and a “delicate scent.”

Eleana W. left this feedback on the body oil: “This product truly is vital for me. I suffer from arthritis and this product (as well others I’ve tried here) are simply making my life more livable. This one makes my skin so soft while adding relief, so I really appreciate that.”

Julie wrote about the massage cream (extra strength): “We carry this in our salon. People are amazed at how quickly it works.”

Bonus: The company offers a free sample of massage cream!

Who they are:  Bluebird Botanicals is a “world-leading manufacturer” that helps set the bar for quality in the CBD industry. The Colorado-based company was founded in 2012 by Brandon Beatty, an apothecary employee, who recruited a “ragtag team of talented individuals” at a time when CBD was still fringe.

The company boasts an impressive array of quality certifications. Bluebird is a Certified B Corporation^®, indicating that it meets the “highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability.” They are Good Manufacturing Practice compliant and scored 100% on a third-party audit in 2019. Then there’s US Hemp Authority^® certification for “high standards, best practices, and self-regulation.”

The batch database allows anyone to look at comprehensive third-party lab testing. Oh, and Bluebird gives back. Recently, this included a $100,000 donation to help feed children. And their assistance discount program is available to low income or disabled individuals, veterans, students, teachers, and civil servants.

Why they’re unique: Plenty of CBD companies consider quality but few prioritize it above all else. That’s the Bluebird difference.

What products they have: Bluebird’s main draw is its array of oil tinctures. Classic is the simplest option with 250 mg full-spectrum CBD per ounce in hemp seed oil. Complete includes raw extract and steam-distilled terpenes to maximize the entourage effect. This one comes in organic extra virgin olive oil. Signature takes things in an unconventional direction with organic black cumin seed oil and frankincense extract. These three musketeers are offered in a sample pack. Each is also offered in a concentrated form with 6 times the normal amount of CBD–1,500 mg per ounce.

Other additions to the tincture family include Immune Support with vitamin D₃ and 250 mg CBD. If full spectrum isn’t your thing, they have an isolate tincture on tap (1,500 mg per bottle).

Lotions come in three varieties: Essential, Sport, and Silk. Each has 700 mg CBD per 3.4-ounce tub with varying combinations of ingredients like jojoba, carrot, and mint oils. Bluebird also offers soft gel capsules but they are not suitable for vegans because the capsules contain gelatin. High-purity isolate is available as well. Basic companion oil and capsules for pets seat the full-spectrum extract in organic virgin hemp seed oil.

Bonus: Bluebird is a well-established global wholesaler. And automated subscriptions save 15%!

Although the cannabidiol (CBD) industry is experiencing phenomenal growth, the lack of federal guidance for ingestible products remains an obstacle. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released draft guidelines that are a precursor to future regulations that will hopefully provide the industry some direction to create safe and reliable cannabis products for consumers.

We spoke with Derek Thomas, vice president of business development over at Veritas Farms, a Colorado-based fully-vertically-integrated full-spectrum hemp oil producer, for some input on this FDA guidance.

CBD H&W: Why are FDA guidelines necessary for an already up-and-running cannabis industry?

DT: Due to the lack of federal regulations, [the industry] is very fragmented. Different states have different regulatory stipulations and procedures and quality control procedures, and, in some cases, different labeling standards.

For a fledgling industry, it’s very onerous; it’s very challenging.

[Also], the bigger picture here is for the consumer. Consumers deserve to know what’s in their products. They deserve to know that there is a national framework for what quality is and what an acceptable level of safety is.

The lack of FDA regulation creates a lot of uncertainty for chain retailers as well. Retailers just do not feel comfortable carrying ingestible products yet. And who can blame them? The last thing they want is unwanted FDA attention for selling ingestible CBD.

CBD H&W: Do you feel the cannabis industry should have a high level of participation in the formation of these guidelines?

DT: FDA is aggregating opinions, and they’re doing what they can, but they’re not out in the field everyday growing crops and manufacturing in extraction facilities, and they’re not out selling it. So it’s absolutely critical for the industry to ensure they are communicating what is best for the industry.

CBD H&W: Without federal guidance, what do players in the industry such as Veritas Farms and other businesses look to for guidance to achieve high standards?

DT: It really depends on where you want to zoom in. Take labeling for example. We look at what different states are requiring and then aggregate it into a best practices. We also look at…previous new health and wellness or supplements [and] what types of regulations and standards they were held to. In some ways, it’s black and white, and, in some ways, it’s a bit of a guessing game until you get further guidance.

What it really comes down to is, in every step of commercialization, you have to, again, consider all of your fifty markets across the country, and have to anticipate what a federal regulatory hurdle might look like.

We have a very good in-house legal team that we lean on constantly. We also have an out-of-house legal team.

CBD H&W: Is there anything you personally feel should be emphasized in the upcoming federal regulations?

DT: The biggest concern goes back to consumer transparency and safety. So, I think regulations that are going to elevate both of those are critical. So that’s things like a cohesive testing apparatus nationwide and some type of standard for the reporting of the tests.

We thank Derek for his insights and hope too for more clarity soon.

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Opportunity abounds in cannabis markets across the US. In 2018, investors poured $10 billion into the industry. Excelsior College, one of the oldest nonprofit distance education providers in the US, is now offering a Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control to prepare students to meet the need. This three-course, nine-credit certificate takes an interdisciplinary approach and covers topics like interstate commerce, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment.

Cannabis industry workers include dispensary owners, growers, public sector employees, and more. Finding educational information explicitly targeting this group can be challenging. Another stumbling block facing potential cannabis workers is the need to learn laws and compliance measures that differ state by state. Nevada’s cannabis market is not identical to California’s and vice versa. Without federal guidance, states are left to craft their own rules.

“Since Cannabis is still a Schedule I drug at the federal level and states have taken different paths toward legalization, there are policies at various levels that must be adhered to in order to remain compliant,” notes Gretchen Schmidt, the faculty program director of Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies at Excelsior.

A focus on compliance measures and regulations form the backbone of Excelsior’s program. Students should be well versed in the law to succeed in cannabis-related endeavors. Ten years ago, legal recreational cannabis didn’t exist in the US. The industry was limited to a handful of medical markets. But industry expansion has been rapid and not without growing pains. However, new and better policies continuously emerge.

“Compliance with local and state regulations are a minimum requirement to succeed in this space. But they are also important because sound regulation works to the benefit and wellbeing of all stakeholders. Compliance with local and state regulations helps demonstrate good faith effort to do what is right for the protection of humans,” says Schmidt.

“This is particularly important as cannabis becomes legal in more places, and the stigma around the plant begins to fade. Demonstrating how you will be keeping the community safe from a product that is still illegal at the federal level takes a deep understanding of policy and compliance.”

One of the program’s advantages is that it offers a breadth of scope–it’s not centered on a particular state or locale. Instead, students examine the variations between state and even international policies. For example, in a course titled “Implications of Legalization of Cannabis: Policy and Compliance,” students discuss 2018’s Farm Bill and the effect that it’s had on the cultivation and sale of hemp.
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The cannabis world is so diverse that students from various backgrounds can find value in Excelsior’s certificate.

Schmidt explains, “We think this program would be attractive to individuals in a wide variety of fields related to the legal cannabis industry and its regulation…individuals currently employed in the space, from seed to sale…people interested in learning more about how to enter the sector as an entrepreneurial opportunity…professional fields that can provide ancillary services to the sector…among others.”

Students can complete the program in six months. The credits earned are applicable toward any of the school’s master degree programs. In fact, in Spring 2021, Excelsior plans to launch concentrations in Cannabis Control for the Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Administration, Master of Science in Health Sciences, and Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

Right now, the Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control certificate consists of three eight-week courses. However, the school is open to the possibility of expanding the program.

“We are still early in providing education in this space but the interest from prospective students has been really good,” Schmidt says.

“And, we know that this sector is dynamic and changes rapidly, so we can envision providing timely training and education on-demand as we move forward…There also might be opportunities to expand at the undergraduate level too.”

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Co-founder Roy Lipski leads California-based Creo in collaboration with Genomatica

SAN DIEGO, CA – September 29, 2020 – Creo, an ingredient company with a platform for producing rare cannabinoids, such as CBG, announces its official launch today. Creo, who is  partnered with biotech industry-leader Genomatica, has been developing fermentation-based cannabinoid production technologies since 2016. Creo was co-founded by science entrepreneur and CEO, Roy Lipski, and leading professor of bioengineering, Dr. Ramon Gonzalez.

Creo has the technology to deliver a reliable, high-quality and consistent supply of rare and novel cannabinoid ingredients at commercial scale. With its launch, Creo’s customers will gain access to new ingredients that support their development of innovative products for people everywhere. Samples are now available.

“As early as 2015, we recognized the untapped potential of biotechnology to make cannabinoids better,” said Lipski. “Now working alongside our technology partner Genomatica, we’ve built a strong IP position, developed our core technology, and are ready to move to commercial scale.”

Creo’s brand is built on three core pillars: sustainable innovation, access to abundance and being a trusted partner to customers. Creo’s promise of greater sustainability is why it makes its cannabinoid ingredients using one of the world’s oldest natural processes – fermentation. Fermentation requires less water, energy and land than the plant-based approaches typically used to extract cannabinoid ingredients.

“We are fully committed to Creo in the field of cannabinoids and have strong confidence in their team and the market opportunity,” said Christophe Schilling, co-founder & CEO, Genomatica. “We believe in positive disruptors and are proud to stand by Creo at its launch, and to bring the power of our proven technology innovation engine.”

Creo is backed by both institutional and private capital, with Genomatica being one of the largest shareholders in the business. To date, Creo has received close to $50M in equity investment. Creo has built a strong portfolio of patent applications related to its technology and process, and has high confidence in its freedom-to-operate.

Creo’s first product is CBG. Due to its scarcity (typically <0.5% by weight), up until now, customers have struggled to access the benefits of this important non-intoxicating cannabinoid.

“As the cannabinoid industry continues to grow, Creo is entering the marketplace as a true innovator, with a focus on our customers and their needs,” said Shuchi Sarkar, CMO, Creo. “Creo will be known for its reliability, with our products independently tested by Eurofins, one of the most respected third-party labs.”

For more information, visit www.creoingredients.com.

Creo’s Leadership Team Background

Roy Lipski, CEO, is an entrepreneur with a background in, and deep passion for, biotech. He has led growing technology companies based on cutting-edge science for more than 20 years. Prior to forming Creo, Roy successfully founded several other pioneering technology companies, including Infonic, an early AI software business, and Oxford Catalysts, a publicly listed renewable fuels technology company.

Alastair James, Executive Director, brings a breadth of experience ranging from building start-up ventures to holding senior positions at some of the world’s largest financial institutions. Prior to his role at Creo, Alastair was a Managing Director at UniCredit in London and New York, most recently in the role of business manager of the global Rates business, a $500 million-plus trading operation.

Shuchi Sarkar, CMO, is an accomplished marketer with more than 25 years of broad experience at world-leading technology companies including HP, Compaq, Motorola and Ogilvy Advertising. Prior to joining Creo, she was the Global Head of Marketing for HP’s digital printing business and the recipient of many industry awards including EFFIEs, Cannes Lions, “Innovative Marketer by Economic Times”, and “WIM Digital Marketer of the Year 2017”.

David Brinkmann, VP Manufacturing, is a chemical engineer with 40 years of experience in process development, technology transfer, engineering design, operations management, techno-economic modeling and technical leadership in the bio-process industry. He has successfully developed, scaled up and managed fermentation and downstream processes for a wide variety of bio-based products and organisms.

 

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About Creo

Creo is an ingredient company that produces rare and novel cannabinoids using the age-old natural process of fermentation, coupled with cutting-edge technological innovation. Founded in 2016 and based in California, Creo’s mission is to enable the creation of cannabinoid products that help people everywhere while doing less harm to the planet. Creo’s technology partner and major shareholder is industry-leading biotech firm Genomatica. To learn more, visit www.creoingredients.com.

About Genomatica

Genomatica is harnessing synthetic biology to remake the world of everyday products and materials through the power of clean manufacturing. The company is developing more sustainable, higher-performance key ingredients for everyday products, using plants and waste rather than fossil fuels or other non-sustainable sources like palm oil. Genomatica has already commercialized ingredients to make better plastics, spandex and personal care products, and is working on nylon, household cleaners and more. To learn more, visit www.genomatica.com.

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