CBD, or cannabidiol, is found in the genus Cannabis, which includes marijuana and hemp. This ancient plant contains many beneficial phytocannabinoids (or phytochemicals) that work naturally with the receptors in our natural endocannabinoid system. Our endocannabinoid system maintains homeostasis, or balance, in our bodies, helping to regulate appetite, pain sensation, memory, and mood. CBD-infused supplements can enhance our natural system to help with pain, inflammation, stress, and sleep. CBD by itself, whether derived from hemp, cannabis, or other sources, is non-psychoactive, meaning it cannot create a mind-altering state.

Some so-called CBD products contain only hemp seed oil. There is very little CBD in the seeds, so while there are other beneficial compounds in the oil, it doesn’t provide very much CBD. Oil extracted from the whole plant, including the important flower, contains a wealth of CBD plus secondary cannabinoids and other natural constituents that work together to create an “entourage effect,” multiplying their healing properties.

Terpenes are natural compounds found in essential oils responsible for taste and aroma. (Limonene, for instance, smells like lemons). Essential oils have been used since ancient times, valued for their therapeutic and medicinal properties. Researchers today believe that terpenes are an important contributor to the entourage effect.

Much of our everyday physical discomfort comes from stress. Stress causes inflammation, which is our bodies’ cry for help. Studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, making it good for our skin, joints, muscles, and gut. Broad-Spectrum CBD oil also contains vitamins A, D, and E, as well as essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) and terpenes. In balms, creams, lotions, and oils, CBD can soothe eczema, psoriasis, acne, and other skin ailments including sun damage. Because CBD is absorbed in smaller amounts through the skin with daily application, these products usually include smaller total amounts of CBD. Balms for muscle relief that target specific areas will contain more CBD as well as other compounds to soothe sore muscles. CBD affects each individual differently, and it is important to experiment with amounts, starting small at first and increasing dosages as needed.

The World Health Organization released a report in 2018 stating that whole plant derived CBD is safe and well-tolerated in humans and animals, and not associated with any negative health effects. They determined that CBD is an effective treatment for epilepsy. In addition, the study found preliminary evidence that CBD could be beneficial in treating a variety of other ailments without the side effects of opioids. While CBD has been found to be helpful for many users, it’s important to verify a product’s source and extraction methods before using it.

CBD (cannabidiol) may interact with other medications and dosage.  Consult your physician on all vitamins, supplements, prescription and over-the-counter medications you’re taking.

Our CBD extracted from hemp contains no THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis. There are at least 113 cannabinoids that have been identified, of which CBD is the most promising therapeutically.

Whole-plant hemp extract with THC under the 0.3% limit, as defined by the 2018 United States Farm Bill, has been removed from the Controlled Substances Act as a Schedule 1 drug. The signed 2018 Farm Bill, supported by both parties, makes CBD from hemp legal on the federal level.

THE #1 THC-FREE BROAD SPECTRUM BRAND

Astir’s 7-Step Process for the Highest Quality CBD

Step 1: Superior Farming

Every product Astir creates starts with our natural proprietary strains of hemp that are high in CBD. All of the hemp we use is grown in nutrient-rich soil in the United States.

Our farmers operate under strict guidelines while using state-of-the-art farming processes. Not only does this enhance the quality of our natural proprietary strains, but it also makes sure our products are safe, regulated and unsurpassed in their potency and consistency.

These farming processes include innovative water-saving practices. We also implement the “sea of green” approach, meaning that we grow hemp plants that mature quickly in higher density. This helps us avoid herbicide use. We plant our hemp in a way that encourages natural predators so we can avoid pesticide use as well.

Step 2: Raw Hemp Processing

The plants we use are dried and warehoused after they are harvested. When we need a plant for production, it is milled into a coarse powder. The milling process adheres to the highest standards in the industry. Once processed, it is shipped to our processing and manufacturing facility.

Step 3: Proprietary Extraction

At our facility, we are cGMP compliant. That means we follow the highest standards for manufacturing.

We use a proprietary hemp extraction and purification process that involves supercritical CO2, a commonly used method of extraction. This makes sure that many of hemp’s beneficial phytocannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids are preserved in the process. The result? The highest quality broad spectrum hemp oil available.

While CBD on its own offers many benefits, a growing body of research has found that a broad spectrum product leads to multiplying benefits. This is called the entourage effect.

The process isn’t quite done. Once extracted, undesirable plant solids like waxes and chlorophyll are removed from the oil.

Step 4: Separation

Before further refinement, the hemp extract is separated from the supercritical CO2 used in the extraction process. Once this step is completed, the CO2 is recycled and used again in the distillation process.

Step 5: THC Removal and Refining

One of the most important steps in the process is to extract even the most minute traces of THC. THC is the compound found in cannabis that produces the “high” associated with the plant.

We use proprietary technology to remove unwanted compounds including wax, chlorophyll, plant pigments and trace amounts of THC. It is then “washed” and “polished.”

Our products contain no detectable THC.

Step 6: Third-Party Lab Testing

Before we release any batch, it goes through rigorous third-party lab testing. We have set a new bar of testing in the industry. Every batch receives the most comprehensive testing available: microbial (E. coli, yeast, mold), potency (ensuring what’s on the label is in the bottle), heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium) and pesticides (60 total).

We strive to use organic ingredients whenever possible. Each of our products includes a QR code linking to both the internal lab reports on the raw oil and the third-party testing on the finished product.

Step 7: Our Proprietary Nanoemulsion Technology

Our softgels require our oil to go through another processing step. The raw hemp oil goes through a proprietary process that transforms it into nano-sized emulsions, which leads to greater absorption and therefore enhanced efficacy.

In addition to our nanoemulsion process, we use other proprietary technology to create the water-soluble hemp powder used in our dog treats and energy mix — since your body has difficulty absorbing oil, this water-soluble format is also more bioavailable than standard hemp oil.

What does this mean for you? You can receive the same benefits you would with an ordinary CBD product but with a lower serving size. We think that’s a reason to celebrate.

Better process, better products, better results — with Astir CBD, you only get the best.