Buying vegan and organic stuff is usually a conscious decision preceded by a raft of research. However, with countless products available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which items are actually organic and which use the term solely to attract gullible customers.
The CBD industry, albeit relatively new, also struggles with this issue. Many CBD products are falsely advertised as organic, making the whole industry look bad.
But you might wonder what “organic” really means. After all, what difference does it make if you buy non-organic or organic CBD gummies? This article clarifies the subject and advises which of the two might be better for you.
Here’s all you need to know about organic and non-organic CBD to make an informed decision:
Organic CBD: What Does It Mean?
When a product is labeled as organic, it means that its ingredients are grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. Moreover, organic products can’t be genetically modified.
To be certified as organic, a CBD company must undergo a strict auditing process. It needs to prove that it adheres to the guidelines set by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Only then will it receive the USDA Organic seal.
Organic CBD products are safer since they don’t contain harmful chemicals and are produced by organic farmers. Nevertheless, they might be more expensive than their non-organic counterparts.
What Is Organic Farming?
Organic farming means that the crops are grown without any type of synthetic chemicals — not only pesticides and fertilizers but also herbicides and fungicides.
Many people believe that synthetic substances are incredibly harmful to human health and not only don’t belong in food but also must be banned altogether.
Organic farmers typically don’t use synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Instead, they use natural substances like manure, compost, and seaweed to nourish their crops. Sometimes, they are also allowed to use bio-pesticides instead of synthetic ones.
Non-Organic CBD: What Does It Mean?
If a product doesn’t have the USDA Organic seal, it’s non-organic and likely contains chemicals. It doesn’t mean that all non-organic products are dangerous — some might be perfectly safe. Still, you should exercise caution when choosing them.
Most industrial hemp farms use pesticides and other chemicals to protect their crops from pests and diseases. Some of these chemicals might end up in your CBD products in traces too low to pose any health risks.
Finally, non-organic products might contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These are plants whose genes have been artificially altered via genetic engineering to make them resistant to herbicides or pests. GMO crops tend to produce higher yields than conventional crops and are thus cheaper to grow.
While it’s not sure whether GMOs pose a threat to human health, many people prefer to avoid them just in case.
CBD: Is It Legal?
The legality of CBD products depends on their source and content. Industrial hemp is legal in the US as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC — the psychoactive compound in cannabis that gets you high. Any higher THC levels make the plant illegal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
As long as your CBD product contains only industrial hemp-derived CBD with low THC levels, it’s legal in the US.
That said, laws vary from state to state, so check your local regulations before buying anything. For example, some states are yet to legalize CBD entirely — so far, only CBD-based medications have been allowed within their borders.
Organic vs Non-Organic CBD: Which Is Better For You?
The question of organic vs non-organic CBD is quite complex. While it’s clear that organic CBD products are safer, the use of pesticides in industrial hemp farming might not be dangerous for your health. This factor is especially true if you don’t consume a lot of CBD products on a daily basis.
If you want to be on the safe side, buy organic CBD products. You can also look for a CBD oil that comes from the EU, which does not allow the use of pesticides on industrial hemp crops.
On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and do not consume a lot of CBD, you can opt for non-organic products as well.
If you have any doubts about certain CBD products, ask the manufacturer whether they’re organic or non-organic. All reputable companies will answer your questions with no hesitation.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are many differences between organic and non-organic CBD products. While the former has undergone the holistic process of growing and processing, the latter has been produced using chemical pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
Consequently, organic products are considered healthier. Still, you may find non-organic products that are high-quality and safe.
So how do you choose? Ultimately, it all comes down to your preferences and needs.
Organic CBD products are great for your health but can also be a little pricey. If you are on a tight budget and still want to get high-quality CBD, then non-organic products are a perfect choice. Conversely, organic CBD is the way to go if you prefer quality over quantity.
I’ve personally never used organic CBD products yet. Truth be said I barely use organic fruits and veggies. I wonder that percentage of people are buying organic CBD at the moment, like the market share of organic CBD vs normal one.
That being said, this is a well written article. I only remember Joy Organics who produced organic products. Organic CBD is not something that comes to mind when thinking of cannabis products. So, thanks for reminding us.