Sunday 22 December 2019

What is CBD whitelabeling and is it right for me?

White labeling is a common term in business and product industries. A white label product by definition, is “a product or service produced by one company that other companies rebrand to make it appear as if they had made it.”

With the emergence of CBD on the market, it was only time before white labeling services were available to the industry as well. And, they’re just now growing in popularity.

So how does white labeling work in the CBD industry, and is it right for you? Let’s take a look at CBD white labeling to see if your brand should jump in, too.

White Labeling CBD & THC Products

Many large hemp operations have begun to diversify with white label services. This means one CBD product brand you may really like, might begin from another.

The difference in products will lie in their appearance. When you partner with a white label brand, sometimes you must supply the packaging appearance. Like your logo, or branding material to adhere to the white labeled or blank product. It's worth asking.

Typically white labeling CBD & THC products can work in two ways.

1. You can purchase the ‘unlabeled’ products yourself and package and a label them yourself. If the product is THC related, you'll want to make sure appropriate Certificate of Analysis are provided which meet local regulations.

2. You can pay an additional cost to supply your own branding art. The white label service will then print, and affix them to the final product. This is the more hands-off approach. Some companies will even go as far as helping you advertise your products and services as well.

Add Your Labels to Products Created by Third-Party Companies

Alternatives to white-labeling

1. You can grow hemp yourself, or buy the hemp wholesale, find a processor to turn the flower into CBD, but you package and label the products yourself

2. Find a processor offering CBD and THC products wholesale (already processed / bulk / unlabeled) you buy the packaging and supply labeling.

Why go with White Labeling?

The risks and pains of producing, processing, packaging, labeling while adhering to local guidelines, can be cumbersome for many growers or producers. White label products are produced by reputable processors, and give you the benefit of CBD market growth without the work of everything just discussed. One can simply slap their logo on the side of a new CBD balm, tincture, edible or other product and begin selling it as their own very soon. This is great for companies who want to brand products as themselves, yet don't want to grow the hemp, process it into CBD, and go through all the motions of production.

And speaking of market growth, the CBD industry is booming. Within 6 months of legalization, 6% of Americans were already consuming CBD. This is expected to grow exponentially as the health and medical benefits of the compound increase. In fact, current projections show the CBD market will reach nearly $2 billion over the next three years.

How should I choose a White Label service?

There are a few things to question before partnering with a CBD white label manufacturing company. First, you’ll want to determine the quality and contents of the product as this will affect start-up costs and the ability to resell.

Things to ask and look for when speaking to white label companies

  • Do you have a catalog of your products?
  • Do you offer bulk pricing?
  • What is your scope of work?
  • Look for testimonials and reviews about the company or other companies they produce for

With a flood of new brands on the CBD market, you’ll also want to ensure you’re not competing with your white label service. Check with the manufacturers to see if they sell their white label product directly, under their own brand.

Compare the prices on the market, the price you’ll have to pay, and the return on investment for each product or service you’re considering. Some white label brands might offer a quality product, but can’t return well on profits.

You might want to ask your white label service what they do in-house, versus using third party companies for (like printing or testing). This can affect your overall cost, or timelines.

In addition to best business practices, there are a few things you should require in regards to licensing and safety. These include -

  • Department of Agriculture or local health department license
    • Plus a food or cosmetic safety program certification, if applicable
  • Proper insurance coverages
  • Compliance and reports of health inspections
  • Testing methods and standards
    • Plus reports of contents, reporting terpenes, purity, CBD and compound levels
  • Compliant with OSHA and HAACP
Choose from the best white-labeling companies

Quantities & Expense

Another consideration to have when choosing white labeling, is quantity and upfront expense. On average when white labeling, you’re looking at a $10,000 - $15,000 upfront expense. That can return greatly, if you brand successfully. But be sure to check the minimum order quantity with the white label brands you’re reviewing. Most require a minimum order quantity, that will ultimately affect your initial cost.

Growing Market

If you’re looking to capitalize on a growing CBD market, than the work it takes to brand a white label product might be for you. With capital in mind, be sure your brand is set from the beginning for the most profitable outcome. Check out our top quality white labeling services, and products available to partner with, today.

Original Content Source: https://www.discountpharms.com

Saturday 21 December 2019

Where do I test my hemp flower once it's harvested?

In a CBD market saturated with new products and brands, it’s hard to stand out from the crowd. One thing that can set you apart will be verified and trusted testing of your flower or product and the capabilities to show a valid certificate of analysis. With the Farm Bill just recently legalizing hemp federally, the maze of state regulations can still be hard to navigate. Let’s review the most important factors to keep in mind when testing your hemp flower, after harvest.

Local & State Labs for your Flower

First, you’ll need to find a local testing facility that meets your state’s requirement for testing CBD or hemp flower. Under the Farm Bill, it’s required for growers to test flower for THC to ensure it remains under the .3% threshold for qualifying CBD or hemp. This is on a dry weight basis. One thing the Farm Bill did not address, is uniform inter-state testing.

It’s important to choose an approved testing facility, as the method which tests are conducted can affect the final results. There are discrepancies in testing based upon where the plant sample came from on the plant, how material is combined for testing, and scope guidelines for how to test.

The US Hemp Authority, among other organizations were created to address the need of consistency across the industry. The five key tests that are being recommended for hemp flower include -

  • Potency Testing
  • Terpene Testing
  • Residual Solvents
  • Residual Pesticides
  • Heavy Metals

Beyond nationwide inconsistencies, to find an approved local testing facility, ensure they are in compliance with the requirements of your state’s regulatory body for cannabis. This means they can provide the result of whether your flower meets the state’s threshold of standards in regards to content, pesticides and contaminants. We’ll talk more about accredited facilities, requirements and necessary certificates, next.

A very basic example of a Hemp Flower Certificate of Analysis

Requirements & Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Accredited labs are mandated to use methods of testing to produce the state’s specific requirements. Any lab with state accreditation, has been inspected, has the necessary equipment and is approved to meet compliance.

Before you choose a third party lab for testing, establish they are licensed and can provide you a list of requirements from your specific state. In addition, your testing facility should be able to provide a certificate of analysis (COA).

A COA is your final report that analyzes the content of your hemp flower. It will display the flower’s analytical compound of content including cannabinoids, contaminates, and other measures your state requires. With the flood of fake products on the CBD market, it’s imperative to have a COA for customers or distributors.

There are numerous states now requiring CBD products to include their COA on products, in the form of a QR code. The QR code on the product’s packaging can be scanned, taking the consumer directly to the analysis report. Whether your state requires this or not, many brands are incorporating COA results on products to build trust with their customers.

Re-Testing if Necessary

We’ve all had a bad test, or exam where we just don’t perform the way we should. This can happen in hemp flower testing, too. The last question you should ask your testing facility, is in re-doing or re-taking the test if your product negates to meet local and state requirements.

Many growers have suffered devastating losses when their final product can’t be sold due to a bad or failed test. Before you choose a testing facility, ask what happens when a product fails testing. Will they offer re-testing? And does this require an additional fee to do so?

Test with the Best

After months of time, labor and money towards your growing garden - don’t cut corners when it comes to testing. Do your research on accredited facilities in your area, and ask the necessary questions before turning over your pride and joy for testing. Check out our selection of approved facilities, by state and find your trusted tester today.

Original Content Source: https://www.discountpharms.com

My hemp is ready to harvest...now what?

Your garden has flourished, flowered and is ready for harvest. It’s time to take down your buds and begin to process. But, how should you start? That answer depends on how your flower will be distributed and sold. Let’s review a beginner’s guide to drying, trimming and packaging hemp harvests for biomass or boutique flower retail.

Conveyor Belt Flower Drying System

Drying Your Hemp Flower

For hemp flower to be usable in any form, it must be dried first. This can take time depending on the method you’re using.

When drying hemp, moisture content should reduce to 8-10% by industry standards. Or, to the percentage your processor requires. The most DIY method to do so, is in a space of your own if you have the area.

If drying in your own building, the space should be away from direct sunlight, well ventilated, and equipped with fans. Keeping the area at 60 - 70 degrees, with 45-55% humidity is ideal for drying and curing. Drying slowly with high airflow can retain high cannabinoid and terpene content. This will increase the quality and return on your harvested hemp.

Hanging the whole plant can lead to mold or mildew so be cautious and monitor closely. If you have the labor force, cutting each branch and hanging individually can help alleviate mold or mildew growth. Be aware as this will take extra time, depending on the number of plants you’ve harvested.

Innovative drying machines, and services are time-saving methods to cure your flower. If you’re dealing with high quantities and need a fast turnaround...they may be an option for you.

Dehydrating machines are increasing in popularity with large operations that can afford or justify the initial cost. These dehydration machines incorporate technology and techniques to dry hemp flower quickly, while keeping content intact. The machines can vary in size and cost. Check your local listings, as drying services can be contracted in many areas to utilize a machine-method, without purchasing yourself.

Just remember - if you are planning on having your hemp product (flower or biomass) dried off the property, you'll need to find a reputable transportation company who understands how to handle local legalities, especially if transporting nationally.

Perfect for Trimming Hemp Flower

Trimming Your Flower

Once your product is dried, it’s time to prepare for boutique or biomass sales. Here enters a big difference, in time, labor and cost for the two differing types.

Biomass hemp flower will be processed into oil or various products. This means the final aesthetic of the bud, doesn’t matter as much as boutique hemp flower to be sold on store shelves.

Buds being processed for retail boutique and artisan sales, should be manicured and trimmed by hand. Trimmers in the industry take the time to shape flower specifically for higher content, and consumer sales. Because this process can be a long one for large quantities of flower, hire professionals who are skilled in working quickly with high quality. Time out your harvest, so you’re able to dry, trim and package to meet the deadline of your retailer.

Trimming machines and services are also available for large sized harvests, looking to turn flower to biomass fast. These machines work quickly to remove unnecessary leaves, while leaving the buds with content for processing. Again, they come with an upfront cost so check locally to see if trimming machine services are available in your area for contract, instead.

By hand, or machine, be sure to time your harvest correctly, so you’re able to dry, trim and package to meet deadlines of your retailer or processor.

Packaging Product

Now your flower is dried, trimmed and ready for packaging. If you’ve prepared your hemp flower for boutique sale, you’ll want to preserve the shape and care of the bud. Before it’s packaged for sale, it’s best to store your dried and trimmed hemp flower in sealed glass jars.

If you’re packaging biomass for oil production, the product is often stored in cool dry areas - like refrigerators or freezers. This can help contain the cannabinoid and terpene content for full spectrum, isolate or distillate products.. Depending on your processor, most prefer the biomass to be sealed in food storage bags. But don’t pack your bud too tightly, or this can deter level contents.

One harvest down, many to go.

With each harvest of hemp flower, you’ll learn what works best for your garden, your processors and the products you’re creating. Just like growing, take note of what works best and what’s proving inefficient for optimal production. If you’re looking for help, check out our high quality harvesting products for drying, trimming or packaging, now!

Original Source: https://www.discountpharms.com

Friday 20 December 2019

Trending Now : High CBD Low THC Hemp Flower

With a CBD popularity wave crossing the nation, many new or veteran users are searching out flower with high CBD and low THC content. Any bud with over 15% CBD, and less than .3% THC qualifies as hemp flower which is now federally legal. So what makes high CBD hemp flower different, and what are the most classic or trending strains? Read on to find out.

Why High CBD & Low THC?

High CBD and Low THC hemp flower is increasing in popularity for its widespread benefits, the obvious being medically, the not so obvious being recreationally. Due to being less regulated and nationally legal - boutique hemp flower is showing up in many retail-store locations.

Specifically non cannabis stores due to the ease of legally handling hemp flower, yet the product tastes like cannabis, smells like cannabis, and even smokes like cannabis.

Additionally the CBD benefits are still offered when inhaling hemp flower. As a bonus hemp flower has mild enough effects for first time users or for those seeking lower highs since there is no THC in the product or at least very little.

Strains with high CBD and low THC counts, can be very therapeutic in nature. The CBD ratios can cause relief for minor pains, or insomnia, and even more severe conditions like epilepsy and opioid addiction.

Most high CBD and low THC strains are found in oil or extract form, but certain strains are smokeable like marijuana, too. The buds or oil can also be infused into edibles for longer lasting effects.

When choosing a high CBD strain it’s important to know what terpenes the strain contains, too. Terpenes are essential oils found in all cannabis plants, that provide additional medical effects like anti-inflammation, antimicrobial, anti-itch and more.

Bluegenius Hemp Flower

Popular (& Classic) High CBD Strains

With the emergence of increasing researched benefits provided by high CBD hemp strains, so has the number of emerging strains increased on the market. Let’s look at the most popular and classic high cbd hemp flower strains, now.

  1. Charlotte’s Web - Showing high effectiveness in aiding the symptoms of epilepsy, Charlotte’s Web is one of the most notably medical strains on the market today. With less than .3% THC, this hemp flower gained major credit for effectively treating seizures. The flower itself is woody, citrus and piney in flavor.
  2. Harle-Tsu - Showing levels of less than 1% THC, Harle-Tsu’s effects are favorable for pain relief. The strain is also high in the terpenes, myrcene and humulene. The humulene terpene is anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory. Myrcene is sedative, antibiotic, analgesic (relief of pain) and also anti-inflammatory. These terpenes also lend their woody, herbal and earthy aromas to the Harle-Tsu flower.
  3. Cherry Wine - High in terpenes, with CBD levels wavering between 15-27%, the Cherry Wine strain is increasing quickly in popularity. With less than .3% THC, the hemp flower is fruity and floral in flavor. The dominant terpenes include myrcene, humulene and also, caryophyllene. Caryophyllene is unique by terpene terms as it reacts directly with cannabinoid receptors (specifically CB2). This terpene and strain can medically help symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, pain, anxiety and stress.
  4. Afternoon Delight - A rare strain, packed with terpenes and scents of pine, Afternoon Delight’s relaxing effects are ideal for conditions like depression, stress, pain and insomnia. The bud’s high is also uplifting providing bursts of energy perfect for daytime use.
  5. Bleugenius - Again, high in CBD content the strain Bleugenius is known for its’ calm and soothing effects. Berry, floral and woody in scent, Bleugenius flower provides a strong cerebral head high and is medically prescribed in the treatment of headaches.
  6. ACDC - Another well known high CBD strain, ACDC typically carries a 20:1 CBD to THC ratio. With CBD levels reaching nearly 19%, the earthy and woody strain is often recommended for a variety of medical conditions including multiple sclerosis, pain, epilepsy and can help the side-effects of chemotherapy.
  7. Ringo’s Gift - Named for CBD enthusiast Laurence Ringo and not Ringo Star, the strain Ringo’s Gift is a present to patients looking for full body relaxation. With CBD:THC ratios nearly 24:1 you can see why the strain proves to be so helpful. High in anti-inflammation traits, Ringo’s Gift addresses pain, stress, depression and insomnia as well. The flower is citrusy and nutty in aroma.

Fly High with Low THC High CBD Strains

High CBD strains are trending in popularity because of their lack in psychoactive effects, and abundance of medical benefits. If you’re looking to find relief, without the high - check out the high CBD seeds, clones and products in stock now.

Original Content Source: https://www.discountpharms.com

Why should I buy Seeds vs Clones?

When beginning or increasing any grow, your first question may be...should I buy seeds or clones? While both grow the same end result, they begin very differently. Both seeds and clones have their own benefits and negatives. Before you choose, check out the pro’s and con’s of each. If you are looking for hemp seeds for sale, check out this link.

Sowing Seeds

Seeds vs. clones is a common debate, but both sides have valid verdicts based on trials or success. Let’s first take a look at the benefits of growing from a seed start.

  • Easier to Transport & Handle - In today’s world, the internet allows for easy seed sales and shipping. This includes autoflower seeds, feminized seeds, hemp seeds, and more. Seeds are small in size, cheap to ship and easier to handle than clones.
  • Storage - Once you purchase the seeds, you can properly store them to grow later or over a longer period of time. If kept correctly, in a cool dark area, seeds can last up to 5 years. Older seeds can have a more difficult time germinating, but it’s an advantage to consider.
  • Proven Lineage - If purchasing seeds from a proven seed bank, you can be sure of the lineage and know what to expect as for growth, appearance and yield. Certain strains can be extremely valuable, but costly too. Choosing feminized seeds will also ensure that no plants turn up male, as they sprout.
  • Roots & Pests - Unlike clones, growing from a seed creates a ‘tap root’. A tap root is a supportive base for the plant, allowing for improved water and nutrient uptake. Tap roots are ideal if growing from seed outdoors, but not as necessary for indoor container growing. Growing from seeds also avoids any inherent disease, molds, or pests that can come along with clones.

With any list of pro’s there are always a few con’s. Like. if you don’t pony up for feminized seeds, you can run the risk of growing male plants. And not all seeds, may germinate. Waiting for seeds to grow can also take longer, extending your time to harvest.

When purchasing seeds, look for a dark brown or light grey color. If the seeds are white, yellow or small, they are likely immature.

Healthy Hemp Clones

Planting Clones

Clones can be a fool-proof way to begin a growing garden. Coming as ‘cuts’ from mother plants, you’re beginning with an established start vs. seeds not sown. Let’s review the benefits of growing from a clone start.

  • Time - Clones come maturely so you’re able to grow straight from the veg phase. This leads to a faster harvest, overall.
  • Consistent Ratios - The clone you get, will be an exact replica of the mother plant and its’ phenotype. This takes out the guesswork on the ratio of THC : CBD, plant’s growing cycle and when it will be ready to harvest. The breeder will often have documentation, or samples of the strain to review first, too.
  • Guaranteed Gender - Again, because the clone comes from a mother plant you can be guaranteed unlike certain seeds, that the plant will grow female too. However, the plant can still become hermaphrodite from stress, even from a mother clone.

Clones have been notoriously harder to travel due to their delicate nature. This makes tracking them down, a little more difficult. But emerging packaging and shipping options have addressed this issue. Nationwide shipping of clones is becoming increasingly possible, but can come with a cost.

One con of clones can be the susceptibility to disease or pests from the plant it was taken from. Ensure you’re purchasing your clones from a trusted seller. Be sure to monitor clones closely, as they can be sensitive to nutrients or environments in beginning stages of growth.

Choose Wisely

Use the information you learned today to answer the question, seeds or clones? Depending on your location, equipment, or amount of patience will ultimately decide your answer. Get your garden going...check out our shop for trusted clones, seeds and more, now!

Original Content Source: https://www.discountpharms.com

Beginner's Guide to Autoflower Hemp Seeds

Autoflower hemp seeds are trending among many farmers for the benefits they offered versus standard seeds. But what exactly are autoflower hemp seeds, and how do they differ from traditional hemp seeds?

Autoflower means just that...the seeds will automatically flower, rather than depending on light cycles with periods of darkness, like regular cannabis plants. Autoflower hemp seed genetics are crossed with the subspecies cannabis ruderalis, known for autoflowering characteristics and a short stature. Genetically removing the reliance on periods of light to grow, the autoflower hemp seeds are set on ‘auto-pilot’, and flower on its’ own time.

While less work and controls to worry about may sound like a good thing, it’s imperative to know the differences so you can grow autoflowers successfully.

Brush up on our beginner’s guide to autoflower hemp seeds, before you dive into auto-flower growing.

Size, Content & Yields

Whether an advantage or disadvantage, due to the original size of cannabis ruderalis, autoflower hemp seeds grow smaller and more compact plants. While this may help alleviate space in your indoor room, or concealment growing outdoors...it can obviously affect the yield of the plant’s final harvest, as well.

But, this doesn’t mean your buds will be any smaller. Accepting over 12+ hours of light means autoflower hemp seeds can create bigger buds in less amount of time - just fewer in quantity, considering the plant’s maximum growth size.

As research and development in autoflower hemp seeds increases, there are methods and techniques that nurture plants in creating reputable levels of compounds or content. Autoflowers from experienced breeders, have recently shown levels of THC as high as 20-28%.

Labor & Location

The automatic nature of the autoflower hemp seeds cause a rapid turnaround. One strain appropriately named ‘Quick One’ can go from seed to harvest in just 2 months. The quick development of autoflower genes will increase the amount of harvests per year - indoors or outdoors.

In weather dependent locations, autoflower seeds can also be a savior to those growers planting late in a season. For indoor growers, autos are often referred to as the “the perpetual harvest” due to the fact that they can be kept in the same light and space as veg plants.

Regardless of the quick nature in growth, autoflower hemp seeds will require some labor in the short time span they mature. Success in many autoflower hemp seeds has resulted from Low Stress Training (LST) in the vegetation stage, while others recommend no training at all to avoid stress altogether.

Too much stress can quickly stunt the growth of autoflower plants, more so than regular cannabis plants. Original Content Source: discountpharms.com - Low stress methods like bending can decrease vertical space, increase light usage and can ultimately maximize your final yield. Depending on the strain, some autoflower plants will require topping, too.

Lights & Climate

As the research into autoflower hemp seeds grows, so does the information regarding the proper light cycles and climates. Two very important factors in growing any type of cannabis plant.

Generally, autoflower hemp seeds can receive over 12 hours of light per day, and survive on as few as 5 hours per day. For the highest levels of potency, and heavy harvests, 18+ hours of light a day is recommended. No matter the amount of light your strain requires, what it won’t need is a light deprivation schedule like normal cannabis plants. Keep in mind, for indoor spaces this will increase electricity bills.

In outdoor spaces, growing autoflower hemp seeds can begin as soon as spring in most climates. You’ll need fairly warm, sunny weather for 2-3 months. When growing without a greenhouse or covered area, be aware too much rain can cause autoflower buds to rot more rapidly.

Nutrients

Autoflower hemp seeds require less feed due to their shorter growth cycles, and minimized vegetation stage. It’s recommended to feed seedlings only water, for up to 2 weeks. Autoflower strains prefer airy, loose soil with a lower amount of growth nutrients, since the seed itself is on ‘auto-pilot’.

Once you can introduce feed, some growers recommend a combination of micronutrients and microbes that can help supplement the growing plant’s health. Together, they stimulate root expansion, absorption of minerals, and stronger top growth. Do all feeding lightly at first, increasing over time until the plant reaches its’ flower stage, where adjustments can again be made.

Like any type of Cannabis, watch your autoflower plants carefully and adjust nutrients at any stage, to address issues in the visual output of your plants.

Set to Succeed

Although autoflower hemp seeds can be more costly per unit, their benefits may outweigh the increased initial cost. Set your grow to succeed, and explore the automatic nature of autoflower hemp seeds.

Original Content Source: https://www.discountpharms.com