Sustainable Wellness: How Choosing the Right CBD Impacts the Earth

Industrial hemp matures within three to four months of planting. A single acre produces up to 6 tons of the dried stalks needed to make hemp fabrics, durable, mold-resistant rope, and bioplastics that decompose within five years.^1,2 The fibers used in the production of hemp paper can also be used to make eco-friendly insulation, and most farmers planting an acre of hemp for its protein-rich seeds can count on harvesting more than 500 pounds.³ 

The nearly 30,000 acres harvested in 2023 yielded an estimated 1,088 pounds of hemp flower per acre⁴ –the preferred source of premium-quality CBD. Although the oil extracted from hemp flower is used to make a wide range of in-demand products, not all manufacturers prioritize sustainability over profit margins. In this CBD user guide, we'll explore the concept of sustainable wellness and the environmental implications of choosing manufacturers committed to promoting a healthier planet. 

Concept Overview: The Core Principles of Sustainable Wellness  

People striving for sustainability recognize the profound connections between human innovation and its impact on the planet. Sustainable wellness balances personal well-being with the environmental impact of individual choices – choosing products sold in biodegradable packaging, for example, or paying a few dollars more for an eco-friendly bamboo toothbrush instead of synthetic plastic and nylon. In other words, it's a concept that requires making purchasing decisions based on their ecological impact and supporting like-minded manufacturers committed to preserving the environment for future generations. 

The Role of CBD in Sustainable Wellness  

Industrial hemp cultivation returned to American soil at a time consumers were eager for information about holistic treatments and natural alternatives to lab-generated ingredients.⁵ The timing couldn't have been better. Today, market analysts estimate that more than 60% of US adults have tried hemp-derived CBD.⁶ Not only is CBD a natural plant component, the cannabinoid appeals to consumers favoring high-quality products with the potential to support multiple wellness goals with a single purchase – people adopting a minimalist approach to sustainable self-care. 

According to a 2019 CBDistillery® survey of 1,900 customers, most CBD users report positive results using our high-quality hemp-derived products for relaxation, better sleep, mild or temporary anxiety, and pain, stiffness, and inflammation after physical activity. That impressive list of possible benefits is most often credited to the cannabinoid's interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors – the largest regulatory system in the human body.⁷ Although individual results can vary, most experts believe supporting ECS function with CBD promotes homeostasis.⁸

How CBDistillery® Practices Benefit Consumers and the Planet  

Consumers choosing hemp-derived wellness products are supporting farmers cultivating plants with a rapid growth cycle – crops that can be planted and harvested multiple times per year depending on the cultivation method. Their deep root structure helps break up compacted soil and prevents soil erosion – even under the most challenging environmental conditions. Plus, hemp plants require less water than many other agricultural commodities and are relatively indifferent to the impact of climate change. A single acre of hemp can absorb up to 6 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.⁹ 

Industrial hemp is also an efficient, effective phytoremediator – meaning it absorbs potentially harmful substances from the soil and groundwater. Although hemp crops have few natural predators and are insect resistant, some hemp farmers use herbicides to help manage weeds and protect their crops from disease – potentially harmful substances that reduce the positive impact of hemp cultivation.  CBD users choosing CBDistillery® hemp-derived products seem to appreciate the following examples of our commitment to providing sustainable wellness products. 

Supporting Sustainable Agriculture  

Hemp crops are unaffected by their ability to draw heavy metals and other potentially harmful substances from the soil. The oil extracted from flower grown in untested soil, however, could contain any number of contaminants. As a company committed to sustainability, the non-GMO hemp grown for CBDistillery® products is planted in pre-tested soil and cultivated using natural farming methods. Our hemp is pesticide, herbicide, fungicide, rodenticide, and antibiotic-free.  

Eco-Friendly Extraction Methods  

The full spectrum hemp extract used to make CBDistillery® CBD oil tinctures, topicals, softgels, and gummies is obtained through eco-friendly CO2 extraction – a non-flammable, non-combustible gas that transforms to a near liquid state with low temperatures and intense pressure. The clean, renewable resource is considered the gold standard of the hemp industry because the gas is released from the plant's extract once temperatures and external pressure normalize.¹⁰

100% Clean Ingredients  

Clean ingredients are pure and unaltered. Products made with clean ingredients contain no artificial colors, flavoring agents, or preservatives.¹¹ In terms of sustainability, that's an important distinction for products in the wellness sector. CBDistillery® CBD oil tinctures, for example, are made with eco-friendly hemp extract and coconut oil (MCT oil). Our CBD gummies are made with organic cane sugar, organic tapioca starch, pectin, and organic natural flavors. The citric acid adds just the right amount of tartness. 

Domestic Hemp Cultivation  

In 2019, nearly 30% of the CBD-infused products sold in the US were made from imported hemp.¹² For consumers prioritizing sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint, sticking with CBD extracted from domestic hemp is the better option because fewer transportation-related emissions are released into the air. Plus, hemp can be bred to thrive in specific US growing regions and supports local farmers. In areas with frigid winter temperatures, farming hemp indoors provides economic security.  

Quality Assurance and Transparency  

A single misstep during any phase of production could compromise product integrity. At CBDistillery®, we don't leave anything to chance. As a vertically integrated company, we have full control from seed to sale. Our products are crafted in an A-rated cGMP-certified facility and rigorously tested. We also provide the batch test results on our website and a QR code to access the certificate of analysis on every product label. Plus, our products are backed by a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.  

Consumer Awareness & Education  

Hemp-derived CBD offers multiple advantages for consumers prioritizing sustainable wellness. At CBDistillery®, we believe in empowering consumers with the details they need to make informed decisions about incorporating CBD into their daily routines. On our website, you'll find multiple industry studies, answers to Frequently Asked Questions, a robust Help Center, and numerous articles on our CBD Blog. We also offer a 3-minute CBD Product Quiz to help you find the best fit for your needs. 

Discover How CBDistillery® Products Could Help You Achieve Your Sustainable Wellness Goals  

There are multiple ways hemp-derived CBD could help you reach your health and wellness goals. When you choose CBDistillery® CBD oil tinctures, topicals, gummies, and softgels, you can count on our commitment to providing high-quality products made with non-GMO, naturally farmed hemp, earth-friendly extraction methods, and 100% clean, ethically sourced ingredients. You can confirm the purity and potency of the products made in our cGMP-certified facility by downloading the certificate of analysis (COA) on our product pages or scanning the QR code printed on every label. 

Although hemp-derived CBD is generally well tolerated, safe for most adults, and sustainable, anyone with a medical condition should consult their physician before adding any cannabis product to their wellness routine. CBD is not advisable for people with certain medical conditions and can interact with several over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications. If you're leaning towards trying our sustainably produced products but not quite sure where to begin, consider scheduling a personal consultation with an expert.   

References 

1. Potential U.S. Production and Processing (N.D) USDA.gov. (PDF) 

2. Hemp 101: What Is Hemp, What's It Used for, and Why Is It Illegal? (2020) Leafly. 

3. National Hemp Report. (2022) USDA. PDF. 

4. Branfalt TJ. (2024) USDA: Value of U.S.-Grown Hemp Up 18% in 2023. Ganjapreneur. 

5. (2016) Americans Spend $30.2 Billion Out-Of-Pocket on Complementary Health Approaches. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 

6. Hall A. (2023) CBD Statistics, Data And Use (2024). Forbes Health. 

7. Lingresti A, De Petrocellis L, et al. (2016) From Phytocannabinoid Receptors and Endocannabinoids: Pleiotropic Physiological and Pathological Roles Through Complex Pharmacology. 96(4) Physiol Rev 1593-659. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27630175/ 

8. Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

9. Moore T. (2023) Scientists to Deploy Hemp Crops in Ways to Combat Climate Change and Support Underserved Farmers. IFAS.UFL.edu. 

10. Valizadehderakhshan M, Shahbazi A, et al. (2021) Extraction of Cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp)—Review. 11(5) Agriculture 384. ttps://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11050384 

11. Cassiday L. (2017) Clean Label: The Next Generation. AOCS.org. 

12. Bitter A, O’Connor M. (2019) CBD Companies Look Overseas to Source Hemp as US, Canada Growing Rules Relax. S&P Global Market Intelligence.