Monthly Archives: March 2020

Is Charlotte’s Web Holdings Stock a Buy?

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Is Charlotte’s Web Holdings Stock a Buy?

Despite some challenges, Charlotte’s Web Holdings could be a winner in the long run.

Prosper Junior Bakiny

After a dismal calendar year 2019, during which its shares slid by about 31%, Charlotte’s Web Holdings (OTC:CWBHF) isn’t performing much better in 2020.

In the weeks since the new year kicked off, the company’s shares are down by 23%. On the one hand, it isn’t surprising that Charlotte’s Web has been performing so poorly. Industrywide issues, such as poor financial results and the disappointing retail environment in Canada, have dragged pot companies down of late. Charlotte’s Web is currently hovering near its all-time lows, and there are several reasons why investors should consider buying shares of this company. 

A growing retail presence

Charlotte’s Web develops and markets hemp-based cannabidiol (CBD) products. The company’s portfolio of products includes capsules and gummies, among others. The CBD market will likely grow at a nice clip in the next few years, and to take advantage of this opportunity, Charlotte’s Web has managed to build a retail presence that is wider than that of most of its competitors.

Cannabis oil

Image Source: Getty Images.

At the end of the third quarter, the company’s products were found in almost 10,000 stores across the U.S., including such retail giants as CVS Health. At the end of 2018, Charlotte’s Web products were sold in 3,680 stores.  In other words, the company has been growing its industry-leading retail presence, and there’s no reason to expect that trend to stop anytime soon.

Expanding operations

Along with its retail presence, Charlotte’s Web has been growing its production capacity. During the calendar year 2018, the company planted 300 acres of hemp. That number increased by 187% to 862 acres in 2019. 

Furthermore, Charlotte’s Web is currently building a 137,000-square-foot production facility in Colorado. The company’s current facility is only 40,000 square feet, so the new facility will represent a significant improvement over the old one. This facility should be operational by the end of 2020 and will multiply Charlotte’s Web’s current production capabilities by 10.  Management says the new facility will help it operate more efficiently, as well as decrease costs, thereby having a positive effect on its bottom line. 

This new facility is a central part of Charlotte’s Web’s vision moving forward. As COO Stephen Lermer put it, “This is a time of rapid growth and transformation for Charlotte’s Web and these new facilities are necessary to support the production, warehousing and distribution of our growing product lines and volumes.” 

A major caveat 

Perhaps the biggest knock against Charlotte’s Web is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Last year, the health industry administrator sent out a press release warning consumers about the potential dangers of CBD. According to the FDA, CBD can have negative health consequences such as liver injury. The FDA also warned that the claims regarding the potential health benefits of CBD — such as claims that it can cure some forms of cancer — are unproven.

The FDA presents a challenge to Charlotte’s Web in a different way, as well. The agency has yet to deliver “clear regulatory direction” in the CBD market, and the delay is hindering Charlotte’s Web’s progress. 

Fortunately, the company seems well-positioned to deal with both of these issues. First, Charlotte’s Web is in good standing with the FDA, meaning it isn’t one of the companies that received a warning letter for making unsubstantiated claims about its CBD products. In fact, according to the company’s CEO, Deanie Elsner, Charlotte’s Web is in enthusiastic agreement with the FDA’s stance on unsubstantiated products.

Second, once the FDA finally issues regulatory direction in the CBD space, Charlotte’s Web believes the CBD market will grow even more, and the company is “ready with the infrastructure and capacity to disproportionally capture that growth.” In short, while the FDA’s recent warning may present short-term headwinds for Charlotte’s Web, the company’s long-term prospects still look reasonably attractive. 

Why you should consider buying

Some will choose to avoid the cannabis industry altogether, and that is an understandable sentiment. After all, cannabis stocks have been hammered over the past few months, and there’s still a lot of uncertainty as to how things will unravel moving forward.

But for those looking to profit from this growing industry, Charlotte’s Web is a strong option thanks to its leading position in the U.S. CBD market and its ongoing growth efforts. 


Prosper Junior Bakiny has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Charlotte’s Web. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”>

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The FDA And Hemp CBD: Can’t We All Just Get Along? (Part I)

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The FDA And Hemp CBD: Can’t We All Just Get Along? (Part I)

Ed. note: Please welcome Nathalie Bougenies to the pages of Above the Law. She will be writing about the legalities surrounding cannabis and hemp CBD. This post is the first in a series dedicated to the federal and state legality and regulation of hemp-derived cannabidiol, more commonly known as “hemp CBD.”

The enactment of the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act (the “2018 Farm Bill”) and the legalization of hemp and hemp derivatives, including hemp CBD, in some states has led to a massive hemp CBD health craze in the United States. The highly coveted cannabinoid is currently infused into everything from bath bombs to dog treats, and even workout clothes (yes, workout clothes!). According to a 2019 survey conducted by Cowen, the sales of these products are expected to reach $16 billion by 2025.

Despite this strong consumer interest, the Food and Drug Administration consistently takes the position that the sale and marketing of these hemp CBD products is unlawful and that the use of hemp CBD is dangerous. That was until the newly appointed FDA Commissioner, Stephen Hahn, M.D., publicly announced on February 26 to a roomful of representatives from state Departments of Agriculture that the FDA’s current approach to hemp CBD is not sustainable:

“We’re not going to be able to say you can’t use these products. It’s a fool’s errand to even approach that[.] We have to be open to the fact that there might be some value to these products and certainly Americans think that’s the case.”

The FDA’s new stance on the regulation of the sale and marketing of hemp CBD products raises the question in the minds of many of whether the agency will cease its enforcement actions against hemp CBD companies, which to date have been limited to sending warning letters to those companies that make egregious, unfounded health claims about the therapeutic value of hemp CBD.

Although Commissioner Hahn’s statements are promising, they did not ultimately do away with the FDA’s current moral position on hemp CBD, which is one of extreme consumer caution. Indeed, in his February 26 speech, the FDA Commissioner reiterated the agency’s goal of providing consumers with sound information about the effects of these products so they can make educated decisions about their purchases.

But what exactly gets the FDA’s hackles up around Hemp CBD?

According to the FDA, hemp CBD foods and dietary supplements can neither be lawfully sold nor marketed. The FDA takes issue with these products because of the Drug Exclusion Rule. The Drug Exclusion Rule provides that an article that has been approved or investigated as a drug cannot be a dietary supplement or be added to food unless the article was marketed as a supplement or food before it was investigated. Hemp CBD has been approved as a drug ingredient in the treatment of epilepsy (i.e., Epidiolex) and the FDA does not believe that hemp CBD was marketed as a food or dietary supplement prior to that investigation. Nevertheless, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”) gives the FDA Commissioner the authority to override the Drug Exclusion Rule by issuing “a regulation, after notice and comment, finding that the article would be lawful under [the FDCA].” As the head of the FDA, Commissioner Hahn has the ability to regulate hemp CBD, so his recent statements certainly suggest he may eventually act on that conferred power.

Despite its position on food and dietary supplements, the FDA indicated that hemp CBD can be added to topicals, which fall under the FDCA definition of “cosmetics,” so long as these products (1) do not contain marijuana, (2) are not adulterated (i.e., unsafe) or misbranded or intended to be used as drugs, and (3) if no claims are made about these products regarding diseases or bodily structure/function on their packaging, labeling, or in their marketing materials. Not making health claims on a product label or other marketing materials will significantly reduce the risk of an FDA enforcement action because any claim made about the therapeutic value of hemp CBD will lead the FDA to conclude that the product is a “drug.” And because no hemp CBD products have been approved by the FDA for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of any disease (other than Epidiolex), those products will be deemed unlawful by the FDA if such claims are made.

The FDA has yet to address the sale and use of hemp CBD smokables. This is likely due to the fact that the FDA has the authority to regulate the sale, manufacture, and marketing of tobacco products, but has repeatedly refused to extend its authority to products free of nicotine or tobacco. Accordingly, it seems unlikely that hemp CBD smokables devoid of tobacco would be considered “tobacco products.” Although the FDA is not likely to regulate most hemp CBD smokables like it does tobacco products, it could potentially regulate them as a drug under the FDCA if any health claims are made about the therapeutic value of the products.

Therefore, until the FDA adopts a formal legal path for the sale and marketing of hemp CBD products, industry players will need, at a minimum, to comply with those loose FDA guidelines and applicable state laws, which, as I will explain in the second portion of this series on hemp CBD, are all over the map.

Nathalie Bougenies practices in the Portland office of Harris Bricken and was named a “2019 Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine, an honor bestowed on only 2.5% of eligible Oregon attorneys. Nathalie’s practice focuses on the regulatory framework of hemp-derived CBD (“hemp CBD”) products. She is an authority on FDA enforcement, Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act and other laws and regulations surrounding hemp and hemp CBD products. She also advises domestic and international clients on the sale, distribution, marketing, labeling, importation and exportation of these products. Nathalie frequently speaks on these issues and has made national media appearances, including on NPR’s Marketplace. Nathalie is also a regular contributor to her firm’s Canna Law Blog.

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From (CBD) Pillows to Playlists, Here Are Ten Ways to Get Better Sleep

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From (CBD) Pillows to Playlists, Here Are Ten Ways to Get Better Sleep


Products featured are independently selected by our editorial team and we may earn a commission from purchases made from our links; the retailer may also receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that we could all use a little more sleep sometimes. But that’s easier said than done. Whether it’s a busy schedule, annoying neighbors or anxious thoughts that keep you up at night, finding time to really sink into our beds for undisturbed slumber is harder and harder to come by.

But there’s hope.

From apps that help you fall asleep to melatonin to CBD concoctions, a number of companies are launching new ways to tackle insomnia. But if you’re not a fan of taking pills and unsure about CBD, we’ve rounded up some reliable products that can help you fall asleep faster — and stay asleep for longer too.

As someone who used to lie in bed for hours before falling asleep — only to toss and turn all night — I can confidently say that I sleep a lot better these days, and these ten items all have something to do with that. I settle into my bed faster, I feel less anxious when I sleep, and I wake up refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to face the day.

1. A Weighted Blanket

You’re either a “too cold” or “too hot” type of person in bed, and I’ve always run on the cooler side of the spectrum. That’s why you’ll always find me curled up in a good, all-season down comforter or cozy blanket. Last year though, I still found myself tossing and turning at night — that’s when I decided to give a weighted blanket a try.

As the name suggests, these blankets are weighed down with thousands of tiny, non-toxic beads, that are evenly distributed and woven under a soft, hypoallergenic fabric. The idea is for you to feel “hugged” and “held” while you’re laying in bed, with the weighted blanket also keeping you in one position to prevent you from shifting in your sleep. If you’re prone to stress or anxiety, a weighted blanket could also help keep your nerves at bay.

These blankets range in weight from five pounds to thirty pounds. I’ve found my most comfortable sleep somewhere in the middle, with a 15-pound blanket (brands recommend finding a blanket that’s around 10% of your body weight). It’s just heavy enough that I can’t get it loose in the middle of the night, but not so heavy that I feel suffocated. And that’s the other misconception about weighted blankets: they’re heavier than a normal comforter, but contrary to what you may think, they’re not stuffy or sweaty at all. In fact, the one we’ve chosen from Luna uses a natural cotton material that’s super breathable.

Another reason we like Luna: the company donates a percentage of all sales to mental health organizations across the country, to help those suffering from severe emotional and mental well-being, and anxiety.

best weighted blanket

Courtesy Amazon

LUNA Weighted Blanket 15 lbs, $65,99, available at Amazon

2. MZOO Memory Foam Eye Mask

Not all eye masks are created equal. The cheap, thin ones they hand out at hotels and airplanes barely stay on through the night – how can they help you fall asleep?

To really get some R&R, we like this contoured eye mask, which sits gently against your face without pressing directly into your eyelids.

Made from lightweight memory foam with a super soft and gentle material, the eye mask slides easily over your head, thanks to an adjustable strap. The contoured design seals out light, while letting your eyes blink… until they stop blinking and you drift off into a peaceful slumber.

This set comes with a travel pouch, the sleep mask and two earplugs.

comfortable-eye-mask

Courtesy Amazon

MZOO Memory Foam Eye Mask, $17.99, available at Amazon

3. LectroFan White Noise Sound Machine

White noise machines are a funny thing. The words “noise” and “machine” make this seem like a device that would keep you up, when in fact, this LectroFan Sound Machine does the exact opposite. By churning out different levels of white noise — essentially indistinguishable sounds that operate at different frequencies — you’re able to mask any everyday noise that’s around you. So if the birds or sirens are keeping you up at night, you can “block out” their sounds by sleeping next to a white noise machine.

The quiet humming of white noise also lulls you to sleep, keeping your mind from wandering and encouraging a gentle slumber.

I’ve kept a LectroFan device by my bed for years, and I’ve even picked up the palm-sized LectroFan Micro 2, to take with me on my trips. Now that I’m working from home, these white noise machines are also great to keep on in the background to help me focus, whether I’m reading, responding to emails or writing a new article.

lectrofan review

Courtesy Amazon

LectroFan White Noise Sound Machine, $48.99, available at Amazon

4. Moodo Smart Aroma Diffuser

Let’s face it: those reed and oil diffuser sets you found online look great, but they serve more as decor than actual scent diffusers. To really get the most from your essential oils, you’ll want to upgrade to something like this Moodo Smart Aroma Diffuser.

Scent is one of our strongest senses, and many sleep experts recommend setting a calming scent to help you fall asleep. This diffuser works a little like those counter-top coffee machines, with individual scent capsules that you pop into the device. Each capsule contains 60 hours of fragrance.

Pair the machine with your phone and use the Moodo app to control when you want the scents released, the fragrance intensity level, etc. You can also pair the Moodo with your smart home assistant (I.e. Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant) to set the same settings using just your voice.

The Moodo diffuser comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that can operate for up to seven hours without being plugged-in to a power source. The diffuser can cover a room up to 600 square-feet.

moodo diffuser review

Courtesy Moodo

Moodo Smart Aroma Diffuser, $99, available at Moodo (BONUS: get a free four-pack of scent capsules with purchase)

5. TOPOINT Bluetooth Headphones for Sleep

Headphones aren’t just for listening to music or taking conference calls anymore — these days, a number of manufacturers are making headphones to help you sleep.

We like this pair from TOPOINT, which wraps gently around your head without messing up your hair or making you sweat. The concealed, built-in speakers are thin and flat, so they won’t disrupt your sleep, even if you like to sleep on your side. The moisture-wicking fabric won’t cling or stick to your skin (you can remove the fabric liner to wash too).

Pair the headphones with your phone to set your favorite nighttime playlist, or use it to run white noise through the speakers. In addition to playing audio, the wrap-around design of these headphones helps to block out ambient noise without the need for earplugs.

A bonus: these headphones could come in handy if you’re sleeping next to a snorer.

best headphones for sleep

Courtesy Amazon

TOPOINT Bluetooth Sleeping Headphones, $19.99, available at Amazon

6. Ear Buddy Earplugs For Sleep

Earplugs are always a good option when you want to drown out the noise (and we’ve rounded up some our favorites here), but you’ll need a specific set for sleeping. These ones are made from a soft, flexible foam that expands and forms to your ear canal better, to seal out more noise. They’re slightly smaller than earplugs you would wear to concerts, for example, to ensure a better fit. The durable earplugs hold up to all-night wear (and can be re-used if necessary) and the material won’t irritate your skin.

Keep in mind, earplugs work to muzzle rather than completely cut out noise. You’ll also want to make sure the earplugs are firmly inserted all the way into your ear canal for them to properly work. Dangling them too loose from your ears will cause them to fall out in the middle of the night.

best-earplugs-for-sleep

Courtesy Amazon

Ear Buddy Earplugs for Sleep, $17.97, available at Amazon

7. This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

Confession: I stole a bottle of this sleep spray once from a bougie hotel I was staying at. The blend of botanicals and essential oils (think: lavender, vetiver and camomile) did wonders for my nightly routine, helping me relax and calm down before bed.

Just a few spritzes on your pillow will help deliver a more soothing, rejuvenating experience, with the natural, aromatherapeutic blend and a subtle scent helping to lull you to sleep.

The good news: you don’t have to check into a pricey hotel — or risk arrest — to score a bottle of this stuff now. It’s available for purchase online.

this-works-deep-pillow-spray

Courtesy Amazon

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, $23, available at Amazon

8. CBD Pillow

You’re going to need a pillow to use your pillow spray on, and for the past few weeks or so, I’ve been using the CBD Pillow.

The product just launched in early February and it’s a memory foam pillow that’s infused with CBD. The patented process allows the manufacturer to bond millions of micro-capsules of CBD into the pillow. Friction over the night causes the capsules to “burst,” releasing micro doses of CBD that can be absorbed through your hair and skin to help regulate sleep.

Unlike topicals or edibles, the CBD Pillow releases tiny doses of CBD while you sleep, so you don’t get that jolt of feeling high — only to be met with a sudden come down.

The pillow itself is made in the U.S.A., hypoallergenic, and comes with a 10-year guarantee.

best-cbd-pillow-review

Courtesy CBD Pillow

CBD Pillow, $99, available at CBDPillow.com

9. Music to Promote Sleep

Most streaming services will have decent sleep playlists, but this album was specially developed by Dr. Lee Bartel, a former Associate Dean of Research at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, and the Founding Director of the Music and Health Research Collaboratory. His thesis: that music can affect your health in positive ways, including helping you to fall asleep faster without any tension or stress.

This album runs just over an hour long, though most people say they’ve fallen asleep way before the halfway mark. Sound-wise, think meditative chimes, light strings and nature sounds that are relaxing enough to listen to but not so catchy that they’ll keep you up at night.

best music for sleep

Courtesy Amazon

Music to Promote Sleep, $8.99, available at Amazon (or stream for free with a 30-day free trial to Amazon Music Unlimited)

10. Samsali Foot Pads

Hundreds of people swear by these flexible foot pads to help them sleep. Inspired by Asian practices of reflexology and naturopathy, these pads contains natural ingredients like ginger, green tea and lavender to help soothe aching feet and muscle tension that could keep you up at night.

To use: wipe your feel clean and pat dry. Unwrap the individually-wrapped pads and place them over each foot one hour prior to sleep. Leave on overnight.

In addition to easing foot fatigue, users say these pads help to release impurities and odor, while aiding in healthy metabolism, circulation and stress relief.

foot-pads-for-sleep

Courtesy Amazon

Samsali Foot Pads, $19.99, available at Amazon

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3 reasons why now is a perfect time to open a cash-back card

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3 reasons why now is a perfect time to open a cash-back card

This article is brought to you by the Personal Finance Insider team. It has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the issuers listed. Some of the offers you see on this page are from our partners, but our coverage is always independent.

I almost always charge my purchases to a card that earns travel rewards rather than cash back. In fact, I pair my one cash-back card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve so I can transfer the cash-back rewards over and redeem them for travel. This strategy has helped me earn a ton of Ultimate Rewards points, which I’m hoping to redeem for a business-class to Europe, and maybe even a stay at the Park Hyatt in Paris.

However, that all seems like a distant dream right now — with travel at a complete standstill while the world tries to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Credit cards likely aren’t the first thing on your mind right now, but we still have to eat — and stock up on the essentials — and if you’re making a purchase you’re able to pay off, you might as well get rewarded for it. While I know my travel points will be there to help me save on flights and hotels when everything’s back to normal, for now I’m switching my focus to cards that put money back in my account.

We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.

Cash-back cards can reward you for grocery purchases

For many of us, the biggest expense beyond food and rent is currently groceries. Luckily there are several cash-back cards that offer bonus rewards for purchases at US supermarkets:

Read more: The best credit cards for buying groceries

Get money back on food delivery

Food delivery is one of the other potential big expenses during this period when most of us are staying home. Again, plenty of cash-back cards offer bonus rewards on restaurants — a category that includes food delivery.

Read more: The best credit cards for food delivery

Earn 2% back on every purchase

In addition to using my Chase Freedom Unlimited card to earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, I’m thinking about adding the Citi Double Cash card to my wallet. This card earns 2% cash back (1% back when you buy, and another 1% back when you pay your bill), and with no bonus categories to keep track of it’s an easy choice for maximizing purchases that wouldn’t earn me bonus rewards with another card — like the CBD lotion and bubble bath I stress-bought on Ulta earlier this week.

Click here to learn more about the Citi Double Cash card »


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How to Read CBD Oil Labels

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How to Read CBD Oil Labels

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical found in hemp and marijuana plants that can be extracted and used to ease pain, reduce stress or anxiety, and lower the chance of seizures without giving you a high. When you buy CBD oil, check the label on the packaging so you can see if it’s good quality. Each package of CBD oil has a different potency, so make sure you know the strength of the oil you’re taking. Continue reading the label to find out how the company manufactures the product to determine if it’s safe to use. With a little bit of research, you’ll be able to pick a CBD oil that works for you!

Part 1 of 2:

Determining the Potency

  1. 1

    Find the amount of CBD in the oil listed in milligrams. The amount of CBD will be clearly labeled on the front of the package so you can easily find it. Check next to the number to see if it’s the amount in the entire package or per serving. If you’re trying CBD for the first time, choose an oil with less CBD so you can get used to how it affects your body.[1]

  2. 2

    Compare the package’s size to the amount of CBD to learn the concentration. Look near the bottom of the label to find the total amount of oil in the package. Divide the amount of CBD by the size of the package so you know the oil’s potency. Compare the potencies of multiple oils so you can choose one that works best for you.[3]

    • For example, if a 15 mL bottle contains 500 mg of CBD, then the equation would be 500/15=33.3 mg of CBD per mL.
    • CBD oil affects everyone differently. While it may only take you 1 dose of oil for you to feel it, another person may need multiple doses or a higher potency to feel the same effect.

  3. 3

    Make note of the serving size on the nutritional label. Check the supplement information listed on the back or side of the package to find the serving size. CBD oils usually have serving sizes of 0.5 or 1 mL, but it may vary depending on the product you’re using. The label will also list how many servings are included in the package.[4]

    • Don’t use more than the serving size listed until you know how CBD oil affects your body.
    • Too much CBD can give you adverse reactions and make your conditions feel worse.

  4. 4

    Check if the CBD oil contains any THC. Since CBD oil is extracted from hemp or marijuana, it may contain trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the chemical that gets you high. Look on the label near the amount of CBD or on the nutritional panel on the back of the package to find the amount of THC. Usually, high-quality CBD oils will have less than 0.3% THC and will not give you a high. If you can’t find the amount of THC listed on the package, avoid getting the oil since it may be low-quality.[5]

    • Check the laws and regulations on CBD in your area since they may vary.

    Warning: If the CBD oil has over 0.6% THC, then you may be charged with possession of drugs if marijuana is illegal in your area.[6]

Part 2 of 2:

Checking the Manufacturing Process

  1. 1

    Look for full-spectrum or isolate to determine if the oil uses the whole plant. Full-spectrum oil contains other chemicals from hemp plants to help enhance the effects of the CBD. Isolate oils only use pure CBD from the plant, but they may be less effective. Check the front of the package or near the nutritional information to see what kind of CBD oil you have.[7]

    • Some labels may say “whole-plant” instead of “full-spectrum.”
    • Full-spectrum oils may contain trace amounts of THC while isolate oils will not. If you are drug-tested on a regular basis, choose an isolate oil instead.

    EXPERT TIP

    Michael D. Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN, is an expert on nutritional interventions for brain health, particularly the prevention and rehabilitation of brain injury. In 2012 upon retiring as a Colonel after 31 years in the U.S. Army, he founded the nonprofit Brain Health Education and Research Institute. He is in private practice in Potomac, Maryland, and is the author of “When Brains Collide: What every athlete and parent should know about the prevention and treatment of concussions and head injuries.” He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed post-graduate training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Dr. Lewis is board-certified and a Fellow of the American College of Preventive Medicine and American College of Nutrition.

    Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN

    Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN
    Board Certified Brain Health Physician

    Our Expert Agrees: When you’re looking at a CBD label, check whether the CBD is extracted from hemp or cannabis, as well as whether it’s a broad or whole spectrum extract. In addition, the label should tell you how much CBD is in the product, but also how much of the total extract it contains. For example, a soft gel might contain 15 mg of CBD and 45 mg of hemp extract.

  2. 2

    Check for the oil’s extraction process to make sure it’s safe to consume. There are multiple ways to extract CBD oil, but some of them use toxic chemicals that aren’t safe to use. Check near the nutritional information to see if they list the extraction process on the package. If they list CO2 or ethanol as an extraction process, the oil will be safe for you to use. However, if they use a chemical like butane, then it may not be safe to use.[8]

    • If you can’t find the extraction process on the label, look on the product’s website to see if it’s listed there.
    • Don’t buy CBD oil if you aren’t able to find the extraction method.

  3. 3

    See if the label lists the percentages of each ingredient. Check on the nutritional panel for a list of the ingredients included in your CBD oil. If you have a good-quality oil, then each ingredient and their amounts should be on the package. If you don’t see an ingredients list on the package, then there may be additives in the oil that could be harmful.[9]

    • If you don’t see cannabidiol in the ingredients or it only says “hemp oil,” then there it may have a lower amount of CBD than what’s listed on the package.

  4. 4

    Search for the batch number so you can check lab reports on the oil. Manufacturers usually have third-party labs test the CBD oil to check the purity and make sure it’s safe to consume. Check for a batch number printed or stamped onto the package. Look up the product and the batch number online to see the lab results so you know what’s in the CBD oil.[10]

    • If you don’t find a batch number or third-party lab testing listed on the package, then the CBD oil may be low-quality.

    Tip: Some CBD oils have QR codes that you can scan with your phone so you can see the results of the lab reports right away.

  5. 5

    Pay attention to the expiration date. The expiration date is usually printed on the side or bottom of the CBD oil package. If you’re close to the expiration date, avoid getting or using the oil since it will start to lose its effectiveness. Only buy the CBD oil if you think you’ll use all of it before the expiration date.[11]

    • If you don’t see an expiration date on the package, then don’t use the CBD oil since you don’t know if it’s still effective.

Expert Advice

Liana Georgoulis, PsyD

Psychologist

Keep these warnings in mind when choosing a product:

  • Do not buy a CBD product from a company you don’t know anything about, or any product that isn’t sealed or labeled.
  • Smoking or vaping any substance, including CBD, will irritate your lungs and could result in the development of lesions or other respiratory issues.
  • Do not rely on CBD to treat significant psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar. Instead, work with a licensed therapist who specializes in those conditions.

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Tips

  • Many CBD oils have customer service lines listed on the package so you can call a representative and ask any further questions you have.

Warnings

  • Talk to your doctor before starting CBD oil since it could have negative interactions with other medications you take.[12]

  • Side effects of CBD oil may include, nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, and irritability.[13]

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CBD isn’t well regulated, so it’s important to carefully inspect CBD oil labels to make sure you’re getting a high-quality product. Check the label to find out how much CBD is in the product, which should be listed on the front in milligrams. To figure out how much CBD is in each serving, just divide the total number of milligrams by the number of servings listed on the back of the label. You can also check the label to see how much THC is in the CBD oil. If there’s less than 0.3 percent THC, the CBD oil won’t cause a high feeling. If there’s over 0.6 percent THC, the CBD oil may be illegal depending on where you live. CBD oil labeled as “full-spectrum” contains other cannabis compounds in addition to CBD, and it may have THC in it. If an oil is labeled as an “isolate,” that means it is pure CBD oil without any other compounds. Also check the label to see how the CBD oil was extracted. CBD oil extracted with CO2 or ethanol is generally safe to use, but you should avoid CBD oils that use other extraction methods or that don’t list an extraction method since they may contain harmful contaminants. Use the batch number or QR code printed on the label to look up the lab reports for the CBD oil to verify that it’s been tested by a third-party. If it hasn’t been tested, or if there’s no batch number or QR code, the CBD oil is probably low-quality.

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How to Successfully Enter the CBD Gummies Business | Local News I Racine County Eye

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How to Successfully Enter the CBD Gummies Business | Local News I Racine County Eye

The COVID-19 virus has had a devastating impact on our community and local businesses, including the Racine County Eye. We’re dedicated to providing our readers with the best information possible, but we have a big favor to ask.

If the Racine County Eye is important to you, please consider a subscription. Our revenue was closely tied to restaurants, retail, and events. And we need to replace that lost revenue quickly. A number of newspapers and news websites have already shut down around the country. We don’t want to be another casualty.


CBD gummies may very well be the breakout product of the last decade. Since the FDA took CBD off its controlled substance list, the market has skyrocketed and is set to continue growing into the foreseeable future. Consumers want all-natural ways to treat their symptoms, and CBD seems to be delivering.

While everyone you know is taking CBD gummies for pain, sleep, anxiety, general health, and even fitness, it may strike you that this is a good time to jump into the CBD market and create a brand or open a shop of your own. And you would be correct. There is no time like the present to spring right in, but you need to do your research in order to have a fully developed understanding of the nuances of this exciting business venture. This article is not an exhaustive guide, but it will get you pointed in the right direction for how to get a CBD gummies business up and running. Yes, even in Wisconsin.

Welcome to the Grey Area

Starting a CBD gummies business right now means living in this grey area until the federal and state governments make some clarifications that actually get written into law. Get comfortable for the time being, and study up so you know the challenges you may face in the evolving landscape.

What the FDA Says

The Farm Bill of 2018 made hemp and its derivatives completely legal, so long as it is grown in accordance with strict guidelines and is comprised of less than 0.3 percent THC. CBD was removed from the banned substance list, and it blew up in the market.

After CBD’s wild popularity became evident, the FDA released a statement that CBD is not approved for human or animal consumption, so CBD edibles are prohibited. After more grumbling, they announced that they would specifically work on enforcement for brands making explicit medical claims about the value of their CBD.

What Wisconsin Says

States have the right to create their own laws, and Wisconsin has adopted an iteration of federal law that makes things a bit murkier. The pilot program for hemp farming is going moderately well, and it seems to be pretty clear what you need to do in order to grow and process hemp. But selling CBD is a different story.

For a while Wisconsin maintained that CBD was completely off-limits, then the official state stance softened to CBD being legal, but not for food. That was rarely if ever enforced, as businesses all over the state sold CBD oils and gummies obviously intended to be eaten. Now, Wisconsin maintains it concurs with the federal guidelines, but will not be enforcing the ban on food products.

What the Grey Area Means for CBD Businesses

The fact that the laws on paper are blatantly different from the laws enforced, means you need to keep an eye on everything all the time. Attitudes about hemp and cannabis products are highly fluid right now and are generally changing for the better. Misinformation, lack of education, and an association with marijuana are at the heart of any resistance the market is experiencing.

Misinformation and instability make the CBD market very high-risk from a business perspective right now. Especially in the perception of anyone who does not completely understand the research supporting CBD’s benefits, and what it may mean for people suffering from chronic pain and anxiety all over the country.

Investors, banks, payment processors, insurers, social media, and eCommerce platforms, are all reluctant to do business with CBD gummies companies due to the questionable legality. Brands are finding ways around the rules every day, though, building a robust market despite limited resources.

How to Start Your CBD Gummies Business in the Grey Area

  1. Know the laws in and out. For the state in which you are operating as well as the states where your customers live. An attorney can help you through some of the paperwork and confirming you are on the up and up, but you need to be able to assure your potential investors, banks, the local community, and the average consumer, of this fact. So get well-versed.
  2. Decide on Brick-and-Mortar or ECommerce. There are pros and cons to both approaches, and most retail businesses do best with both kinds of stores. Customers love to do their research online, then come in to look.
  3. Approach Investors. This is the difficult part because you’ve got to allay their fears. Again, really know your stuff and approach with confidence. You should know that running a CBD business whether online or in a shop takes a serious time investment, and it may take six months or more before you start seeing profits. Keep this in mind when deciding how much startup money you need.
  4. Find a Bank. Some banks and payment processors deal in high-risk businesses, and these are likely the financial institutions you will need to deal with at first. Their fees will be higher, but at least you won’t have to be a cash-only shop.
  5. Find a Supplier. When people take CBD gummies for pain, anxiety, or any other symptoms they have, they want to know that what they put into their bodies is healthy for them and the environment. Make sure you use CBD gummies that are organically grown in the US.
  6. Set Up Your Website. You absolutely need a website, even if you just plan on having a brick-and-mortar store. People looking for CBD products need to be able to find you, and you can use your website as a foundation for your relationship with your community.
  7. Create Content. Content for your website and social media is the main way you are going to build a customer base, especially if your business is entirely online. Do your research to confirm the rules for each platform, then go crazy creating engaging content that informs, educates, and entertains.

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Today’s Best Deals: Half-Off Organic CBD Products, a Dyson Ball Vacuum for Just $185 & More

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Today’s Best Deals: Half-Off Organic CBD Products, a Dyson Ball Vacuum for Just $185 & More

Welcome to Deals of Note, where Gear Patrol captures all the best deals of the day. You can also follow all our deal posts in the Deals section. Comments or concerns? We’d love to hear from you at [email protected]

If you still haven’t tried CBD, Sunsoil’s Organic CBD Oil may just get you off the fence. You can trust the brand, with all its products coming from hemp grown on an Organic farm in Vermont. The founders were looking to make the best full-spectrum CBD oil possible and after weighing all the extraction options, Sunsoil found that lipid infusion offered the best CBD oil you could ask for. After three years of perfecting the process, Sunsoil CBD tinctures are some of the best around — and each are independently tested for purity and potency. Its Cinnamon Tincture is a full-spectrum CBD oil infused with cinnamon for taste and containing twice as much CBD as its other oils. In keeping with its mission, each of Sunsoil’s CBD products are affordable, but you can save even more on the brand’s products if you act fast. Through the end of the month, you can try Sunsoil CBD products, like the Cinnamon Tincture, at 50 percent off — no code required.

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Dyson Ball Vacuum
Save $115: The headline says it all. The Dyson Ball Upright vac, equipped with the cyclone suction technology you’ve no doubt heard about in TV commercials for nearly a decade, is just $185 right now.

Dims. x Gear Patrol Utility Cart

Dims. x Gear Patrol Utility Cart
Save 20% We teamed up with the Dims. team to beef up the Barbican; the result is the first ever indoor/outdoor Barbican. The Dims. x Gear Patrol Utility Cart is ready for just about anything you can throw at it.

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Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife
Save up to $26: This 4.3-inch Sandvik stainless steel beauty is among the toughest the Mora, Sweden-based brand makes, and right now it’s up to 26 percent off, depending on the sheath.

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Save 42%: Opinel upgraded its classic No. 8 folding knife with a limited-edition ebony handle and a tasteful aluminum leaf inlay; a combination that doesn’t lose any of the practicality of the original.

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Levi’s Jeans, Jackets and More
Save an Extra 30%: Right now, Levi’s is offering an extra 30 percent off sale items. Though some exclusions apply, there are tons of great wardrobe staples up for grabs. Click through and use code RIGHTNOW at checkout, then tell a friend.

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Sony WH-1000XM3 Noise-Canceling Headphones (Refurbished)
Save $149: Right now on eBay, you can buy refurbished Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones for $199 — that’s almost $150 off. These discounted models are backed by a 90-day warranty.

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Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.

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2020 Is the Year for Elevated Sexual Self-Care, Here’s How to Get There

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2020 Is the Year for Elevated Sexual Self-Care, Here’s How to Get There

Work From Home is a new vertical dedicated to life and culture in the strange and unprecedented situation of self-quarantine that many of us are dealing with right now. From what to watch to how to get a fit off and how to not think about anything, this is our guide to the great indoors. For updates on the spread of Covid-19 and how to keep yourself safe and informed, consult WHO and the CDC.

Let’s face it, seedy sex shops will likely never be a thing of the past, but no longer must we resort to frequenting their dark and dingy premises to elevate our sexual wellness.

Over recent years, a number of progressive and thoughtful sexual health companies have been revolutionizing the industry, recognizing that “wellness” in this arena means so much more than plying women with phallus-shaped plastic (let’s take a moment to remember that research shows that seventy percent of women require clitoral stimulation in order to orgasm) while peddling a very limited view of what “sexy” looks like.

New companies are instead prioritizing effective, elevated, simple, universal, body-safe design; heightening your sexual experiences; embracing self-care, and swapping outdated attitudes for sex positivity and inclusivity. They go beyond making products that can make you orgasm at the drop of a hat – it’s as much about the psychological as it is the physical, covering everything from toxin-free massage oils and conversation-starting jewelry (that can be enjoyed in the bedroom or worn to upgrade your outfit) to incorporating mindfulness and CBD into your next masturbation sesh.

Here’s your starter pack for greater sexual wellness.

Lover’s Oil by Province Apothecary

SUBSCRIBE FOR 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER

SUBSCRIBE FOR 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER

Buy at Verishop

Receiving a massage is an effective way to both unwind and connect with your partner and yourself (especially if practicing mindfulness at the same time). This all-natural massage oil blends ten essential sensual oils into a non-toxic moisturizing base so that both your skin and your muscles benefit.

Little Book of Sex by Chronicle Books

SUBSCRIBE FOR 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER

SUBSCRIBE FOR 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER

Buy at Verishop

This book includes steamy quotes, Kamasutra, mini-tutorials and more.

Nipple and Clit Clamp by Unbound

Unbound’s wearable sex accessories double as beautiful jewelry. They’ve created everything from bangle bracelets that double as handcuffs, a choker necklace that can be repurposed as a whip, and earrings that can be used as nipple clamps. This gold-plated multi-chain design will stimulate a woman’s most sensitive areas.

Satin Eye Mask by Kitsch

Adjustable Satin Eye Mask

SUBSCRIBE FOR 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER

SUBSCRIBE FOR 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER

Buy at Verishop

It might seem cliché to bring a blindfold into the bedroom, but being deprived of sight will heighten your other senses. Plus, there’s the added bonus of the excitement of surprise. And well, if you’re not really into being blindfolded during sex, you can just use this to help you get your much-needed eight hours.

Satisfyer Pro 2

Honestly, if you haven’t heard of the Satisfyer Pro 2 by now, then perhaps you need to reflect on why you have so few female friends. This air-pulse clitoris stimulator is said to mimic the feeling of oral sex, with one Amazon customer leaving a review that really says it all: “Imagine 100 perfectly formed angels going down on you, whilst soothing your soul and whispering in your ear the answer to all your problems. I’m 99% sure I passed over into the afterlife for a brief moment in time.”

CBD Lubricant by Kush Queen

CBD is the wellness trend of the decade and it was never going to be long before it reached the bedroom. Cannabis is a vasodilator and can increase blood flow when applied directly to an area, which increases sensation. This CBD-infused lube is paraben-free, petrochemical free, latex compatible, and won’t leave stains. Created with Amplifi™ Nanotechnology CBD, the nano CBD particles are so small, they absorb through the skin and into the bloodstream.

Vibrator for Fingers by Dame

SUBSCRIBE FOR 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER

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Buy at Verishop

Perfect for solo play or for use with a partner, this vibrator ring has three speeds, is USB rechargeable and water-resistant – so you can even enjoy it in the shower.

Latex Condoms by Maude

SUBSCRIBE FOR 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER

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Buy at Verishop

These ultra-thin, easy-to-open condoms are made without harmful chemicals and are spermicide and fragrance-free. FDA-approved and made from 100% natural latex, each condom comes in an easy-to-open pot that is somewhat similar in shape to those one-person portions of jam you get at a hotel breakfast buffet.

Our designated Selects section features products that we love and want to share with you. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

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    Eloise Edgington

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Can Tilray Conquer the U.S. Hemp Industry?

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Can Tilray Conquer the U.S. Hemp Industry?

Click here for The Motley Fool’s resources on Coronavirus and the market.

Tilray’s hemp business was a bright spot in the company’s otherwise disappointing quarterly update.

Prosper Junior Bakiny

Year to date, shares of Tilray (NASDAQ:TLRY) are down by 62%, and the company’s stock price is now at an all-time low. And while the entire stock market has been dragged down by fears surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, Tilray’s most recent quarterly update didn’t help, either. The company’s fourth-quarter financial results failed to impress investors, which caused Tilray’s shares to slide by 11.5% on the heels of the release of its earnings report.

However, there was at least one bright spot in Tilray’s earnings report, namely the fact that the company’s hemp business seems to be performing well. 

Tilray’s hemp sales are growing

On Feb. 28, 2019, Tilray closed its acquisition of Manitoba Harvest, the “world’s largest hemp foods company,” which it acquired for CA$419 million. Manitoba Harvest distributes hemp-based products to about 16,000 stores in North America, with the majority of these stores being in the U.S. Thanks to this move, Tilray was able to enter the potentially lucrative U.S. market for cannabidiol (CBD), which is derived from hemp.

CBD oil in small glass bottle on top of cannabis leaves.

Image source: Getty Images.

However, Tilray’s hemp business extends beyond North America. According to the company’s CEO, Brendan Kennedy, “Our hemp products are available in over 17,000 retail doors in 20 countries around the world.” During the fourth quarter, the company’s revenue from hemp was $18.7 million, compared to $15.7 million recorded during the third quarter. For the full year, Tilray’s hemp revenue was $59.8 million.

Competitive challenges 

In trying to conquer the U.S. hemp market, Tilray will have to deal with some challenges. The first of these is competition. Currently, Charlotte’s Web (OTC:CWBHF) — which offers several CBD-based products such as gummies, capsules, and oils — is one of the leaders in this market. In its latest reported quarter — the third quarter of its fiscal year 2019 — Charlotte’s Web recorded a revenue figure of $25.1 million, and the company said there were more than 9,000 stores in the U.S. carrying its products.

Charlotte’s Web is also in the process of ramping up its production capacity. The company is building a 147,000-square-foot facility (its current production facility is 40,000 square feet) that will multiply its output capacity by a factor of 10; the facility should be fully operational by the end of this year. Other companies are looking to carve out a niche for themselves in this business, but Charlotte’s Web is arguably the most notable one.

The second challenge Tilray will have to deal with is regulation. Last year the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers in a press release that using CBD and CBD-based products may have negative health consequences, including liver injury.

The health industry regulator also said that the claims regarding the health benefits of CBD (such as the claims that it is effective in treating cancer) are unproven. The FDA even warned more than a dozen CBD companies for making unfounded claims about their products. With the regulatory environment still a bit shaky, Tilray will have to navigate this challenge if it hopes to be one of the leaders in this market.

Should you buy? 

Tilray looks well-positioned to capture a fair share of the U.S. hemp market thanks to its acquisition of Manitoba Harvest. Does this make the company’s stock a buy? First, it is essential to acknowledge Tilray’s strengths. Most notably, the company has been able to build what Kennedy calls a “highly diversified cannabis business across three core markets, global medical, Canada adult-use and hemp.” In addition to the $18.7 million in hemp revenue generated during the fourth quarter — which accounted for about 40% of its total revenue — Tilray recorded $7.3 million in medical cannabis revenue and $17 million in revenue from recreational (adult-use) cannabis. 

With that said, though, Tilray’s fourth-quarter revenue of $46.9 million represented a decrease of about 8.2% sequentially, and the company reported a net loss of $219.1 million, which is significantly worse than the $35.7 million net loss recorded during the third quarter. While Tilray’s top and bottom lines might start moving in the right direction soon, this cannabis stock isn’t worth buying, at least not until it shows it can consistently post strong financial results.


Prosper Junior Bakiny has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Charlotte’s Web. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”>

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Meet The Female Founder Behind The Luxury Botanical Aromatics + Cannabis Brand, HIGHBORN

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Meet The Female Founder Behind The Luxury Botanical Aromatics + Cannabis Brand, HIGHBORN

I had never tried a full-spectrum CBD product before—until a few days ago. 

Last week I was catching up with up with a friend who asked me how life was going. As I shared the raw truth about how stressful things in my world currently are (I am selling my house, preparing to move out of state, my travel start-up is in a state of limbo due to the current coronavirus outbreak, not to mention raging hormones from perimenopause, and a puppy with giardia), she suggested I try out something that could ease some of my anxiety. At my limit, I was open to her suggestion.

HIGHBORN

HIGHBORN


Courtesy of HIGHBORN

A couple days later, a care package arrived. It was few products from HIGHBORN, a new botanically based aromatic brand that offers anointing oil rollers, body mists, and body oils that come with reiki-charged crystals inside each bottle with the option to have full-spectrum CBD included in the alchemic formulations. As I rolled Moon Saber, a beautiful blend of Blue Tansy, Neroli, and CBD onto my pulse points, I gradually went from an ‘11’ (yes, that’s a ‘Spinal Tap’ movie reference) to about a ‘4’. I was sold and my intrigue to learn more about the brand and its founder was piqued.

“I’m a believer that everyone’s path is unique,” explains Lauren Gannes, the founder and formulator of HIGHBORN when I ask her how she came up with her start-up idea. She speaks from experience. Gannes’ professional endeavors span from design assistance in couture to being an executive assistant for high-level executives. “Ultimately, I became a professional dragon slayer. The fear of failure was a tiny voice that I pushed to the side when I decided to go the creative entrepreneur route. Never wanting to regret ‘not trying’ became the larger inspiration, and from a place of creative, play, and hard work, HIGHBORN birthed in 2018.”

Gannes self-funded HIGHBORN with a modest five thousand dollar investment and the help of many friends she enlisted who lent their noses, time, and opinions to help guide her with the initial formulations. “If nothing else, this would be an inspiration for my daughter Sloane to follow her dream,” she tells me. As for the brand’s name, “It’s a call out to all of us being born into royalty. It’s a state of mind—a state of believing.”

HIGHBORN

HIGHBORN Founder, Lauren Gannes


Courtesy of HIGHBORN

The first product Gannes created was Défumé, which translates to ‘without smoke’ and was formulated as a new use case for Palo Santo. “I was inspired to create an energy cleansing aromatic ritual that was different from anything else, and minus the smoke,” explains Gannes. “My mother asks all the time where I learned this and truly—aside from a Somme course that I took many moons ago—I am self-taught and led by my intuition.  You’ve got to be OK with creating things that aren’t great. It’s part of the journey to greatness.”

Gannes takes sourcing her raw materials seriously and in particular seeks to work with suppliers that have a seed-to-sale philosophy. “All of our ingredients are sourced from farmers who engage in renewable practices and are accompanied by certificates of origination, dates of production, and safety data sheets,” states Gannes, who is a self-described ingredient ‘snob’. “I stop nothing short of that when selecting the right essential oils; they are the purest representation of plants, so you want to make sure they’re sourced from the best-of-the-best.”

With mindful consumption a cornerstone of the brand on every level, HIGHBORN utilizes recyclable packaging and mailers to both its B2B and D2C customers. In the upcoming weeks, the brand also plans to offer a packaging opt-out option. “Any material outside of what is needed to ensure your goods arrive safely will be eliminated if the consumer selects that option online,” Gannes tells me. “I think it is accurate to consider us in the carbon-offset category. We are mindful about our consumption, mindful about our customers’ consumption, and strive to align with vendors who are forward thinking.”

HIGHBORN

HIGHBORN


Courtesy of HIGHBORN

HIGHBORN

HIGHBORN


Courtesy of HIGHBORN

HIGHBORN launched as an all-natural aromatic ritual company without the addition of CBD and still offers products without CBD. However, after discovering a CBD supplier who was aligned with the brand’s practices and philosophies (in addition to blending beautifully with HIGHBORN’s formulations), it was a no brainer for Gannes to add CBD into certain blends. 

“CBD is an amazing ingredient, and we love amazing ingredients, so the additional vertical made a lot of sense to us. But it had to live in co-existence with the original inspiration,” Gannes explains. “I would like to think that adding CBD made our brand more inclusive. One of my primary interests is to continue sharing information on the clean beauty and CBD fronts. I believe that creating more fluency will empower consumers, period.”

Gannes has created an array of products that are not only effective, but also celebrate the duality found in nature and our lives by pairing opposite healing plants together.  “We explore this juxtaposition and that results in something that is curiously bold and unexpected,” says Gannes. Duality and opposite philosophies aren’t anything new for Gannes, beginning with her parents’ professions —her father is a radiologist rooted in Western medicine and her mother is a Reiki practitioner. 

HIGHBORN

Lauren with her mother Merle as a child (l) parents Russell and Merle Golkow (r)


Courtesy of HIGHBORN

When I ask Gannes how having parents whose work was based on two totally different philosophies she tells me, “It was like ‘Dharma and Greg’. And that sort of sums it up. Light doesn’t exist without the dark, and so on. It was harmonious and even comical at times. But joking aside, it was exceptional for me to grow up witnessing two different healing modalities, as it opened my mind to integrative wellness.  I was, and am, a very lucky kid.”

In addition to sustainability, shining a light on topics that need to be discussed openly without shame is important to Gannes personally as well as the brand, which is why she chose to partner with The Jed Foundation, a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s youth and young adults.

“As someone who has lived with anxiety most of my life, I deeply value the de-stigmatizing of mental health issues and broadening the resource and dialogue around the human experience,” explains Gannes. “I was fortunate to have support all of my life, and I found meditation and self-love. I’m passionate about many causes, but I felt choosing one thing for now felt more focused. For me, this is authentic and super relevant. The state of the world is very much reflected in the way people value themselves, without a doubt. Jed Foundation is also NY based, transparent with their books, and above all, doing the work.”

As for what new is on the horizons, Gannes tells me, “I was just commissioned by The Rubin Museum of Art to create a fragrance symbolic of their Impermanence exhibit, which is a key tenet of Buddhism and based on the idea that everything changes. It’s an experience that unites us all an accepting this reality allows us to be present in the moment.”

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