🌿 Why Buy Products Made from Hemp

🌿 

Good for You. Good for the Planet. Good for the Future.

👕 Hemp Clothing & Accessories

• Stronger & Longer Lasting: Hemp fibers are naturally stronger and more durable than cotton, with tensile strength tests showing hemp fabrics can last up to 2–3x longer when washed and worn regularly.¹
• Naturally UV Resistant: Hemp fabrics provide strong resistance to UV rays, making them ideal for sun-friendly apparel.²
• Breathable & Comfortable: Hemp is highly breathable, wicks moisture, and actually softens with each wash while retaining strength.¹ ²
• Fewer Chemicals: Compared with conventional cotton, hemp typically requires less fertilizer and significantly fewer pesticides and herbicides.³
• Biodegradable Fashion: As a plant-based cellulose fiber, hemp fabric naturally decomposes at the end of its life, unlike many synthetic textiles.³

🏡 Home Goods & Textiles

• Naturally Antimicrobial: Hemp fibers show inherent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, making them well-suited for towels, bedding, and kitchen textiles where freshness matters.⁴
• Insulating & Breathable: Hemp textiles can be both absorbent and breathable, helping fabrics feel comfortable in warm or cool conditions.²
• Minimal Water Footprint: Life-cycle assessments and fashion sustainability reports indicate hemp can use around half the water of conventional cotton in cultivation and processing, depending on climate and practices.³
• Planet-Friendly Décor: When you choose hemp over synthetics or conventional cotton, you’re opting for materials with a lower water, chemical, and carbon footprint.³

🐾 Pet Products (Toys, Treats)

• Safe for Chewing & Sensitive Skin: Hemp textiles are naturally antibacterial and often described as hypoallergenic, making them a gentle option for pets’ mouths and skin.⁴
• Durable for Tough Play: Hemp rope and woven toys benefit from the same high tensile strength that makes hemp clothing long-lasting.¹
• Nutrient-Dense Oils: When used in treats, hemp seed oil contributes essential omega fatty acids that play a role in normal skin, coat, and joint function in animals.⁵
• No Synthetic Fillers: Hemp-based toys and treats offer a cleaner, plant-forward option for pet parents who want to avoid unnecessary synthetic materials.⁴ ⁵

(Pet wellness statements are general and not intended as veterinary advice; always consult your vet about your animal’s specific needs.)

🧴 Wellness Products (Balms, Lotions, Oils, Tinctures, Gummies)

• Rich in Omega Fatty Acids: Hemp seed oil has a favorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio and is being studied for its role in supporting skin hydration and barrier function.⁵
• Naturally Nourishing: Topical hemp seed oil is described as non-comedogenic and emollient, helping the skin hold moisture without clogging pores.⁵
• Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Properties: Laboratory and early clinical work suggest hemp seed oil and certain hemp-derived compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in skin-focused models, which may support overall skin comfort.⁵
• Clean Beauty: Hemp-based formulas can help brands minimize reliance on harsher synthetic ingredients, aligning with “green” and minimalist skincare trends.⁵

(Topical and ingestible wellness products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.)

🍫 Food & Nutrition

• Complete Protein Source: Hemp seeds and hemp protein provide all nine essential amino acids, making them one of the few complete plant proteins.⁶
• High in Fiber & Healthy Fats: Hemp foods supply beneficial fiber plus polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3s and omega-6s that support normal digestion and brain function.⁶
• Nutrient-Dense: Hemp seeds contribute minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc, along with B vitamins that are involved in energy metabolism, immune function, and nervous-system health.⁶ ⁷
• “No High,” Just Nutrition: Dehulled hemp seeds and hemp foods contain only trace amounts of THC and are consumed for their nutritional profile, not for intoxication.⁶

📦 Packaging & Paper Goods

• More Renewable Than Trees: Studies show hemp paper can be recycled 7–8 times, compared with about 3 times for typical wood-pulp paper.⁸
• Grows in 3–4 Months: Industrial hemp reaches harvest in a single season (roughly 3–4 months), while trees used for paper and timber can take decades to mature.⁹
• Naturally Compostable: Hemp-based paper and board are plant-fiber products that can break down naturally in composting conditions.⁸

🛍️ Why Choose Hemp Over Conventional Materials?

• Fewer Chemicals: Across multiple assessments, hemp production generally requires fewer pesticides and herbicides and can use less synthetic fertilizer than conventional cotton.³
• Less Water, More Crop: Reports indicate hemp can require substantially less irrigation than cotton while producing more fiber per hectare in some systems.¹¹
• Carbon “Negative” Potential: Industrial hemp is a strong CO₂ absorber, with estimates ranging from roughly 3–15 tonnes of CO₂ sequestered per hectare over a season, and it can be used in carbon-storing products like hempcrete.¹⁰
• Supports Regenerative Farming: Hemp’s deep roots help improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and support crop rotations and biodiversity—key aspects of regenerative agriculture.¹²

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References

1.      Hemp durability and tensile strength compared with cotton (HempTraders; Natures Fabrics; Uddin et al., 2025). hemptraders.com+2Nature’s Fabrics+2

2.      UV protection, absorbency, and comfort characteristics of hemp fabric (HempTraders “Hemp Fabric Benefits”; sun-protection and hemp-fabric summaries). hemptraders.com+2Thought Clothing UK+2

3.      Comparative environmental impacts of hemp vs. cotton, including water use and agrochemical inputs (Rietz 2011 hemp vs. cotton LCA; Michels et al. 2025; sustainability and fashion reports). The House of Hemp+3CSB/SJU+3ScienceDirect+3

4.      Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of hemp fibers and textiles; hypoallergenic character (BulkHempWarehouse; Hemp-Copenhagen “Hemp Science”; Chang et al., 2021; hemp antimicrobial review). BioResources+3Bulk Hemp Warehouse+3Hemp Copenhagen Co.+3

5.      Hemp seed oil composition, omega-fatty-acid profile, and skin-barrier support (Žugić et al., 2024; MedicalNewsToday “Hemp oil for skin”; cosmetic/brand summaries on hemp seed oil). The Body Shop+3PMC+3medicalnewstoday.com+3

6.      Hemp seeds as complete protein and nutrient-dense foods, including fiber and healthy fats (MedicalNewsToday “Hemp protein”; Healthline and Bob’s Red Mill hemp protein articles; Cleveland Clinic overview of hemp seeds; EatingWell rankings). EatingWell+4medicalnewstoday.com+4Healthline+4

7.      Roles of magnesium and other minerals in immune and metabolic function; hemp seeds as a rich magnesium source (Cleveland Clinic and Verywell Health magnesium articles). Cleveland Clinic+1

8.      Recycling potential and durability of hemp paper versus wood-pulp paper (Małachowska et al. 2015; “Hemp paper” overview; sustainable publishing articles). Facebook+3wordpress.kpu.ca+3Wikipedia+3

9.      Growth cycle of industrial hemp vs. tree crops for fiber (hemp science and carbon-farming reports). Hemp Copenhagen Co.+1

10.    CO₂ sequestration potential of industrial hemp and its use in carbon-storing building materials (PDX sustainability report; CarbonCredits.com; Hemp-Copenhagen; University of Virginia Hemp Co-Lab). environment.virginia.edu+3PSU | Portland State University+3Carbon Credits+3

11.    Hemp yields and water use compared with cotton and corn (IND Hemp “Hemp’s Role in Sustainable Agriculture”; water-use comparisons from Hemp Acres and related sources). Project Cece+3IND HEMP+3Hemp Acres+3

12.    Soil-health and regenerative-agriculture benefits of hemp, including root depth, erosion control, and biodiversity in rotations (Michels et al. 2025; CO2Evolve rotational-cropping overview; IND Hemp; Jesmin et al. 2025 soil-study). Acess+3ScienceDirect+3CO2 Evolve+3

🌱 Why Hemp & CBD Products Cost More (And…

If you’ve browsed our racks of hemp clothing, tested our CBD skin care, or picked up a hemp throw pillow at The Good People Farms, you may have noticed something:

👉 They usually cost more than fast-fashion clothes, drugstore lotions, or mass-produced home goods.

That’s not an accident, and it’s not just “because they’re trendy.” It’s because these products are made differently from the ground up — starting with the Cannabis sativa L. plant and extending through farming, processing, testing, and how workers are treated.[1–4]

This post breaks down why hemp and CBD products carry a higher price tag, and why many customers decide they’re actually getting more value, not less.

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1. It Starts in the Field: How Hemp Is Grown 🌱

Most fast-fashion cotton and many conventional crops are grown using:

• Heavy synthetic fertilizers
• High water usage
• Large monoculture fields designed only around yield and speed[1,2,5]

Hemp is different:

• It’s often grown in smaller, more carefully managed fields, sometimes with organic or low-input practices, especially for premium fiber or CBD production.[3,4,6]
• Farmers may focus on regenerating soil, rotating hemp with other crops, and reducing harsh pesticides, which can help improve soil structure and biodiversity.[3,4,6,7]
• For CBD, the plants are often hand-selected and hand-harvested for quality rather than machine-harvested like commodity crops.[4,8]

All of that makes hemp more expensive to grow per acre than large-scale commodity cotton or corn, but it also supports:

• Better soil health and structure
• Less chemical runoff into waterways
• A more resilient, diversified farm system[3,4,6,7]

When you pay extra for a hemp T-shirt or CBD serum, you’re helping support a different kind of agriculture — one with longer-term thinking built in.[3,4]

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2. Turning Plant Into Product Is Labor- and Tech-Heavy 🧵🧴

Hemp Clothing & Textiles

Hemp fiber doesn’t come out of the plant ready to weave. To turn stalks into a soft, wearable fabric, producers typically have to:[3,6,9]

1. Ret (or otherwise break down) the tough outer material.
2. Decorticate (separate the fibers from the woody core).
3. Clean, align, spin, and weave those fibers into fabric.
4. Use blends and finishing techniques to achieve the softer feel most people expect today.

These steps require specialized machinery, extra time, and skilled labor, often in smaller production runs because hemp textiles are still a niche compared to cotton or polyester.[3,6,9] That raises the cost per garment — especially when brands refuse to cut corners on quality.

CBD Skin Care & Wellness Products

For CBD products, the transformation is even more technical:[4,8,10–12]

• Extraction: Hemp flowers are processed using methods like CO₂ or ethanol extraction to pull out cannabinoids. High-quality extraction equipment and processes are precise and expensive.
• Refinement: The extract is carefully refined to remove unwanted compounds and standardize CBD content.
• Formulation: CBD is blended with high-quality carrier oils, butters, and botanicals to create serums, balms, and tinctures that are both effective and pleasant to use.
• Lab testing: Reputable brands send every batch to a third-party lab to confirm potency and screen for pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and residual solvents.[4,8,11–13]

Each of these steps adds cost — but they also add safety, reliability, and consistency for the customer.

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3. Testing, Compliance & Paperwork: The “Invisible” Costs 📊

CBD and hemp products live in a heavily scrutinized space. Even though the hemp side of Cannabis sativa L. is federally legal within certain THC limits in the U.S., companies still have to navigate:[4,11,13,14]

• Complex state and federal regulations
• Strict THC thresholds (e.g., ≤0.3% THC by dry weight under the U.S. Farm Bill)
• Labeling and packaging requirements
• Ongoing lab testing and documentation to show compliance

Those compliance costs don’t show up on the front of the bottle, but they’re baked into the price.

When you see a “too-good-to-be-true” cheap CBD product online, it often means:[11–13]

• No reliable third-party testing
• Low or inconsistent CBD levels compared with what’s on the label
• Less oversight on sourcing and safety

With vetted brands, part of what you’re paying for is peace of mind.

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4. Small-Batch, Not Sweatshop: Who Made Your Stuff? ✋

Most fast-fashion and mass-market home goods are designed to be:[1,2,5]

• Produced in huge volumes
• At the lowest possible labor cost
• With workers often paid very little and working long hours in unsafe conditions[1,5,15]

Many hemp and CBD brands — especially the ones we choose to carry — operate differently:[3,9,15,16]

• Smaller production runs instead of millions of identical units
• Better wages and working conditions at the factory/brand level (or at least more attention to them)
• More transparent supply chains and partnerships with ethical manufacturers

Is it the cheapest way to make a T-shirt or serum? No.
Is it a more human way to make a T-shirt or serum? Yes.

When you invest in hemp clothing, home goods, or CBD wellness, you’re often supporting a chain of people who are being treated more fairly at each step.

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5. Built to Last: Cost Per Wear vs. Cost Per Day 👗🏡

One of the easiest ways to understand value is to stop asking:

“How much does it cost?”

and start asking:

“How long will it last me?”

Hemp Clothing

Hemp fibers are:[3,6,9,17]

• Stronger and more abrasion-resistant than many conventional fibers
• Naturally resistant to UV light and mildew
• Known to soften with wear while retaining strength

That means a hemp shirt, pants, or jacket may cost more up front, but it can outlast multiple cycles of cheap, synthetic garments that stretch, fade, or fall apart.[3,6,9,17]

If a hemp garment lasts 3–5 times longer than a fast-fashion version, the cost per wear often ends up lower, even if the initial price tag is higher.

Hemp Home Goods

The same principle applies to:[3,6]

• Hemp throws, pillows, and bedding that keep their shape
• Kitchen textiles that don’t disintegrate after a few washes
• Sturdier bags and totes that actually survive daily use

You’re not just buying an item; you’re buying years of service from that item.

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6. For Skin & Wellness: What’s Not in the Bottle 🧴✨

With CBD skin care and wellness products, the difference in price often reflects what brands choose not to do:[4,8,10–12,18]

• They avoid cheap fillers, harsh synthetic fragrances, and low-grade oils that can irritate skin or dilute the CBD.
• They skip shortcuts like adding a token amount of CBD just to put it on the label.
• They focus on thoughtful formulas that pair CBD with complementary ingredients (like botanical extracts, hyaluronic acid, or nourishing plant oils).

You’re paying for:

• Active levels of CBD that match the label
• Better ingredient decks (cleaner, more skin-friendly formulations)
• Products designed to genuinely support skin or wellness goals, not just ride the “CBD” buzzword

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7. The Bigger Picture: Externalities & the “Cheap” Illusion 🌍

Cheap products often hide their true cost:[1,2,4,5,15]

• Environmental damage from pesticides, fertilizers, dyes, and microplastics
• Underpaid labor and unsafe working conditions
• Short lifespans that lead to more landfill waste and more production to replace them

Hemp and high-quality CBD products aim to move in the opposite direction:[3,4,6,7]

• Fewer harsh chemicals and more regenerative or lower-impact farming practices
• Materials that can be more durable and, in many cases, more biodegradable than petroleum-based synthetics
• Longer product lifespans and more mindful, smaller-scale production

So while the price tag is higher, the hidden costs are often lower — for the planet and for people.

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8. How to Decide If It’s Worth It (No Pressure) 💚

At The Good People Farms, our goal isn’t to guilt anyone into buying the most expensive thing on the shelf. Our goals are to:[3,4,16]

• Be honest about why hemp and CBD products are priced the way they are
• Help you understand the story behind the label
• Support you in choosing what fits your budget, values, and lifestyle

Some people start with:

• A single hemp tee
• A favorite CBD face serum
• One hemp throw blanket

…and slowly build from there. Others love mixing hemp pieces with conventional items.

Wherever you are on that journey, we’re here to:

• Answer questions
• Show you textures and fits
• Talk through lab reports and COAs
• Help you explore the Cannabis sativa L. plant in all its forms — from fiber and fabric to wellness and beyond[3,4]

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Final Thought ✨

“Why does this cost more?” is a fair question.

Our answer is:

Because it costs more to grow thoughtfully, make carefully, test rigorously, pay people fairly, and build things to last.[3,4,8,11]

If that lines up with your values, hemp and CBD products can feel less like a splurge and more like an investment — in your wardrobe, your skin, your home, and the kind of world you want to live in. 🌿

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📚 References

1. Ellen MacArthur Foundation. A New Textiles Economy: Redesigning Fashion’s Future. 2017.
2. UN Environment Programme. Putting the brakes on fast fashion.
3. Callaway JC. Hempseed as a nutritional resource: An overview. Euphytica. 2004;140(1–2):65–72.
4. U.S. FDA & USDA hemp/CBD guidance and 2018 Farm Bill summaries on hemp production and CBD regulation.
5. Textile Exchange. Preferred Fiber & Materials Market Report. 2021.
6. Smallholder & regenerative hemp farming case studies and LCA summaries (e.g., FiBL reports and EU hemp briefs).
7. La Rosa AD et al. Environmental impacts of hemp cultivation and fiber processing. Sustainability analyses and LCAs.
8. Hazekamp A. The Trouble with CBD Oil. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2018.
9. Shahzad A. Hemp fiber and its composites—A review. Journal of Composite Materials.
10. UBIC, Project CBD, and technical overviews of CO₂ vs. ethanol extraction in hemp processing.
11. U.S. FDA. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products.
12. ISO/IEC 17025 lab accreditation materials and third-party CBD lab testing guidelines.
13. U.S. state-level hemp/CBD regulations summarizing testing and THC limit requirements (e.g., Colorado, Oregon).
14. 2018 U.S. Farm Bill (Agriculture Improvement Act) – hemp definition and federal framework.
15. Clean Clothes Campaign & Human Rights Watch reports on garment worker conditions and wages in global supply chains.
16. Fashion Revolution. How to Be a Fashion Revolutionary: A Guide to Sustainable Fashion Choices.
17. Horne M, et al. Durability and performance of hemp textiles in apparel applications.
18. Cosmetic Ingredient Review & dermatology literature on fragrance, preservatives, and skin sensitizers in personal-care products.

Why Hemp & CBD Can Be Beneficial for Your…

(And How the Endocannabinoid System Fits In)

For many of us, dogs and cats are family. So when they’re anxious, stiff, or dealing with dry cracked paws or itchy skin, it’s natural to look for gentle, plant-based ways to support their comfort and overall wellness.

That’s where hemp and CBD come in. Today, veterinarians and researchers are paying close attention to how these compounds interact with a pet’s own biology—especially a built-in network called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 🧠🌿

Below, we’ll walk through:

• What the ECS is in dogs and cats
• How hemp and CBD may support calm, comfort, skin, and joints
• Where research stands today
• How products like Hemp Well® and Bumble B. Well® fit into a thoughtful wellness routine

Important reminder: This article is educational only and not veterinary or medical advice. Always talk with your veterinarian before starting any new supplement for your pet.

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1. Your Pet’s Endocannabinoid System: The “Control Hub” for Balance

Dogs and cats—just like humans—have an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a regulatory network that helps keep the body in balance (homeostasis). It includes:

• Endocannabinoids – Compounds the body makes on its own
• Cannabinoid receptors (CB1 & CB2) – Protein “locks” on cells
• Enzymes – That build and break down these molecules

Research shows:

• CB1 receptors are found mostly in the brain and central nervous system, where they help regulate things like movement, pain perception, mood, and appetite.[1–3]
• CB2 receptors are more common in the immune system, gut, and peripheral tissues, where they’re involved in inflammation and immune responses.[1–3,25]
• Dogs appear to have a high density of cannabinoid receptors in certain brain regions, which may explain why they’re very sensitive to THC and respond strongly to cannabinoids. [14,19,24]
• Cats also have CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the brain and digestive tract, suggesting a similar ECS-based regulation of pain, inflammation, and gut function.[4,5,15,20]

The big picture: the ECS helps regulate comfort, mood, appetite, sleep, and inflammatory responses in both dogs and cats.[1–3,9,25]

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2. How Hemp & CBD Interact With the ECS

Hemp and CBD products introduce phytocannabinoids (plant-based compounds) and beneficial fatty acids that can “talk” to the ECS in more than one way:

• CBD (cannabidiol) can interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors indirectly and also influences other targets like serotonin (5-HT1A) and TRPV1 receptors involved in pain and temperature.[1,3,19,24]
• Hemp seed oil (from hemp seeds, not flowers) is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin, coat, and joint health and may also support balanced inflammatory pathways.[2,6,11,16,21,26]

Rather than “flipping a switch,” CBD and hemp compounds are thought to help the ECS do its job more efficiently—supporting a calmer, more comfortable baseline for many pets.[3,9,14,24]

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3. Nutritional Benefits of Hemp for Pets 🌱

Hemp seed oil and hemp-based supplements bring nutritional benefits, even without CBD:

• Balanced omega-6 : omega-3 ratio – Hemp seed oil provides a naturally balanced ratio of essential fatty acids, which are important for skin integrity, immune health, and overall wellness.[2,6,11,16,21,26]
• Skin & coat support – Studies and veterinary articles highlight that essential fatty acids can improve coat shine, reduce dryness, and support a healthy skin barrier.[2,6,11,16,21,26]
• Joint comfort & inflammation support – Omega-3s, in particular, are known for anti-inflammatory properties which may help support joint comfort alongside a complete diet.[2,11,16,21,26]

Because of this, many pet parents use hemp-based chews and oils as a gentle way to support everyday wellness in dogs and cats.[3,5,21,26]

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4. What Research Says About CBD for Dogs & Cats (So Far) 📊

Clinical research in pets is still early—but growing:

• In randomized, placebo-controlled trials in dogs with osteoarthritis, daily hemp-derived CBD has been associated with reduced pain and improved mobility, while bloodwork showed no significant safety concerns over the short term.[4,7,8,18,28]
• A systematic review of CBD for canine osteoarthritis concluded that CBD appears safe at studied doses, with promising but still uncertain evidence for pain relief—more high-quality trials are needed.[13]
• For cats, emerging literature and case reports suggest CBD may have potential benefits for chronic pain and inflammatory conditions, but robust clinical data is more limited than in dogs.[4,5,15,20]

Key takeaway: CBD looks promising for comfort, mobility, and quality of life in many dogs, and is being actively explored for cats—but it is not a cure-all, and evidence is still developing.[4,7–9,13,18,28]

That’s why it’s essential to:

• Work with a veterinarian
• Use products that are lab-tested and clearly labeled
• Start with low serving sizes and monitor your pet closely

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5. Calm, Comfort & Skin: How Specific Products Fit In

At The Good People Farms, we focus on trusted, third-party tested products with transparent ingredient lists and Certificates of Analysis (COAs). Here’s how some of the pet products you carry can fit into what we’ve just covered.

A. For Calm & Everyday Stress

Hemp Well Calm Dog Soft Chews 🐶💤

Hemp Well Calm Dog Soft Chews are hemp-based soft chews formulated with a blend of organic hemp, chamomile, valerian root, lemon balm, and melatonin to support relaxation during stressful times like thunderstorms, fireworks, travel, or separation.[3,10,12,27]

• Hemp provides omega fatty acids and plant compounds that may support the ECS and stress response.[3,5,21,26]
• Botanicals like chamomile and valerian root are traditionally used to promote calm.
• Melatonin is often used under veterinary guidance to support rest and regular sleep cycles in dogs.

These chews are a good example of how hemp can be combined with other gentle ingredients to support a calmer baseline for anxious or easily startled dogs.[3,10,12,27]

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B. For Hip, Joint & Mobility Support

Hemp Well Hip & Joint Soft Chews 🦴

Hemp Well Hip & Joint Dog Soft Chews are designed for daily mobility support, combining organic hemp with other nutrients to help maintain joint flexibility and comfort.[7,11,17,3]

• The chews provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from hemp, which may support healthy inflammatory pathways and joint comfort.[2,6,11,16,21,26]
• They’re intended for daily use to support active, aging, or large-breed dogs who benefit from extra joint care.

When pet parents use these alongside a vet-recommended plan (such as weight management or joint-friendly exercise), they can become part of a comprehensive mobility routine.[7–9,11,13,18,21]

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C. For Paws, Noses & Skin

Hemp Well Nourishing Balm (Hemp Balm) 🐾✨

Hemp Well Hemp Balm is a topical balm formulated with organic hemp seed oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, shea butter, and vitamin E to soothe dry noses, cracked paws, and irritated skin in both dogs and cats.[3,5,12,21,23]

• The skin of dogs has CB1 and CB2 receptors distributed throughout the epidermis, suggesting that the ECS plays a role in skin health and itch perception.[1,25]
• Hemp seed oil in the balm offers essential fatty acids that help support skin barrier function and hydration.[2,6,11,16,21,26]

Applied topically, this kind of balm can support local comfort and moisture without going through the digestive system.[1,3,5,21,25]

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D. CBD Topicals & Tinctures for Pets

Bumble B. Well Paw CBD Balm 🐾💚

Bumble B. Well’s Paw CBD Balm is a veterinarian-approved, THC-free balm containing 600 mg of CBD isolatefrom certified organic, non-GMO hemp, combined with shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and calendula extract.[2,13,20]

• Third-party lab results show CBD content with non-detectable THC, which is important because dogs are very sensitive to THC.[2,8,18,20]
• The balm is designed to hydrate and protect dry, cracked paws and noses, and can be used daily as part of a long-term paw-care routine.[2,8,20]

Because the ECS is present in the skin, a CBD-infused topical may help support localized comfort while also creating a protective, moisturizing barrier.[1,3,5,21,25]

Bumble B. Well Paw CBD Tincture 🐕🩵

Bumble B. Well Paw CBD Tincture is a THC-free, plain-flavored CBD oil designed to be added to a pet’s food or given directly by mouth.[2,3,14,20]

• The tincture uses isolated hemp extract (CBD) and organic MCT oil, with clear serving suggestions by body weight and guidance to increase slowly over time if needed.[2,3,14]
• Because it’s THC-free, it’s designed specifically with dogs’ sensitivity to THC in mind.[14,19,24]

Many pet parents, under veterinary supervision, use CBD tinctures to support:

• Overall calm during stressful events
• Comfort and mobility in aging or active dogs
• A general sense of well-being, especially in pets with ongoing discomfort[4,7–9,13,18,24]

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6. Safe Use Tips: Start Low, Go Slow, Ask Your Vet 🩺

Because each pet’s ECS is unique, the same product can affect two animals very differently. To use hemp and CBD responsibly:

1. Talk to your veterinarian first
   • Especially important if your pet is on other medications (CBD can interact with some drugs metabolized by the liver).[1,4,13]
2. Choose high-quality, tested products
   • Look for Certificates of Analysis (COAs) showing cannabinoid content and confirming minimal or non-detectable THC in pet products.[2,8,12,20]
   • Prefer brands that are transparent about sourcing, ingredients, and lab testing (like Hemp Well and Bumble B. Well).[2,3,5,12,20]
3. Follow label directions & start low
   • Use the product’s serving guide as a starting point and adjust only under veterinary guidance.
   • Observe your pet closely for changes in behavior, appetite, energy level, or stool.
4. Avoid human THC products for pets
   • Dogs and cats can experience serious side effects from THC, including disorientation, tremors, and in severe cases, hospitalization.[14,19,24]
   • Stick with pet-specific, THC-free or very low-THC formulations designed for animals.

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7. The Bottom Line: Hemp & CBD as Part of a Thoughtful Wellness Routine

Hemp and CBD aren’t magic bullets—but they do offer:

• Nutritional support from omega-rich hemp seed oil
• Potential benefits for comfort, calm, joints, and skin, especially when used as part of a broader wellness plan
• A way to engage your pet’s own endocannabinoid system in supporting balance and resilience

When you combine high-quality products like Hemp Well Calm Dog Soft Chews, Hip & Joint Soft Chews, and Hemp Balm with Bumble B. Well’s Paw CBD Balm and Paw CBD Tincture, plus your veterinarian’s guidance, you’re giving your pet a carefully considered, plant-powered toolkit for feeling their best. 🌿🐕🐈

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References

1. Silver RJ. The Endocannabinoid System of Animals. Animals (Basel). 2019. PMC
2. Hemp Well & Bumble B. Well product descriptions and brand education pages on hemp and CBD for pets. Hempress Wellness+4Hemp Well®+4Hemp Well®+4
3. Fear Free Pets. Endocannabinoid System in Dogs & Cats: A Complete Overview. 2024. Fear Free
4. Cital SN et al. Cats and cannabinoids: past, present and future. 2025. PMC
5. Oma’s Pride. The Endocannabinoid System in Dogs and Cats. 2024. Oma’s Pride
6. Canine Kinetics. Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs: Unlocking the Nutritional Benefits. 2024. Canine Kinetics
7. Verrico CD et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of daily cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis pain. 2020. PubMed+2PMC+2
8. Vaughn DM et al. Randomized, placebo-controlled, 28-day safety and pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol in dogs.Am J Vet Res. 2021. AVMA Journals
9. Patikorn C et al. Efficacy and safety of cannabidiol for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis: a systematic review.Front Vet Sci. 2023. Frontiers
10. Hemp Well. Calm Dog Soft Chews product pages and retailer descriptions. Hemp Well®+2Petco+2
11. Hemp Well. Hip & Joint Dog Soft Chews product page. Hemp Well®+1
12. Hemp Well. Hemp Balm – Organic, USA Grown Hemp. Hemp Well®
13. Bumble B. Well Paw CBD Balm product description and COA. Hempress Wellness+1
14. Bumble B. Well Paw CBD Tincture product pages and “CBD for Pets” educational content. Hempress Wellness+1
15. Dutch Natural Healing. CBD Applications in Cats: Benefits, Dosages, and Research. 2025. dutchnaturalhealing.com
16. Chewy Education. Pet Parent’s Guide to Hemp Oil for Dogs and Cats. 2025. Chewy
17. Bonza. Hemp Seed Oil for Dogs – Guide to Health Benefits. 2025. Bonza
18. PawLabs & related veterinary summaries on hemp seed oil and omega-3/6 for dogs. PawLabs™ Official Site
19. Endocannabinoid Medicine site. Cannabis in Dogs: ECS Explained. 2023. endocannabinoidmedicine.com
20. Holistapet & other feline ECS educational content on CB1/CB2 receptors in cats. HolistaPet
21. Chill Paws. A Comprehensive Guide to Hemp Oil for Pets. 2025. Chill Paws
22. Pet Releaf. Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds for Dogs. 2025. Pet Releaf

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FDA / Veterinary Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Hemp and CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet’s individual health needs and before starting any new supplement.

The Fine Print | The Good People Farms Branded…

The Fine Print to Redeem Your Coupon : Cannabis sales available through The Good People Farms (C9-0000270-LIC)  licensed delivery business only | Accessory purchase required for coupon redemption |  Must be 21+ or 18+ with valid medical recommendation and ID | Branded items are FINAL SALE – no refunds | One-time exchange for a different shirt size allowed within 14 days with a receipt and tags attached | No coupons are issued on exchanges | Cannabis discount for original purchaser  | Non transferable | Limit One Per Customer Per Item | Purchase receipt must be shown at time of delivery to receive discount | Name of purchaser must match name for delivery | No cash value. No replacement if lost, damaged or stone. | *Excludes lighters 

🌿 Cannabis Wellness 101: How Topicals, Tinctures, Capsules &…

When people hear “cannabis,” they often picture smoking flower or eating edibles and immediately wonder:

“Am I going to get high?”

But cannabis wellness products—like topicals, tinctures, capsules, and transdermal patches—can work very differently in the body. Some are designed for local relief with no high, while others have whole-body effects that can be intoxicating depending on the dose and THC:CBD ratio.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• 🔍 How these products interact with your endocannabinoid system (ECS)
• 🧴 The differences between tinctures, balms, capsules, and patches
• 😵💫 When you’re likely to feel high (and when you’re not)
• 🌟 How award-winning wellness brand Papa & Barkley fits into each category

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⚖️ Important Medical & FDA Reminders

• Everyone’s body is different. This article is for education only and is not medical advice.
• Always talk with your healthcare provider, especially if you take other medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have underlying health conditions.

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Cannabis and CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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🧠 1. Your Endocannabinoid System: The “Why” Behind Cannabis Wellness

Your body has its own cannabis-like network called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It includes:

• Receptors (CB1, CB2 and others) found in the brain, nerves, skin, immune cells, gut and more
• Endocannabinoids – signaling molecules your body makes naturally
• Enzymes – that build and break those molecules down

Plant cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with this system and with other receptors involved in pain, inflammation, mood, sleep, and stress.

How a product is delivered—through your skin, under your tongue, through your stomach, or slowly via a patch—changes:

• 📍 Where it acts (local vs. whole-body)
• ⏱️ How fast you feel it
• 🕰️ How long it lasts
• 😵💫 Whether you’re likely to feel “high”

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💆♀️ 2. Topicals & Balms: Local Relief, No High (for Most People)

What are cannabis topicals?

Topicals are products like creams, balms, lotions, and body oils that you apply directly to the skin for targeted relief—think sore shoulders, tight lower back, or achy knees.

How they work

• Cannabinoids in the topical interact with receptors in the skin and nearby tissues, especially CB2 and local CB1receptors on nerve endings and immune cells.
• They typically do not move deeply into the bloodstream, so effects stay mostly where you put them.

Onset & duration

• ⏱️ Onset: often within minutes to about an hour
• 🕰️ Duration: often several hours of localized relief for many people

Will a topical or balm get me high?

For standard topicals (non-patch):

✅ Very unlikely.

Because the cannabinoids generally don’t reach the brain in meaningful amounts, most people do not feel a head-highfrom THC balms or creams. You may notice:

• Looser, more comfortable muscles
• Reduced soreness or stiffness
• A general sense of physical ease

…but not the classic “stoned” sensation.

🌟 Papa & Barkley Spotlight: Releaf Balm

Papa & Barkley Releaf Balm (in CBD:THC ratios like 1:3 or 3:1) is an award-winning, full-spectrum topical made using a solventless, chemical-free infusion of cannabis into whole-plant oils.

It’s designed to be:

• 🎯 Site-specific – you put it exactly where you need support
• 🚫 Non-intoxicating for most people
• 👣 A gentle first step into cannabis wellness if you’re canna-curious but not ready to feel high

At The Good People Farms, Releaf Balm is one of our favorite “start here” options for new wellness customers.

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💧 3. Tinctures: Under-the-Tongue Drops for Whole-Body Effects

What is a cannabis tincture?

A tincture is a liquid cannabis product—usually cannabinoids infused into oil or alcohol—that you measure with a dropper.

You can:

• Place drops under your tongue (sublingual)
• Swallow them directly or mix into food/drinks (oral)

How tinctures work in your body

Sublingual use (under the tongue):

1. Hold the tincture under your tongue for about 60 seconds.
2. Cannabinoids are absorbed through tiny blood vessels and go directly into your bloodstream.

• ⏱️ Onset: often 15–30 minutes
• 🕰️ Duration: roughly 4–6 hours

Swallowed like an edible:

• The tincture goes through your stomach and liver, similar to an edible.
• ⏱️ Onset: about 45–90 minutes
• 🕰️ Duration: often 6–8+ hours

Once in your bloodstream, THC and CBD circulate throughout the body, interacting with CB1 receptors in the brain and nervous system and CB2 receptors in immune and peripheral tissues.

Will a tincture get me high?

It depends on the ratio and dose:

• 🌈 THC-dominant or balanced (e.g., 1:1, 1:3 CBD:THC)
  • Yes, these can be intoxicating—especially at higher doses or if you’re new to THC.
• 🌱 CBD-rich (e.g., 30:1 CBD:THC or CBD-only)
  • Typically non-intoxicating or only mildly relaxing, though very sensitive people might feel subtle psychoactive effects.

🌟 Papa & Barkley Spotlight: Releaf Tinctures

Papa & Barkley Releaf Tinctures come in multiple ratios—such as 30:1 CBD:THC (CBD-forward) as well as more balanced formulas—to match different comfort levels.

• 🧘 CBD-forward tinctures → great for body support with minimal high.
• ⚖️ Balanced ratios → more noticeable mood and body effects, including mild to moderate intoxication at higher doses.

Tincture tips:

• Start with a small dose (for example, 0.25–0.5 ml), especially with THC.
• Try your first dose in the evening if you’re worried about feeling high.
• Increase slowly over several days until you find your “sweet spot.”

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💊 4. Capsules: Edible-Style Relief in an Easy Dose

How capsules work

Capsules are swallowed and behave much like traditional edibles:

• They travel through your digestive system.
• THC and CBD are absorbed in the gut and processed by the liver, where THC is converted into 11-OH-THC—a metabolite that can feel stronger and longer-lasting than inhaled THC.

Typical timing:

• ⏱️ Onset: usually 45–90 minutes
• 🕰️ Duration: often 6–8+ hours

Will capsules get me high?

It depends on the THC content and ratio:

• 🔥 THC-dominant capsules – Very likely to produce a classic edible-type high at sufficient doses.
• 🌈 Balanced CBD:THC capsules – Still can be intoxicating but may feel more “even” or body-focused.
• 🌱 CBD-only or CBD-rich – Typically non-intoxicating, though many people find them calming or relaxing.

🌟 Papa & Barkley Spotlight: Releaf Capsules

Papa & Barkley Releaf Capsules (including CBD-rich options) are made with just cannabis oil + MCT oil, delivering:

• Precise, consistent dosing
• A familiar pill format
• Discreet, long-lasting effects

Perfect for people who want a clean ingredient list and set-and-forget wellness support.

🌙 Capsule caution: Because capsules behave like edibles, it’s easy to take too much and only feel it later. Start low and give it at least 2 hours before considering another dose.

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🩹 5. Transdermal Patches: Slow & Steady, Through the Skin

How patches work

Transdermal patches are very different from regular topicals:

• They’re formulated with permeation enhancers that allow cannabinoids to cross the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream over time.
• They provide a slow, steady delivery of cannabinoids for 8–12 hours or longer, depending on the product.
• They can offer both local and whole-body effects.

Will a transdermal patch get me high?

It can, especially with THC-dominant patches:

• Because cannabinoids enter the bloodstream, a THC patch can cause psychoactive effects—often more gradual and steady than an edible.
• Many people describe gentle, whole-body relief, a possible subtle head effect, and less of the “up and down” rollercoaster typical of edibles.

🌟 Papa & Barkley Spotlight: Releaf Patches

Papa & Barkley Releaf Patches come in various CBD:THC ratios (such as 1:1, 3:1, and others) and are part of their award-winning topicals lineup.

They’re often chosen by people who:

• Want steady, all-day support
• Prefer not to keep re-applying cream or balm
• Would like some of THC’s potential benefits but don’t want intense peaks

🩹 Patch tip: If you’re new to THC, choose a lower-dose or CBD-rich patch and try it on a low-stakes day so you can see how your body responds.

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✅ 6. “Will I Get High?” – Quick Comparison

Here’s a simple, at-a-glance guide:

Product Type	Where It Works	Onset (Typical)	How Long It Lasts*	Will I Get High?
Topicals / Balms 💆♀️	Skin & nearby tissues	Minutes–1 hour	Several hours	Unlikely – usually local only
Tinctures (subling.)💧	Whole body (bloodstream)	15–30 min	4–6 hours	Yes, if THC or balanced; CBD-rich usually not
Tinctures (swallowed) 🍯	Whole body (like edibles)	45–90 min	6–8+ hours	Yes, if THC or balanced
Capsules 💊	Whole body (like edibles)	45–90 min	6–8+ hours	Yes, if THC or balanced; CBD-only usually not
Transdermal Patches🩹	Bloodstream via skin	~15–60 min	8–12+ hours	Can be – often mild/steady with THC

*Actual times vary by person, dose, and product.

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References

1. Mary Jane’s Medicinals. How Do CBD and THC Work in Cannabis Topicals? Here’s What the Science Says.2023.maryjanesmedicinals.com
2. Seattle Hashtag. Everything You Need to Know About Cannabis Topicals. 2022.Hashtag Cannabis
3. Veriheal; EO Care; Sweet Releaf. Articles on topical THC absorption and psychoactivity, 2023–2025.Veriheal+2EO Care+2
4. Mission Dispensaries; Emerald Bay Extracts; Orange County Cannabis Co; A Therapeutic Alternative. Guides to tincture onset and sublingual dosing, 2024–2025.A Therapeutic Alternative+3Mission Dispensaries+3Emerald Bay+3
5. Chayasirisobhon S. Mechanisms of Action and Pharmacokinetics of Cannabis. Perm J. 2020.PMC
6. Batch. THC Tincture 101: Is It Stronger Than Edibles? 2023.BATCH
7. Papa & Barkley. 1:3 Releaf Balm product page; Topicals collection.papaandbarkley.com+1
8. Mahmoudinoodezh H et al. The Transdermal Delivery of Therapeutic Cannabinoids. 2022; plus multiple dispensary guides to THC patches.A Therapeutic Alternative+6PMC+6papaandbarkley.com+6
9. Weedmaps. The Products That Made Papa & Barkley. 2021.Weedmaps
10. Papa & Barkley. Brand homepage and product catalog (tinctures, capsules, topicals).Papa & Barkley+3papaandbarkley.com+3papaandbarkley.com+3

Your Endocannabinoid System Is The Secret to why CBD…

If you’re like most people on the planet, you didn’t learn in anatomy class that humans, like all vertebrates — from the clownfish to the kangaroo — have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulates your body’s other systems and organs. 

But yes, you do indeed have an endocannabinoid system, and it’s the secret to why CBD and other phytocannabinoids are among the world’s most effective skincare ingredients. 

By the way, since many people ask us, and it’s a tough word to say, here’s how to pronounce endocannabinoid system: ˌen-dō- kə-ˈna-bə-ˌnȯid ˈsi-stəm (emphasis on the NA in canNAbinoid).

The purpose of the endocannabinoid system

What does the endocannabinoid system do? The whole point of your ECS is to maintain homeostasis, or balance, throughout your body. Think of your ECS as a wise internal communicator, working to keep everything in balance and functioning smoothly, from sleep and appetite to mood and inflammation.

For example, when your body temperature gets too cold or too hot, your ECS kicks in by sending endocannabinoids to bind with and instruct receptors to bring your temperature back to normal. 

In essence, your ECS is in charge of keeping you feeling well. 

What is the endocannabinoid system responsible for? 

If you came here asking, “Does the endocannabinoid system affect skin?” The answer is yes. In fact, your ECS controls many of your body’s most crucial functions, including, among others: 

• Skin and nerve function
• Inflammation and immune response
• Pain
• Appetite, digestion, metabolism
• Sleep and energy level
• Mood, stress, anxiety 
• Memory and learning
• Reproduction and fertility
• Muscle and bone growth

If your body isn’t functioning optimally in any of these areas, you may not be producing enough endocannabinoids, for a variety of reasons (more on that later). This is when you might consider supplementing with phytocannabinoids — phyto meaning plant-based — such as CBD, CBDa, CBG, CBN, and dozens of others, which are found in abundance in cannabis and hemp.  

(Side note: Cannabis and hemp are actually the same plant species, Cannabis sativa. The key difference is how much THC each contains. In the US, hemp can contain only trace amounts of THC, 0.3% or less.)

When was the endocannabinoid system discovered?

If you hadn’t heard of the endocannabinoid system before, it’s likely because it was only discovered relatively recently. In fact, one of the most common Google searches related to the ECS is: “Is the endocannabinoid system real?”

Yes, it’s real. It’s hard to believe that in this day and age of modern medicine, new (or misunderstood) bodily systems and organs are still being discovered. But they are! Did you catch the headline news in 2017 that scientists ‘discovered’ a new organ in the gut called mesentery, discussed here on CNN?

Similar to the mesentery, your endocannabinoid system isn’t new; researchers just hadn’t figured it out yet. Scientists estimate that the human body developed the endocannabinoid system more than 600 million years ago.

Read on to understand what the endocannabinoid system is and does, and how CBD skin care products can aid in healing nine common skin issues.

What is the endocannabinoid system, exactly?

The endocannabinoid system explained: The ECS is one of your body’s biological systems and is made up of three main components: 

1. Endocannabinoids, short for endogenous cannabinoids, are neurotransmitters naturally produced by your body as needed to keep internal functions running smoothly. 
2. Cannabinoid receptors are sensitive molecules that bind with cannabinoids, whether made by your body or a plant, and respond by signaling your body to take action, such as telling your immune cells to calm inflammation.
3. Regulatory enzymes break down the cannabinoids once they’ve carried out their function. 

Together, these endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes create a complex communication system in charge of keeping pretty much everything in your body in check. The ECS is the master regulator for every major system in the body, from the nervous, respiratory, digestive, and endocrine systems, to the reproductive, lymphatic, and immune systems.

“This signaling system has a recognized activity on nervous system development, synaptic plasticity, learning and memory, neuroinflammation, pain and neurodegeneration, stress responsivity, mood and behavior, food intake and metabolism, reproduction, fertility and pregnancy, immune response, cardiac functions, cancer progression, and so much more,” writes Dr. Rosaria Meccariello in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

The ECS also regulates our integumentary system, a.k.a. our skin, our body’s largest organ.

Cannabinoid receptors permeate the body and are in every organ, including skin. Researchers have identified two types of cannabinoid receptors so far: CB1 in the nervous system, connective tissues, organs, glands and gonads; and CB2 in the immune system. Many tissues, including skin, contain both CB1 and CB2 receptors, each serving a unique function. This is the key to how CBD and other phytocannabinoids can rebalance skin, regardless of what is causing the imbalance.  

What happens when the endocannabinoid system doesn’t function properly?

Now you know your endocannabinoid system — named after cannabis because the ECS was discovered while studying the effects of cannabis on the brain — produces natural endocannabinoids that flow through your body at all times. And you know the endocannabinoids’ function is to bind with receptors to maintain balance in your body’s organs and systems. 

The body generally does an amazing job maintaining this balance on its own. But sometimes things like stress, hormones, illness, toxins, and pollution overwhelm the system and the body can’t produce enough natural endocannabinoids to keep up, leading to imbalance. Researchers have named this phenomenon Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency. 

In a research paper on endocannabinoid system deficiency published in the National Library of Medicine, board-certified neurologist and psychopharmacology researcher Dr. Ethan B. Russo explains that an imbalance in endocannabinoids can lead to these endocannabinoid deficiency symptoms, among others:

• A lower pain threshold
• Disruptions in digestion, mood, and sleep
• Skin disorders

“There are more cannabinoid receptors in the brain than there are for all the neurotransmitters put together,” notes Dr. Russo. Obviously that means the endocannabinoid system has the potential to have a powerful impact on the body. It’s a significant part of the makeup of every human being, and it can have a substantial effect on our health.

So how do we get our endocannabinoid system back in balance? This is where cannabis comes in.

You can replenish your ECS by supplementing with plant-based phytocannabinoids, internally and externally. 

9 skin conditions affected by your endocannabinoid system 

There are cannabinoid receptors all over your skin, and in every layer of it, including the surface (epidermis), oil glands (sebaceous glands), hair follicles, nerves, immune cells, and subcutaneous fat.

When your body’s natural endocannabinoids aren’t able to keep your skin in harmony, it can lead to:

1. Acne
2. Oiliness
3. Dryness
4. Itchiness
5. Redness
6. Oxidative stress
7. Hyperpigmentation
8. Pain
9. Inflammation

Because the cannabinoid receptors in your skin bind with endocannabinoids as well as phytocannabinoids, you can address these imbalances with topical hemp products, such as oils and creams. Phytocannabinoids fill in when your body’s natural endocannabinoids aren’t cutting it on their own. Applied topically, phytocannabinoids — CBD, CBDa, CBG, CBN and dozens of others — bind with these cannabinoid receptors in your skin and signal them to create balance where needed.

Let that sink in. We had a major “Aha!” moment when we discovered this. Cannabis sativa really is a wonder-plant. And we love science!

Cannabinoids and skin

Phytocannabinoids have additional qualities that make them ideal for skincare: they have scientifically-proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, protective, regenerative, and antibacterial properties.

While a 50-year ban on cannabis research in the US was in effect until recently, there’s a fast-growing body of scholarly research that explains how your skin’s endocannabinoid system influences and balances every layer, cell, and component of your skin — affecting all nine skin issues above.

A study published in November 2023 in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences concludes: “Preliminary studies indicate cannabinoids can improve eczema, acne, pruritus, psoriasis, hair growth, and skin cancer and have anti-aging effects on skin.”

The science has evolved enough that we now know there are specific cannabinoids for skin diseases and hair regrowth, such as CBD and CBDa, and CBD skin care benefits. From the “Skin Applications of Cannabidiol” study published in March 2023 in the journal Phytochem:

“There is already an important amount of scientific evidence which proves the benefits and therapeutic applications of CBD. CBD has several skin biological properties that make it a compound that can simultaneously act on different targets of multifactorial diseases such as ATD, psoriasis, acne, epidermolysis bullosa, systemic sclerosis, seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, androgenetic alopecia and melanoma.”

Here’s another good paper if you’d like to dive deeper: Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential, published in the journal Molecules in 2019. It covers acne, atopic dermatitis, fibrosis, hair growth, inflammation, itch, psoriasis, tumors, wound healing, and more.

Published with Permission from GreenBee Botanicals, Authors of This Blog Post.

Cannabis Sales Financial Impact | From California to Davis…

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Why This Matters 🌿

When people buy legal cannabis in California and from The Good People Farms licensed cannabis delivery business, they’re not just purchasing a product—they’re also funding public programs, local services, and university research. For a community like Davis, where UC Davis, the City of Davis, and local businesses all intersect, cannabis tax dollars travel a surprisingly interesting route.

We’ll follow the money in three stops:

1. The State of California
2. The City of Davis
3. UC Davis and its research programs

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1. State of California 🌉

Since adult-use sales began in January 2018, California has become one of the largest legal cannabis markets in the world. With that has come serious tax revenue:

• By early 2024, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) reported that legal cannabis had generated about $6 billion in state cannabis tax revenue since 2018. [1] CDTFA
• By late 2025, news reports citing CDTFA data put the cumulative total at over $7.3 billion. [2] Desert Sun

Those dollars come mainly from:

• A state cannabis excise tax (historically 15%, moving to 19%)
• State sales tax on cannabis purchases [3] The Motley Fool+1

What the State Spends It On 💰➡️📚🌱🧬

Under California law, cannabis tax revenues are earmarked for specific purposes, including:

• Childcare and early education programs
• Youth substance-use prevention and treatment
• Environmental restoration and enforcement
• Public health & medical research, via the state’s Cannabis Tax Fund and academic research grant program [4] CDTFA+1

In other words, when someone buys legal cannabis in California, a slice of that purchase is automatically redirected into kids, communities, nature, and science.

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2. City of Davis 🚲

(Insert City of Davis bicycle logo here)

Davis voters took an early, proactive role in shaping how local cannabis revenue would work.

Measure C – Davis’ Cannabis Business License Tax 🗳️

In June 2016, voters approved Measure C, which allows the City of Davis to charge up to a 10% business license tax on marijuana (cannabis) businesses based on their gross receipts. The City Council can set the rate lower, but it cannot exceed 10% without voter approval. [5] Ballotpedia+1

This tax is in addition to regular sales tax and other standard fees, and it flows into the City’s General Fund—the pot of money that supports day-to-day services.

How Much Money Has Come In? 💵

In the City’s own financial statements, cannabis tax revenue is blended together with the broader “Business License / Cannabis” line in the General Fund. We can’t perfectly separate “cannabis” from “other business licenses,” but we cansee how the combined category grows right after cannabis businesses go live.

According to the City of Davis Comprehensive/Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports for 2018–2021 [6]

Business License / Cannabis tax – General Fund revenue

• FY 2017–18: ≈ $2.0 million
• FY 2018–19: ≈ $2.6 million
• FY 2019–20: ≈ $3.4 million (line now labeled Business License/Cannabis)
• FY 2020–21: ≈ $4.8 million

Over those four years, this category brought in about $12.8 million in total revenue to the City’s General Fund.

In the 2021 report, the City explicitly notes that a large year-over-year jump in tax revenue—about $1.42 million—was driven primarily by cannabis tax receipts, confirming that cannabis businesses are now a significant, stable revenue source for Davis.

What Does Davis Use This Money For? 🏞️🚓🚴♀️

Because the cannabis/business license tax goes into the General Fund, it helps pay for things most residents experience every day, including:

• Public safety (police & fire services)
• Parks, bike paths, greenbelts, and recreation
• Street, sidewalk, and infrastructure maintenance
• Core city administration and planning

So every legal cannabis purchase in Davis is, indirectly, helping keep bike paths lit, parks maintained, and city services running.

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3. UC Davis 🎓

Some cannabis tax dollars eventually loop back into research at UC Davis—a fitting twist for a world-class research university in a city that also hosts a vibrant, regulated cannabis industry.

State Cannabis Tax Fund ➝ Academic Research 🔬

Through California’s academic research grant program, a portion of state cannabis tax revenue is dedicated to funding public-university research. UC Davis has been a major beneficiary. [4] Department of Cannabis Control

From Department of Cannabis Control grant listings and UC Davis’ own Cannabis Economics Group, UC Davis has received roughly $4 million in cannabis-tax–funded research grants, including:

• A $856,881 project on the chemistry, toxicology, and health impacts of cannabinoids from vaping devices (public health & vaping research). [4] Department of Cannabis Control
• Multiple grants totaling $1.94 million for the UC Davis Cannabis Economics Group, studying pricing, tax structures, and the economics of California’s legal cannabis market. [7] cannabiseconomics.ucdavis.edu+2cannabiseconomics.ucdavis.edu+2
• Additional UC Davis grants on environmental impacts of cannabis cultivation and other public-health themes. [8] Cannabis Business Times

UC Davis also maintains detailed guidance on how cannabis and hemp research must comply with federal and state law—everything from DEA licensing to sourcing plant material. [9] Office of Research

In short: cannabis purchases in California help fund the very research that informs safer policies, better environmental practices, and more accurate public education.

The Good People Farms warmly welcomes researchers and educators from UC Davis to hold an educational session at our store to share insights gained from these grants.

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Bringing It Home: Why This Story Matters to Davis 💚

For a Davis resident buying legal cannabis, here’s what’s really happening behind the scenes:

• At the state level, part of your purchase funds youth programs, environmental cleanup, public health, and research. [1–4]
• At the city level, Davis collects local cannabis/business license taxes that support parks, police, bike paths, and everyday city services. [5–6]
• At UC Davis, cannabis-tax grants power cutting-edge research on health, economics, and environmental impacts. [4,7–9]

As a Cannabis sativa L. lifestyle store, The Good People Farms is committed to helping our community understand both the plant and the policy—from hemp vs. cannabis education in our in-store materials. [7]

Next time someone asks, “Where do cannabis taxes even go?” you can answer:

“They go to California 🌉, Davis 🚲, and UC Davis 🎓—supporting kids, community services, and world-class research along the way.”

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References

[1] California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. “California Department of Tax and Fee Administration Reports $259.9 Million in Cannabis Tax Revenue for First Quarter of 2024; Total Cannabis Revenue Since 2018.” CDTFA

[2] Desert Sun (Gannett). Coverage of CDTFA data showing more than $7.3 billion in total cannabis tax revenue collected by California since January 2018. Desert Sun

[3] The Motley Fool / research summary on California marijuana tax structure (excise and sales taxes). The Motley Fool+1

[4] California Department of Cannabis Control. “Academic Research – Cannabis Tax-Funded Grants.” Department of Cannabis Control

[5] Ballotpedia & Davis Vanguard coverage of City of Davis Measure C (2016), establishing a cannabis business license tax of up to 10% of gross receipts. Ballotpedia+1

[6] City of Davis, California. Comprehensive/Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports for fiscal years 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, and 2020–21 (Business License/Cannabis revenue, General Fund).

[7] Internal educational material: “Cannabis sativa L. – Two Plants, One Species: Learn About the Similarities & Differences” (hemp vs. cannabis explainer used by The Good People Farms). Difference between Hemp & Cannabis

[8] “Bureau of Cannabis Control Announces Public University Grant Funding Recipients,” including UC Davis environmental-impact grant. Cannabis Business Times

[9] UC Davis Office of Research. “Cannabis and Hemp Research – Policy Guidance on Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Research at UC Davis.” Office of Research

Hemp Used Famously | How One Plant Quietly Shaped…

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When people hear the word hemp, they often think of modern CBD products, trendy fabrics, or debates about cannabis laws. But long before it was a wellness buzzword, hemp was a workhorse of civilization—quietly powering printing presses, sailing ships, wartime campaigns, and even early car experiments.[1][2]

At The Good People Farms, we love telling the “hidden history” of the Cannabis sativa L. plant. This post walks through some of the most famous ways hemp has been used over the centuries—the same big moments highlighted in our “Hemp Used Famously” store infographic.

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📜 Paper & Printing: Hemp as the Original Information Superhighway

For thousands of years, hemp has been one of humanity’s go-to fiber crops. Its long, strong fibers make excellent pulp, which was used to create some of the world’s earliest papers.

In imperial China around 105 CE, court official Cai Lun refined paper-making using a mix of mulberry bark, hemp, rags, and other fibers, creating a tough, flexible writing surface that was lighter and more practical than bamboo or silk.[1][3][4] 

Because hemp-based paper was cheaper and easier to produce, it helped make it possible to record literature, scientific ideas, religious texts, and everyday documents on a much larger scale.

👉 In other words: hemp helped turn knowledge into something that could actually travel.

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📚 Gutenberg Printing: Fueling Europe’s Book Revolution

Fast forward to 15th-century Europe. Johannes Gutenberg’s movable-type press is often credited as the spark for the European “information age.” But the printing revolution also required a durable, fiber-rich paper that could withstand both the pressure of the press and the wear-and-tear of reading.

For centuries, European papermakers relied on rag papers made from recycled textiles—linen, cotton, and other bast fibers like hemp.[2][5] Many historical accounts and hemp historians note that hemp fibers were part of the rag mix that fed early printing presses and book production.[2] 

Some early printed works, including religious texts and official documents, were produced on these robust, hemp-rich rag papers. Behind the scenes, hemp was helping carry ideas like literacy, faith, and science across an entire continent.

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🖋️ The Declaration of Independence & Colonial Documents

In early America, hemp was part of everyday life. Colonists grew it for rope, sails, clothing, lamp oil, and paper, and it also found its way into the world of politics and publishing.[2][6] 

• While the final, ceremonial copy of the Declaration of Independence was written on parchment, many drafts and working documents of the era—as well as colonial newspapers and pamphlets—were produced on hemp-based or hemp-containing paper, according to several hemp history sources.[2][6] 
• In some parts of colonial America, hemp and other key crops were so valuable that they could be used to pay certain taxes or obligations, effectively functioning as a kind of commodity currency.[3][4][7]

That means hemp wasn’t just another farm crop; it was woven into both the political communication and economic backbone of the colonies.

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⛵ Maritime & Exploration: Hemp at Sea

If you picture an old wooden sailing ship—billowing white sails, rigging crisscrossing from mast to mast—you’re also picturing hemp. From the Age of Discovery through the height of global empires, hemp was the backbone of maritime technology:

• Sails: Canvas (a term historically tied to cannabis) was often woven from hemp and flax. Hemp canvas resisted rot and held up to wind, salt, and sun.[5][8]
• Rope & rigging: Hemp rope was strong, flexible, and widely used for rigging, anchor lines, and hoists, as well as mooring ships and handling cargo.[5][9] 
• Caulking & lines: Hemp fibers were used to seal gaps in wooden hulls and create countless lines, nets, and cords.[3][5] 

Without hemp, long-distance voyages would have been riskier, more expensive, and slower. The exploration routes and trade networks that reshaped the world literally ran on hemp fiber.

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👕 Textiles & Uniforms: Wearing the Plant

Long before “fast fashion,” people relied on natural fibers that could stand up to real life. Hemp was one of the most reliable:

• Workwear & everyday clothing: Hemp’s durability made it ideal for garments that needed to withstand rough labor, weather, and repeated washing.[2][10] 
• Sacks, tents, and tarps: Hemp fabrics carried grain, protected goods, and sheltered people in the field and at sea.[2][3][10] 
• Military uniforms & gear: In times of war, hemp was often used for uniforms, webbing, belts, straps, and other gear that had to survive harsh conditions, especially in navies that depended on hemp rope and canvas.[3][5] 

Hemp fabrics tend to soften over time while staying strong, which is why many modern hemp apparel brands lean into both comfort and longevity—the same logic, just with much better cuts and colors.

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🚗 Automotive Innovation: The Hemp Car Experiment

In the early 20th century, as cars were taking over the roads, some industrialists started to imagine plant-based vehicles.

• In the 1940s, Henry Ford experimented with a prototype plastic-bodied car that used agricultural fibers—including soy, hemp, and flax—in its body panels, aiming to make vehicles that were lighter and more impact-resistant than steel.[8][9][11]
• Today, automakers and materials companies are revisiting that idea with hemp-based composites and bioplastics for interior panels, trim, and structural parts, because hemp fiber is strong, lightweight, and more sustainable than many traditional fillers.[9][12][13] 

While petroleum-based materials dominated most of the 20th century, interest in hemp as a renewable, carbon-smart material is very much alive today—from bioplastics and composites to eco-friendly car interiors.

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🎖️ Wartime Mobilization: “Hemp for Victory”

During World War II, global supply chains were disrupted. Materials like jute and imported fibers became harder to source, but armies still needed rope, webbing, sails, and canvas—all classic hemp products.

In response, the U.S. government produced the now-famous “Hemp for Victory” film and campaign:

• Farmers were encouraged and trained to grow hemp to support the war effort.
• Hemp fields expanded rapidly in certain regions to supply rope for ships, cordage, canvas, and military webbing.[6][10] 

For a brief moment, hemp went from being heavily regulated to being patriotically promoted—a vital strategic resource rather than a forgotten crop.

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🧱 Construction & Building Materials: From Fields to Foundations

Today, hemp is making a major comeback in construction and green building.

Innovators are using the plant in:

• Hempcrete: A mixture of hemp hurd (the woody core of the stalk) and a lime-based binder that creates a breathable, insulating, and carbon-negative building material. Studies and industry reports note that hempcrete can sequester significant amounts of CO₂ over its life cycle.[7][14][15] 
• Fiber-reinforced panels & boards: Hemp fibers are used to create lightweight, strong composite panels for walls, insulation, and structural components.[14][15] 
• Eco-friendly finishes: Oils and coatings derived from hempseed add to the sustainable construction toolkit.[2][14]

These materials help sequester carbon, improve indoor air quality, and reduce reliance on more resource-intensive products. In other words, hemp has gone from building sails to building the future.

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🌍 Why This History Matters Today

When you step into The Good People Farms, you’re not just seeing modern hemp products—you’re stepping into a story that stretches back thousands of years:

• 📜 The paper that carried ideas
• ⛵ The sails and ropes that crossed oceans
• 🎖️ The uniforms and gear that endured war
• 🚗 The experiments in cars and construction that point toward a greener future

All of these chapters share a common thread: the Cannabis sativa L. plant—specifically its hemp varietal—proving itself again and again as one of the most versatile, practical, and surprisingly humble crops on Earth.[1][2][3]

As we showcase hemp clothing, wellness products, pet goods, housewares, and educational displays in our Davis storefront, we’re continuing this long tradition—just with better design and a lot more transparency.

So the next time you hold a hemp bag, slip on a hemp T-shirt, or learn about hempcrete, you’re not just buying a product.

✨ You’re holding a little piece of global history.

At The Good People Farms, we honor this history every day—and continue to share the plant’s incredible story with our community.

Enjoy the Plants! 🌱✨

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📚 References

[1] American Forest & Paper Association – The History of Paper (Cai Lun mixing mulberry bark, hemp, and rags in early papermaking). allianceflaxlinenhemp.eu+4afandpa.org+4Lumen Learning+4

[2] Hemp Acres USA & related hemp history sources – Hemp’s History in America (colonial rope, sails, clothing, paper, lamp oil). Hemp Acres+2Witnessing History Education Foundation+2

[3] Colonial Williamsburg Foundation – Hemp & Flax in Colonial America; Cardinal News – For Colonists, hemp was both economic security and national security (hemp for taxes, rope, sails, caulking). research.colonialwilliamsburg.org+1

[4] EnviroTextiles & VA Hemp – discussions of hemp as legal tender/acceptable tax payment in parts of colonial America. Envirotextiles+1

[5] USS Constitution Museum – Canvasing the Navy (hemp canvas sails and rigging); Royal Museums Greenwich – Cordage: its origins, construction, properties and uses in ships. Deep in the Heart of Textiles+3USS Constitution Museum+3Royal Museums Greenwich+3

[6] USDA / Global Hemp – Hemp for Victory film (1942) and related commentaries describing wartime hemp promotion for rope, cordage, and canvas. youtube.com+5Wikipedia+5globalhemp.com+5

[7] Anthropocene Magazine; National Hemp Association; University of Virginia “Hemp CoLab” – analyses of hempcrete and hemp-based building materials as carbon-negative or low-impact construction options. The Guardian+6Anthropocene+6Lampoon Magazine+6

[8] AF&PA, Britannica & historical blogs referencing “canvas” and hempen sails; Britannica video on hemp in pioneer wagons and sails. Bulk Hemp Warehouse+4Encyclopedia Britannica+4USS Constitution Museum+4

[9] Wikipedia & historical coverage of Henry Ford’s Soybean/Hemp Body Car (1941) plus modern reporting on hemp-based car plastics and composites. maycointernational.com+7Wikipedia+7Wikipedia+7

[10] Alliance Flax-Linen-Hemp & Signature-Products blog – overviews of hemp’s role as a strategic fiber for textiles, rope, sails, uniforms, and everyday fabric throughout European and American history.

Cannabis Used Famously | How One Plant Helped Shift…

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When most people think about cannabis, they picture something very modern: dispensaries, vape pens, edibles, or CBD products lining wellness shelves.

But the cultural story of cannabis is much older and much deeper.

For thousands of years, this plant has been woven into spiritual practices, music scenes, medical breakthroughs, and legal movements. Our “Cannabis Used Famously” infographic captures some of the most important moments in that journey—moments that helped normalize cannabis and change how society talks about it.

In this post, we’ll walk through each of those panels:

1. ✨ Ancient Ritual – Spiritual Sacrament
2. 🗳️ California Proposition 215
3. 🧠 The Endocannabinoid System
4. 🎷 Jazz Nightlife
5. 💊 Epilepsy Medicine

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✨ 1. Ancient Ritual – Cannabis as Spiritual Sacrament

Long before cannabis was debated in courts or legislatures, it appeared in spiritual and ritual life.

Historical accounts and archaeological evidence suggest that cannabis was used in religious or ceremonial contexts in several regions:

• 🌏 In parts of South and Central Asia, cannabis has been described as an entheogen—a plant used to deepen prayer, meditation, or connection to the divine.[1][2]
• 🕯️ Traditions and interpretations from places like India, the Middle East, and Central Asia mention cannabis as part of ceremonies for healing, purification, and spiritual insight.[1][3]
• 🕊️ In more recent history, the Rastafari movement has treated cannabis as a sacrament, used in “reasoning” sessions, drumming, and worship as a tool for reflection and unity.[1][3]

In these contexts, cannabis isn’t a recreational party drug. It’s a ritual tool—a way to slow down, turn inward, and connect with community and spirituality.

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🗳️ 2. California Proposition 215 – The First Modern Medical Cannabis Law

The modern medical cannabis era in the United States begins in California, 1996, with Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act.

Why Prop 215 was historic:

• 👩⚕️ It allowed patients with serious illnesses—including cancer, AIDS, and chronic pain—to use cannabis with a doctor’s recommendation.[4][5]
• 🧑🤝🧑 It protected patients and their primary caregivers from state prosecution for possessing or cultivating cannabis for personal medical use.[4][6]
• 🌉 It laid the groundwork for later regulations (like Senate Bill 420) and inspired other states to create their own medical cannabis programs.[4][5]

Prop 215 represented a major cultural shift: cannabis was publicly recognized not just as a controlled substance, but as a legitimate form of medicine for people in need.

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🧠 3. The Endocannabinoid System – When Science Caught Up

For decades, we knew cannabis had diverse effects—changing mood, appetite, pain, and more—but science didn’t fully understand how.

That began to change with the discovery of the endocannabinoid system (ECS):

• 🔬 In 1988, scientists identified a cannabinoid receptor in the brain (later called CB1) that responds to THC, showing that the body has a built-in way to interact with cannabinoids.[7]
• 🧪 In 1992, researchers in Raphael Mechoulam’s lab in Israel isolated the first known endocannabinoid, a naturally occurring molecule later named anandamide (“bliss molecule”).[8][9]
• 🧬 Over the following years, more receptors (like CB2) and endocannabinoids (like 2-AG) were found. Researchers discovered that the ECS helps regulate pain, mood, appetite, memory, immune function, and seizure activity, among other processes.[8][9]

This shifted the conversation. Cannabis wasn’t just acting randomly; it was interacting with a regulatory system present in all of us. That helped people understand why it could influence so many conditions—and why it deserved serious medical and scientific attention.

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🎷 4. Jazz Nightlife – Creativity, Counterculture, and Stigma

In the early 20th century, cannabis became closely associated with jazz music and nightlife in the United States.

During the 1920s–1940s:

• 🎵 Many jazz musicians used cannabis to relax, stretch long performance nights, and explore improvisation.[10][11]
• ☕ Semi-underground social spaces known as “tea pads” sprung up in cities like New Orleans, Chicago, and New York, where people listened to jazz, socialized, and consumed cannabis.[11][12]
• 🐍 Musicians who used cannabis were sometimes called “vipers,” and songs like “Reefer Man” referenced cannabis culture directly.[11][13]

At the same time, government and media campaigns used racism and fear to link cannabis, jazz, and Black communities, fueling prohibition and stigma.[10][12]

Yet, culturally, this era cemented cannabis as part of artistic experimentation and counterculture cool—a symbol of breaking norms and creating new sounds and scenes.

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💊 5. Epilepsy Medicine – CBD and Modern Breakthroughs

One of the most powerful recent shifts in how people think about cannabis came from the world of pediatric epilepsy.

Families of children with severe, treatment-resistant seizure disorders began sharing stories that CBD-rich cannabis extracts dramatically reduced seizures when conventional medications failed. Those stories pushed researchers to study CBD more formally.

The result:

• ✅ In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved EPIDIOLEX®, the first plant-derived, purified CBD medicine.[14][15]
• 👧 It was initially approved for seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome in children two years and older.[14][15]
• ➕ Later, its use was expanded to include Tuberous Sclerosis Complex–related seizures.[16]
• 📊 EPIDIOLEX went through rigorous randomized controlled trials, proving that a cannabis-derived compound can meet modern pharmaceutical standards for safety and effectiveness.[14][16]

This was a turning point in public perception: cannabis was no longer seen only as “recreational” or “alternative.” It became the source of a gold-standard, FDA-approved medication, especially for children with life-threatening seizure conditions.

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🔄 Normalization & Cultural Shifts: From Taboo to Conversation

Put together, these stories tell a bigger story:

• ✨ Ancient rituals and spiritual use show cannabis as a sacred plant.
• 🎷 Jazz nightlife and early 20th-century culture show it as a symbol of creativity and counterculture—while also revealing how stigma and racism shaped prohibition.
• 🗳️ Proposition 215 and modern epilepsy medicines frame cannabis as a legitimate medical tool, supported by patient testimony, clinical research, and legal reform.
• 🧠 The discovery of the endocannabinoid system shows that the human body has a built-in relationship with cannabinoid compounds.

Each of these milestones helped move cannabis from the shadows into the mainstream conversation—about health, rights, identity, and responsible use.

At The Good People Farms, we honor that complex history while focusing on education, harm reduction, and informed choices. Whether someone is curious about hemp-derived CBD, medical cannabis, or the plant’s cultural roots, we want them to feel welcome, respected, and empowered with knowledge. 🌱

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📚 References

1. Cannabis and Religion – overview of spiritual and ritual uses of cannabis in various cultures.
2. Veriheal, “Ancient Cannabis Rituals: Unearthing Cultural and Spiritual Uses of the Plant” (2023).
3. MedWell Health, “The Sacred Uses of Cannabis by Ancient Cultures” (2024).
4. California Attorney General – Medicinal Cannabis Guidelines: summary of Proposition 215 and the Medical Marijuana Program.
5. 1996 California Proposition 215 (Compassionate Use Act) – election history and legal summary.
6. Vitiello M., “Proposition 215: De Facto Legalization of Pot and the Impact on State and Federal Drug Policy,” Michigan Journal of Law Reform (1998).
7. Cornbread Hemp, “History of the Endocannabinoid System” – summary of CB1 receptor discovery (1988).
8. Maccarrone M. et al., “Tribute to Professor Raphael Mechoulam, The Founder of Cannabinoid and Endocannabinoid Research” (2022).
9. ILAE, “Hiding in Plain Sight: The Discovery of the Endocannabinoid System” – overview of anandamide and 2-AG discovery.
10. Recovery Lighthouse, “Dancing on the Edge: Jazz’s Role in Shaping Drug Culture” – cannabis and the Swing era.
11. Northern Standard, “Vipers & the Gage: Cannabis in the Jazz Age.”
12. Daily Trojan, “To Be Blunt: Cannabis Is an Integral Part of Jazz History in America” (2020).
13. TIME, “Here’s What People Called Pot in the 1940s” – jazz-era cannabis slang and media coverage.
14. FDA & DEA materials on EPIDIOLEX (cannabidiol) – prescribing information and scheduling.
15. Abu-Sawwa R. et al., “Emerging Use of Epidiolex (Cannabidiol) in Epilepsy,” Pediatric Neurology (2020).
16. Drugs.com & JAMA summaries of EPIDIOLEX approval history and expanded indications (2018 onward).

What’s The Difference Between The Hemp Plant & The…

If you’ve visited The Good People Farms storefront at 526 Third Street in Davis, CA. or browsed our education materials, you’ve seen us talk about Cannabis sativa L. – one species with two very different expressions:

• the hemp plant, and
• the cannabis plant (often called marijuana).

They look similar at a glance, but they’re grown for different reasons, regulated differently, and show up in very different kinds of products. This guide breaks down the key similarities and differences in simple terms.

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One Species, Two Expression:

Cannabis sativa L.

Both hemp and cannabis belong to the same plant species, Cannabis sativa L.

What separates them isn’t the species name, but how much THC they contain, their legal status and how they’re used:

• Hemp is defined (in U.S. law) as cannabis with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
• Cannabis / marijuana typically has much higher THC levels, usually anywhere from 5–30% in the flower.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive compound that causes the classic cannabis “high.” That’s where the practical differences begin.

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The Hemp Plant

Appearance:
Hemp plants are typically taller and more slender, with thin leaves and a lankier, more stalk-driven structure. In fields, they often look more like a tall crop than a bushy garden plant.

THC & CBD content:

• Contains less than 0.3% THC, so it does not get you “high.”
• Often high in CBD (cannabidiol), a non-intoxicating compound associated with wellness and therapeutic use.

Legal status (U.S.):

• Federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as THC levels remain below 0.3%.
• Still subject to testing and state regulations, but treated as an agricultural commodity rather than a controlled drug.

How hemp is cultivated:

• Grown for stalks, seeds, and flowers, depending on the end use.
• Fields may be planted densely (for fiber) or with more spacing (for seed and flower production).

Common hemp products:

• Textiles: Clothing, bags, ropes, and other fiber-based products.
• Food & beverages: Hemp seeds, protein powders, cooking oils, hemp milk.
• Wellness products: CBD oils, tinctures, gummies, topicals, capsules, and pet products made from hemp-derived CBD.
• Industrial uses: Hempcrete (a sustainable building material), bioplastics, biofuel, paper, and packaging.
• Accessories & lifestyle goods: Hemp-based paper, bags, notebooks, and eco-friendly packaging.

In short: hemp is the practical, versatile workhorse of the Cannabis sativa L. family—big on fiber, food, and wellness, without the high.

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The Cannabis Plant (Marijuana)

Appearance:
Cannabis plants grown for THC are usually shorter and bushier, with dense, resin-coated buds. They look more like classic “garden plants” with prominent flowers.

THC & CBD content:

• Typically contain much higher levels of THC (about 5–30% in dried flower).
• May also contain CBD and other cannabinoids, but THC is usually the star of the show.
• Because of the THC content, you will feel “high” when you consume cannabis, especially in larger amounts or high-potency products.

Legal status (U.S.):

• Federally illegal, still classified as a Schedule I controlled substance.
• State-legal in many places (including California) for medical and/or adult-use (recreational) purposes—under strict licensing and regulations.

How cannabis is cultivated:

• Grown specifically to maximize THC in the flowers.
• Requires careful control of light, temperature, nutrients, and genetics.
• Typically grown in smaller, well-managed plots, greenhouses, or indoor facilities under state-licensed programs.

Common cannabis products:

• Recreational products: Flower (buds), pre-rolls, concentrates (wax, rosin, shatter), and THC edibles (gummies, chocolates, beverages).
• Medicinal products: Tinctures, capsules, topicals, and other THC-based products used for pain, anxiety, sleep, appetite, and more—depending on the patient and doctor guidance.
• Hybrid products: Items that combine THC and CBD (for example, 1:1 tinctures or edibles) to balance effects.
• Vape products: THC oil cartridges and disposable vape pens.

In short: cannabis is grown and used primarily for its psychoactive and medicinal effects, with THC as the key driver.