NuuMe Organics prides itself as being the first organic hemp farm in the United States. NuuMe's hemp farm was certified organic way back in 2016. This was almost two full years before the “green rush” with hemp that commenced after the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill. 

To level up again, in 2018 our hemp extraction operation became organic; making NuuMe first for another category, as we were now the first fully seed-to-shelf, organic hemp facility. When it comes to organic CBD, the NuuMe team are the real deal.

Organic. It’s become quite the weighted word today. Whether or not someone eats “organic” food can push one to make all sorts of dizzying stereotypes about that individual. Given that much of the usage of the term organic started in the farming world, it is important to understand how a farm earns their organic designation.

The USDA defines the regulations and standards under which any farm operating in the US must demonstrate to obtain their organic certification. They also created a useful brochure to understand some of the reasons a farm may choose to go organic. 

When someone makes the decision to use plant-based medicine, it is important to know all of the sourcing, processes, and decisions behind the production of the plant. 

Steps to Becoming an Organic Farm

The first step in becoming an organic farm is to devise a system plan. The organic system plan is the foundation of the organic certification process. This plan is to be created by the producer or handler seeking certification, it details how an operation will comply with the regulations based on the various processes required to produce their product, and in our case hemp! 

Each farm/product will have its own unique needs. They are required by the USDA to address all practices of the farming or handling systems, such as tilling, grazing, harvesting, storing and transporting. If you have seen some of the manner in which hemp is transported currently, you would know that this is important! Yes, CBD companies are quick to post their gorgeous, flowering buds, but you see much less of their drying/handling/packaging facilities. Hmmm!?

The next step involves executing the organic system plan. Once you’re ready, you’ll have a certifying agent come and inspect the farm. Every operation that applies for organic certification is first inspected on site by a certifying agent. These are on-location inspections, varying in scope that examine each step of the farming process.

In the case of hemp they include inspection of fields, soil conditions, crop health, approaches to management of weeds, water systems, storage areas and equipment. For a hemp farm this step is critical! 

There is so much handling and processing of products. Unfortunately, given the lack of regulations currently in the hemp industry, the storage and drying methods are often dangerous for your health! 

The next step involves analyzing the findings of the certifying agent in comparison to the plan that you have submitted to the USDA. Finally, the farm would receive a decision regarding their organic certification. Plans are required to be updated, and reinspection occur annually.

Organic CBD: Why does it matter?

As we’ve demonstrated up to this point, becoming an organic farm is no small task! It requires years of documentation, persistence, and quality control. Only with these exacting standards are we able to produce the consistent, high-quality organic hemp flower year after year. 

Unfortunately, this is not the case across the board in the CBD market currently. The FDA performed some research on the CBD market (you can read their report here!) They found that well over HALF of the CBD products they purchased (via the legal market!) did not contain the amount of cannabinoids as marketed.

Here are some mind-blowing facts from their study:

“Of the 102 products that indicated a specific amount of CBD, the FDA found:

18 products (18%) contained less than 80% of the amount of CBD indicated.

46 products (45%) contained within 20% of the amount of CBD indicated.

38 products (37%) contained more than 120% of the amount of CBD indicated.”

If you’re one of the many who has tried a bogus CBD product, we understand! It isn’t your fault! 

Organic vs Natural: Same Thing?

We’re constantly inundated with marketing calling a product, “all-natural”. Feels good, no? We all like natural things! Unfortunately, much of this is purely marketing. 

Check out the below chart for a quick summary of some of the key differences between an organic product and a natural one (source here)  As you’re aware, hemp is a major SPONGE of the earth! It sucks up all the good, bad, and ugly found within your soil. You want to be very certain that the hemp you’re using is organic! 

Trust Your (Organic) Farmers