PURE MEANS POTENT!
Hemp extract’s nutrient content and phytochemical properties can vary dramatically depending on its growing and harvesting methods and production processes. We have found many sources of hemp to be poorly grown or contaminated with added synthetic cannabinoids. As a result, substandard hemp products may not offer the full spectrum of benefits that are typically cited in scientific literature. Therefore, how a plant is grown, then processed, is of critical importance. Hemp extract has become famous for its spectacular health benefits, but it is PRL’s meticulous quality processes that makes the key difference in ensuring the most pure and potent hemp extract we have available.
Premier Hemp Extract is derived from a clean supercritical CO2 extraction process followed by a winterization process. These process creates a hemp extract complete with the full spectrum of phytocannabinoids and terpenes delivered in its most potent form.
WHY USE SUPERCRITICAL CO2 EXTRACTION?
Supercritical CO2 is a scientifically accepted procedure that relies on high pressure supercritical carbon dioxide and temperature control processes to gently move through the plant materials. This extracts the beneficial full spectrum of phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and other phenolic compounds believed to be critical to what researchers have established as the “Entourage Effect” (discussed on page 3) of the endocannabinoid system.
ULTRA POTENCY CAN ONLY COME FROM ULTRA PURITY
During this first step in the supercritical CO2 process, various naturally occurring fats, waxes, and undesirable tagalongs from the plant material are purified to deliver the most potent final product. As a result, this process is able to concentrate the beneficial phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytocompounds that help us achieve ultra purity and potency.
GUARANTEED POTENCY
To further guarantee the purest and most potent product available, PRL’s team of scientists perform an extensive panel of laboratory tests. This rigorous testing allows our team of experts to authenticate the botanical identity of the hemp extract and alert them to any raw materials that may have been adulterated. Next, our team uses a complete, in-depth phytoforensic screening to inspect the materials for undesirable additives, such as herbicides, pesticides or potential synthetic cannabinoids. Unfortunately, synthetic cannabinoids are often used in other hemp/CBD products on the market. Our PRL Quality Guarantee ensures that Premier Hemp Extract meets FDA requirements for identity, purity, strength, and composition. Our team routinely tests for contaminants such as heavy metals (including arsenic, mercury, cadmium, lead), residual solvents in extracts and pathogenic microbiology. Therefore, we guarantee that our full spectrum hemp extract is not fumigated, irradiated or heat damaged.
THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF POISON CONTROL CENTERS DECLARES CBD AS AN “EMERGING HAZARD” DUE TO THE POTENTIAL FOR MISLABELING AND CONTAMINATION.
The Associated Press commissioned laboratory testing on 30 suspect CBDproducts obtained from around the country. Ten of the 30 products contained various types of synthetic cannabinoid (CBD) compounds, including drugs commonly known as K2 or “Spice”. Some contained no CBD at all. These results are problematic since these products can be potentially dangerous as well as offer no medical benefits. Similarly, at least 128 samples out of more than 350 tested by government labs revealed synthetic marijuana compounds in products marketed as CBD. Gummy bears and other edible CBD products accounted for 36 of the contaminated products. In one test, Mississippi authorities discovered fentanyl, a powerful opioid drug responsible for about 30,000 overdose deaths in 2018.
A HEMP EXTRACT THAT IS RELIABLE AND TRUSTWORTHY
When the endogenous endocannabinoid system was discovered in the early 1980s, pharmaceutical companies began to engineer synthetic cannabinoids to mimic the naturally occurring phytocannabinoids of hemp. Unfortunately, we now know that these synthetic compounds can be toxic and even deadly. Now, almost 40 years later, hundreds of synthetic cannabinoids have been falsely advertised as natural CBD and hemp products. To avoid synthetic cannabinoid adulteration, extensive laboratory testing is absolutely critical. By partnering with leading industry laboratories, PRL rigorously screens all of our hemp/CBD raw materials for adulteration and contamination in order to safeguard our customers. This advanced testing screens for over 370 potentially dangerous synthetic cannabinoids and foreign substances (assay available). In addition, our team also conducts regular cGMP audits to ensure that our products meets all industry regulations and compliance.
Finally, PRL’s scientific team utilizes Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify plant species and plant part. This method also allows our experts to detect adulteration of foreign matter and other undesirable additives. Our comprehensive, multidirectional testing approach ensures that PRL delivers simply the best, premier quality hemp material available. This is PRL’s commitment to “quality without compromise,” and assures our customers that Premier Hemp Extract is reliable and trustworthy.
UNLOCKING THE GOLDEN DOOR OF THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has two primary cell cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) that are found within almost every major system in the body. The locations of CB1 receptors suggest involvement in a variety of bodily functions, and CB2 receptors are found mainly at the level of the immune system. These receptors send vital information to the body’s cells, organs, and nervous system, which are critical to maintain homeostasis and essential for optimal health.
Phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids function as retrograde messengers (lipophilic ligands) that provide feedback inhibition of both inhibitory and excitatory transmission in the brain. This process is mediated through the activation of presynaptic CB1 receptors. Manipulations of degradative enzymes, CB1 and CB2 receptors, and their endogenous ligands have shown promising health benefits.
CBD has an affinity for both receptor cites, CB1 and CB2, and may also exercise activity at non-cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, transporters, and cellular uptake proteins. Recent research has found that CBD can modulate CB1 receptors by binding to an allosteric site. CBD’s interaction with CB2 receptors is more complex and may support a healthy inflammatory response following over-exertion due to exercise.
A CLOSER LOOK AT HEMP
Many people are familiar with the two most common types of phytocannabinoids contained in hemp: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD. There is an important difference between hemp and marijuana. Hemp naturally contains lower THC concentrations (<0.3% wt) and higher CBD concentrations. Where as marijuana contains higher THC concentrations (>0.3% wt) and lower CBD concentrations. CBD and THC are structural isomers, meaning that they share the same chemical composition, but their atomic arrangement is different. Although THC has benefits, THC contains a cyclic ring that can act to overwhelm the endocannabinoid system by attaching to CB1 receptors throughout the brain and body, potentially inducing a psychoactive effect.
CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that contains a hydroxyl group which targets cannabinoid receptors known as the endocannabinoid system. This demonstrates remarkable potential for promoting overall health and wellness. CBD is rapidly circulated in the body due to its lipophilic nature. CBD has a half-life of 9 hours, after which it is excreted in urine as a free glucuronide form.
THE SECRET OF TERPENES
Terpenes - a non-cannabinoid constituent responsible for the odor and flavor of different strains of cannabis - are naturally present in hemp. They form the largest group of phytochemicals with more than 100 molecules comprising 140 different terpenoids and deliver a distinct aroma and an herb-like taste.
Recently, scientists have discovered that terpenes have the unique ability to interact with phytocannabinoids. This complete, full spectrum combination of phytocannabinoids and terpenes is responsible for a beneficial whole-body effect on the ECS. Therefore, it is important to deliver the full spectrum of this combination to yield the most favorable adaptogenic effect on the ECS.
An important terpene, limonene, is one of the most abundant terpenes found in Premier Hemp Extract. It may act synergistically with CBD and may possess sleep promoting, anti-excitatory, and calmative properties. Limonene may be beneficial for occasional stress relief and maintaining normal mood.* Limonene also has a delightful citrusy aroma.
Another important terpene, linalool, has similar effects as limonene. It is an aromatic floral terpene naturally present in cannabis and lavender oil. It may act as a synergist with CBD and may possess anti-excitatory and calmative properties. Linalool may also support normal healthy mood.* As a superior hemp product, Premier Hemp Extract contains both terpenes, limonene and linalool.
