Interest in hemp and cannabis and their therapeutic effects has been ongoing for decades. As awareness of the body’s endocannabinoid system and the beneficial interaction with plant-based cannabinoids grows, so does the interest in various cannabinoids.
Scientists have been uncovering unique cannabinoid properties associated with health and wellness and have reported the potential to reduce anxiety, pain, and inflammation in addition to promoting sleep, energy, and focus, among other benefits. The growing trend—specifically in minor cannabinoids—arises out of the discovery of more than 100 cannabinoids in the plant and the increasing knowledge that each of those cannabinoids responds uniquely to the body.
Minor cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, CBT, and CBL are naturally occurring cannabinoids present in minuscule amounts in cannabis and hemp plants. Due to their scarcity, minor cannabinoids are difficult to extract and require technical skill to isolate. The therapeutic applications of minor cannabinoids vary widely, and a growing understanding of their benefits is actively being discovered with new research and anecdotal evidence as everyday use becomes more widely available.
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Standards are a must for consumer safety and confidence
With ongoing research and an increase in clinical trials exploring the health and wellness benefits of cannabinoids, the industry is experiencing remarkable growth in product development, especially with minor cannabinoids. As we learn more about plant-based cannabinoids, health-conscious consumers are exploring hemp-derived cannabinoids as natural alternatives to manage their health and wellness.
Consumers expect products containing CBD or minor cannabinoids to be safe and consistently effective in achieving the customers’ desired results. However, as with any health and wellness product, consumers should prioritize quality, purity, and compliance and diligently research to identify a reliable manufacturer that produces the best product with the desired beneficial properties to instill trust in effectiveness and reliability.
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When products lack quality, are impure, or are mislabeled, not only do consumers miss out on potential benefits, but the product may also impact health. Products should be free of impurities such as residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbials, as these can introduce contaminants that may pose health risks. To ensure the purest and safest products, consumers should purchase from credible brands offering Certificates of Analysis (COAs) confirming safety and the compliant removal of health-adverse impurities.
Clear, accurate labeling is equally important. Consumers rely on labeled potency information for dosage guidance in achieving their health and wellness goals. Incorrect or inconsistent labels may compromise product efficacy, resulting in customer dissatisfaction and brand reputation degradation. For brands, failing to meet purity and product consistency may result in product recalls, fines, and legal issues with rework or rejection of material, increasing production costs and supply chain inefficiencies, further straining profitability.
To maintain safety, efficacy, and trust, quality must be prioritized at every stage of production. From seed to shelf, a substantial Quality Management System (QMS) should guide production along the product’s manufacturing pathway. This will ensure that high-quality formulations consistently deliver safe, efficacious results.
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“Quality runs deep…”
At Red Mesa Science & Refining, as a hemp processor of cannabinoid raw ingredients, our guiding principles are clear – to uphold the highest quality standards to ensure consumer trust and safety while contributing to our customer’s long-term success in distinguishing themselves in a competitive cannabis market.
From the start, we sought to establish the industry’s quality standard and have been committed to certifying and complying far beyond what the industry currently deems acceptable to consistently ensure that safe, high-quality cannabinoid raw materials are available for product formulation. As a result, Red Mesa’s products are manufactured in an FDA-registered food facility under the guidance of ISO 9001:2015 certification and adhering to cGMP and 21 CFR Part 111 (dietary supplements) and 117 (human food).
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Quality runs deep at Red Mesa, and we are incredibly fortunate to have amazing employees who understand and embrace this culture. Every team member is accountable to our rigorous quality management system, which mandates that we proactively monitor and elevate our product quality. We test throughout production with final COA test results provided by a third-party ISO 17025 accredited laboratory to ensure we always meet our product quality specifications.
With CBD and minor cannabinoids quickly gaining global recognition, focusing on purity, quality, and safety is vital throughout the supply chain, from farmers to brands that manufacture end-products. We encourage consumers to be equally vigilant in purchasing from reputable sources offering high-quality products with COAs. Ultimately, armed with informed decision-making, consumers will profit from the results they expect and deserve, building trust and confidence in the industry overall.
*This article was submitted by a guest contributor. The author is solely responsible for the content.