50. From Rope to Remedies: The Real Story of Hemp and CBD

Everywhere you look, there’s another shop selling cannabis products. But how do you separate hype from helpful? Kate welcomes Stefanie Reiser of Acknowledge Farms back to demystify hemp, CBD, THC, and the often-mentioned but rarely explained CBDV. They trace hemp’s history in the U.S., unpack how research and regulation shape today’s products, and explain why regenerative, organic farming can influence how you feel a tincture or gummy. You’ll learn what the endocannabinoid system is, what the “entourage effect” means, how terpenes matter, why micro-dosing THC can be useful for some people, and simple steps to shop without overwhelm. If you’ve ever stood in a dispensary thinking “where do I even start,” this one’s for you.

Episode Breakdown

• Why stores are everywhere and why it’s so confusing

• Hemp vs. marijuana: the real (legal) distinction and why it matters

• How prohibition slowed research, and who’s doing the best work today

• Regenerative farming 101: biodiversity, soil health, and product efficacy

• The endocannabinoid system in plain English

• CBD, THC, CBDV, CBG, CBN: what these acronyms actually mean

• Terpenes like limonene, pinene, and why smell can hint at effects

• Micro-dosing THC with CBD: when it helps and when it doesn’t

• Bioavailability: why oil choice (long-chain vs medium-chain) can change results

• How to shop a dispensary or online store with confidence

• “Start low, start slow”: a kinder protocol for testing what works for you

Guest Bio

Stefanie Reiser is the Founder/CEO of Acknowledge Farms, a regenerative, organic hemp farm and wellness company based in Maryland. A former policy professional and Washington Business Journal “Women Who Mean Business” honoree, Stefanie brings a rare blend of ag policy expertise and hands-in-the-soil farming to plant medicine. Acknowledge Farms focuses on biodiversity, soil regeneration, and transparent, education-first product development.

Relevant Links

• 5 Essential Things to Know about Cannabidivarin

• Exploring CBDV: A New Frontier in Cannabinoid Wellness 

• Cannabidivarin alleviates neuroinflammation by targeting TLR4 co-receptor MD2 and improves morphine-mediated analgesia -- National Library of Medicine

• Cannabidivarin-rich cannabis extracts are anticonvulsant in mouse and rat via a CB1 receptor-independent mechanism -- National Library of Medicine

• Misunderstood: A Brief History of Hemp in the US

Call To Action

• Try Kate’s “start low, start slow” protocol this week: pick one product, one time of day, and journal your results for 5 days.

• Subscribe, rate, and review the show to help more listeners find practical, trustworthy guidance.

• Share this episode with a friend who’s CBD-curious but overwhelmed.

Health Disclaimer

The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine.

Connect with Kate: https://www.healwithkate.org

Fall Cleanse: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/products/courses/copy-of-fall-community-cleanse-2024

Thanks to our Sponsors:
Osi Oils. These handcrafted, organic oils are rooted in Ayurvedic tradition and thoughtfully formulated to support your skin, your senses, and your dosha.  Get 20% off at https://www.osioils.com/?ref_cca=kateodonnell with the code AYURVEDA20.

Acknowledge, makers of full-spectrum hemp tinctures grown on a regenerative organic farm. Try the Sleep tincture with code KATE30 for 30% off your 1st order at https://acknowledge.co