Frequently Asked Questions
Why CBD? What is it? +
CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-intoxicating plant compound that offers a gentle physical and mental relaxation. Whether you’re seeking calm, creativity, or to restore balance to your body, our CBD is a safe way to experience the numerous benefits of craft hemp. CBD supports the positive effects of endocannabinoids (ECs), which are natural cellular messengers made in our own bodies. ECs help regulate our body systems to maintain optimal functioning.
Where does CBD come from? +
All of the products available on East Fork Cultivars Hemp is made from craft hemp that is sustainably grown on the East Fork Ranch in Southwest Oregon– one of the world’s best environments for this special crop. Legal regulations define “hemp” as a cannabis plant with no more than 0.3% THC – the main intoxicating compound found in cannabis. However, CBD can be sourced from both hemp (low-THC cannabis) and “marijuana” (higher-THC cannabis). “Craft hemp” is a term used to describe resinous plants that are bred to emphasize their level of CBD production, rather than fiber.
What is full spectrum? What is broad spectrum? +
“Full-spectrum” means that the product contains all of the many active components found in the source plant, including THC. “Broad-spectrum” is generally used to describe products that contain a wide range of plant components, and low THC content. “Narrow-spectrum” or THC-free products are made with CBD isolate, a form of extract that has been processed down to only the CBD molecule, and contains zero THC.
What about drug testing? +
Anyone who is concerned about taking a drug test should talk with their doctor, employer, or drug screening company before consuming CBD products. Depending upon the processing method, there can be small amounts of THC found in hemp extract. When consumed at suggested servings, these traces of THC should not cause a positive drug test for most people. However, due to individual metabolism and less sophisticated testing methods used by some testing companies, outlying results are possible.
Why East Fork Cultivars? +
At East Fork Cultivars, we maintain a resolute commitment to environmental responsibility, science-based education, and social justice. We strive to develop and preserve sustainable, sun-grown farming methods in order to produce high-quality, genetically diverse, CBD-rich cultivars.
Why nano-enhanced? +
Using sonication (sound waves), we’ve reduced the size of the CBD particles in our Organic Hemp Beverage Enhancer / CBD Drops, making them water suspendable and easy to mix into your favorite beverage. This process also improves bioavailability and reduces activation time, bringing on the effects of CBD more quickly and effectively.
What is a cannage? +
cann·age /ˈcann(a)ij/ noun
The year in which cannabis, especially cannabis of high quality, was produced.
A season's yield of cannabis from our farm.
Why don't we use the terms Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid? +
The indica-sativa-hybrid model of classification was originally based in landrace morphology of the cannabis plant. However, the morphology does not dictate its chemical composition or its effects or account for the hybridization of cultivated types that is becoming the new norm. “Indica”, “sativa”, and “hybrid” are colloquial terms used to describe intoxicating varietals of cannabis with different effects.Now, we categorize varietals according to their cannabinoid content to provide a more accurate approach to classification, using types 3, 2, and 1. Read more about this on Cannabis Business Times.
Fun fact: the scientific name for cannabis is Cannabis sativa L, and we feel that the term "sativa" doesn't accurately represent the full spectrum of the cannabis plant.
What is Type 3? +
Type 3 is the scientific designation for CBD-dominant cannabis flower. CBD-dominant varieties are high in CBD, with low THC content. Expect subtle, nuanced effects with little to no intoxication.
What is Type 2? +
Type 2 is the scientific designation for mixed ratio cannabis flower. Type 2 varieties feature a mixed ratio profile with CBD and THC in varying moderate concentrations, almost always presenting as CBD-forward. Expect moderately psychoactive, well-balanced effects.
What is Type 1? +
Type 1 is the scientific designation for THC-dominant cannabis flower. THC-dominant varieties count high THC content with little-to-no CBD content. Expect potent, intense effects. Used primarily for our breeding program, we offer small, limited releases in this category.
What is the difference between hemp and cannabis flower? +
Hemp CBD is legally, not genetically, distinct from cannabis. Many governments define hemp as cannabis that produces flower that has very little THC content, either none at all or ≤0.3% Δ-9-THC. Hemp produces the non-intoxicating cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD).
What is the difference between craft and industrial hemp? +
Historically, hemp has been bred and grown for fiber and seed production. The fiber is used for textiles, rope and building materials, while the seed is used for food and multi-purpose oils. More recently, with the increased interest in CBD and other cannabis, there has been an explosion in breeding work to develop extremely CBD-potent cultivars that can be grown as "hemp" but are visibly indistinguishable from their THC-rich "cannabis" sisters. This is craft hemp.
Craft hemp is designed for its therapeutic use, whereas industrial hemp is designed for, well, industrial uses. This is an important distinction as hemp is a bioaccumulator. If industrial hemp is grown in soil full of pesticides or heavy metals, those contaminants are pulled into the plant, and can make their way into your CBD product. By choosing products that are made using craft hemp, you dramatically lower your risk of being exposed to these contaminants, particularly in products advertised as “full-spectrum.”
Why do terpenes matter? +
When choosing a cannabis cultivar, there are two traits that are most commonly compared: taste and smell. Where these traits come from is both simple and complex. The smell, taste, and, to some degree, the effect, are tied to terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in the oils of the flower, originating in the same glands as cannabinoids (including CBD and THC). There are over 200 known terpenes found in cannabis, and each cultivar has a unique terpene composition.
What is terroir? +
A term typically associated with the wine industry, terroir refers to the place-based environmental factors — such as soil, water, and climate — that combine to give a plant distinct characteristics. It’s terroir that enables identical cannabis cultivars to be grown in different regions and produce unique smells, tastes, and effects. The native soil of Oregon’s Illinois River Valley, coupled with our sustainable farming practices and meticulous drying and curing methods, gives our cultivars their distinct qualities.
What is a cultivar? +
A cultivar is a plant or grouping of plants selected for desirable characteristics that can be maintained by propagation, colloquially known as a strain. At East Fork Cultivars, we specifically breed and select cannabis cultivars with a focus on cannabidiol (CBD). A guiding value of ours is to reintroduce CBD-rich and CBD-dominant cannabis to consumers by breeding, selecting, and curating cultivars that express these properties.
Why should I trust cannabis grown by East Fork? +
We are a Sun + Earth Certified farm. What does that mean? Since cannabis remains federally illegal, the federal government will not allow companies to receive organic certification. Fortunately, the folks at Sun and Earth have stepped in and created their own certification program. They assure consumers that cannabis that is grown under the sun, in the soil of mother earth, without chemicals by fairly-paid farmers.
We start with a solid foundation of strong genetics and carefully-selected phenotypes and raise the plants to maturity, carefully and selectively. Each plant undergoes rigorous inspections throughout its life, from sow through harvest. Once harvested, the flower and plant material is finished with multiple points of quality-control before being packaged for delivery at one of our dispensary partners. Only the best flower, concentrates, and edibles reach your hands.
Can I buy directly from East Fork Cultivars? +
Yes! We now sell our hemp products through our e-Commerce website, [East Fork Cultivars Hemp]. If you are a licensed OLCC retailer, processor or wholesaler, you may purchase East Fork Cultivars for your customers. If you are licensed through the OLCC and are interested in carrying our cultivars, please contact us to learn more.
Why is testing cannabis at respected labs important? +
Safety and potency are important to be aware of in any product you consume. Test results ensure that your products are devoid of dangerous pesticides, molds, and fungus. Cannabinoid potency is important so you know how to dose your intake and can choose the cultivar that will offer you the effects you desire. THC and CBD are two major components in cannabis, and should be clearly and accurately labeled. Generally speaking, THC provides a euphoric effect, while CBD provides a non-intoxicating experience. Having analytical information from a respectable lab ensures proper cannabis selection and dosing.
Why do you use the term cannabis instead of marijuana? +
The team at East Fork Cultivars made the conscious choice to use the scientific term for cannabis instead of Marijuana as a way to stand apart from its racist and negative history and take progressive steps towards legitimizing the healing plant. It is our hope that Oregon and other states will follow suit.
Learn more about the history of the term ‘Marijuana’ and its role in propaganda used to stigmatize the perception of cannabis.
Where can I learn more about the cannabis rules in Oregon? +
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has detailed information about cannabis rules here: http://www.oregon.gov/olcc/marijuana/
How does the quality/agricultural process of hemp impact the consumer? +
Like any food product or medicine, the quality of the source material and supply chain for hemp is closely linked to the health of the environment, the people working in the supply chain and the end consumer. Consumers of products containing hemp have an opportunity express their values by learning more about the source of that hemp, and choosing products that are grown and processed responsibly.
There are a great many CBD products out there offered from non-reputable sources, especially from hemp imported from China. It has been well-documented that many of the CBD products for general sale contain inaccurate potency information on their labels, and most are not even tested for harmful contaminants. Testing is crucial because all cannabis plants, including hemp, are bioaccumulators that pull toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides from the soil and store them in their plant matter.
Because low-resin industrial hemp products require a greater amount of raw material to make the same amount of extract or concentrate as high-resin cannabis, there is a greater risk of any soil contaminants passing through into the consumer product. At East Fork, we test our soil regularly and we do not use synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. We only produce and sell products that we know are safe for our families, friends, and all of our customers.
Why is it so important to consume products made from domestic hemp? +
Domestic hemp has several advantages, though they’re not universal. Regardless of the country of origin, it’s important to have an understanding of where and how the hemp is grown that makes it into your favorite hemp-containing products. Canada, China, and the U.K. are all major exporters of hemp, and all three have rocky histories with contaminated agricultural land. That said, just because your hemp is grown in the U.S. doesn’t automatically make it superior in quality. Look for familiar third-party certifications like USDA Organic and Salmon Safe when selecting your hemp products.
Safety and potency are important to be aware of in any product you consume. Test results ensure that your products are devoid of dangerous pesticides, molds and fungus. Cannabinoid potency is important so you know how to dose your intake and can choose the cultivar that will offer you the effects you desire. THC and CBD are two major components in cannabis, and should be clearly and accurately labeled. Generally speaking, THC provides a euphoric effect, while CBD provides a non-intoxicating experience. Having analytical information from a respectable lab ensures proper cannabis selection and dosing.