History Archives - Horn Creek Hemp The Healing Power of Nature Wed, 30 Oct 2024 11:54:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://horncreekhemp.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-Horn-Creek-Owl-Logo-black-32x32.png History Archives - Horn Creek Hemp 32 32 Indica Vs Sativa Vs Hybrid: Hemp 101 https://horncreekhemp.com/indica-vs-sativa-vs-hybrid-hemp-101/ https://horncreekhemp.com/indica-vs-sativa-vs-hybrid-hemp-101/#respond Wed, 23 Aug 2023 15:40:42 +0000 https://horncreekhemp.com/?p=62364 Indica, Sativa or Hybrid Many buyers want to know if our flower cultivars are Indica, Sativa or hybrids.  The technically correct answer is that all cultivars are so hybridized that the question really isn’t answerable.  What buyers are really looking for is a prediction of effects. Indica strains are known for relaxing and calming effects, […]

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Indica, Sativa or Hybrid

Many buyers want to know if our flower cultivars are Indica, Sativa or hybrids.  The technically correct answer is that all cultivars are so hybridized that the question really isn’t answerable.  What buyers are really looking for is a prediction of effects.

Indica strains are known for relaxing and calming effects, often used at night. Sativa strains are energizing and uplifting, while hybrid mix both for a balanced effect. Given that effect predictability is the goal, we try to describe cultivar effects as sativa-like or Indica-like. Many users seek out strains with high THC levels for more intense effects. Also, Each type of cannabis, whether indica, sativa, or hybrid, offers unique benefits and effects.

Using these descriptors is preferred because it is easy.  But the effects have more to do with cannabinoids and terpenes, in combination with the wide variety of endocannabinoid receptors in individuals.

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INDICA VS SATIVA

 

INDICA, SATIVA, HYBRID METHOD

 

CANNABINOIDS EXPLAINED

 

TERPENES

 

MOST COMMON TERPENES

 

CASE STUDY

Sativa

Sativas, often associated with uplifting and energizing effects, naturally evolved in hot, humid environments. Their tall and slim structure is a survival trait, helping them avoid excess moisture absorption. Due to their tropical origins, sativa strains have a lengthy growth and flowering period, taking advantage of the warm weather that extends well into the late season. Sativa strains typically produce a stimulating head high, which can enhance creativity and focus.

Indica

Indicas, on the other hand, are generally considered calming and relaxing. They originate from colder, northern climates, and thus, have evolved to be short and bushy to adapt to their environment. They have a shorter growth cycle, allowing them to be harvested before the onset of harsh, cold seasons.

Indica dominant strains are often associated with a deep body high, making them ideal for relaxation and pain relief.

Each strain of Cannabis possesses a unique chemical makeup that interacts differently with every individual. The same strain could have varying effects on different people.

The effects of a strain are more accurately determined by examining its blend of cannabinoids and terpenes rather than relying on the simple indica/sativa/hybrid model. However, this model can provide a general idea of a strain’s effects, though it isn’t definitive.

Using the Indica, Sativa, Hybrid Method

Indica

are typically relaxing, perfect for unwinding, enjoying a film or music, napping, or just contemplating life.

Sativa

are invigorating and can boost productivity. They’re ideal for physical activities, task completion, cleaning, and anything requiring concentration.

Hybrid

offer a balance of indica- and sativa-like effects.

Horn Creek Farms

Cannabinoids and Terpenes

 

If indica and sativa descriptors aren’t the most reliable predictors of effects, what is?

The effects of different types of cannabis strains can be better determined by their combination of cannabinoids and terpenes, the chemical compounds they contain. These compounds work together to produce the entourage effect, contributing to the sensation of being high.

Cannabinoids Explained

The cannabis plant comprises hundreds of chemical compounds with unique effects. The key ones are cannabinoids. THC and CBD are the most prevalent cannabinoids and are primarily responsible for cannabis’ therapeutic and recreational effects.

  • THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the compound most associated with cannabis—it’s what gets you high.
  • CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound.
  • CBG (cannabigerol) is also non-psychoactive. Users often report a mentally-focused effect, contributing to clarity.
  • CBDv, CBN, CBC, among others, are minor cannabinoids.

Understanding Terpenes

If you’ve ever used aromatherapy for relaxation or stimulation, you have a basic understanding of terpenes. These aromatic compounds are produced by many plants and fruits, including lavender, oranges, hops, pepper, and, of course, cannabis. The glands that produce THC and CBD also secrete terpenes, which give cannabis its diverse aroma, such as berries, citrus, pine, and fuel.

The most common terpenes found in hemp flower include:

Myrcene

beta-myrcene, is one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis, contributing to a significant portion of the plant’s aromatic profile. It is also prevalent in other plants such as hops (which are used in beer brewing), thyme, lemongrass, and mangoes. It’s generally thought to produce a ‘couch-lock’ effect, contributing to the relaxing and sedating sensations often associated with indica strains of cannabis.

Caryophyllene

beta-caryophyllene, is a unique terpene that is commonly found in cannabis as well as in a variety of other plants. It’s present in black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and even in the leaves of the tropical copaiba tree. What sets caryophyllene apart from other terpenes is that it’s capable of interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Specifically, it can bind to CB2 receptors, much like cannabinoids themselves. Preliminary studies have suggested that it may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Limonene

Limonene is a prevalent terpene in nature and is particularly abundant in citrus fruits, which is the source of its name. You’ll find it in lemons, oranges, grapefruits, limes, and other citrus fruits, giving them their distinct citrusy aroma. In hemp, limonene is one of the more commonly found terpenes, contributing to the aromatic profile of many strains. It’s known to promote a general uplift in mood and attitude, which is why strains with a high presence of limonene are often recommended for stress relief.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene is a terpene found in a variety of plants including conifers, apples, cumin, lilacs, tea trees, and a number of citrus fruits. Its aroma is complex, with a unique combination of floral, citrus, and herbal notes, and often a hint of pine. In hemp, terpinolene is often found in smaller concentrations compared to other terpenes. It’s noteworthy that strains characterized by a terpinolene-dominant profile are relatively rare, but when present, it contributes to a lively, uplifting effect, often associated with sativa-dominant strains.

Horn Creek Farms

A Case Study

 

In 2021, Horn Creek’s Sour Space Candy won the prestigious flagship ‘Credible Cultivar’ award at the Cultivation Classic. The The Cultivation Classic might be the most rigorous and data-based cannabis competition in the country.  Dr. Adie Rae analyzes and plots data generated by 150 judges and independent laboratories.  The Credible Cultivar is given to the flower that provides the most consistent and consistently pleasurable effects.  Sour Space Candy was the first non-THC flower to even place in this category, let alone win.

Sour Space Candy is a classic cultivar from Oregon CBD.  It has 16% cannabinoids, mostly CBDa with less than ½ % CBD and THC.  Terpene content is very broad, with over 10 terpenes between .1 and .2%.  The most significant terpenes are beta caryophyllene, beta myrcene and Ocimene ranging between .3% and .7%.  If you enjoy the effects of Sour Space Candy, you might experiment with cultivars that present a similar terpene profile.


Interesting Reads:

The Role Of Terpenes In Hemp Products

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Delta-9 THC: The Complete Guide to Its Effects, Production, and Legality https://horncreekhemp.com/delta-9-thc-the-complete-guide-to-its-effects-production-and-legality/ https://horncreekhemp.com/delta-9-thc-the-complete-guide-to-its-effects-production-and-legality/#respond Wed, 23 Aug 2023 15:38:34 +0000 https://horncreekhemp.com/?p=62396 Delta-9 THC In the world of cannabinoids, Delta-9 THC holds a prominent place. This guide aims to shed light on this compound, covering everything from its effects to its production and legality. Horn Creek has chosen not to produce or sell delta 9 or delta 8 isomers produced from hemp extracts.  It is our opinion […]

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What is Delta 9 THC?

Delta-9 THC: The Complete Guide to Its Effects, Production, and Legality

Delta-9 THC

In the world of cannabinoids, Delta-9 THC holds a prominent place. This guide aims to shed light on this compound, covering everything from its effects to its production and legality.

Horn Creek has chosen not to produce or sell delta 9 or delta 8 isomers produced from hemp extracts.  It is our opinion that while these products can provide relief, there isn’t enough research on long term effects.  We’ve decided  to wait until it is clear that these products are safe.  Because Oregon legalized marijuana, we are able to source conventional D9, rather than manipulated D8 and D9.  People report that the effects of hemp-derived D9 and D8 are different from conventional D9.  This is enough information to suggest that we should learn more about these products before producing them for consumption.

What is Delta 9 THC?

Delta-9 THC, or Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Unlike CBD and other cannabinoids, Delta-9 THC is known for its psychoactive effects, which can alter mood, perception, and cognition.

Effects Of Delta-9 THC

The psychoactive nature of Delta-9 THC means it can create a ‘high’ sensation. While individual experiences may vary, Delta-9 THC is often associated with feelings of euphoria, creativity, and increased sensory awareness. Although it’s often considered to be the most potent Delta variant, remember that effects can vary based on individual tolerance and dosage.

Delta-9 THC vs Delta-8 THC

Effects

Both Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC are psychoactive, meaning they can cause a 'high'. However, Delta-9 THC is typically associated with more potent psychoactive effects. Users often report feelings of euphoria, altered sensory perception, and increased appetite. It may also lead to anxiety or paranoia in some users, particularly at high doses. On the other hand, Delta-8 THC is often described as offering a milder high, with less intense psychoactive effects. Users report a clear-headed experience with less risk of anxiety or paranoia. Delta-8 THC may also offer similar therapeutic benefits to Delta-9 THC, such as pain relief, anti-nausea effects, and appetite stimulation.

Chemical Structure

The primary difference in the chemical structure of Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC is the location of a specific bond in the molecule. Delta-8 THC has this bond on the 8th carbon chain, while Delta-9 THC has the bond on the 9th carbon chain. While this might seem like a minor difference, it significantly impacts how each compound interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system.

Availability and Stability

Delta-9 THC is the most abundant psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. In contrast, Delta-8 THC is found in much lower concentrations, often less than 1%. However, Delta-8 THC is more stable than Delta-9 THC, which could make it a more favorable option for pharmaceutical applications.

FAQ

Will Delta-9 from CBD get me high?

Yes, Delta-9 THC, regardless of its source, has psychoactive effects and can get you high.

Is Delta-9 real weed?

Delta-9 THC is a cannabinoid found in cannabis, so it’s a part of what many refer to as ‘weed’.

How is delta-9 made from CBD?

Delta-9 THC is not directly made from CBD, but both are naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. However, through specific chemical processes, it’s possible to convert CBD into Delta-9 THC. This involves a process known as isomerization, where the CBD molecule is rearranged to create Delta-9 THC. This process typically requires specialized knowledge and equipment and may not be legal in all jurisdictions. It’s also important to note that products resulting from this process must still comply with all local laws, including the limit of 0.3% Delta-9 THC for hemp-derived products in the U.S.

Is delta-9 from hemp different from delta-9 from marijuana?

Delta-9 THC is chemically identical whether it’s derived from hemp or marijuana. The difference lies in the concentration of Delta-9 THC in the plant. Marijuana typically has high concentrations of Delta-9 THC, which is responsible for its psychoactive effects. On the other hand, hemp must legally contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC, making it non-psychoactive. So, while the molecule itself is the same, the overall effect of the plant differs due to the concentration of Delta-9 THC.

Why is D9 Legal?

The legality of Delta-9 THC depends on its source and the specific regulations in place where you live. In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp and all hemp-derived cannabinoids, including Delta-9 THC, as long as the total Delta-9 THC concentration is less than 0.3%. Therefore, Delta-9 THC derived from hemp is legal at the federal level in the U.S., but marijuana-derived Delta-9 THC is not. However, state laws may vary, so it’s essential to understand the regulations in your specific location.

What is HHC and THC O?

HHC (Hexahydrocannabinol) is a minor cannabinoid naturally occurring in the cannabis plant, but it’s often synthetically derived from CBD for commercial use. It’s structurally similar to THC, and early anecdotal reports suggest it may have similar psychoactive effects, although research into its specific effects and safety is still ongoing.

THC-O (THC-O-acetate) is a synthetic cannabinoid derived from THC. It’s often referred to as a “prodrug” of THC, meaning it converts into THC in the body. THC-O is reported to be two to three times more potent than Delta-9 THC, leading to a more intense and longer-lasting effect. However, as with HHC, research into THC-O’s safety and effects is still in its early stages.

Understanding cannabinoids like Delta-9 THC is crucial for both users and enthusiasts. As research continues to evolve, we encourage you to stay informed and explore the world of naturally occurring cannabinoids. Always remember to use responsibly and in accordance with local laws.

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The Unique Advantages of Farming Hemp in Southern Oregon https://horncreekhemp.com/the-unique-advantages-of-farming-hemp-in-southern-oregon/ https://horncreekhemp.com/the-unique-advantages-of-farming-hemp-in-southern-oregon/#respond Wed, 10 May 2023 16:53:34 +0000 https://horncreekhemp.com/?p=62341 Benefits of Cultivating Hemp in Southern Oregon Southern Oregon Hemp Southern Oregon, with its pristine environment and optimal growing conditions, has quickly become a top destination for hemp farming. Located in the beautiful town of Jacksonville, we are proud to be a part of this thriving agricultural community. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the […]

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horn creek hemp farm

Benefits of Cultivating Hemp in Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon Hemp

Southern Oregon, with its pristine environment and optimal growing conditions, has quickly become a top destination for hemp farming. Located in the beautiful town of Jacksonville, we are proud to be a part of this thriving agricultural community. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the benefits and reasons why Southern Oregon is an ideal location for farming hemp.

Main Reasons why Southern Oregon is an ideal location for farming hemp.

Favorable Climate

It is difficult to say exactly what makes our climate work so well for both CBD-rich hemp.  Some places simply have the proper combination of sunlight, temperatures and nutrients for various plant cultivars to thrive.  Hemp loves heat, but not too much.  Also, our position near the 45th parallel ensures that we will experience significant changes in sunlight exposure.  It is the increase in daylight hours during June, followed by a sharp decline that triggers hemp flowering. 

Rich, Fertile Soil

Hemp prefers a sandy loam soil.  Clay can help with water retention, but we find that cannabis plants like soils that will drain easily.  Our portion of Southern Oregon was once a lake bed.  Millenia of organic matter settled to the bottom of the lake and created what is now the highly desirable sandy loam we farm on.  All that is required of us is to maintain the healthy living microbiome in our soil.  As long as we keep our soil healthy, vibrant and alive, those microbes will feed our plants.

Sustainable Farming Practices

Sustainability on a micro scale means simply watching our for the health of our farm’s environment.  We look out for soil health as well as the health of those naturally occurring plants that border our fields.  These seemingly minor presences have a huge impact.  Every plant, animal and insect population plays a role in the overall balance.  By nurturing these populations, we insure that no single microbe or pest will suddenly bloom and cause issues.  Biodynamic farming strives to maintain this natural balance.  Biodynamic practices prevent any one population from exploiting weakness to overpopulate.  Balance is essential.

Strong Agricultural Heritage

We are able to rely upon generational farming knowledge of our area.  Though hemp was not in the historical lineup of crops, farming practices translate quite well.  WE make every effort to learn from our predecessors.  They know the secrets to producing healthy crops in our valley.

Thriving Hemp Community

As the hemp industry continues to expand, Southern Oregon has become a hub for hemp-related businesses and research facilities. This strong community fosters collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to producing the best hemp products on the market.  The renewal of hemp farming meant that many of us were learning the same things at the same times.  A healthy exchange of ideas and best practices helps all farms produce quality material.  We are fortunate to have cooperative farmers, and especially to have the cooperation of Oregon State University’s Global Hemp Innovation Center.  OSU GHIC works with our local Research and Extension office.  We all are the beneficiaries of their studies in hemp.

Farm Direct Pricing

By farming hemp in Southern Oregon, Horn Creek Hemp can offer its customers farm direct pricing, ensuring that they receive high-quality products at the best possible price. This commitment to affordability is a key advantage of cultivating hemp in this region.  Very few opportunities arise for a new ag industry to form around farm-direct principles.  We think it is critical to know your hemp farmer.  This way you feel comfortable that your CBD hemp was produced in a healthy manner, and you get the economic benefit of buying direct.

Horn Creek Farms

Farming hemp in Southern Oregon offers numerous advantages, from its ideal climate and fertile soil to its sustainable farming practices and strong agricultural heritage. Horn Creek Hemp is proud to be a part of this thriving community, providing customers with top-quality CBD and CBG products.

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Farms Under Pressure From Illegal Pot – Mail Tribune Article https://horncreekhemp.com/farms-under-pressure-from-illegal-pot-mail-tribune-article/ https://horncreekhemp.com/farms-under-pressure-from-illegal-pot-mail-tribune-article/#respond Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:45:59 +0000 https://horncreekhemp.com/?p=54182 Article written by Vickie Aldous. Published By Mail Tribune | Updated July 5, 2022 Vineyards, legal cannabis growers describe negative impacts. Paul Murdoch’s Horn Creek Hemp farm outside Jacksonville was ringed with illegal marijuana operations last year. “It was nuts. We were surrounded by illegal grows,” he said. Murdoch said two of the five illegal grows […]

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hemp flower field

Farms Under Pressure From Illegal Pot – Mail Tribune Article

Article written by Vickie Aldous. Published By Mail Tribune | Updated July 5, 2022

Vineyards, legal cannabis growers describe negative impacts.

Paul Murdoch’s Horn Creek Hemp farm outside Jacksonville was ringed with illegal marijuana operations last year. “It was nuts. We were surrounded by illegal grows,” he said. Murdoch said two of the five illegal grows got busted.

He thinks the 2021 law enforcement response, growers shifting to other parts of the country this year and an over-saturated market for marijuana may be having an effect. There’s only one grow still operating near him that he believes is illegal. Although most of the illegal grows are gone, Murdoch is still coping with negative impacts. He said thousands of marijuana plants sprouted on their own in an abandoned field near Horn Creek Farm. About half are male plants that produce pollen carried by insects and wind. That pollen could slash the value of nearby legal hemp and marijuana crops. Once they’re pollinated, female plants put their energy into making seeds. They produce less THC — prized by marijuana growers to get users high — or CBD, favored by hemp growers who want to make medicinal products.

“Pollen can decimate cannabis crops. It really harms agricultural operations,” Murdoch said. He has asked the landowner with the rogue marijuana plants to mow them down before they could contaminate his farm of hemp plants. Pollen is just one of the problems illegal grows pose for legal marijuana and hemp farms. Wine grape growers say they’re also being hurt.

Representatives from the wine industry and legal marijuana and hemp companies recently shared their concerns with the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, which toured Southern Oregon. OLCC regulates alcohol and marijuana, while Oregon Department of Agriculture is charged with enforcing hemp laws. Legal operators said illegal marijuana growers compete with them for labor, steal water, intimidate residents and pollute the environment. Dennis O’Donoghue, owner of Celtic Moon Vineyards outside Eagle Point, said illegal marijuana is hurting the wine grape industry.

In 2021, he had to deal with a massive illegal marijuana grow planted on a neighboring farm just 20 feet from his driveway. “The farm right next to me was beautiful for many, many years. One day last year, I woke up and found 120 hoop houses sitting 20 feet off my fence line,” O’Donoghue said, referring to the plastic makeshift greenhouses that often shelter marijuana. “That quickly expanded to 210.”

Every day as he drove on his driveway to and from his vineyard, he said, armed men stared him down. They also intimidated a neighbor when she was mending her fence.

“Three armed men approached her and told her to back away from the fence and mind her own business. She was standing on her own property,” O’Donoghue said. The illegal marijuana growers didn’t follow water laws, which was especially troubling in 2021 when drought and low reservoir levels led to a short irrigation season. “We were facing an acute water shortage in Southern Oregon last year.

They were pulling water illegally out of the irrigation canals,” O’Donoghue said. When the water ran out and local irrigation districts had to shut down for the season in midsummer, the illegal growers started pulling water out of a creek with sensitive fish habitat. Hazardous chemicals from their operation washed into the creek and flowed downstream, O’Donoghue said.

The illegal marijuana grow next door was eventually busted and bulldozed by law enforcement. The neighbor who allowed the grow on her property was promised $400,000 for use of her 15-acre site, with $200,000 delivered up front. She didn’t get the remaining $200,000 because of the bust. She claimed she had no idea the growers were raising illegal marijuana, O’Donoghue said.

“We have to go after landowners, and we have got to hit them hard,” he said. He said the illegal marijuana growers are causing problems for grape growers, as well as for legal marijuana and hemp growers. “I’ve seen no issues with legal cannabis growers — whether it’s hemp or marijuana. They’ve been following the rules, and they’re trying to do the right thing. It’s very, very hard on them as well,” O’Donoghue said. He said he hopes OLCC, with its dual role to regulate alcohol and marijuana, can help bring the legal industries together to solve problems.

“The wine industry could be the economic engine that drives the economy in Southern Oregon. Can we coexist with cannabis? Not without regulation and enforcement of regulations,” O’Donoghue said. Brian Guber of Irvine & Roberts Vineyards outside Ashland said it’s hard for legal businesses to compete with illegal marijuana operations that lure workers away with promises of big money. Some of them never actually pay their workers.

The Unete Center for Farm Worker Advocacy in Medford told OLCC that some workers labor for months on end and are owed thousands of dollars — money they may never see. “The biggest impact we’ve run into is illegal grows,” Guber said. “Cash paid under the table — whether it’s paid or not — is doing a great job of sucking away all the workers that we normally pay.” The competition for labor comes at an especially bad time.

Last year, Guber’s grapes shriveled up due to lack of water, and about half the crop was lost. The business was also hurt by COVID-19-related drop-offs in tourism, especially when Oregon Shakespeare Festival shut down for 2020 and much of 2021.

Mason Walker, owner of East Fork Cultivars outside Cave Junction, grows marijuana and hemp. He said legal growers are under pressure from drought, wildfire, climate change and pests. The explosion of illegal marijuana growers in Southern Oregon led to labor exploitation and crime, and it worsened water shortages. “The family-scale farm growing hemp or cannabis in Southern Oregon is under dire threat right now,” Walker said. He said his farm offers living wages, paid leave, health insurance and retirement plans — but has to compete against illegal grows.

“We’re trying to do the right thing,” Walker said. Regulatory changes this year could help rein in some of the illegal activity, especially regarding illegal marijuana growers who pretend to grow hemp. Congress legalized hemp — marijuana’s nonintoxicating, lookalike cousin — in 2018 for the whole nation. Marijuana remains illegal on the federal level, although it’s legal in Oregon and many other states scattered across the country. Growing hemp comes with far fewer regulations, creating an incentive to grow marijuana illegally under the guise of hemp, then sell the marijuana at high black market prices in states where it remains illegal.

This year, ODA put a May 31 deadline on hemp license applications. That will stop illegal marijuana growers from harvesting their crop and then applying for a hemp license in the fall — after plants are gone and can’t be tested for high levels of intoxicating compounds that would prove they are actually marijuana plants. The earlier deadline also means ODA can hand lists of legal hemp sites to local law enforcement agencies by early summer, said ODA Hemp Program Manager Mike Odenthal. “Then we won’t have a question of who’s licensed and who’s not. That should make their life a lot easier,” he said of law enforcement agencies trying to untangle who is a legal grower and who is not.

Existing hemp growers have to apply for a license renewal each year. This year, ODA didn’t issue licenses to new hemp growers in Jackson, Josephine and Douglas counties after those counties declared marijuana emergencies. Those declarations triggered a new state law that allows for moratoriums on new hemp licenses in certain counties. ODA plans to continue inspecting and testing licensed hemp grows — and fining those operating illegally, Odenthal said. For safety, ODA inspectors will continue to use police escorts to visit sites, he said.

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The Symphony Of CBD https://horncreekhemp.com/the-symphony-of-cbd/ https://horncreekhemp.com/the-symphony-of-cbd/#respond Thu, 22 Sep 2022 21:27:25 +0000 https://horncreekhemp.com/?p=54022 From The Jacksonville Review – September 2022 Issue In the evolving popularity of cannabinoids, lead players have emerged. CBD and THC are the stars of the show. But there are over 100 supporting actors in the ensemble. There is CBC, CBG, CBN, and many more. Each brings a unique characteristic, and together they are something […]

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horn creek products with flower background

The Symphony Of CBD

From The Jacksonville Review – September 2022 Issue

In the evolving popularity of cannabinoids, lead players have emerged. CBD and THC are the stars of the show. But there are over 100 supporting actors in the ensemble. There is CBC, CBG, CBN, and many more. Each brings a unique characteristic, and together they are something of a symphony. With the 2018 farm bill, research institutions began studying these fascinating compounds.

A Cast of Cannabinoids

The heroes in the show are CBD and THC. CBD is cannabidiol, THC is tetrahydrocannabinol. CBD is primarily sought after for help with chronic pain, anxiety and sleep. It is used for many other conditions such as seizures, Crohn’s, etc. But those are the big 3. Cousin THC is known primarily for getting you “high.” But that is just one facet. THC is also often used for Nerve Pain, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s tremors, Nausea and Glaucoma. People who use THC for medical conditions often find the high effect to be a distraction. It might be tolerable on occasion, but if you are trying to work, being high isn’t always helpful.

whitney with hemp plantsFun fact—CBD and THC share the same chemical formula. 21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen and two oxygen. They are just arranged differently. Interesting as well is that humans have cannabinoid receptors built in. Why would we develop such a specialized translator? Perhaps a subject for another day.

Horn Creek Farms only works with high CBD plants. CBD geneticists have bred THC content to much lower levels than occur naturally. Our products must contain less than .3% THC. However, the presence of even that small amount of THC seems to increase efficacy. Some of the best products are made from what is called full spectrum concentrates. This means that all of the afore-mentioned “minor” cannabinoids are present. We refer to this synergy as “the entourage effect.”

hemp flower up closeIn one of our more interesting cases, a woman was suffering trigeminal neuralgia. This is an extremely painful nerve condition in the face. Her skin was tremendously sensitive to touch, and she experienced regular shooting pain. She and her husband had exhausted traditional cures. She asked what we might have. We created increasingly potent CBD blends for her to try. They helped, but not completely. Ultimately, she found a 50:50 blend of CBD and THC topical salve was the best solution.

As we discussed, CBD gets all the attention. But what our plants produce is Cannabidiolic acid, or CBDa. CBDa is converted to CBD through heat and pressure. This frequently happens during extraction, but it doesn’t have to. We are learning that CBDa has properties similar to CBD, but it also has unique features. CBDa is much more bioavailable. So CBDa is more potent and easier for the body to put to use. Other cannabinoids have acidic versions as well.

Here are the most common “minor” cannabinoids:

CBG—Cannabigerol is showing signs to be effective for inflammation, pain, mood disorders, anti-bacteria, anti-fungal and many others. CBG is getting a lot of attention from the medical research community. Recently, researchers at OSU found that CBGa and CBDa showed an ability to prevent the COVID-19 virus from entering human cells. I find that the addition of CBG particularly seems to accelerate the effects of other cannabinoids. CBGa is known as the “mother cannabinoid” from which all other cannabinoids develop.

dreamland cbn cbg cbd sleep tincture
Dreamland CBN Tincture

CBC—Cannbichromene appears to do well for inflammation and many of the other ailments mentioned—pain, mood, neurological problems, etc. What is different is how CBC is absorbed, and the receptors it uses. It can be absorbed more effectively by some people.

CBN—Sleep! CBN is wonderful for sleep issues. It doesn’t knock you out, but it keeps you asleep. It is wonderful for those who can only sleep for a few hours before they wake. Our most popular blends include CBN for this. The problem is that CBN is almost always an isomer—manipulated in a lab from other cannabinoids. It just doesn’t occur in high levels naturally. And Oregon banned CBD isomers in July, due to some unregulated isomers which were being used as a psychoactive. We do make CBN products, but they are only for sale outside the state.

CBDv—Cannabidivarin. Good for mood and anticonvulsant.

Extraction Methods

Full Spectrum oil contains all of the goodness from the plant. People do home extractions using crock pots and MCT oils such as coconut oil. Our lab uses CO2 to do the same. These are highly-effective extracts. Unfortunately, they taste awful. Best used in non- ingested forms. The industry has begun to refer to full spectrum in more broad terms. Full Spectrum oils can be made palatable and more concentrated when distilled. Distillate removes terpenes and flavonoids. This is what we use in tinctures, edibles, gummies and chocolate.

Broad Spectrum oil refers to a full spectrum distillate which has had all THC removed. Many CBD users do not want any THC present. This is often so that use will not trigger drug test results positive for THC. Others might be sensitive to THC or simply not like it, even at .3%.

Isolates are a powder form of just a single cannabinoid. They are easy to blend and formulate products. They are pure and easily measured. However, they do not take advantage of the entourage effect, unless there is distillate in another ingredient. Products made with only isolate can seem potent on paper, but the effects are diminished.

The final thing to know are the various delivery methods.

Edibles are the most convenient, but CBD through the digestive system takes longer to process. It is also less efficient for absorption, though effects last longer. Edibles such as gummies and capsules are the most common form. Sublingual usage of tinctures is more efficient and faster to be absorbed. It bypasses the liver.

Topicals/ transdermal absorption is my favorite for local pain. Why spread the dosage over your entire system if you just want CBD for your sore knee? Many people have both systemic and local pain. In these cases, I suggest an edible in combination with topical for hot spots.

Inhaling. A surprising number of people consume CBD in various forms using smoking or vape devices. This is the most efficient method in terms of absorption, and time to effects. The majority of our customers are uncomfortable with smoking and vaping. But not all. Just today I spoke with the 60-year-old spouse of a Nevada police captain. She was fighting through a bout with cancer and found that the traditional joint delivery method was what worked best for her. She laughed about how she has come full circle from her 20’s.

There you have the cast of cannabinoids, extracted concentrates and forms to use. I am excited to see how this knowledge base will expand with scientific studies in addition to the anecdotal stories we collect.

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On Hemp: The Start of Horn Creek https://horncreekhemp.com/the-start-of-horn-creek/ https://horncreekhemp.com/the-start-of-horn-creek/#respond Thu, 22 Sep 2022 15:54:46 +0000 https://horncreekhemp.com/?p=53978 From The Jacksonville Review – July 2022 Issue Ten years ago, I slid off the Gary West Meats roof during a December storm. Each surgery confirmed it was not my best decision. That fall still impacts our family’s path. At the time, opioids were still the go-to for chronic pain. I attempted to work a month […]

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On Hemp: The Start of Horn Creek

From The Jacksonville Review – July 2022 Issue

Ten years ago, I slid off the Gary West Meats roof during a December storm. Each surgery confirmed it was not my best decision. That fall still impacts our family’s path. At the time, opioids were still the go-to for chronic pain. I attempted to work a month after leaving the hospital. But pills left me foggy and unable to focus. That is probably a good thing, given how the opiate story unfolded.

During recovery my son had brought me some generic CBD cream. I was skeptical. The jar sat unused for weeks. Reluctantly one day I tried some. I did not expect to become a convert. But shortly after, the pain subsided, and my head was clear. Cannabidiol (CBD) can be extraordinary. It is misunderstood, over-hyped and under-studied. But for many of us it provides an effective palliative tool. CBD worked for me, but so little was known, and there were no regulatory bodies. I wanted to know exactly what was in this product.

Paul with the hemp flower wonderwallWe began growing high CBD plants on our Old Stage Rd farm. Family Matriarch Whitney dusted off her herbal remedy books. We produced topicals, creams, and tinctures. Hundreds of family and friends sampled our formulas provided in exchange for feedback. My father is a retired pediatrician. He uses the topical on his knees after replacement surgery, as ibuprofen doesn’t work for him. We weren’t aware how many suffer chronic conditions unresponsive to traditional western medicine. After dialing in our recipes, we formalized our operation as Horn Creek Farms. It has taken over our daily lives with exhausting but deeply fulfilling work.

Per the USDA farm bill, “Industrial Hemp” is the Cannabis Sativa L. plant with high CBD content and virtually all psychoactive THC removed. It looks and smells the same as its potent cousin. High-THC Cannabis Sativa L. is referred to as medical or recreational marijuana. Other industrial hemp cultivars grown for fiber or seed are very different plants. They are not yet grown locally. Southern Oregon is among best places to cultivate hemp and marijuana in the US – and perhaps in the world. This created two problems. Local hemp farms proliferated, shoehorned into every piece of suitable land. Many were messy affairs, with plastic strewn about and pirated water. But hemp can also be grown in a legal, aesthetically pleasing and responsible manner.

We heard rumors of marijuana being grown in those hemp fields. Then last year all pretense was removed as indiscrete black market grows took over. These left environmental and legal messes for landowners. Licensed Cannabis ops were among the most negatively impacted. Illegal grows took water and drove land and supply prices skyward. PR was a disaster, as the public can’t differentiate between white market and black-market farms. Ultimately these operations resulted in two additional restrictions to legal grows—HB 3000 and SB 1564.

HB 3000 provided resources to law enforcement, water regulators and code enforcers. SB1564 placed a moratorium on new license applications. These efforts seem to be effective, but we won’t know until later this summer. So far there isn’t nearly the level of illicit activity. Market conditions also factor in. Much of the legislation makes good sense. It addressed hemp farms which were growing black market weed under disguise. New laws made OLCC field testing easier, which is good. But many other changes mostly restrict legit operations. That is just the way regulations work. New rules aren’t necessary for those who follow the law, but law enforcement can’t tell who is on which side. And the black market is not known to follow rules.

horn creek family planting

Today, Horn Creek ships raw hemp and formulated CBD products around the world. Everyone in the family participates. Whitney is our head grower and product formulator. Our oldest daughter does the books. Her husband runs field operations. Our youngest does marketing and social media. Two grandchildren keep morale high. Growing hemp has given us the wonderful experiences of working a family farm.

This year will see material change. Many players have moved on. Farming isn’t as easy as it seems. Water restrictions, field audits and more enforcement are changing the landscape. Agencies are working to stabilize and manage this young movement. New science will come forth now that universities are able to do research. I will share developments in research, legislation and trends around CBD in Southern Oregon. Hemp can be a healthy and beneficial crop. It provides a much-needed boost for our rural areas. Hemp sequesters more carbon than most other crops. Oregon can and should be a world leader in this developing industry. We must shape it so that a legal hemp farm is as good a neighbor and community member as any other crop.

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Why Horn Creek Hemp Prices Are Low https://horncreekhemp.com/why-horn-creek-hemp-prices-are-low/ https://horncreekhemp.com/why-horn-creek-hemp-prices-are-low/#respond Tue, 20 Jul 2021 21:02:56 +0000 https://www.horncreekhemp.com/?p=5325 As consumers, we have interesting logic. Our first impression of product quality is based on price. But price and quality aren’t related. At all. Products that cost more to produce will indeed be more expensive for the consumer. It might cost more because the producer is inefficient or because they have several middlemen. The Wine […]

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Why Horn Creek Hemp Prices Are Low

As consumers, we have interesting logic. Our first impression of product quality is based on price. But price and quality aren’t related. At all. Products that cost more to produce will indeed be more expensive for the consumer. It might cost more because the producer is inefficient or because they have several middlemen.

The Wine Test:

A recent test showed that people taste-testing wine rated cheap wine higher if they were told it was more expensive. Respondents consistently up-voted the cheapest glass of wine if they saw a falsely elevated price tag associated with it.  

Why do we do this? Who knows? We do it though. But it simply isn’t correct.

I mention this because as a farm, we produce the product ourselves. We sell directly to you, the consumer. Our costs to produce is low. We made a conscious decision to price our products based on what they cost to produce, not the going market rate. We wanted to make CBD accessible to more people. Our thinking was that people would not continue to pay $150 per month for a CBD tincture. Ours is $35 for 30 ml of 2,000 mg CBD per oz. We believe our CBD is the same if not better quality than our competition. $150 is ridiculous. $35-$50 is fair.

We think top quality flower should be affordable for those who need it.  Oxford dictionary defines ‘cheap’ as ‘low in price; worth more than its cost’.  The only reference to quality is that it is worth more than what is paid.  “Cheap Hemp Flower” is a common search engine query.  Those people are looking for low prices, not low quality.

Spending more than $100 per oz for sun grown is simply too high. The only reason it sells at that rate is because there are multiple middlemen between the seller and the farmer, and/or simply because people have paid that. Indoor flower is different in terms of cost to produce. But the question is whether the difference in products justifies the difference in price.  Most people agree that sun grown flower is more potent, which is the objective for most consumers.  Indoor excels for nose and bag appeal.  Does that alone add up to such a price delta?

For our premium flower we currently charge $45 per ounce. Is it good quality? We think so. But don’t take our word. The High Times Hemp Cup was judged by hundreds of CBD flower smokers across the country. Our Lifter Flower took first place. In second? Indoor flower, selling for $219 per ounce.

And that isn’t all. In the last 12 months, our products have won 12 awards, including 6 golds for flower. These include Two golds and NW Top Grower at the Golden Grow, and Gold and Silver at the Cultivation Classic. It also includes a first place for the most Credible Cultivar. This is their flagship award and it is very significant. This is a triple-blind test. Judges don’t know the cultivar, the farm, or even if it is THC or CBD dominant. Respondents selected based on consistency and favorable relaxing effects. It’s the first time a CBD flower has ever won this award.

All that chest-pounding is to say – we believe our hemp products hold their own with the other quality products on the market at an attainable price. It also means that if we choose to set fair prices for our goods, we ask that you judge them by their merit, not their affordability. 

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Orchardists, OSU, Oregon CBD, And Others Tour Horn Creek Farms https://horncreekhemp.com/horn-creek-farm-tour/ https://horncreekhemp.com/horn-creek-farm-tour/#respond Fri, 16 Jul 2021 20:48:51 +0000 https://www.horncreekhemp.com/?p=5309 On July 15th Horn Creek hosted visitors from around the state. The Oregon State University extension office holds an event for Pear Orchardists and supporting industry pros – nutritionists, pest management, etc. They tour orchards and share best practices. Joining us were also the many scientists from the OSU extension office. Our hemp farm was […]

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osu visits farm

Orchardists, OSU, Oregon CBD, And Others Tour Horn Creek Farms

On July 15th Horn Creek hosted visitors from around the state. The Oregon State University extension office holds an event for Pear Orchardists and supporting industry pros – nutritionists, pest management, etc. They tour orchards and share best practices. Joining us were also the many scientists from the OSU extension office. Our hemp farm was a first for many of these Ag specialists.

We were also joined by Emery and Andrea of Oregon CBD. Emery is our primary contact and helps us with our questions and needs. Andrea works on the science end. Andrea is part of the team which introduced some exciting new developments this year – seedless triploid cultivars and the two new CBDV plants. They were great resources to answer questions well over my head.

Hemp is a unique crop, but it is also just another crop as far as nutrients and pests, and disease are concerned. There were centuries of ag experience and knowledge among the attendees. During an ongoing Q and A, I was quickly reminded how much there is to learn. I often realize that not only do I not know the answers, I often don’t even know the questions I should be asking.

I always accept groups that wish to tour the farm. It is important for our industry’s longevity that we are known to our fellow farmers. We share the same resources – land, water, experts. What we do invariably affects one another. If we operate in the margins, we won’t be accepted into the ag community and we need to be. We also need to be a part of the neighborhood and valley communities.

A majority of attendees had never been to a hemp farm. I always start the conversation by asking them to ask the hard questions in order to address the most important topics. As always, water use, plastic, aroma, and thc concentrations are brought up. As farmers, we need to engage these queries. Uninformed people often assume the worst of our practices. As I write this, Illegal THC grows proliferate in the valley. They pop up overnight in full view and with hastily constructed hoop houses covered by miles of poly sheeting. The owners are not active in the community. Legal rec and hemp grows have no connection to these newcomers but we are lumped along with them in the average citizen’s eyes.

One attendee is a horticulturist for Harry and David’s orchard division. He asked how much water we use per plant. Between Oregon CBD, the extension scientists, and my own calculations we came up with about 1 to 2 gallons per watering session or roughly 4-5 gallons per week. That is a far cry from the 5 gallons per day that has been reported in local media. Those inflated water usage numbers had raised concerns. A face to face conversation can stop the spread of false and alarming information.

Oregon is a leader in hemp agriculture. Southern Oregon is the epicenter. We need sustainable farms operating in our valley for the good of the CBD industry and for the economic health of our state. We are happy to engage with any groups who want to learn more about what happens at Horn Creek.

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Who has the Best Hemp Flower? Growing And Showing At Hemp Competitions https://horncreekhemp.com/how-cbd-and-hemp-flower-competitions-work/ https://horncreekhemp.com/how-cbd-and-hemp-flower-competitions-work/#respond Tue, 16 Mar 2021 00:08:07 +0000 https://www.horncreekhemp.com/?p=3053 Who Has The Best Hemp Flower? Horn Creek Hemp Is On A Roll. Top 10 Best Hemp Flowers? The Internet Wants To Know. The internet is obsessed with rankings and lists. Best hemp flower cultivars. Top 10 CBD companies. The answers are much more nuanced. Mostly, consumers want to know that they can order from […]

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Who has the Best Hemp Flower? Growing And Showing At Hemp Competitions

Who Has The Best Hemp Flower? Horn Creek Hemp Is On A Roll.

Top 10 Best Hemp Flowers? The Internet Wants To Know.

The internet is obsessed with rankings and lists. Best hemp flower cultivars. Top 10 CBD companies. The answers are much more nuanced. Mostly, consumers want to know that they can order from a company and trust that what they receive will be quality products.

Every farmer properly believes their hemp is the very best. We are subjective and must rely on third parties to make that call. Horn Creek relies on competitions, reviewers and customer testimonials to score our quality and to keep improving. Hemp competitions carry the most weight in certifying a companies claims. Competitions are growing in popularity. Numerous Cannabis Cups have added hemp flower and product categories. How do they work and what can we learn from them? How can farmer’s grow the best hemp possible to put their operation on the CBD map?

How Do CBD Flower Competitions Determine The Best Hemp Flower?

Typically, competitions employ a panel of judges with experience in both Hemp and Marijuana. Their backgrounds will be either as growers, hemp enthusiasts or both. There are some tremendously talented and knowledgeable people in the cannabis industry. They can detect minute hints of a cultivar’s origin, genetics and cultivation practices. We prize those insights as they help us evolve our farming practices.

There is another method which is increasingly popular – People’s Choice. In the same way that wine is assessed and consumed, not all users value or can even detect the subtleties of a bud connoisseur or wine sommelier. People know what they like. And really, that is what hemp flower competitions are about – answering the questions of who grows the best hemp flower? and “How can I find the best hemp flower among the hundreds of hemp companies?

This latter method works best for finding the most popular hemp flower and CBD products. I must admit that at times experts operate well above my head. They can go deep into terpene profiles and bud structures. That is their job and they are good at it. Many buyers simply want to know whether the products have the right nose, the right effects and the potency as advertised. People’s choice categories are very good providing a consumer’s stamp of approval.

What Do Hemp Judges Judge?

Submissions are usually a month or more in advance of the event. In some cases such as the Cultivation Classic it will be 4-6 months prior. The submissions must be lab-tested for compliance and re-packaged into blind samples. This is important. We appreciate knowing that there were no preconceptions from the judges based on the origin farm or the genetics. We only enter competitions that use blind testing. Some People’s Choice contests are not blind, those potential biased results are mitigated over several hundred judges.

CBD products and hemp flowers are evaluated differently. Products such as CBD salves, tinctures, topicals, and teas are judged based on appearance, feel, fragrance and efficacy. CBD hemp flower is judged based on looks, nose, terpene profile, potency, cure, flavor, and effects. Curing is absolutely critical.

The most credible results come from be either single or double-blind, which is to say the judge’s do not know the farm, the cultivar, or even whether the flower is THC or CBD-rich. We were quite pleased and the judges quite surprised to find that our Sour Space Candy won the Cultivations Classic’s flagship ‘Credible Cultivar’ award. That award is given to the flower which receives the most consistent, and consistently favorable positive votes. This award has only been won by THC flower prior to 2020. It is a statement about the quality and effects potential for CBD hemp flower.

Horn Creek Hemp’s Process And Results

hanging greenhouse hemp trellisMuch of the hemp and CBD experience is subjective, which lends itself to seeking as many opinions as possible. In 2020 we set out to seek as many considered opinions as possible. That meant entering all of the hemp and CBD competitions we could and taking their feedback to heart. We also found a handful of online reviewers to be very helpful.

Two Youtube reviewers that we like include Shabazz and Hemp Ups Low Down/Lonermob. They’ve both been objective and offered good feedback for better curing.Good feedback isn’t always positive. That is the opportunity. It is soothing to receive compliments about your products. But you don’t learn anything. We were grateful for some polite and thoughtfully critical opinions about our flower. The most common criticisms we heard early on were insufficient curing and over-drying. These two perspectives caused us to review our procedures for quality and consistency.

We spent months reviewing and refining how we dry, cure and store hemp flower. Whitney is an outstanding and demanding cultivator. We know she can produce top quality flower. Drying properly takes close observation to determine when the flower is ready. The hard part is curing and storing. I look at a cure as a proprietary chef’s recipe. There is no fixed static process. Every batch is different, requiring regular assessment. It will be ready when it is ready.

After that, storage is critical. We have put months into growing, harvesting, drying and curing premium hemp flower. Poor storage can put that entire effort to waste. Dark, cool, stable temperature and Rh are vital for preservation of the products. And you must be able to control air – at times you want limited air movement, and at times none.

Once we dialed these components in we wanted to see what others thought of our work.

2020 Golden Grow Awards

We began 2020’s competition season at the first annual Hemp, Inc. Golden Grow Awards. We entered our Special Sauce by Oregon CBD. It had the best nose and it is the cultivar that launched Horn Creek Farms. We finished the curing process with a couple weeks of mason jar time. Just like any pageant, we primped and pruned our entries and hoped for the best. We were pleased to win 2nd place for Judge’s Favorite and 3rd for people’s choice.

Oregon Grower’s Cup

We next submitted two flowers and two CBD products to the Oregon Grower’s Cup. We put some strong contenders through the prep routine though we did not finish in the top three. As I said, critiques provide an opportunity to learn.

We also entered two of our favorite crafted CBD products into the Cup. We make our CBD Topical, Ruby’s Max salve, with oil extracted from our Special Sauce flower. Rubys Salve uses 5,000mg CBD per ounce. The base is a proprietary base including MCT and an assortment of essential oils. Whitney’s blend comes from years of experience with herbal remedies. This is the original recipe that helped me recover from injury and launched our farm. It is astonishingly effective, with broad entourage effects from both full and broad-spectrum distillate. Ruby’s Max was voted the best CBD Topical at the competition.

Super Special Sauce dry extraction kief is golden in color. Any hemp flower material that is not well suited for standalone sale is sifted for kief. Quality kief requires three things – First, strong cultivation for maximum trichome production. Cure is important but not as much as with flower. Good kief must be light gold in color, which means it consists of just trichomes and no green plant material. It must also clump together well which indicates stickiness and freshness. Special Sauce Kief won Best CBD Extraction.

Cultivation Classic

horn creek hemp awardsThis was the 6th year for the Cultivation Classic. It was a challenging year. We submitted entries in February for an anticipated award show in May. Covid 19 changed that. The Classic finally aired their program in November of 2020.

The Classic is known for rigorous and data-centric judging processes. They have the largest judge panel of all, with some 150 volunteers. Each judge is given samples without knowing the farm, the cultivar, or even whether it is high THC, a blend, or high CBD. Judges grade on multiple aspects of the flower, including how it makes them feel and how pleasurable the effects are.

We were thrilled to win the top two spots in the hemp category with Oregon CBD genetics Suver Haze which took gold and Special Sauce (Silver). The flagship award at the Classic is named Credible Cultivar. This prize is awarded to the flower from all categories that all judges rate not just the best, but also the most enjoyable. Judges named this winner the most consistently relaxing flower of all entries. We were thrilled that Sour Space Candy won this category. It is the first time a non-thc flower even placed. To us, this demonstrates that low or non-thc deserves a seat at the cannabis table.

2021 Golden Grow Awards

To finish 2020 and kick off 2021 we conducted an in-house competition to determine which cultivars we would enter in our second Golden Grow. An internal blind panel selected our Lifter and Hawaiian Haze. The Golden Grow awards organizers put in an heroic effort to hold a live show. Ultimately the ceremony had to be virtual. At the end of their online hemp conference, they handed out awards after commentary by the five judge panel. Out of five judged categories, Lifter won top marks for Best CBD potency, Judge’s Favorite, and the Aggregate award – Best NW Hemp Grower for Horn Creek Farms.

What’s Next?

We feel very fortunate to have done well in our first year of competition. We are proud of our team and they deserve our gratitude. We’ve next set our sights on larger competitions and continuously improving our methods. We are working to get placement on someone’s Best Hemp of 2021 list.

Next Up: High Times Cannabis Cup.
Epilog: High Times People’s Choice Awards

High Times runs The Annual Hemp Cup Awards. While not a blind judging event, HT Cup is inarguably the highest profile event of its kind. We were eager to see how we compared to other brands. Horn Creek went all in.. We submitted in multiple categories, though our #1 focus was on the flower category. We sent caramels, pre-rolls, kief, liquid capsules, and other items. Products were divided among 8 different assortments which were then sent around the country to judges who opted in to receive a kit and provide feedback.

And last month winners were announced. The team gathered in the kitchen, watching on an iPhone. Except me. I stayed in the field on a tractor because I couldn’t take the suspense. as the show built up to the flagship flower category, we were so pleased to get honorable mention for Special Sauce kief, 3rd place for capsules, then 3rd place for our CBD caramels. Then the flower category came up… And this happened. 

high times hemp cup
Cultivation classic

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The Role Of Terpenes In Hemp Products https://horncreekhemp.com/terpenes/ https://horncreekhemp.com/terpenes/#respond Thu, 14 Jan 2021 07:30:32 +0000 https://www.horncreekhemp.com/?p=2878 The hemp plant is complex. It contains so many different compounds aimed at helping your body deal with everyday aches and pains. One of the most vital parts of the plant’s makeup is terpenes. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in many plants, but they are often associated with cannabis because it has high terpene […]

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hemp farm fields

The Role Of Terpenes In Hemp Products

The hemp plant is complex. It contains so many different compounds aimed at helping your body deal with everyday aches and pains. One of the most vital parts of the plant’s makeup is terpenes.

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in many plants, but they are often associated with cannabis because it has high terpene concentrations. Terpenes also can have healing benefits alone and when paired with other compounds.

How Terpenes Affect People:

Because of the aromas these compounds emit, they are often the basis of essential oils. The idea is when paired with hemp and the rest of the compounds, it has healing benefits. This is part of what is known as the entourage effect.

The entourage effect is the theory that all of the compounds found in cannabis work synergistically together when they are combined, producing a more beneficial effect compared to taking them alone. They have been shown to possibly provide neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects and could help improve CBD’s therapeutic benefits.

That is why full-spectrum CBD products have gained so much attention. They are thought to utilize the entourage effect to get the full benefits of the plant.

Let’s dive into some of the most common terpenes found in hemp.

Common Terpenes Found In Hemp:

There are over 100 types of terpenes in the natural world and many of those are found in cannabis plants. Here are four different types of hemp terpenes:

  • Pinene:

    The most abundant terpene found in the natural world. And you may be able to guess by its name it has a distinct pine smell. Pinene is found in many trees and plants it’s also found in hemp. Pinene has been shown to help with mental focus and energy among other benefits.

  • Limonene:

    This is a terpene with a citrus flavor. It has been linked to multiple benefits such as weight loss, treating bronchitis, and has also been explored for cancer treatment.

  • Myrcene:

    A musky and earthy aroma with a hint of fruit. It’s known for its healing qualities. It has been used as an anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxer, and a sedative.

  • Caryophyllene:

    This has a hoppy smell. This is in part because of the similarities of hops and hemp, which are cousins in the plant world. It has been shown to help with depression and anxiety.

Terpenes play a vital role in the efficacy and enjoyment of hemp products. They not only give off those great smells that we all have come to love here at Horn Creek Hemp Farm, but they improve the effectiveness of hemp products. Utilizing the entirety of the hemp flower maximizes its value.

We always put an emphasis on utilizing everything the plant has to offer, and by doing so we are able to come up with some outstanding products aimed at helping deal with everyday aches and pains.

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