Cannabis is everywhere — and with it? A large number of different cannabis companies, all unique in their own right. While many are just getting their start, there are some key players in the game that have been around for a long time. One that easily comes to mind is Elixinol. This is not just any ordinary CBD company. They are pioneers who have been leading the cannabis space since 2014 and they’re not stopping anytime soon.
Based in Australia and the United States of America in the state of Colorado, Elixinol has been providing cannabis newbies and connoisseurs alike around the globe a quality range of CBD products including sublingual oils, topicals, capsules, and edibles. Yet, we wait on the edge of our seat for anything else they might come up with because we know this industry leader will not disappoint. Paul Blenheim is the company founder who has earned a reputation for making some of the greatest leadership moves including launching a medical cannabis business and also reaching a deal with Altmed Pets, known as Pet Releaf.
To gain more insight on their products and what we can expect in the future from the brand, we speak with industry professional Melissa Davis, Elixinol’s very own Director of Education.
What should consumers look for when purchasing CBD?
Melissa Davis: Consumers need to take their time and do the research first when looking to try CBD. A few questions to ask or look into beforehand: What kind of hemp extract is used in the product – is it full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or isolate? How is the CBD extracted? Does the brand publish the product lab results, also called a Certificate of Analysis, on their website? Are they members of the US Hemp Authority? All of these questions are great starting points and can begin to give you an idea of the quality of the CBD.
Founded in 2014, well before the Farm Bill of 2018, Elixinol was one of the first CBD brands on the market. We are proud of that heritage. Product efficacy is a top priority at Elixinol. We only use full or broad spectrum in our formulations and use supercritical Co2 extraction as our primary extraction method, providing the cleanest product to our customers. We have also been US Hemp Authority members since it was established in 2018. It’s important for us to have a stake in the future of the industry.
Why is transparency in the CBD industry critical to success?
Complete transparency is hypercritical in the CBD industry. There is no federal regulation in the space, which has allowed a lot of bad actors in the CBD market to thrive. These brands mislead customers on the quality of their product and/or they make inappropriate claims about curing diseases. This makes the CBD business extremely challenging for the reputable companies in the space, and we constantly have to communicate our commitment to transparency and product integrity in everything we do.
Quality has been a top priority for the brand from the start. We provide clear and detailed Certificates of Analysis for every product. Our products undergo several third-party independent laboratory tests throughout the product creation lifecycle. Our testing ensures the absence of microbiological contamination, heavy metals and pesticides, as well as cannabinoid profiles and precise measures of the potency of CBD in each product.
What kind of research and clinical studies are being done that Elixinol is taking part in?
Research is key to the viability of the industry. Elixinol continues to look for ways to support the industry and pave the way for medical research when it comes to cannabinoids.
Just as important as research, it is also important for brands to be involved in advancing the industry forward. Elixinol is a proud member of the US Hemp Authority and US Hemp Roundtable. Our team works closely with these organizations and our elected officials on the best way to address the lack of current regulation in the world of CBD. We are completely invested in this industry and proud to help drive this dialogue, as those are the conversations that will decide the fate of the CBD business as a whole.
Does Elixinol have new products coming out this year?
Last month we launched Immune Gut Health, the first and only product combination of full-spectrum hemp extract and Ginfort™, a proprietary ingredient that features 13 times more ginger actives than traditional ginger powders. The unique combination of full-spectrum hemp extract and Ginfort’s concentrated ginger actives supports a healthy gut, which in turn supports a healthy immune system.
This month we released our new and improved liposome product, called Everyday Rapid Reset. The advantage of our liposome technology is that it allows the CBD to start absorbing soon after it hits your mouth, promoting relaxation and calm. Very few brands carry liposomes, and we are proud of this offering.
In terms of education, where do you think the industry is lacking most? What type of information do consumers need that is not easily accessible to them?
The number one question we receive from customers is if our products will get them high. There is still so much misinformation in the space when it comes to cannabis and the difference between CBD and THC. We are still trying to right years and years of misguided perceptions about cannabis.
The other main misconception is that CBD is like a pill, like taking Tylenol – that you will feel the effects right away. CBD is all about consistency and doing a little exploring of what works with your body and your endocannabinoid system. The serving size is considered just a starting point, and most people find they need to take more than suggested to find the balance they need in their body. It is also important to note that you cannot overdose on CBD. We encourage our customers to journal about their CBD experience and how they feel as they try different serving sizes and formats. It
In terms of products, where do you see the largest gap in the CBD market? What’s the product you’d like to see that doesn’t currently exist?
The largest gap in the CBD market is not different products, rather, it is the lack of federal regulation. Right now, the industry is having to constantly address and react to different state regulations and regional laws. We wish the industry could spend more time and money on CBD research and on developing new, innovative products. But instead, a lot of resources are being dedicated to monitoring the constantly changing regulations in the CBD space.
Advice for Entrepreneurs interested in the cannabis space?
Take your time and do your research. This industry is constantly changing and so is the legislation and regulation. So, stay diligent. It is a very different market now than it was in 2019, and then it was in 2016. Also keep in mind that a lot of states are now offering social equity programs and sponsorship opportunities for minorities, which is helping to bring new ideas and viewpoints into the space.
Advice for creators telling a compelling story about alternative products like CBD and supplements?
Honesty and integrity go a long way. Make sure you are well versed in what you can and can’t say when you are making claims. You want to ensure that you stay both legally compliant, as well as truthful to your customer.
The biggest difference Elixinol has made to people’s lives (that you’ve seen)?
We truly believe in our products and the reviews we get back from our customers speak for themselves. We constantly hear how our products have helped our customers live more active and fulfilled lives. We didn’t cut corners in our quality or the formulations. We made sure that each ingredient has a functional reason for being included and provides an important dietary benefit.
Final Thoughts
We are so thankful to know other passionate people in the industry striving to bring wellness awareness and healing to the planet through cannabis. We believe Elixinol is one brand that sets the standard for providing quality CBD. But what’s perhaps the biggest factor that sets them apart from other brands? Three words: seed to sale. Elixinol controls their entire production process and this clearly shows in their CBD.
If you want to take our word for it, before making a purchase we suggest you check out this useful in depth review of Elixinol for more information on a variety of their products!
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