Hey, COLA. Chloe here. CBD products are everywhere + available in every form – from gummies to cold brew to probably the most common option: CBD oil. No, CBD does not get you high. CBD products contain the legal amount of <.3% THC (no high) *or* no THC at all. If used correctly, CBD products have the potential to relieve inflammation, anxiety, pain – even acne and has helped people with drug misuse issues. More FAQs here.

I was beginning to look into CBD oils to manage stress + anxiety about a month ago, when I became aware of Indigo Ridge Hemp – a CBD company based out of Lexington, S.C. made from hemp grown on a USDA certified farm in Monetta, S.C. (45 mins from Columbia). Their CBD is extracted using Co2 which is the cleanest method – considered the “gold standard” for CBD products.

So, as any good writer would, I tried three of their CBD oils for three weeks and recorded how it went. You’re welcome.

Week 1: 250mg oil (good for beginners, children + elderly; $31.99)

Monday: I took my first official dose after a TV/Chinese food/social media binge (don’t judge) at about 10:30 p.m. to wind down my brain. My first thought when I dropped it under my tongue (the best way to take it) was that it tasted like, well, what you’d imagine weed tastes like. Not that I would know. They use natural flavoring to avoid putting any fake flavors or chemicals into the products, which I appreciate in the sea of unmonitored CBD products out there.
Mid-week: Took it in the afternoon (too much caffeine at work) but before my workout. I was wondering how it would affect my motivation but I felt good + had enough energy to workout, run errands, make dinner… and online shop.
Thursday: Stressful day at work + forgot my CBD oil at home. Coincidence?
Weekend: Took it in the afternoon (as my anxiety increased) on Friday and then at night on the weekends to help me sleep. Feeling good overall, but not a huge difference.

Week 2: 500mg oil (medium-strength; $69.99)

Monday: Had the day off from work after a Sunday wedding in Florida. Took it at night before the Monday scaries really started, then watched Stranger Things and fell asleep. I noticed that I have been sleeping really well (usually I get up about once in the middle of the night) and I’ve been having the craziest dreams (not bad, just really vivid).
Mid-week: I felt a bit of anxiety over some personal + work stuff going on, but I think it’s helping! I can tell the difference between 250 and 500. And by holding it under my tongue for 30 seconds.
Saturday: Took it on an empty stomach during a car ride and was super sleepy. Do not recommend taking it without eating unless you want to take a nap. 😌

Week 3: 1,000mg oil (strongest; $99.99)

Monday: The most notable difference in the 1,000mg: the burn. It has a peppery aftertaste in your throat when you swallow it. (I’ve heard that’s why ingestible high-strength CBD is sometimes hard for people to take). But it doesn’t last too long and I don’t mind it.
Tuesday: Today at barre class I realized my usual stress-induced neck/shoulder pain hasn’t bothered me in a while. That’s major, and I think CBD has something to do with it. I’m still sleeping so much better and fully through the night. This might be the holy grail of CBD oils.
Mid-week–weekend: Since this one is stronger, I’m usually taking it at night before bed. But, it might be building up in my system, because I am feeling somewhat less anxious on a day-to-day basis.

Verdict:

I love this stuff. Maybe it’s mental, but I think it’s helping my state-of-mind, and it’s definitely helping with some physical pain (notably in my shoulders, where I carry stress). I’ll probably continue using the 500mg when I run out of my current oils, since it’s a little more affordable than the 1,000mg.

Note: Each dropper bottle contains 30ml of oil, which is a 30-day supply. CBD builds up in your system, so it’s best to try any product for a full 30 days before making a decision.

Indigo Ridge Hemp Farm produces the highest quality CBD products on the market.

Indigo Ridge Hemp CBD oil | photo provided

Indigo Ridge Hemp is one of only a handful of companies selling CBD products grown in S.C., and it stands out because they are the largest in the state, with 100 acres of hemp grown on a 2,300-acre, fourth-generation farm in Saluda County, which also happens to grow organic fruit + veggies for Lowes Foods, Whole Foods + Publix).

Their 2018 Hemp crop is CCOF certified organic, and they’re in the process of becoming one of the first hemp companies to showcase the USDA certified organic seal on their products. They also publish a public Certificate of Analysis for all of their products, so you can trust that they’re legit.

Farm in Monetta, S.C. where Indigo Ridge Hemp hemp is grown | photo provided

Here are their other products (even more are in the works):

500mg CBD Oil Muscle Gel ($49.99; currently on sale for $39.99) – I tried this after I pulled a muscle working out. It felt kind of like Icy Hot, but I knew it was natural, so that was a plus.
500mg CBD Oil Pain Cream ($79.99)
300mg 30ml All Organic CBD Pet Formula ($39.99) – My dog loved it. (Check out this cute success story.)
1,500mg Organic Mint CBD Oil ($109.99) – For those who want a higher dosage and no THC.

Indigo Ridge Hemp CBD products | image provided

You can find their products at these retail locations across the Midlands, Lowcountry + Upstate (and they’re adding new locations each week) or in their online shop. Pro tip: Use code COLAtoday for 10% off online.

If you’ve tried Indigo Ridge Hemp CBD, let us know what you think in the comments of this post. Ⓟ