Frequently Asked Questions
RESTORE, REVITALIZE, HEAL
Green Bee Botanicals crafts natural, botanically-rooted skincare and healing topicals
featuring organic full-spectrum cannabis.
Testing
Are Green Bee products tested?
Yes. Just like our cannabis (THC) products, we test our hemp products too. The California Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) requires stringent testing of our cannabis-based products by a third-party laboratory for dosing accuracy, potency and safety, including pesticides, heavy metals, microbial impurities, mycotoxins, residual solvents and processing chemicals and we decided to do the same for our hemp line as well, even though currently it is not required by law.
As a former quality assurance chemist, our founder Bridget May understands how important testing is, and we all use Green Bee products ourselves, as do our friends and loved ones. The whole point of starting Green Bee was to make medicinal cannabis and skincare that is healing and good for all of us.
If you want the detailed test results for a specific Green Bee product, just look up the batch number on the box and you can find a pdf of the complete CoA (Certificate of Analysis) on our website.
Are all hemp products tested?
First thing to know is that hemp is not regulated in the US, unlike cannabis, which is highly regulated (see “Are Green Bee products tested” above) — so hemp is not required to be tested for purity, potency or even safety, as cannabis is. Many brands take advantage of this and are very, shall we say, liberal, with their CBD labeling.
You won’t be able to know if the CBD is clean, unless the manufacturer tests their products voluntarily and shares the results (as we do). There is no mandatory testing of hemp products at this time.
We found one CBD skincare product that posted their test results on their website (apparently assuming people either wouldn’t actually read or wouldn’t understand them) where the test results completely contradicted all their claims of “100% organic,” “certified to be free from any pesticides, herbicides, solvents, heavy metals, or chemical fertilizers,” “lab tested for safety, purity, and potency” and “complete transparency.”
So do your homework; it’s important and your body and your skin will thank you for it.
What is a Certificate of Analysis and how do I read one?
A C of A or a Certificate of Analysis is a test report from an independent, third party lab. It shows all the test results for a particular product compared to a safe limit. So, for example, if a number in the result should not be greater than 0.5 ug/g (micrograms per gram), and the result comes in lower than that limit, you’re good to go. With those results, you’ll know the product is safe to use.
What is an LOD?
LOD stands for Limit of Detection. It is the very smallest amount of a chemical that the test instrument can record. If there is less than this much in the sample the result will show a result of ND or Not Detected. This is a very small amount, generally.
What is an LOQ?
LOQ is the Limit of Quantitation. This means that if the number reported for a result is higher than this amount, it can be trusted to be accurate. If the test result is lower than this amount then it is usually reported as “<LOQ”. A real number will not be reported.
What does ND stand for?
ND stands for Not Detected. It means that there is so little of an analyte in a sample that it was below the level that could be detected by the testing instrument. In other words, it was below the LOD, or Limit of Detection.
What is a mycotoxin?
In short? Toxins from mold. In more science terms: mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites that are produced by microfungi. They come from infested plant crops and at worst, can cause sickness or death. Usually these illnesses are caused by ingesting the mycotoxins – but they can also be absorbed through the skin. We assure you with our test that our products are free and clean of mycotoxins. That’s why we test for everything.
What are residual solvents and why are they bad for us?
In order to use plant actives like CBD in topical products, we first need to extract the sticky resin from the flowering tops of the cannabis plant. This concentrates the potent and medicinal oils, including cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG. There are many extraction methods, some using solvents, such as ethanol or butane. We use CO2 extracted cannabis, so there won’t be any solvents left over after the process anyway. But just for peace of mind, and to prove that we use really clean ingredients, we test for all kinds of residual solvents too. We wouldn’t want anyone putting propane or butane on their face!
Why we test for more than potency
Lots of the better hemp CBD brands test their products – for potency. So you’ll know how much CBD is in them. We do that too. But what is different about us is that we also test for things that shouldn’t be in our products, so you can be assured that they are free from contamination and unwanted chemicals.
What if I still don't understand?
We get it. Not everyone sits around reading Certificates of Analysis all day. We do though, so if you have more questions just email us and we’ll walk you through it!
Hemp
What is hemp?
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a plant humans have grown for thousands of years. The stalks can be used for fabric, paper, rope, or even made into concrete. Hemp seeds are highly nutritious and and hemp seed oil is both edible and nourishing for the skin.
The healing compounds in our products, called cannabinoids and terpenes, are found from the resin of the flowers. CBD and CBG are some of the dozens of healthy, healing compounds in the cannabis plant.
What does "clean hemp" mean?
We use a verifiably tested clean hemp source. It can be made into safe, potent, effective skincare and wellness products. Because the Cannabis sativa (hemp) plant is a bioacumulator, it can easily absorb toxins such as heavy metals from the soil into its tissues. We test every small batch and share the results with you. So you know.
How can one plant do this much?
Many say that the cannabis or hemp plant evolved to mimic our bodies inner workings, so cannabis effects can be felt all over, from your gut to your skin. It’s not just about the high; cannabinoids have immense healing powers. So think of it as your vitamin for everything — body and soul.
What's the difference between cannabis and hemp?
Cannabis and hemp are different common names for the same plant species: Cannabis sativa. The distinction is a legal one. Hemp is bred to contain very little to no THC and is by definition, federally legal. Cannabis is traditionally grown to produce large amounts of THC, which in case you didn’t know, can also be used topically–without the high–for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain-relieving propeties.
What does it mean to be "full spectrum"?
We believe in using the entire spectrum of cannabinoids. This means we don’t just use an isolated single molecule, but the whole rainbow – including CBD, THC, CBG and minor cannabinoids like CBC, as well as terpenes and flavinoids.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis–and other plants–their signature scent and contribute to their medicinal benefits. Some, like limonene and pinene are named after the plants they are also commonly found in, like lemons and pine trees. Terpenes are known to funtion together with cannabinoids in the entourage effect, working as a team to promote healing.
Will Green Bee products get me high?
No. All of our products are made for topical use only.
When used on the skin, our products are non-psychoactive. There are two reasons for this:
Skin is an extremely effective barrier. It is built to keep out invading pathogens and toxins and to keep in the things we need, like moisture. Very little is able to get much deeper than the dermal layer, and that includes delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
The THC molecule is large — the component of cannabis that can produce a ‘high’ in the human brain is relatively large, and even under the best of circumstances has a difficult time passing through the cellular structures of the skin. (Even THC dermal patches that are highly concentrated, and contain penetration enhancers have been known to deliver the medicinal benefits of THC for pain without the psychoactive effects of feeling high.)
Do Green Bee products contain THC?
Yes, but only in trace amounts in our hemp CBD line, and regardless of amount, THC won’t get you high if applied to your skin (see above). We believe in the healing power of the whole plant, including THC, which scientific research shows is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, along with CBD and other cannabinoids. Our hemp products sold here will never have more than the US legal limit of 0.3% THC, and in fact, our first batch shows THC is ‘ND’ (Not Detected) in independent lab tests.
When used together, all the cannabinoids plus terpenes and flavinoids create what is called “the entourage effect,” which means they work better together. For that, you need full-spectrum cannabis, including THC. CBD is not the only healing molecule! Even though THC is psychoactive when ingested, our products won’t get you high. This is because when used topically, THC doesn’t reach your blood vessels or brain. Read more on our Cannabis & Skin page.
Does hemp oil contain CBD?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
The answer to this seemingly simple question is actually kind of complicated. The science of cannabis is evolving, much of the research is new, and plant biology can be complex. Muddling things further, hemp oil is called different things by different brands. You’ll see it as hemp seed oil, cannabis sativa hemp seed oil, virgin hemp oil, hemp oil, CBD hemp oil, cannabis sativa seed oil and full-spectrum hemp oil, among other things.
But what’s causing most of the confusion is that there is a ton, and we mean a TON, of misinformation out there. First off, it’s important to know that there is a difference between hemp oil and hemp seed oil.
We can tell you definitively that any product using hemp seed oil that claims it contains CBD is trying to pull the wool over your eyes.
CBD is one of dozens of healthy, healing compounds in the cannabis plant found mostly in the resin of the flowers, not in the seeds. If a hemp product is made from hemp seeds, it is botanically impossible for it to contain much, if any, CBD — or any other active cannabinoids for that matter. There may be scant traces of CBD on the coats of seeds if some resin happens to make contact with them, but not in any meaningful amount. That said, hemp seeds are an amazing food source and in the right formulation can be an effective skincare product. Hemp seeds are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and other goodies.
On the other hand, hemp oil derived from the whole hemp plant sometimes contains CBD. We say sometimes because hemp isn’t regulated in the US and hemp products are not required to be tested, as cannabis products are. This is why hemp product labels are often misleading (or downright false) — there’s no law against labeling a hemp product “high CBD” or “CBD-rich” for example. See “Are hemp products tested?” below for more.
The big takeaway is that it’s important to carefully vet each product and its ingredients. Some hemp companies test their products for safety and potency, but most don’t. We do! See our Test Results page for links to our batch results.
Do products on Amazon or my corner store contain CBD?
If you’re buying hemp “CBD” products on Amazon or a gas station or corner store, it may not — nay likely does not — contain real CBD. One big clue? Amazon’s own selling guidelines prohibit the sale of products containing cannabidiol (aka CBD).
Unless the place where you’re buying CBD-containing products shows you test results from every batch or you’re going to a licenced cannabis dispensary or delivery service, there’s no way to know for sure if it contains actual CBD. Some reputable hemp CBD brands exist, but you need to do your homework. Because of the lack of regulation in the hemp market, it is easy to fool the public. The Clean Label Project tested over 200 different CBD products and found that results varied wildly. Not only did some of them not contain any CBD but even more alarming, many of them also contained large amounts of lead. See our FAQ on testing for more information.
Are Green Bee products illegal?
Not in the slightest. Our ingredients are derived from federally legal hemp, which has the legally mandated maximum of 0.3% THC. Congress and the Farm Bill made hemp, and it’s derivatives, legal. We like to use full spectrum, with the most THC we can, so you get the maximum benefit.
Unless the place where you’re buying CBD-containing products shows you test results from every batch or you’re going to a licenced cannabis dispensary or delivery service, there’s no way to know for sure if it contains actual CBD. Some reputable hemp CBD brands exist, but you need to do your homework. Because of the lack of regulation in the hemp market, it is easy to fool the public. The Clean Label Project tested over 200 different CBD products and found that results varied wildly. Not only did some of them not contain any CBD, one of them also contained THC. Even more alarming, many of them also contained large amounts of lead. See our FAQ on testing for more information.
Shipping & Returns
(and Other Important Things)
Where do you ship?
Thank you for supporting our small business! We ship anywhere in the United States. As soon as we can we will announce when we are able to ship internationally. Please email us and let us know which countries you’d like us to ship to!
What is your return policy?
It is our priority, at Green Bee Botanicals, to make sure you get the glow-up you came for. We guarantee the potency, efficacy and purity of every product. Read our full return policy here.
What is your exchange policy?
If any products arrive damaged, you’re missing an item, or you have concerns about your order, please email us so we can resolve any issues. Please send us an email at hello@greenbeebotanicals.com within 7 days of receiving your product and describe the problem including:
Your name
Order Number
Photo of damaged product
Tracking number if missing shipment
Upon receipt, we’ll replace the product for broken or missing items, or you’ll be refunded the full amount of the items, Please allow up to 10 business days for the refund to be processed. See our full shipping and returns policy here.
Do you ship internationally?
Currently we only ship products in the United States. We will announce when we are able to begin to ship internationally. Please contact us and let us know which countries you’d like us to ship to!
Can I buy it in stores?
Yes. Our hemp products can be sold in regular retail stores too and we are always looking for more partners. If you know of a good fit for us, please let us know or introduce us!
Why is there a scary warning on the box?
It’s a California law, called Proposition 65, that applies to us because we use Cannabis sativa in our products and sell them in California. The law was written to include any product that might possibly contain cannabis smoke. We obviously don’t have smoke in our products nor are they meant to be inhaled in anyway, but out of an abundance of caution in our very litigious society, we were advised to include the warning. Rest assured, the products are safe to use. Read more here: greenbeebotanicals.shop/p65/