RED RIVER HEALTH &
CANNABIS
Hand Grown Locally
When I found out that the US Farm Bill of 2018 had allowed for the re-integration of cannabis (specifically hemp) as an agricultural commodity, I became excited about the possibilities it provided me as a healer. Cannabis has been recorded for medicinal use in the Chinese herbal pharmacopeia for thousands of years. As early as the 6th century AD, the plant’s flower was being written about in China because of its ability to ease pain by “relieving impediment”. The list of recommended uses expanded over the centuries to include inducing sleep, resolving tremors, and creating “happiness in the heart”.
I have spent 2019 expanding my research of the plant as medicine, and then I applied to become a grower in the spring. Meanwhile, I was able to begin prescribing CBD (cannabidiol) to my patients. I’ve since seen many patients benefit and share their stories. However, I’ve also watched as this new market was being exploited, and consumers were at risk. As our small half acre of hemp grew, I began to look forward to integrating healthy cannabis plants from the farm at my clinic. I could rest assured that by using organic and regenerative growing techniques the the plants were healthy for my patients and the farm was healthy for the soil.
~Robert Angotti, Lic. Ac., Herbalist, Farmer
HARVEST to HEALING
The cannabis plant has a rich medical profile because of it many valuable compounds. These compounds accumulate in the plant as it ages. They act as defenses against pests and predators, but they help us. The most prominent among them are cannabinoids, and terpenes. While cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are prominent in the news now, our knowledge of the value of other cannabinoids and terpenes is constantly growing. You can learn more about the medical profile of our plants here.
I have decided to start creating cannabis oils using a method that is very practical on a small scale but preserves as much of the rich diversity of compounds in the plant as possible. These are often described as “full spectrum” oils. . There is no significant amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the oils we produce. Review our farm plants page for more details on the crop itself.
~Robert Angotti, Lic. Ac., Herbalist, Farmer
Premium Herbal Profile
PROCESSING
Rich Oil Infusions
There are multiple ways to extract the plants healing oils. I decided to use a method of extraction that I was affordable, and best preserved the medicinal integrity of the plant material. I also choose a process that would allow me to incorporate other herbal medicines eventually in order to enhance certain therapeutic effects. This is the traditional way that herbs are used synergistically in Chinese medicine. Stay connected through our newsletter to see when I develop unique tinctures focused on particular disharmonies.
There are three steps to the infusion process. First, the plant material is decarboxylated. This is a chemistry term referring to the removal of an acid chain from a molecule. In the case of CBD, its precursor molecule is CBDA. The “A” refers to an acid molecule which is removed trough decarboxylation. Although CBDA is medically valuable, I want to focus my oil tinctures on the use of CBD.
The second step involves slow cooking the plant material with a carrier oil base. I have chosen organic MCT oil. This oil has little flavor, and some medicinal value in weight loss and exercise endurance. An emulsifier is used as well to distribute the medicinal material well. An organic sunflower lecithin powder was used as the emulsifier.
Finally, the oil is filtered through stainless steel 100 micron mesh for a cleaner tincture. The oil is either bottled for use orally, or combined with organic beeswax for use as a topical balm. I am very excited about building a diversified product line combining Chinese herbs to enhance the oils effects.
By choosing from the products below you are choosing to support local, regenerative and organic farming practices with your health and the planets health in mind. Every purchase you make, goes right back into enhancing our knowledge of this plant, and enhancing my ability to continue working with cannabis in order to advance your health. To that end you will find that our product are priced much lower than those available on the market. Active Red River Health patients receive an additional discount.
~Robert Angotti, Lic. Ac., Herbalist, Farmer