It seems like everyone knows about CBD these days. But what do you actually know about the CBD you’re taking? YOGA + Life chatted with Adriaan Zimmerman and Ret Taylor, the founders of Ned, based in Boulder, Colorado, to get more information on their products and process.

Here’s a little background for those who need it: cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants. Taking it as a full-spectrum hemp oil or applying it as a balm is meant to interact with the receptor activity of the endocannabinoid system to promote homeostasis in the body, reduce pain sensation and decrease inflammation. 

Like any offering that boasts wellness benefits, not every CBD product is created equally. Zimmerman and Taylor are passionate about quality over quantity with Ned. They work directly with a farmer in Paonia, Colorado, to source each organic whole hemp flower, which is then extracted into oil nearby in Monument and bottled in Boulder.  

Ned founders Adriaan Zimmerman and Ret Taylor

Ned’s founders are committed to paying farmer Jonathan, their valued hemp source in Paonia, fair compensation so that he can sustain himself with this work. Taylor says as hemp prices have dropped, independent farmers have struggled. It’s been tough on hemp farmers, he adds, especially those who have been doing it for a while and in the right way. 

Farmer Jonathan

Rituals for Wellness 

The hemp Ned uses is harvested by hand, without heavy machinery.

“We’re not using anything that will really disrupt the tact of the plant and the integrity of the plant,” Taylor says. “Then following through to the extraction process, we use a really gentle, cold extraction using food-grade organic ethanol. What that does is remove any heat or pressure from the process, so none of the good stuff is being burned off.”

In turn, Ned full-spectrum hemp oils are loaded with CBD, he adds, and complemented with whole plant cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and minerals. The healing elements in the oil is not stripped away, evident in the rich brown-green color of the oil, like the earth, along with a distinct and natural taste.

Ned’s hemp oil collection holds their most popular products, and the body butter can be used to ease muscle inflammation and soreness, and the lip balms are great for everyday use.  

New from Ned is their Natural Cycle Collection, made for any human who menstruates to help with hormone balance and period symptoms. The packaging is gorgeous, designed by a muralist, and the products include a hormone balancing blend oil, an energizing roll-on, a soothing salve and a period ease oil.

I have been testing the Natural Cycle Collection products during and around my cycle for the past two months, and I’ve certainly experienced soothing effects from CBD. I most enjoyed the rituals I created using each product, and the small joy it brought each time I engaged in the act of self-care.  

Using Ned products in the rituals surrounding personal wellness is part of Zimmerman and Taylor’s “why” in launching Ned.  

“Our mission is a lot deeper than just CBD,” Taylor says. “It’s about helping people live better, feel better through smile means and a deeper connection to the natural world.”

Learn more about Ned and their products at helloned.com.