Year: 2023

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Happenings Around the Farm: The Germination Process

Innovative Extracts hemp seed

Happenings Around the Farm: The Germination Process

As we approach the end of the winter season, Innovative Extracts prepares for another season of hemp cultivation. A few things around the farm are happening in order to ensure a successful hemp growing season. Improvements in infrastructure have kept us busy these last couple months, specifically the addition to our high tunnel population. These high tunnels play an important role for germination of our hemp crop in the early months of spring. The high tunnels provide favorable climate conditions for the seedlings to thrive in while shielding them from the environmental conditions traditionally faced when starting seedlings outdoors. 

Hemp seed germination

The germination process is a crucial part for a successful crop; it requires specific temperature, soil moisture, and light conditions to remain constant throughout the entire germination process. Newly planted hemp seeds can take anywhere from 24 hours to 14 days for germination, depending on genetics and abiotic factors. Small-cell plug trays are filled with soil, and then seeds are planted at a specific depth, in order for the cotyledons to have minimal resistance when developing. A cannabis plant then enters seedling stage once its cotyledons emerge and actively begin photosynthesis and transpiration. 

The Seedling Phase

A healthy seedling

After the hemp seeds have germinated in plug trays within a separate, individual growth chamber, the seedlings are moved to the high tunnels for early vegetative growth. The plants grow as seedlings for about 2-3 weeks after germination. During this time, the young hemp plants are kept in an area of the high tunnel with the most direct sun. Once adequate growth has occurred, and environmental conditions are favorable, we harden off the plants over the course of a few days, which prepares them for full outdoor conditions. Plants are then transplanted into our rich organic fields for their vegetative and flowering phases. 

Quality Control

Almost ready to transplant

Our high tunnel operation allows us to start our plants without the need for supplemental lighting, typically at 16 hours a day. This in turn allows us to save on growing costs, resulting in lower overall costs and greater savings for the consumer. Most importantly, the high tunnels allow us to start our seasonal hemp plants “in house,” ensuring the product never leaves our sight from seed all the way to sale. This is important because here at Innovative Extracts, we do everything naturally organic with very limited agricultural intensification. We take extra care when handling our hemp plants, when both growing and processing, in order to ensure that only the highest quality CBD products reach the consumer at the end of the pipeline.

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Get to Know Matt Sinosky, Co-Founder of Innovative Extracts | CBD

Get to Know Matt Sinosky, Co-Founder of Innovative Extracts

Meet Matt Sinosky, co-founder of Innovative Extracts. He is a successful entrepreneur and CEO with a unique background that includes military service and an MBA from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. With his goal to make Innovative Extracts a household name, he hopes to help more people improve their lives through CBD products. Read on to learn more about Matt’s background, personal life, and vision for the company.

Matt is one of the three co-founders and business partners of Innovative Extracts. As the President and CEO, he oversees the company and personally handles nearly all of the administrative day-to-day functions of running a business – from accounting, banking, and payroll, to strategic planning and tax reporting, and everything in between.

He is a driving force behind the success and growth of Innovative Extracts. Matt and his partners built the business from the ground up and successfully steered the company through times that would be difficult for any small business to navigate – a nationwide economic downturn, a pandemic, and turbulent market conditions in the cannabis industry.

Matt developed his business acumen over many years of experience in marketing, business development, and senior-level management and administration. He is a successful entrepreneur and a CEO of several other small businesses.

BACKGROUND

Matt is a native of Portage, Pennsylvania, where he met and grew up with Andy Golden, another co-founder of Innovative Extracts. They remained friends throughout childhood, attending the same high school and playing sports together. After high school, Matt attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He was still studying in college when he enlisted in the US Army. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he was deployed overseas to help provide force protection on US occupied military bases. After finishing his tour of duty and returning home, he finished his coursework and graduated from IUP with a BA in occupational safety. He eventually returned to IUP to advance his education, and in 2009, Matt graduated with a MBA.

PERSONAL LIFE

Matt is happily married, with two teenagers who are very involved in sports and a much-loved dog named Stella. He stays engaged in his community as an active member of the Central Cambria school board as well as the school district’s athletic board. In the past he has coached youth baseball, basketball, football, and soccer teams.

Away from his work life as an entrepreneur and CEO, Matt’s personal interests center around physical fitness. In his free time, he is an avid skier, hiker/climber, and hunter. Not only is he passionate about leading a fit and healthy lifestyle, he also loves to help others improve their lives through fitness. Matt is a fitness coach, creating customized workout and nutrition programs for each of his clients.

Matt and his family use several CBD products from Innovative Extracts. One of his personal favorites is Relief X. “I work out a lot, so I get a lot of aches and pains that our Relief X really helps me out with”, he explained.

GOAL AND VISION

One of Matt’s goals is for Innovative Extracts to become a household name in terms of CBD products. “Becoming a household name where we can touch more people and help more people is my vision for the company”, says Matt. “So when we talk about marketing the business and acquiring new customers, yeah, that comes with increased revenue. But what also comes with that is the fact that you’re helping an exponential amount of people with the more market share that you can grab.”

Matt added, “The rewarding thing about this business is the fact that you’re making a product that’s helping people. Whether it’s helping them sleep, reducing anxiety, taking away chronic pain that they have- whatever it is, it’s improving people’s lives.”

It’s clear that Matt Sinosky is a unique and inspiring entrepreneur with a track record of success. Internally, Matt exhibits qualities we can all look up to – integrity, dedication, and passion for what he does. With his experience and knowledge, combined with the dedication of his partners, there’s every reason to believe that Innovative Extracts will continue to thrive in the future.

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What are the main types of supplements for muscle recovery and what do they do?

Muscle recovery supplements

What are the main types of supplements for muscle recovery and what do they do?

When it comes to achieving fitness, muscle recovery supplements can be an effective tool to help you reach your fitness goals.

Protein powder, and amino acids such as creatine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and glutamine are among the most common types of muscle recovery supplements available on the market today.

Understanding what each type does and how it can benefit your body will help you determine the best recovery supplement for you.

What are the benefits of using supplements for muscle recovery?

Supplements can reduce recovery time.
Supplements can reduce recovery time.

With proper supplementation and nutrition, recovery time can be reduced dramatically so that athletes can maximize their training cycles and achieve their fitness goals faster.

Without proper muscle regeneration, muscle fatigue can set in quickly and impede progress toward fitness goals.

Supplementation can help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness and enhance muscle recovery time so that athletes are able to restore muscle cells more efficiently and rapidly.

The use of supplements for muscle recovery has a number of advantages over traditional nutrition alone. The extra nutrients provided by supplementation can help restore muscle tissue more quickly than relying solely on food sources.

Supplements with ingredients like creatine and BCAAs provide additional nutrients to aid post workout muscle recovery. Findings from a number of studies suggest that supplementing with BCAAs may reduce muscle soreness after exercise and improve muscle growth over time (1).

Additionally, creatine has been found to reduce muscle fatigue and damage that can also impair muscle performance.

Taking supplements specially designed for muscle recovery helps ensure that athletes are getting the right amount of nutrients they need after exercise, rather than trying to guess what their bodies need from food sources alone.

How muscle recovery supplements help you achieve fitness goals

Muscle recovery supplements come in a variety of forms.
Muscle recovery supplements come in a variety of forms.

During exercise or performance, muscles are put under strain which can lead to a decrease in muscle strength and size over time if not taken care of properly after workouts.

Supplements provide the extra nutrition needed for muscle growth, as well as helping to reduce soreness and muscle fatigue.

A combination of protein powders, amino acids, minerals, vitamins and other compounds can be used to maintain muscle health while training. The right combination of muscle recovery supplements can not only prevent muscle damage but may also reduce post-training muscle soreness.

Reduces muscle soreness after workouts

Post workout soreness
Post workout soreness

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in reducing post-workout soreness. Supplements such as protein powders, omega 3 fatty acids such as those found in fish oil, and BCAAs can help improve muscle recovery and reduce soreness.

Omega 3 fatty acids provide anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce soreness associated with exercise. They work to decrease joint pain and stiffness, promoting flexibility and mobility in the body (3).

BCAAs aid muscle recovery, help decrease soreness, improve performance, and increase muscle mass.

Protein helps build lean muscle mass for any type of exercise, whether strength training or cardiovascular activity.

Protein in powdered form is an efficient way to fuel muscle growth after exercise and promote soreness relief. It helps repair damaged muscles, speeding up the process of recovery and reducing soreness.

Minerals such as zinc, magnesium and calcium play an important role in muscle contraction and relaxation. Vitamin C may also boost muscle building results by decreasing muscle damage associated with intense workouts or competitions.

Some muscle recovery supplements are formulated to provide athletes with the extra energy needed to perform at their best during training sessions. Many of these supplements contain carbohydrates which give the body a quick burst of energy for short-term performance gains.

Some athletes use supplements containing herbs such as Ashwagandha and Rhodiola rosea for improved mental clarity and focus during practice or competition (4).

Popular muscle recovery supplements

The following is an overview of some of the most common muscle recovery supplements, what they do, and how they can maintain and enhance athletic performance.

Protein powder

Powdered protein is convenient and comes in many flavors.
Powdered protein is convenient and comes in many flavors.

Protein in powdered form is a staple of sports nutrition, as it provides the building blocks for body repair. Athletes use it as a pre workout supplement for energy during exercise, and as a post workout supplement to repair muscle damage from exercise.

Protein powders often contain added essential vitamins and minerals that help support muscle health and strengthen bones.

Consuming the right amount of quality protein at the right times can help maximize muscle protein synthesis and achieve optimal muscle-building results for peak performance.

Muscle protein synthesis is the process during which new muscle tissue is built and muscle mass is acquired. It requires the consumption of enough dietary protein to supply the necessary amino acids for muscle building. Without enough dietary protein, muscle growth and full muscle recovery will not occur, and muscle can even be lost if a calorie deficit exists due to inadequate energy intake.

Protein powder is an excellent way to get enough protein to support muscle growth and development. When muscle cells break down during exercise, they need additional protein to rebuild effectively. Powdered protein can provide this extra nutrition in a form that is quickly absorbed and utilized by the body, helping with muscle recovery and building muscle mass.

Protein synthesis in the body may be further stimulated by consuming a mix of both fast and slow-digesting proteins. Protein supplements can provide this combination and support better recovery from strenuous activities, as the body can rebuild muscle tissue more quickly and efficiently.

Whey

Whey protein powder is one of the best muscle recovery supplements due to its high bioavailability, meaning more of it gets digested and absorbed by the body compared to other kinds of protein powders. It comes in many flavors such as vanilla and chocolate peanut butter.

Athletes can consume whey protein powder in shakes or smoothies before or after workouts, depending on their goals. Pre-workout protein shakes provide energy while post-workout protein shakes can help repair the muscle damage that often occurs from a tough workout.

Protein with added nutrients

By combining whey protein powder with other dietary components, athletes can create an optimal sports nutrition plan that helps keep them performing at their best. For example, adding carbohydrates to whey protein shakes after workouts can help replenish glycogen stores and encourage faster recovery. Additionally, consuming whey protein shakes right before going to bed can improve recovery during sleep, providing the body with the building blocks it needs to repair itself overnight.

Creatine

Creatine for energy
Creatine for energy

Creatine is an excellent muscle recovery supplement. It is a compound made from three amino acids: glycine, arginine, and methionine. It is primarily stored in muscle tissue and is responsible for providing energy to muscles during high-intensity activities such as weightlifting and sprinting, allowing athletes to push themselves further during workouts. Creatine has also been linked to improved cognitive function.

Creatine assists the body in its production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy source for muscle contraction. Supplementing with creatine increases levels of phosphocreatine, a form of stored ATP, in the body and can help athletic performance by increasing muscle strength and endurance.

Creatine also plays an important role after intense physical activity. Creatine supplementation helps to increase creatine storage levels, which can speed up the process of muscle repair. By restoring creatine levels more quickly, this muscle recovery supplement helps reduce muscle cramps and soreness that is often associated with strength-training sessions.

It is also one of the most affordable post workout recovery supplements available today.

Creatine monohydrate

Creatine monohydrate is a man-made form of creatine manufactured from sarcosine and cyanamide. This is done through a process known as “creatinization” wherein both sarcosine and cyanamide react in the presence of an acid catalyst, producing creatine monohydrate.

Many athletes experience post workout fatigue due to lactic acid buildup in their muscles. Creatine monohydrate helps reduce this lactic acid build-up and helps muscles recover faster.

This supplement is used by many athletes for its potential to increase muscle size, strength and endurance. Creatine monohydrate is also known to provide protection against muscle damage which can be caused by muscle fatigue. This makes it one of the best muscle recovery supplements for people who are looking to improve their physical performance and muscle health.

Amino acids

Amino acid supplements
Amino acid supplements

Amino acids are essential components of muscle recovery and performance. Amino acid supplementation has been found to enhance muscular endurance and aerobic performance capacity during intense workouts.

Supplementing with amino acids can also help prevent decreases in immune system function that occur after physical activity due to oxidative stress. Amino acid supplementation may lead to increased glutathione production, which helps to reduce inflammation and protects cells from free radical damage.

Essential amino acids, such as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) can be used to help reduce muscle breakdown after exercise and reduce the amount of time needed for muscle repair. BCAAs support increases in lean body mass when incorporated into an exercise regimen.

Branched-chain amino acids

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids that can be used to help reduce muscle breakdown after exercise and reduce the amount of time needed for muscle repair. The three BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAAs are found naturally in many common foods such as eggs, dairy products, soybeans, fish, meat, nuts and legumes.

BCAAs are considered essential because they cannot be produced by the body on its own; they must come from dietary sources. Of the nine essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth, BCAAs make up 35% of our total amino acid needs. Leucine is an especially important amino acid because it is the primary driver of protein synthesis, a key component of muscle repair and growth.

Reduces fatigue

A BCAA supplement can help to reduce fatigue during exercise, which can be beneficial for athletes who are training intensely. Supplementing with BCAAs post workout may help muscles recover faster and reduce the amount of soreness in the muscles.

May promote fat loss

In addition, a BCAA supplement may help promote fat loss due to its ability to stimulate protein synthesis and prevent muscle breakdown.

L-Glutamine

L-Glutamine, is a non-essential amino acid, meaning it can be produced by the body. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation caused by exercise and helps build muscle. L-Glutamine is naturally present in muscle cells and helps to rebuild muscles. It also prevents muscle breakdown during intensive training sessions.

Helps increase oxygen delivery

L-Glutamine helps restore glycogen levels in muscles – the main energy source for anaerobic metabolism. This decreases lactic acid buildup and increases oxygen delivery, aiding in faster muscular repair. L-Glutamine stimulates protein synthesis, helping stimulate cell growth and regeneration of damaged tissue.

Anti-inflammatory

L-Glutamine also possesses anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce tenderness associated with delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). In addition to reducing inflammation, it helps reduce muscle fatigue and improves overall exercise performance.

How to choose the right supplement for your needs

Many types of supplements are available for specific fitness goals.
Many types of supplements are available for specific fitness goals.

With such a wide variety of muscle recovery supplements available, it’s important to consult with a health professional or nutritionist who can recommend the best products for specific fitness goals. Choosing muscle recovery supplements that contain natural ingredients is recommended whenever possible as this reduces the risk of potential side effects caused by artificial compounds.

How much to take

The amount of supplements you should take to help your body improve athletic performance will depend on the product and your individual needs, taking into consideration factors like age and activity level. Generally, if you’re looking for an immediate post-exercise recovery boost, 1-2 servings per day should be sufficient. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for quicker recovery over a longer period of time, 2-4 servings per day may be beneficial.

Choosing the best supplement

Ask questions about the supplements before you buy.
Ask questions about the supplements before you buy.

When choosing supplements, make sure they are high quality and non-GMO products. You can purchase supplements at most health food stores or online retailers like Amazon or iHerb. Read product labels carefully and consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplement to ensure it won’t interact with other medications or have an adverse effect on your health.

Do your research first

It’s a good idea to research the supplement company before you purchase from them. This will help ensure you are getting the best quality product for your money. With some careful consideration and research, you can find the right muscle recovery supplements for your needs.

Quality ingredients

Check the ingredients list for any artificial additives or preservatives. Natural supplements with simple ingredients like minerals and vitamins are usually the best choice for optimal muscle recovery.

Avoid products with added sugar or other unhealthy substances as these can cause adverse health effects in the long run and will not provide effective results.

Product certification

Look for supplements that are certified by the US Pharmacopeia (USP) or other reputable organizations, as this indicates that the product has been tested and verified for quality and safety.

Reputable company

Do your research into the company behind the product. Reputable companies will have third-party testing results available and a website that provides detailed information about the product. Do not be afraid to contact the company and ask questions about their manufacturing process or any potential risks associated with taking their supplement.

Individual lifestyle and nutritional needs

Consider your lifestyle and nutritional needs and choose a muscle recovery supplement that is tailored to you and your particular fitness goals. Some supplements are designed for endurance athletes while others are best suited for bodybuilders or weightlifters. If you need help determining which one is right for you, consult with a doctor or nutritionist who can provide personalized advice.

Read the reviews

Look for products with positive reviews from consumers who have already tried them. Reviews can help you get an idea of how effective the product actually is and whether it is worth the cost. Reading reviews can also give you a better understanding of any potential side effects and help you make an informed decision about which supplement is best for you.

Side effects and risks

Supplements for muscle recovery may have certain risks and side effects, including allergic reactions and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Toxicity from long-term use

In some cases, long-term use of certain supplements may be linked to liver problems or other serious health issues.

Interaction with medications

Some supplements may interact with medications, such as blood thinners or diabetes drugs. You should consult with a healthcare provider before taking supplements.

Check labels carefully and follow the recommended dosing instructions provided by the manufacturer. If any side effects occur when taking a supplement, seek medical attention right away.

Include a healthy diet

A healthy diet should accompany a supplement regimen.
A healthy diet should accompany a supplement regimen.

Keep in mind that muscle recovery supplements are not intended to be a replacement for eating a balanced diet. In addition to a carefully planned supplement regimen, you should also include diet-based nutrition, adequate rest, and a healthy lifestyle.

For more information

For more information on risks and side effects of supplements, please refer to your healthcare provider or visit reliable websites such as WebMD or MedlinePlus.gov. Additional resources are also available through organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

References

  1. Yoshiharu Shimomura, Y., et al. “Nutraceutical Effects of Branched-Chain Amino Acids on Skeletal Muscle”, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 136, Issue 2, February 2006, Pages 529S–532S, https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/136.2.529S
  2. Louis, J., et al. ” Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation Effect on Muscular Activity and Cycling Efficiency in Master Athletes”, Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism, Volume 35, Issue 3, June 2010: 251-60. DOI: 10.1139/H10-014. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/44680185
  3. Gammone, M. A., et al. 2019. “Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Benefits and Endpoints in Sport”, Nutrients 11, no. 1: 46. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11010046
  4. “Vitamins and Supplements for Athletes”, MedicalNewsToday. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326756
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Indica Vs Sativa Vs Hybrid: The Differences You Need to Know

indica sativa hybrid cannabis types

Indica Vs Sativa Vs Hybrid: The Differences You Need to Know

Cannabis is a versatile plant, and there are different types of cannabis that each have their own unique properties. It’s important to know the characteristics among different cannabis strains so you can select the one that best meets your needs.

By understanding the characteristics, psychoactive effects, benefits, and risks associated with the different strains of cannabis plant, you will be able to make an informed decision when selecting what type of cannabis you should use.

Sativa Vs Indica Vs Hybrid Chart
Sativa Vs Indica Vs Hybrid Chart

Definition of Cannabis 

The cannabis plant is a naturally-occurring plant that has been used for thousands of years. The three main varieties of cannabis are indica, sativa, and hybrid cannabis strains. Each particular strain has its own unique effects and benefits, which can vary widely from one strain to another. In this article, we will compare the differences between indica vs sativa vs hybrid cannabis in detail.

Overview of Different Types of Cannabis – Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid Cannabis 

Different types of cannabis
Different types of cannabis

Sativa plants are very tall and spindly, with long thin leaves. Sativa strains are known to be uplifting and stimulating, making sativa a good choice for daytime activities. Indica cannabis is shorter and wider in stature with wide leaves. Indica strains are known to have more of a sedative effect than sativa varieties.

Indica strains are great for relaxation and are popular with cannabis users for pain, insomnia, stress, depression and anxiety. The effects of indica-dominant strains tend to be more deeply felt throughout the body, allowing users to reach a deeper level of relaxation than sativa varieties.

Hybrid strains are a cross between sativa and indica varieties and are generally considered to be in between sativa and indica in terms of effects. Hybrids are usually bred for specific traits, such as improved flavor or higher yields, but they can also be bred for desired psychoactive effects.

Sativa Cannabis 

Sativa strains
Sativa strains

Sativa strains have been used for centuries due to their energizing effects and flavor profiles. Today they remain some of the most popular cannabis varieties because of their ability to provide an uplifting, stimulating buzz.

Sativa strains of cannabis tend to be more energizing than indica strains. Some people use it during the day to support their energy levels and enhance concentration.

Sativa strains may offer support for mood and stress reduction, and is thought to enhance creativity and mental clarity. Some sativa strains are also thought to have anti-inflammatory effects which may be of interest for those who contend with chronic pain. Some people use this cannabis strain to help alleviate nausea and vomiting.

A number of sativa strains are known for their high THC concentration. Jack Herer, Sour Diesel, and Green Crack are a few sativa strains that contain some of the highest amounts of THC. Other potent cannabis sativa strains include Super Silver Haze, Dancehall, and Dutch Treat.

When looking for a strain that has higher levels of THC, it is important to do research and find out what amount the particular strain contains. Also remember that cannabis affects everyone differently, so what works for one person may not work for another.

Knowing the right sativa strain can make all the difference when trying to get the desired effects from cannabis consumption. With some research and knowledge about cannabis sativas, you can find the perfect strain for you.

Popular Sativa Strains

Popular sativa strains
Popular sativa strains

Sativa strains are popular and widely-used strains of cannabis. They are renowned for their uplifting, energizing, and often cerebral effects. Some of the more popular sativa strains include Durban Poison, Super Silver Haze, and Super Lemon Haze. These sativa strains have been bred to create an energizing high that can be felt both mentally and physically.

Durban Poison

Durban Poison is an incredibly popular sativa strain famous for its sweet smell and flavor reminiscent of anise. It was initially bred in South Africa and is believed to have originated from ancient sativa landrace strains.

Super Silver Haze

Super Silver Haze cannabis is a sativa-dominant strain that is renowned for its high levels of THC and energizing effect. Super Silver Haze cannabis users often report feeling uplifted and energized after consumption. The effects are described as being clear and focused to help improve productivity throughout the day.

This cannabis strain has also been reported to have strong physical effects with deep relaxation in some cases. Some cannabis users use Super Silver Haze cannabis for pain, nausea, insomnia and stress.

Super Lemon Haze

Super Lemon Haze is a cannabis sativa strain that originated in the Netherlands. It’s a popular choice among cannabis users due to its high THC content and refreshing citrus flavor. The aroma of Super Lemon Haze has sweet lemon, pine, and herbal notes that come together to create an enjoyable experience. Consumers report feeling uplifted after consuming this strain, with increased creativity and focus as well as mild euphoria.

Delta 10 Pineapple Express Sativa Tincture by Innovative Extracts

Delta 10 Pineapple Express Tincture
Delta 10 Pineapple Express Tincture

The Delta 10 Pineapple Express Sativa Tincture by Innovative Extracts is an exciting way to take your cannabis experience up a level. This tincture is formulated to provide maximum potency and flavor, with a strong Pineapple Express aroma that will tantalize your senses.

This high quality tincture is made with pure Delta 10 THC oil that has been carefully extracted from high-grade flower using innovative extraction methods developed by the experts at Innovative Extracts.

Unlike other tinctures on the market, this one contains only natural ingredients and no artificial flavors or preservatives—giving you naturally sourced Pineapple Express cannabis terpenes combined with ultra-pure Delta 10 THC oil for maximum cannabinoid potency and flavor. And because it comes in a convenient dropper bottle, it’s easy to get the exact dose you’re looking for. Delta 10 Pineapple Express Sativa Tincture by Innovative Extracts is the perfect way to elevate your cannabis experience.

Indica Cannabis

Indica cannabis
Indica cannabis

Indica is a species of cannabis that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Cannabis indica plants are better adapted to cooler climates and higher altitudes than its sativa counterparts, making it well-suited for outdoor cultivation in areas with milder climates. Unlike sativa, indica has thicker foliage and shorter flowering cycles, and it tends to be hardier against pests and disease.

Indicas are known for their sedative properties. One of the main features of indica effects is that it is felt throughout the body rather than just being experienced in the head. People have chosen indica strains for insomnia, pain relief, stress and anxiety relief, and depression. Indica strains of cannabis may be of interest for some people in managing symptoms associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Indica cannabis strains are well known for producing high amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis plants. These cannabis strains typically produce short and dense buds, as well as a “body-like” buzz. Their naturally higher concentration of THC can reach more than 20 percent in some cases, making them the preferred choice for recreational marijuana users looking for an intense psychoactive experience.

Despite having high levels of THC, indicas tend to be less overwhelming than sativa cannabis strains thanks to the lower concentrations of other compounds like CBD (cannabidiol). This makes indica cannabis an excellent choice for those seeking cannabis-based relief without the intense euphoria of sativa cannabis strains.

A few well known indica cannabis strains include Hindu Kush, Granddaddy Purple, and Northern Lights.

Popular Indica Strains

Popular Indica strains
Popular Indica strains

These strains are known for their sedative effects, making them a popular choice for those looking to relax and unwind. There are many indica strains available, but a few of the most popular indica strains include Hindu Kush, Northern Lights, and Granddaddy Purple.

Hindu Kush

This is an indica landrace strain that originates from the Hindu Kush mountain region near Afghanistan. This pure indica is renowned by cannabis connoisseurs for its earthy flavor with hints of spice. Its effects can range from relaxation to euphoria and even mild hallucinations.

Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple is an indica-dominant cannabis strain that has gained a reputation for its intense effects and fruity flavor. Its cannabis flower buds are large and dense, with an aroma of grape, berry, and skunk. Its effects can range from relaxation to increased appetite and sleepiness.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is another classic indica cannabis strain, originating in Holland before becoming famous worldwide thanks to its powerful narcotic-like psychoactive effects. Its buds are dense and covered in resin, giving it a frosty appearance and an aroma of pungent citrus and sweet earth.

Innovative Extracts’ Northern Lights D8 Oil w/Indica Terpenes

Northern Lights D8 Oil w/Indica Terpenes
Northern Lights D8 Oil w/Indica Terpenes

Innovative Extracts’ Northern Lights tincture is a classic blend of true Indica terpene profiles, providing users with a relaxing experience that’s sure to leave them feeling calm and tranquil. This tincture uses THC suspended in MCT oil, giving it an optimal absorption rate that allows the effects to take hold quickly.

The innovative extraction process used by Innovative Extracts gives this tincture its signature flavor and aroma of earthy pine, citrus and spice evident throughout. Not only does this provide an enjoyable taste but also unlocks the beneficial properties of the cannabinoids present within the blend.

In addition to being lab tested for potency and purity, Northern Lights tincture contains no artificial additives or diluents, giving you a safe and reliable product. Try Northern Lights tincture by Innovative Extracts and experience the calming effects of this tincture with every dose.

Hybrid Cannabis Strains

Hybrid cannabis plants are created when both indica and sativa cannabis strains are cross-bred together. Hybrids can offer a range of effects depending on the ratios of indica vs sativa genetics present in the strain. The most common hybrids will generally give users an energizing high that is accompanied by some physical relaxation.

Some popular hybrid strains are thought to have greater pain-relieving properties than sativa or indica varieties alone. Hybrid cannabis strains are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to combine the best traits of both sativa and indica plants into one strain.

Sativa dominant hybrids

Sativa dominant hybrid strains, as their name suggests, have a sativa component that is dominant when compared to indica. Sativas are known for providing an uplifting and energizing high that may be helpful in providing mental stimulation and aiding creativity. These strains may also provide physical effects such as gentle muscle relaxation.

Indica dominant hybrids

Indica dominant hybrid cannabis strains typically contain more indica than sativa components. The resulting effects of these hybrids tend to have more of a mellow body high combined with the cerebral effects associated with sativa strains.

They support feelings of relief from stress and anxiety while allowing the user to remain functional throughout the day. Indica dominant hybrid cannabis strains may also possess sedative effects which make them particularly useful for those looking to get a good night’s sleep.

How to choose the best hybrid cannabis strain for you

Sativa-dominant and indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strains provide different sets of effects that may be desirable for different individuals depending on their needs. By combining different cannabis genetics, hybrid strains offer users powerful and distinct effects that can help enhance their overall experience when consuming cannabis products.

It is important to do research and talk with your healthcare provider before making any decisions about what type of cannabis strain might work best for you. Whichever route you take, sativa-dominant or indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strains can offer unique effects.

Most Popular Hybrid Strains

Hybrid strains
Hybrid strains

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel is a sativa dominant hybrid that offers a powerful cerebral high and leaves users feeling euphoric and energetic. It also has an earthy flavor that some describe as similar to diesel fuel with tones of lemon and citrus. Its aromatic compounds have a pungent, sour, fuel-like scent, making Sour Diesel one of the most recognizable sativa strains on the market today.

Jack Herer

Jack Herer is also sativa dominant, and is named after the cannabis activist Jack Herer who was a major advocate for medical marijuana in the US during his lifetime.

This strain offers an uplifting sativa-dominant hybrid high that is perfect for relieving stress and fatigue while also promoting creativity. Its aroma contains earthy notes with tones of pine and citrus, making it an ideal choice for daytime use.

Super Lemon Haze

Super Lemon Haze is a popular sativa dominant hybrid. Its genetics come from two iconic cannabis strains – Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze. The psychoactive effects of this hybrid strain are known to be uplifting and cerebral, making it popular amongst cannabis connoisseurs and recreational users alike.

Green Crack

Another hybrid example is Green Crack. It gets its name from its intensely green buds and fruity aroma which many people compare to mango or peach.

This hybrid combines sativa genetics from its parent strain Skunk with Afghani indica genetics, resulting in an invigorating, cerebral high that starts off with an intense rush of energy before gradually calming down. It has a sweet, fruity flavor with undertones of mango and pineapple.

OG Kush

OG Kush is a hybrid cannabis strain that has become one of the most popular strains among cannabis enthusiasts. It is believed to have originated in Florida and is a cross between Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and Pakistani Kush genetics. The buds are dense, sticky, and very pungent with an earthy aroma that is often described as being “diesel-like.”

Its effects range from calming relaxation to invigorating euphoria depending on your tolerance level. It is known for its high potency and powerful head buzz that can be quite overwhelming to some users.

OG Kush may offer support for conditions such as stress, depression, migraines, pain relief and nausea. Many experienced cannabis connoisseurs consider OG Kush to be one of the best strains available. It’s a great choice for the cannabis user who is looking for a powerful, energizing high.

Innovative Extracts’ OG Kush D8 & THC-0 Disposable Vape

Og Kush disposable vape
Og Kush disposable vape

Innovative Extracts’ OG Kush D8 & THC-0 Disposable Vape is a 1 gram vape containing a hybrid of two classic strains. The device comes preloaded with D8 and 0% THC distillate, providing an innovative way to experience the powerful effects of OG Kush.

This convenient vape product offers users a higher level of potency than other vaporizers on the market, giving an intense vaping experience without the harshness associated with other devices. The unique combination of compounds found in this vape creates an incredibly smooth and flavorful taste while delivering potent effects that many are sure to enjoy.

With its innovative design and top-notch quality ingredients, you can count on Innovative Extracts’ OG Kush Disposable Vape to provide an enjoyable experience. If you’re looking for a powerful vape with intense flavor, this is the perfect device for you. OG Kush D8 & THC-0 Disposable Vape by Innovative Extracts is sure to provide an enjoyable and innovative experience.

Cannabis potential side effects

Sativa cannabis strains can produce an uplifting, energizing effect, but users may find themselves feeling anxious, paranoid or overwhelmed when exposed to high THC levels that are common in sativa cannabis varieties. Additionally, when used irresponsibly and without caution, it may lead to panic attacks and other mental health issues.

Indica cannabis strains can potentially produce undesirable side effects which may include increased heart rate, dry mouth and eyes, redness in the eyes, short-term memory loss, sleepiness or drowsiness during the day, anxiety or paranoia, changes in mood and behavior, impaired coordination and reflexes.

Some people may also experience hallucinations or delusions when using cannabis products.

Use cannabis responsibly by starting with small amounts and gradually increasing your dosage over time to become familiar with the effects of the strain you are using. Cannabis affects everyone differently, so it is important to experiment and find the strain that works best for you.

Sativa, indica and hybrid strains of cannabis all have their own unique characteristics, benefits, and risks. Understanding the differences between these plants is key to selecting the type of cannabis that best meets your needs.

Consult with your medical practitioner first

It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional prior to using any form of cannabis, especially for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions.

By being mindful of potential risks associated with cannabis use, users can ensure they are using cannabis in a safe and responsible manner.

With knowledge of the different types of cannabis available and advice from your doctor, you can make an informed decision about which type will offer the most therapeutic support for your individual condition.

Know your local laws on cannabis consumption

Many areas still consider cannabis illegal, so always be aware of your local laws before using any form of cannabis.

Always purchase from a reputable source in order to ensure quality and safety.

Innovative Extracts
Innovative Extracts

References

Kuhathasan, N., Minuzzi, L., MacKillop, J. et al. An investigation of cannabis use for insomnia in depression and anxiety in a naturalistic sample. BMC Psychiatry 22, 303 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-03948-6

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Meet Vinnie, Operations Manager at Innovative Extracts

Innovative Extracts

Vinnie Sposato wears many hats in his essential role at Innovative Extracts. He handles most of the day-to-day labor intensive activities at the farm as well as performing all aspects of cultivating premium hemp. Vinnie notes, “We are seed to sale. We do everything.”

On any given day, one can expect to see him selling CBD products in the farm’s store, building and repairing structures, pouring concrete, repairing and maintaining farm machinery, working in the farm’s extraction lab, germinating seeds, or tending to the hemp plants. “There’s always something that needs to be fixed or built”, he added.

Sowing hemp seeds
Sowing hemp seeds

Vinnie’s main focus and passion, however, is on hemp cultivation and extraction. He oversees growing the annual hemp crop, germinating the seeds and planting seedlings using his own hands. He also does most of the CBD extraction processing; and, according to Vinnie, “anything else that goes in with the hemp, from specializing equipment, to building high tunnels, to building chambers for germination so we can get early starts of hemp plants. We do a lot of maintenance preparing for next season.”

Vinnie works part time at the farm and is a full-time student at Penn State University where he studies plant sciences. He is majoring in horticulture with a minor in agronomy. Previously, Vinnie studied business administration for two years before turning his focus to horticulture. Upon graduation, he plans to work full time at the farm.

One of the things Vinnie appreciates most about his busy work/school life is that he can apply knowledge he learned through his coursework directly to his job, and also apply techniques he uses in his job in the classroom at the university. He explained, “It’s cool to see stuff I do here get carried over to school, and the stuff I do at school get carried over to here.”

Wintertime is down time on the farm, so during the cold days of February he is busy preparing for the next season with tasks like servicing the machinery and equipment, researching quality seeds and ordering supplies, and building a new high tunnel for the farm’s pick-your-own flower business. “Last year was very successful,” says Vinnie. “We had a lot of engagement with the people that came for the flowers. And that helped with the CBD business because people would then come into the CBD store on the farm after they had picked their flowers. The new high tunnel will allow the existing high tunnel to be used for germinating seeds for this year’s hemp crop so we can get an earlier start on the growing season than in past seasons.”     

Vinnie has been researching new hemp seed genetics to select for this season’s hemp crop. He said, “We want to start trying different strains but it’s not that easy. The hemp has to possess the genetics that will produce less than 0.03 percent THC.”  In March, he will begin germinating hemp seeds in a germination chamber that he designed and built himself. Last season, the germination rate was >99 percent, due in no small part to the chamber’s unique characteristics.

Vinnie’s hands-on approach to hemp production provides plenty of opportunities to observe site and soil conditions in the hemp field, and he has identified ways to reduce competition from weeds. Weed reduction reduces costs, helps streamline processes, and helps minimize plant diseases. “We do conservation tillage, which is a cover crop that is rotated back into the soil subsystem. We use a weed barrier which is a horticultural tarp that helps keep the weeds down,” explains Vinnie. He also plans to fertilize using foliar spray and hydrate with drip irrigation. With ideal growing conditions and little to no weed pressure, the plants will reach full potential and expression with uniformity in size.

Vinnie’s long-term plans in his role at the farm include always looking for best methods to maximize yields and streamline extraction and other processes and operations. Meanwhile, he is “just trying to forecast and plan the growing season.” 

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The Journey – Introduction to Innovative Extracts | Innovative Extracts

Innovative Extracts

The Journey: An Introduction to Innovative Extracts

At Innovative Extracts, we are committed to providing quality products that meet the highest standards of health and safety. Our story began with a vision – an ambitious undertaking rooted in dedication, hard work and a relentless commitment to delivering quality solutions for effective plant-powered relief. In this blog post, you will get an insider’s look at our journey as we take you through our origin story up until now.

Golden Farms: Where it all began

Innovative Extracts is based at Golden Farms in Portage, Pennsylvania. Vincent Golden and his wife bought the 150 acre farm and moved his family there in 1978. They raised five children on the farm and renovated the buildings and fields. One of the children, now a US Special Forces veteran, is the founder and a co-owner of Innovative Extracts. Vincent grows specialty grains like buckwheat, sunflower and a few others and operates a flour mill for his custom milling business. In 2021 his daughter Emily started a cut-your-own flower business on the farm.

The farming operation has evolved over the years to where no herbicides or pesticides are used, and it has been that way for about 30 years. Though it is not officially certified organic, it is essentially an organic farm.

How Innovative Extracts got started

Andy applied for a research permit in 2018, and a few months later the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also known informally as the farm bill, was passed. Among other agricultural issues, this bill 1) legalized the production of hemp, and 2) removed hemp and hemp seeds from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s list of Controlled Substances. With the passing of the farm bill, Andy saw a good opportunity to get involved in a new market that had little competition at the time. Andy, his father Vincent, and Andy’s friend and fellow veteran Matt formed a limited liability company and named it Innovative Extracts. Some of Andy’s friends who were well established in the cannabis industry offered to train and mentor him and his partners along the way, giving their new business venture a competitive edge.

Challenges in launching the business

However, even with the mentorship of seasoned professionals in the industry, Andy and his partners faced some challenges in the startup phase.

One problem that arose was that when industrial hemp became legal in Pennsylvania in 2018, many people jumped in and flooded the industry. In the first year there was a big price bubble, and then it burst. What followed next was a big crash in prices between plant material and wholesale products that had to work itself out and, and it is now beginning to do that.

Marketing the CBD products was a major challenge. There are many regulations in terms of how CBD can be marketed and what marketing channels are allowed. In marketing and product labeling, care must be taken not to make unsubstantiated claims about what a given CBD product can do.

Growing hemp has its own set of challenges as well. It can be tricky to grow high quality hemp to maturity, even more so when using organic cultivation methods. And it is crucial to accurately estimate the correct time to harvest the hemp.

Operations

Innovative Extracts operates with a seven member team. While everyone has their area of expertise, each member possesses a range of skill sets and can fill in whenever help is needed in other areas of the business.

The base of operations is at the family farm. A huge vintage barn houses the extraction lab, offices, a stockroom, shipping/receiving area, and a CBD store. The barn recently underwent extensive restoration and remodeling inside and out and is now an area landmark.  

The company maintains two brick-and-mortar storefronts, one at the farm and another in the city of Johnstown. The company also sells online through their website. Two acres of hemp are grown organically on the family farm, supplying the raw material from which CBD oil is produced.

The extraction lab

Innovative Extracts uses a state-of-the-art, in-house extraction lab. It uses a hydrocarbon extraction method, which takes longer to process a finished CBD oil but results in a quality product that is superior compared to other extraction methods that use ethanol or co2. This method captures all of the cannabinoids and terpenes in the hemp. After extraction, an extra filtration step is used to produce an ultra-clean, better tasting CBD oil that is truly free of impurities.

Community engagement

Innovative Extracts engages with the community in several ways. The company has done different programs with some disabled vets helping them or their families out. 

The company participates in several farmers markets around the region.  Andy tries to do several speaking engagements every year. He presented at Mount Aloysius university last semester and will speak at another this semester. 

Every year, the farm hosts an annual Sunflower Festival with family-friendly activities. Vendors from around the region offer locally produced food and other products. Employees of Innovative Extracts educate attendees about CBD and the hemp industry in Pennsylvania.

What sets Innovative Extracts apart from natural health product companies

Innovative Extracts is a seed to sale enterprise. The hemp is grown on-site and they harvest, process, bottle, and sell nearly every CBD product on their shelves. Their CBD products are third-party tested, and test results are available on the product pages on the company’s website. Innovative Extracts is veteran-owned and operated. The company supports local veterans and local businesses. Last but not least, the company strives for excellent customer service.

Excellent customer service

Innovative Extracts’ biggest priority is putting the customer first, and it shows. The company has earned a reputation for excellent customer service. Additionally, the management team works hard to keep prices down and still offer high quality products. Even with increasing inflation, they have not raised their prices. Andy is proud that the company has been successful in maintaining their customer-focused objectives since the beginning of the business.

Factors of success

Andy feels that the company’s biggest successes so far have been just staying afloat through some of the ups and downs of the cannabis industry, developing a good network, and establishing a brand with a solid reputation. They now ship their products all over the country.

For Andy, one of the most rewarding aspects of the business is hearing some of the different customer vignettes on how a product helped them for whatever problem they were taking it for.

When asked what was the biggest lesson he’s learned since starting the business, Andy acknowledged that he’s learned many lessons, with most learned “the hard way.”  

He believes he has remained true to his core values while growing the business by applying an important lesson he learned when he was in the Special Forces. “If you treat people well, they’re going to take care of you too”, Andy explained.

Future plans

Andy’s plans for the future of Innovative Extracts are simple: keep growing the business by getting more accounts and adding more products. He hopes to turn it into a multigenerational  family business that grows over time.

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Muscle Recovery | Your Guide to Promote and Maintain Muscle Health

The best ways to achieve muscle recovery.

Muscle Recovery | Your Guide to Promote and Maintain Muscle Health

Muscles are the powerhouse of the body and are responsible for all physical activities. Working the muscles properly is essential to stay healthy and in shape. Resistance training such as weightlifting can help build muscles while aerobic activities like running can improve muscular endurance. When muscles become fatigued it is important to take the necessary steps to allow for recovery of the muscle.

Proper muscle recovery is essential for any athlete seeking improved performance and reduced risk of injury. While it may seem counterintuitive to rest in order to be more active, taking time away from vigorous activities gives the body much-needed reprieve.

Definition of muscles

Muscles are made up of bundles of long, slender cells called muscle fibers. They are composed of proteins called actin and myosin and are responsible for muscle contraction. This contraction causes a force that is used to move parts of the body or support a static position such as sitting or standing.

There are three different types of muscles: skeletal muscles, cardiac muscles, and smooth muscles. Skeletal muscles are connected to the bones through tendons, which allow them to move and flex. Cardiac muscles are found in the heart and help it beat properly. Smooth muscles line our internal organs such as intestines, helping them contract and relax.

Overview of muscle recovery

The objective of muscle recovery is to help muscles repair themselves after exercise and build strength so that they recover stronger than before. Without proper recovery, exercise performance can decline and the body can become susceptible to injury or illness.

The process of muscle recovery is multi-faceted and includes both physical and mental elements. Physically, it involves restoring energy stores, repairing damaged tissue, reducing inflammation, restoring joint range of motion, and increasing blood circulation to the area after a tough workout. Mentally, muscle recovery helps combat fatigue and stress which can often accompany rigorous exercise or training sessions. Together, physical and passive exercise recovery elements facilitate muscle growth.

What happens during muscle recovery

When muscles recover stronger than before, it is a physiological response known as muscle adaptation and is a result of several biological processes that occur on the cellular level.

Muscle adaptation

Muscle fibers become stronger when they are exposed to muscle-damaging exercises, such as lifting weights. As muscle fibers repair themselves, muscle protein synthesis increases and new muscle cells are formed. This process is what ultimately leads to an increase in muscle size and strength.

Metabolic adaptation

In addition to the muscle adaptation that occurs at a cellular level, the body will also undergo metabolic adaptations. These include an increase in muscle enzymes, a decrease in muscle fatigue, and an increase in the body’s ability to use fat as fuel during exercise.

Factors affecting muscle recovery

A challenging workout

The duration of muscle recovery depends on a number of factors, including the type and intensity of workout, recovery activities, nutrition intake, and lifestyle habits such as sleep quality and stress levels. Athletes should give their body the time it needs to recover after exercise in order to maximize performance during the next workout session. Additionally, it is important to incorporate active and passive recovery techniques into muscle recovery plans to fully replenish and build muscle strength.

Workout Intensity

The primary factor that affects muscle recovery time is intensity of physical activity. Muscles adapt quickly when exposed to low intensity activity for short periods of time. However, high intensity activities cause more damage and require a longer recovery period. Intensity also plays a role in determining how much rest an athlete needs between workout sessions. While light workouts can be performed daily, high intensity workout sessions need to be spaced out to allow for adequate recovery.

Delayed onset muscle soreness

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is one of the most common forms of post workout muscle pain and occurs when muscles are strained beyond their usual range of motion. It usually begins 12-24 hours after exercise and peaks between 24-72 hours after exercise. It typically resolves within 3-5 days but can last longer in some cases.

Types of muscle recovery

Active recovery

Stretching muscles helps reduce muscle tightness.

Active recovery involves a range of gentle, low-impact exercises to increase blood flow to the muscles, maintain muscle flexibility, reduce muscle soreness, reduce lactic acid buildup (2), and eliminate toxins in the muscles.

Walking or light jogging is a beneficial activity that can help reduce recovery time by promoting circulation to the affected muscles. Improved circulation increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscle tissue, which helps the recovery process. Walking or light jogging also helps the body flush out waste products such as lactate and metabolic byproducts, that build up and cause fatigue.

Stretching helps to reduce muscle tightness while increasing muscle length, balance, and range of motion.

Foam rolling helps to promote muscle recovery by releasing tension from muscle fibers, improving circulation and promoting muscle relaxation.

Passive recovery

Electrical stimulation improves blood flow to the targeted area.

Passive recovery activities do not involve physical movement but instead rely on rest, along with a number of recovery aids such as heat, massage, or stretching. They help reduce the severity of the muscle damage, swelling, and fatigue by promoting tissue healing, reducing muscle inflammation and fatigue, and improving muscle strength.

Massage therapy helps by encouraging the release of muscle-relaxing chemicals and muscle-building hormones.

Hydrotherapy helps to reduce post workout muscle soreness and improve muscle recovery by promoting circulation, reducing muscle inflammation, and decreasing muscle fatigue.

Compression garments help to reduce muscle swelling and promotes circulation.

Heat treatments can help by increasing temperature and blood flow to the muscle.

Electrical stimulation helps by directly stimulating targeted muscles to make them contract. The repeated muscle contractions improves blood flow to the area, facilitating repair.

Massage helps decrease muscle soreness and stiffness and also promotes blood flow.

Precautions

There are a few precautions to take into account when utilizing active and passive recovery techniques. When it comes to active recovery, it is important not to overexert oneself. Physical recovery activities should be done at a low intensity, as pushing too hard during recovery can lead to very sore muscles and delayed recovery times.

Allow adequate rest times between recovery activities. Recovery should not be done too frequently or for long periods of time as this can lead to fatigue and further muscle pain.

Passive recovery activities should also be done in moderation. Applying heat, massage or stretching recovery aids too frequently can actually cause more pain and discomfort.

It is important to listen to one’s body when using recovery aids; recovery activities should be stopped if pain is too severe or if physical discomfort continues after recovery .

Good nutrition

Nutrient rich foods

Good nutrition fuels the muscle repair process following intense exercise. Eating healthy foods helps to not only fuel the body, but to also help muscles repair and rebuild themselves. Achieving an appropriate level of nutrition while working out ensures that athletes can achieve their desired performance outcomes, as nutrition plays an important role in maintaining proper body weight and muscle tissue integrity (3).

To support adequate muscle repair and growth after a tough workout, it’s important to provide proteins, carbohydrates and other nutrients that are essential for the muscle repair process. Protein provides the building blocks for muscle growth, which allows for new tissues to be created during recovery periods. Carbohydrates give energy so that athletes can perform at optimal levels during workouts and replenish energy stores after exercise. Vitamins and minerals are crucial for muscle recovery, as they help to provide essential nutrients.

Drinking enough fluids

Replenish fluids during and after every exercise session.

Adequate hydration is essential to help muscles recover after physical activity. Without fluids, the body cannot effectively perform its vital functions, including transporting oxygen and nutrients that help muscles repair themselves. In addition, fluids are important for helping to regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration, which can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and cramps.

After physical activity, fluids should be taken to replenish fluids lost during activity as well as help the body recover more quickly. It is important to remember that fluids do not just come from water; fluids can also be obtained from beverages such as juice, sports drinks, and milk.

Lifestyle strategies

Sleep is needed for muscle repair

Adequate sleep

Sleep is essential for muscle recovery. Quality restorative sleep allows the body time to repair and rejuvenate muscles, which helps athletes to maintain peak performance levels. Poor sleep quality or inadequate sleep duration results in sleep deprivation, which has a direct effect on physical performance and muscle recovery following exercise.

Studies have shown that individuals who suffer from poor sleep or lack of adequate rest perform less effectively than those who get enough rest and quality sleep (4). Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) leads to a reduction in strength and endurance as well as an increase in perceived levels of fatigue and soreness. Research indicates that individuals experiencing poor quality of sleep post-exercise experience more negative consequences due to EIMD than those who get a good night’s sleep the night after exercise.

Research conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that athletes who slept for 8.5 hours a night experienced less fatigue and muscle soreness post-exercise than those who only slept for 6 hours or less. In addition to this, athletes who achieved the 8.5 hours of sleep also had faster recovery rates and improved performance levels.

Poor quality of sleep is also linked to an increase in cortisol levels, which leads to a longer time needed for recovery following exercise. Elevated cortisol levels also can lead to reduced immunity, impaired cognitive function and increased risk of injury due to weakened muscles.

To maximize muscle recovery post-exercise, athletes should get between 7-9 hours of sleep per night in order to optimize their physical performance and ensure effective muscle recovery.

Stress management

Stress can affect athletic performance.

Stress has been linked to various physiological processes that can inhibit the body’s ability to recover from workout-related fatigue (1).

Stressors (e.g., financial worries, interpersonal problems, and drug or alcohol use) increase cortisol production in the body. Stress-induced hormones such as cortisol interferes with the body’s natural recovery processes by triggering an inflammatory response. This in turn delays muscle healing, prolongs muscle soreness and stiffness, and makes post workout fatigue more severe (2).

Increased stress can also deplete the body’s own natural supply of muscle-building hormones, such as testosterone and human growth hormone. This reduces the rate at which muscles can rebuild themselves after workout-related fatigue has been experienced.

Research has shown that reducing stress levels can help speed up muscle recovery after working out.

Meditation and deep breathing exercises are passive recovery activities that calm the mind and body and can help to reduce levels of cortisol in the bloodstream, allowing muscles to recover more quickly after a workout. Taking part in activities that involve social interaction can help to alleviate stress, as these have been linked to increased levels of happiness and relaxation.

Conclusion

Optimal physical performance

Active and passive recovery methods, together with healthy lifestyle habits such as a healthy diet, adequate hydration, stress management, and quality sleep, are essential for optimal recovery. Athletes should make sure to prioritize them in order to maximize their performance.

Muscle recovery is an integral part of any workout routine and it’s important that athletes give their bodies the time they need for post workout recovery.

By incorporating adequate rest periods between workouts, replenishing fluids and nutrients, and taking measures to manage stress levels, athletes can ensure that their muscles are able to perform at peak capacity during each workout session.

Works cited

  1. Stults-Kolehmainen, Matthew A, et al. “Chronic psychological stress impairs recovery of muscular function and somatic sensations over a 96-hour period.” Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research vol. 28,7 (2014): 2007-17. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000000335
  2. Menzies, P, et al. “Blood lactate clearance during active recovery after an intense running bout depends on the intensity of the active recovery.” Journal of Sports Sciences, July 2010; 28(9): 975–982: (2010). https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2010.481721
  3. Mielgo-Ayuso, J, and Fernández-Lázaro, D. “Nutrition and Muscle Recovery.” Nutrients vol. 13,2 294. 20 Jan. 2021, https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fnu13020294
  4. Mah, Cheri D et al. “The effects of sleep extension on the athletic performance of collegiate basketball players.” Sleep vol. 34,7 943-50. 1 Jul. 2011, doi:10.5665/SLEEP.1132
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Green Beret to Green Thumb in Cannabis

Special Forces Officer

Green Beret to Green Thumb in Cannabis

“So you are going to stop being a Green Beret to become a farmer?” asked my friend Jason, a fellow Special Forces operator, with a look of bewilderment on his face. I remember that conversation like it was yesterday. 

A few years later, I still look back and don’t regret that decision. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands. I like seeing progress. It’s fulfilling to know that something I created can help so many people. 

Special Forces Teams specialize in unconventional warfare. Hemp is the new unconventional crop in agriculture.
Special Forces Teams specialize in unconventional warfare. Hemp felt like a good fit because it is the new unconventional crop in agriculture.

I’ve been growing and extracting hemp since 2018. The path that led me to today was very unconventional to say the least. 

Prior to this conversation with Jason, I had just gotten back from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan. That deployment was much different than all others in the past. On this last one, I was the Aide-De-Camp (a military officer who serves as an adjutant to a high ranking US General Officer) for a general who was the Commander of the Special Operations Joint Task Force – Afghanistan. His command was in charge of 14,000 US and NATO special operators. At that level, the focus wasn’t entirely around maneuvering elements. There were a number of extremely competent commanders under the general that took care of that. 

Instead the general, myself, and an entourage of personal security from Seal Team 6 or Special Force’s Commander’s In-extremis Force boarded a Blackhawk helicopter or small fixed winged aircraft every morning. We visited the heroic men and women that had to do the heavy lifting every day and night. That is, they would execute raids on targets with high value individuals (HVIs), provide mentorship to foreign counterparts, and provide humanitarian assistance. These men and women were there to ensure that the people back home could feel safe every night when they went to bed. Every American owes them gratitude and respect for the efforts and sacrifices that they have made.

Special Forces arriving via UH-60 Blackhawk
Humidity hits like a brick wall when coming out of the mountains in the valley near Jalalabad.

We also visited every power broker and leader in Afghanistan. Doing so was a constant juggling act in trying not to mention some wrong thing that was said in a past meeting with someone else. Power brokers in Afghanistan were predominately high ranking officials in the military or government. Some were religious leaders. Some of these men fought against the Soviets in the ‘70s. Some were trained by the CIA.

One day trip yielded a random personal tour of the Ismail Khan Jihad Museum in Herat. Some of these regional leaders were ruthless warlords prior to US occupation. Most were involved in high levels of corruption, whether it be from taxing everything that flowed through their territory or skimming the paychecks from every one of their soldiers and police that the US government financed. One billionaire once told me how he started off smuggling cigarettes when he was young and poor. He then smuggled fuel, and eventually heroin. The war brought USG contracts and that soon became his latest interest. The common theme that most of these visits displayed was that these men desired one thing: power. 

The complexity of the entire situation in Afghanistan was mind bending. For a while, I found it very interesting and exciting to sit down every evening with a different influential member from the Afghan government. We would eat five-course meals in marble lined palaces while being served by multiple servants the entire time. The general would do most of the talking. He was always the guest of honor and would be given the “seat of power,” at every meal. This was the seat on the end of the table that faced the entrance. Most of our hosts treated me very well too. Some I’m still in contact with today. 

One of many mansions owned by a wealthy family in Kabul.
One of many mansions owned by a wealthy family in Kabul.

However, the overt corruption and lack of progress slowly ate away at me. On most occasions, I sat at the table with men worth over 100s of millions of USD. Some were billionaires. Most of them had four or five wives. 

There were two men that I couldn’t tolerate the most. One was a brutal human being. During most of any meal, he just picked his nose. The other was a spy on the payroll for a foreign adversary. The spy isn’t really worth saying much about, for he wasn’t very good at keeping secrets. The nose picker on the other hand will be in the history books forever. He amazed me because he couldn’t read or write but somehow amassed a net worth of over $300 million USD. He built an empire even though he was illiterate, because he had a high IQ and he coupled it with pure brutality. Extortion, murder, torture, and car bombs were all on his resume. He was a bad guy, but at that time, he was our bad guy. Eventually the violence that he surrounded himself with caught up with him. Pro-Tip: Keep this in mind if you ever decide to become a warlord. 

Seeing all of this from a bird’s eye view started to make me wonder what I wanted to get out of this life. At the time, I had a wife, a 2 year old, and a newborn back home in NC. I wondered a few questions. Was my life worth risking for one of these guys?  If we stopped giving them money and power, how would that affect national security back home? The entirety of my adult life up to that point revolved around war. Where else could I fit into this world?

General Mohammad Ayub Salangi (in white) always had a great taste in décor.
General Mohammad Ayub Salangi (in white) always had a great taste in décor and fashion.

On a lighter note, one memorable dinner was with President Hamid Karzai’s older brother, Qayyum. Qayyum was well educated, spending much time in the United States to include graduate school. He speaks fluent English and owns multiple businesses in Maryland. We started a small sidebar conversation when he asked where my accent was from. When I told him I was originally from western PA he said, “No way, I have a farm in Bedford!”  Bedford is about a 50 minute drive from where I grew up.

Shortly after that deployment, I decided to depart the Special Forces and moved back home to take over the family farm. I won’t give Qayyum credit for my decision to pursue agriculture. However, there’s a reason why George Bush and Bill Gates each own thousands of acres. A different type of satisfaction comes from being self-reliant while producing products that help others.

After starting a few small businesses on the farm and learning important lessons along the way (usually the hard way), we decided that hemp production on our farm would become the next chapter in our life. Innovative Extracts was formed shortly after.

Checking on young hemp plants.
Checking on young hemp plants.

This story doesn’t really have anything to do with CBD. Why do I share it then? I share it because it’s part of the path that got me to where I am today. All of these past events are etched into the principles and values of myself and Innovative Extracts. 

Sometimes my past feels like a chaotic dream. The happiness, excitement, pain, and misery all seem to blur together. Nothing seems black and white anymore. A lot of times in today’s world, perception is more important than truth, and that can divide us even further. Trying to help provide a solution to this divide, I wake up every morning with four goals in mind. I want to be a good husband, father, person, and American. 

I think I finally found my place in this world and so far, I’m doing an alright job. 

Check back for more stories on the journey that made IE what it is today. 

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CBD Dog Treats for Joint Pain

Cbd dog treats for joint pain

CBD Dog Treats for Joint Pain

For many pet owners, joint pain can be one of the most disappointing things to see. Dogs typically use their body language to communicate their emotions, so it becomes easy for pet owners to understand whether anything is wrong or not. The good news is that there are CBD dog treats for joint pain relief that can help an anxious pet to feel calm and promote relaxation.

CBD dog treats are similar to regular tasty treats but the only difference is that these crunchy treats are infused with hemp extracts to keep up joint health and promote other benefits. These CBD-infused treats also contain organic ingredients that aid mobility and calmness such as glucosamine, salmon oil, and chamomile.

It can sometimes be challenging to choose a CBD dog product as there are hundreds of products available on the market. Choosing the right CBD dog treats for joint pain depends on the dog’s health condition, size, and other considerations. To understand more about CBD dog treats and how they may help joint pain, keep reading.

What is a CBD Dog Treat?

What is a CBD Dog Treat?

Broad-spectrum CBD or cannabidiol is a chemical compound found in industrial hemp plants and cannabis plants. Research shows that the use of CBD could help pets ease their pain and support joint health if taken in the right dosage amounts. CBD dog treats make it easier for dog owners to treat their pets as dogs respond well to these tasty treats.

Otherwise, it remains a constant struggle for dog owners to get the CBD dose to their pets. On the contrary, CBD dog treats are made with all the necessary ingredients along with some tasty flavors that most dogs like to chew. The ingredients include beef liver powder, vitamin E, dried brewer’s yeast, flaxseed oil, natural bacon flavor, and others.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to make a wise judgment while purchasing these dog CBD treats as they can cause some health hazards to your pet if not chosen correctly. Make sure the CBD dog treats don’t include any artificial additives and grains.

Also, how many CBD treats are allowed for a dog must be consulted with a vet before making a decision.

Does CBD Help Dogs With Joint Pain?

Does CBD Help Dogs With Joint Pain?

Pet owners look for an easy alternative to prescription medication when it comes to treating their pets with joint pain. CBD or cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system of both human beings and pets and sends a soothing feeling all over the body by regulating ECS functionality. Therefore, CBD pet treats or CBD oil have the capability to treat dogs with joint pain.

Here are a few ways how CBD helps dogs with joint pain:

Here are a few ways how CBD helps dogs with joint pain

1. It Reduces Inflammation

CBD treats for dogs are infused with full spectrum CBD oil which is considered a great alternative for treating joint pain. Generally, veterinarians use to recommend high doses of prescription medications to manage this inflammation but it caused a lot of long-term health problems in the dogs.

As a result, CBD dog treats have become one of the most popular natural remedies to avoid risking any side effects. The anti-inflammatory properties present in the CBD component are potent enough to potentially reduce the damage caused by joint inflammation.

2. It Blocks Pain Signals

Another reason why CBD dog treats work wonders is that they may block the pain receptors. Since CBD components bind with opioid receptors, it makes it a powerful tool for pain relief. Although there’s ongoing research on how CBD interacts with the pain receptors of a dog, some beneficial effects may be seen in the due time.

3. Regenerate Connective Tissue

Due to the anti-inflammatory properties present in pet CBD products, it could prevent damage to connective tissues. Since it protects joints and cartilage, these dog treats may slow down degenerative diseases and support the overall hip and joint health of your pup.

Although CBD dog treats could be highly beneficial to your furry friend, it’s important to choose the products wisely after checking third-party lab test reports, customer ratings, and everything else you should know about CBD dog treats.

How Long Does it Take for a Dog CBD Treat to Kick in?

How Long Does it Take for a Dog CBD Treat to Kick in?

Usually, it may take 30 minutes to five hours for CBD products to start working but it also depends on the dog’s body weight, size, and other criteria to determine the precise time for the CBD dog treats’ effectiveness. Unfortunately, animals can’t explain whether they’re feeling better or not so dog owners must keep their eyes open for clues.

For example, if a dog has been given anxiety CBD treats, then you may notice the dog is more relaxed and calm after a while. If they’re still barking and whimpering even after consuming the CBD treats, then consult a veterinarian for the best advice.

Does CBD for Dogs Help With Inflammation?

Does CBD for Dogs Help With Inflammation?

CBD-infused products like broad spectrum CBD oil and pet CBD treats may indirectly improve the anti-inflammatory effects. There are clinical studies that confirm that CBD may reduce the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as induces T-cell apoptosis, inhibits T-cell proliferation, and reduce pain over time.

Although the research is still in its early stage, people are increasingly using CBD anxiety treats and other pet CBD products to treat inflammation. It’s because hemp-derived CBD activates the CB1 and CB2 receptors of a dog’s endocannabinoid system which is responsible for providing various signals all over the body including pain.

The activation of the CB2 receptor further leads to a decrease in ROS production, which reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, CBD dog treats could help dogs with inflammation, joint pain, hip dysplasia, and other ailments.

Does a CBD Dog Treats Improve My Dog’s Behavior for Joint Pain?

Does a CBD Dog Treats Improve My Dog's Behavior for Joint Pain?

A dog’s joint pain can be associated with several different health conditions but the most common reason is arthritis. Mobility CBD treats with CBD oils may promote joint health and come with many health benefits. As a dog owner, joint chews with naturally occurring CBD oil could improve your dog’s behavior for joint pain.

Pet parents should also look for third-party lab-tested CBD products to get the most therapeutic benefits from the extracted cannabidiol. A pet’s health depends on what their owners feed them, so always give your pets CBD products that are made and sold from trustworthy brand names and manufacturers that can be validated online.

There are many of the same active ingredients in dog food that are in CBD dog treats. Senior dogs and other dogs with health conditions may benefit from the following:

  • Hop soft chews CBD treats with natural ingredients
  • Subscribe and save on CBD dog treats specials
  • The potential to relieve your dog’s pain with CBD oil pet products
  • CBD products for treating joint pain may help improve mobility
  • CBD dog treats could boost your dog’s health or extend his or her life

If you want to relieve pain for your dog, you should always make sure that your dog gets the proper dosage of CBD. Factors such as your dog’s diet and dog’s weight combined with your dog’s age can determine how much CBD you give your dog. Fortunately, the recommended dosages of CBD per mg are typically found on the CBD dog treats packaging.

How Often Should a CBD Dog Treat Be Given to My Dog?

How Often Should a CBD Dog Treat Be Given to My Dog?

Since CBD doesn’t have any adverse side effects of overdosing, CBD treats are very safe to give your dog. However, in some cases, too many CBD treats may interfere with your dog’s prescription medication. CBD dog treats are designed as a dietary supplement and should not replace their routine of healthy dog food.

Serving Size

Serving Size

Most labels on CBD treats for dogs will display the serving size of CBD, the recommended times per day, and other information. CBD dog treats should be treated slightly differently than traditional dog treats, especially if your pooch has a bad habit of wanting dog treats over their regular dog food because of the cannabidiol contained in the CBD dog treat products.

Case Studies

Many case studies done on the effects of CBD on joint pain in both humans and animals have shown that when administered in proper doses, may offer pain relief for dogs suffering from joint pain. You will notice a difference at the dog park after giving your dog CDB treats for joint pain by the way they act and want to explore and play a little more than they used to.

Third-Party Lab Analytics

Third-Party Lab Analytics

As a general rule of thumb, make sure that your CBD dog treats come with third-party lab analytics. This is also called a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and provides pet owners with verified CBD content, ensuring your dog gets every mg of CBD they need for joint pain. A COA also guarantees that your CBD dog treats are manufactured by a reputable business.

From organic sweet potato flavored CBD dog treats to bacon and steak bites, you can find the best all-natural ingredients combined with the power of full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD oil in today’s leading brands of CBD dog treats for pain.

Can Dog Treats With CBD Expire?

In all cases of CBD dog treats, they do come with an expiration date set by the manufacturer. While some CBD treats for dogs last a year or two, others may only have an expiration date of nine months or less. For the best shelf life for your CBD dog treats, you can keep your dog treats fresher for longer periods of time by placing them in the refrigerator.

You should always avoid storing your CBD treats in direct sunlight such as on shelving by a window or on the window sill itself because the UV rays in sunlight can break down the molecules contained in CBD as well as the other high-quality ingredients used for making the best CBD dog treats for joint pain.

How to Buy the Best CBD Dog Treats for Joint Pain

How to Buy the Best CBD Dog Treats for Joint Pain

One of the best ways to buy CBD dog treats for pain is to purchase them from a vetted CBD supplier. You can find out if the company selling CBD dog treats has a good business reputation by reading online reviews about the CBD supplier as well as the individual projects they sell to the consumer marketplace.

Another good tip for buying CBD dog treats online or in a retail store chain is to make sure the CBD vendor has a working telephone number and provides the customer access to customer support either via live chat bots or email inquiry forms.

When you buy from a trustworthy source such as our CBD dog treats company, you always get what you pay for and the best CBD dog treats for joint pain.