Lovewell Farms | CBD Sustainably Grown and Made with Love in RI

Handcrafted, small batch and science based.

The Growers' Garden Interview with Emily Cotter, COO of Lovewell Farms by Meredith Brady

You've heard the term CBD, but do you know what it really is? Technically speaking, "CBD" is cannabidiol, a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940, one of 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants, but it's the one that can make up as much as 40% of the plant's extract. Phytocannabinoids are produced by plants while endocannabinoids are produced by animals. Both are cannabinoids, a lipophilic (dissolves in fat or oil) chemical compound that helps regulate and balance a number of biological functions.

The science surrounding the use of CBD to improve one's wellness is still growing (pardon the pun), but we're lucky to have family-owned Lovewell Farms, located in Hope Valley, to provide us with locally grown, organically sourced, and sustainably cultivated hemp and CBD products. My interview with Emily Cotter of Lovewell Farms was far too short to cover the extensive information available about CBD and hemp, but it quickly became clear that the team at Lovewell has done their homework.

All three of the team members principally involved in growing have a background in agriculture and have made it their mission to grow and harvest the CBD themselves, using holistic and responsible practices and being 100% accountable for the source and production of their tinctures, salves, oils, bath indulgences, and other hemp and CBD products.

There's so much information about CBD products out there, it can seem confusing, and it's easy for unethical retailers to take advantage of buyers who don't understand the production processor product ingredients. The team at Lovewell Farms, first and foremost, wants to educate you about CBD and hemp: their website states that "We believe in science-based research and education for consumers, farmers and policymakers in the significance and benefits of the cannabis plant." Their packaging and website offer in-depth information about what's in their products, including clear details regarding doses.

Speaking of doses, did I mention that they test their product at a state-certified laboratory, and they test often until they reach the perfect time for harvest, when the CBD content is the highest possible while maintaining a legal limit (0.003) of THC in the plant. Cultivation of hemp was legalized in 2018, and this is now the second year of harvest for the Lovewell Farms team. They are cultivating just two acres, but they ensure future viability through maintaining a diverse ecosystem. Growing, and harvesting, locally allows them to ensure that no synthetic chemicals are used and to harvest by hand, while also carefully controlling the climate in the drying space.

Stop by Coastal Growers' Market any Saturday, now through October 31, to talk to a member of the Lovewell Farms team and find out more about the wellness benefits that CBD can offer. My husband has experienced significant relief from The Balm, a combination of CBD, coconut oil, menthol, beeswax, and essential oils. We've tried the "Energy" and "Sleep" tinctures in my household too, and remain impressed by the high quality and clear information provided. Plant-based wellness from a local, family farm with deep roots in the community? What could be better?