Hemp and marijuana both come from the Cannabis sativa plant family, but they are legally and functionally distinct. Hemp is defined under federal law as cannabis containing 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) or less by dry weight. Marijuana contains significantly higher THC levels — typically 5% to 30% or more — and produces psychoactive ("high") effects.

Hemp extract is rich in cannabidiol (CBD) and other beneficial compounds like CBG, CBN, and terpenes. Our full-spectrum products use the whole plant to maximize these naturally occurring compounds.

Full-spectrum hemp extract retains all of the naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant — cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBN, trace THC), terpenes, and flavonoids. Nothing is isolated or stripped away.

This matters because of something called the entourage effect: these compounds are believed to work more effectively together than any single compound in isolation. Think of it as the difference between eating a whole piece of fruit versus taking a vitamin C supplement.

By contrast, CBD isolate contains only pure CBD with all other plant compounds removed.

No. Hemp extract is non-intoxicating. CBD does not activate the brain receptors (CB1 receptors) responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana.

While some users report a gentle sense of calm or relaxation, this is very different from the intoxication produced by high-THC cannabis. You can go about your normal day after using our products.

Full-spectrum hemp extract contains a range of naturally occurring cannabinoids beyond CBD:

• CBD (Cannabidiol) — the primary compound; non-psychoactive, widely studied for its wellness potential.
• CBG (Cannabigerol) — sometimes called the "mother cannabinoid"; associated with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
• CBN (Cannabinol) — a mild compound that forms as THC ages; often associated with relaxation and sleep support.
• CBC (Cannabichromene) — another non-psychoactive compound with potential anti-inflammatory effects.
• Terpenes — aromatic compounds that give hemp its distinctive scent and may enhance the effects of cannabinoids.

The entourage effect describes the theory that the various compounds in hemp — cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids — work synergistically, meaning together they produce greater benefit than any single compound alone. This is one of the key reasons many users prefer full-spectrum extracts over CBD isolates.

Tinctures (our Full Spectrum Hemp Extract oils) are taken sublingually — placed under the tongue and absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This is typically the fastest and most efficient delivery method for whole-body support.

Salves (our Joint Success Salve) are thick, concentrated topicals applied directly to the skin over sore joints or muscles. The hemp extract works locally, without entering the bloodstream in significant amounts.

Topical sprays and rollers (our Hemp Breeze line) offer a convenient, mess-free way to apply hemp extract to targeted areas — the roller ball for precision application, the airless pump for broader coverage.

The milligram (mg) number refers to the total amount of hemp extract (CBD) in the entire product. For example, our Joint Success Salve contains 2,000 mg of hemp extract across the full 2 oz jar. Our 1 oz tinctures come in 500 mg and 1,000 mg options.

Higher mg does not mean "stronger" per use — it means more total extract is in the container. The effective amount per serving depends on how much product you use each time.

Yes — we are committed to American-grown hemp using restorative farming practices, without synthetic pesticides or chemical inputs. Hemp is a bioaccumulator, meaning it absorbs what is in the soil around it. Clean farming is not just a preference for us — it is essential to product quality and safety.

Our products are third-party lab tested to verify they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants. You can view those results on our COA page.

Our hemp is American grown. We are a small, local Wisconsin-based company based in Whitewater, WI, and we take pride in knowing exactly where our plants come from. If you have a specific question about sourcing, we are happy to answer — just contact us.

Yes. Hemp-derived CBD is federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, provided the product contains 0.3% THC or less by dry weight. All Great Lakes Extracts products meet this requirement.

Wisconsin follows federal hemp law, so our products are legal to purchase and use in the state. State regulations around hemp products continue to evolve nationally, so if you have a question about a specific state, we recommend checking with local authorities or your healthcare provider.

A Certificate of Analysis is a document from an independent, third-party laboratory that verifies exactly what is (and is not) in a product. A thorough COA tests for:

• Cannabinoid potency (exact CBD, THC, CBG, CBN levels)
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium)
• Residual solvents
• Microbial contaminants

Without a COA, there is no way to verify product quality or safety. We publish ours openly because we believe transparency is non-negotiable.

Standard drug tests screen for THC, not CBD. Our products contain 0.3% THC or less — the legal limit under federal law. However, because even trace amounts of THC are present in full-spectrum products, there is a small theoretical possibility of a positive result depending on the sensitivity of the test, your body weight, metabolism, and the amount used.

If you are subject to drug testing for employment, athletic competition, or any other reason, we recommend consulting with your provider before using any hemp product.

Hemp extract has a well-established safety profile and is generally well-tolerated. As with any supplement, some individuals may experience mild effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or changes in appetite — particularly at higher serving sizes.

CBD can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners. If you are taking prescription medications, are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, please consult your healthcare provider before use.

There is no universal dose — body weight, metabolism, and individual body chemistry all play a role. The best approach is to start low and go slow:

• Begin with a small amount (for tinctures, start with about ¼ dropper once daily).
• Use consistently at the same time each day for at least one to two weeks.
• Observe how your body responds before increasing the amount.
• Gradually adjust until you find what works for you.

For topicals and salves, apply a small amount to the affected area and massage in gently. You can apply as needed throughout the day.

Everyone is different. Some users notice effects within a few days of consistent use; for others it can take four to six weeks of regular daily use before results become apparent. Patience and consistency are key — hemp extract works best as part of an ongoing routine rather than as an occasional supplement.

Sublingual tinctures tend to absorb more quickly (typically 15–45 minutes), while topicals work locally and begin within minutes of application at the site.

For best results with our Full Spectrum Hemp Extract tinctures:

• Shake gently before use.
• Fill the dropper to your desired amount.
• Place the oil under your tongue and hold for 60–90 seconds before swallowing.
• This sublingual method allows the extract to absorb directly into the bloodstream for faster, more efficient results.

You can also add it to food or beverages, though absorption may be slightly slower and less complete.

Pets do have an endocannabinoid system (ECS), similar to humans, and some pet owners report positive results using hemp products with their animals. However, pets — especially dogs — are generally more sensitive to THC than humans and may require very small amounts.

Our current products are formulated for human use. If you are interested in hemp for your pet, please consult your veterinarian before use, and look for products specifically formulated for animals.

CBD is metabolized by the same liver enzymes (CYP450) that process many common medications, which means it may affect how those medications are absorbed or broken down. This is a well-documented interaction worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist before adding any hemp supplement to your routine.

Yes. Hemp-derived CBD products that meet the federal 0.3% THC threshold can be shipped directly to consumers across the United States. Our products comply with federal requirements, and direct-to-consumer shipping is broadly permitted for compliant hemp-CBD.

If you have a concern about your specific state's regulations, feel free to contact us.

Please visit our Shipping & Returns page for our full, up-to-date return policy details including timeframes, conditions, and how to initiate a return.

Once your order ships, you will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number. You can use that number to track your package through the carrier's website. If you have not received a tracking email within 2 business days of your order, please contact us and we will look into it for you.

We are a small, local Wisconsin business and we love hearing from our customers. You can reach us by:

• Phone: 920-397-9579
• Online: Contact form on our website
• In person: 880 S Janesville St, Whitewater, WI 53190