Via the amazing tool called the internet, people are becoming more  and more conscious of how their actions can make an impact on the  world. COVID-19 has given us quite a rude awakening—as a whole, we must  improve our relationships with each other, the animals, and the earth. If we  do actually intend to make that change, we must do it together. This  responsibility extends beyond the individual, to businesses and  corporations that are obligated to act responsibly and consciously.  
At Botanicam, we feel so lucky to be able to work with one of nature’s  gifts, hemp. We aim to honor this plant and to set the standards for the  hemp industry in terms of putting both the earth and the consumer before  profit. As it currently stands, the emerging hemp-derived CBD marketplace  is fractured. Due to a lack of regulation from the FDA, most companies are  manufacturing products irresponsibly and do not have to take any  accountability for customer safety—this is why Botanicam was created. We ensure transparency through our strict 12-point checklist. We heavily vet  the brands that we choose to work with. Rather than turning a blind eye  and waiting for the hemp industry to tell us what is legal and what is not,  we are practicing making conscious business decisions that put our  customers before our pockets. 

Our checklist: 

Something that is not explicitly stated on our checklist, but is  important to mention in regard to our commitment to sustainability, the  earth, and people, is our pickiness when it comes to capsules. We only  carry products that use vegetarian capsules, just like we will not sell a  product that uses non-organic carrying oil—we believe that these little  choices matter in creating a more mindful world.

What are most capsules made out of? 

Gelatin, a.k.a. the hooves, connective tissues, organs, bones, and skin  of cattle, chicken, and pigs that have been boiled down to create a gel-like  substance. While they are relatively cheap, gelatin capsules are not as  dependable as vegetarian capsules because they do not have the same  tolerance to heat or humidity, which makes them less convenient for long-term storage. Plus, they are not compatible with liquids, gels, or  various other materials. Gelatin is actually what is used in most gummy  products—this is why Botanicam does not offer any gummy products at  this moment.  

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash @karsten116

Additionally, some worry about MSG. Around 10% of gelatin capsules  contain MSG (Monosodium Glutamate). This is a food additive used to  enhance flavor. This chemical actually functions as an excitatory  neurotransmitter in the brian. Many people ultimately avoid MSG due to  most bodies being unable to tolerate it, studies that show harmful  neurological effects (especially for children), links to headaches/migraines,  and possible weight gain. 

  Lastly, there are further concerning factors pertaining to  contamination. Colored gelatin capsules contain toxic dyes (which have  been linked to neurological diseases) and titanium dioxide (which has  been linked to cancer). Gelatin capsules may also contain toxins from their source, such as antibiotics or pesticides in the food that was given to the  animals. Others complain that gelatin capsules can cause stomach  bloating, heartburn, and belching.  

What are vegetarian capsules? 

Vegetarian capsules are made out of cellulose, which comes from  the bark of pine (or other similar types of) trees. They qualify as both  Kosher and Halal products, are easily digested by the body, and,  therefore, have a quicker absorption rate. This can be demonstrated  pretty clearly, i.e., in Youtube videos of gelatin vs cellulose capsules  dissolving in water.  

Botanicam makes sure that all of our capsules are not only plant  based, but are also FDA registered as organic and cGMP grade so that  you do not have to worry. We are a company that practices business  ethics, and we will only work with those who do the same.  

Photo by Alexey O on Unsplash @ao__space 

Why does any of this matter? 

A little capsule does matter, because every part of creating a  product matters. Just the way a person suffers with every lie/half-truth  uncovered, we believe this should be true in businesses as well. As an  individual impacts society, so does a business. One conscious business  creates a more conscious industry, which creates a more conscious  world—every detail of that matters. In a time that rewards quick profits  and shortcuts, we want to be a business with a conscience. We want to  impact the hemp industry because this plant and those who heal with it  deserve nothing less.