River Organics

The woman-owned seed-to-bottle CBD company continues to bloom 

On a family-owned farm nestled in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, a group of eager environmental enthusiasts grow full-spectrum organic CBD. A non-psychoactive sibling of marijuana, once harvested, CVD makes its way into everything from tinctures to non-alcoholic sparkling rosé and balms for furry friends. While the benefits are still being explored, CBD has been used to manage stress and anxiety, aid with insomnia, diminish headaches and chronic pain, and promote relaxing effects. 

Photo Credit: River Organics

RIVER ORGANICS Logo
Photo Credit: River Organics

Founded after the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, River Organics is a women-owned, hand-harvested, Virginia-based CBD company. At the helm of the budding venture is Dr. Adrianne Joseph, one of the first USDA certified organic hemp farmer and processors in the state and self-proclaimed wellness advocate, whose interest in hemp farming stems from a desire to help people live well.

“She has a lifelong commitment to wellness and science and to understanding who we are as people, so our land that we farm on has been in a conservation reserve program for 20 years,” says River Organics Marketing Director Elizabeth Blackney. 

Full Spectrum Organic CBD Tinctures
Photo Credit: River Organics

At River Organics, it all starts with healthy and happy soil. This year, the team of master horticulturists planted and harvest 3 acres, which resulted in the processing of over 3,000 plants. And while River Organics is still a fairly young business, the soil they grow on has been protected for decades, with no pesticides used on the land. The result: Thriving soil that allows the natural flora and fauna to flourish.

‘We use all organic amendments to our soil for the growing of the hemp, so really it’s an exciting thing because we think about that [organic] with the vegetables we consume, but not often with the rest of our products we put in our body,” shares Blackney.

Full Spectrum Organic Massage Oils
Photo Credit: River Organics

Known as a ‘bio-accumulator, hemp has the power to draws substances from the surrounding soil, including toxins. At River Organics, they eliminate this possibility by upholding a strong and unwavering vow to never use toxic pesticides and herbicides on their crops. Currently, there are very few CBD products on the market that are USDA certified organic.

“Everything that goes into our hemp is made right here in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and grown on the farm, we’re in control of our process from seed to bottle,” Blackney says.

Spa and Body Care: 100 mg Full Spectrum CBD Bath Bomb
Photo Credit: River Organics

In 2020, River Organics introduced its full-spectrum lineup at area farmers market and retail shops. Blackney shares that educating consumers about CBD has been a pillar of the business, and that their full-spectrum products are loaded with different cannabinoids and terpenes that results in a significantly better product and work together to create the entourage effect.

Beyond tinctures and massage oils, which work as ideal pain relievers perfect for treating everything from arthritis to planter’s fasciitis, River Organics has begun to dabble in the edible side of CBD. 

“CBD and industrial hemp products are an excellent flavor enhancer so we have folks, myself included, who use our citrus tincture or habanero-cinnamon in dressings,” says Blackney, adding she also uses it to make a balsamic vinaigrette or liven up fish or chicken.

Full Spectrum Organic CBD Pet Products
Photo Credit: River Organics

At Ellwood Thompson’s, shoppers can spot everything from bacon-flavored pet tincture to Arnica-spiked extra strength massage oils and even a booze-free sangria on the shelves, which Blackney describes as a great gift for a hostess or designated driver, or for approaching rosé season. 

As for partnering with Ellwood’s, Blackney says, “It means so much to us. They’re a really committed group of folks at Ellwood Thompson's and it means everything to us to work with brands that align and providing healthy alternatives whether for food or wellness. That’s something we really want to be a part of, and we’re honored to be a part of the Ellwood Thompson’s family.”