What Makes a Trusted CBD Company?

Our story starts where all good things should: in the soil. For more than a century, the Treadwell family has been farming in Florida, growing everything from citrus to foliage. When we discovered the potential of Cannabis sativa L., it was a natural extension of what we already knew how to do well—and gave us the opportunity to grow a plant that can genuinely help people. 

Today, we're a Florida CBD company built on hemp farming, intentional formulation, and transparency you can verify. Our commitment shows in recognitions such as our GreenState Consumer's Choice and This Farm Cares awards and our participation in the Fresh from Florida program. From seed to bottle, every step happens here in Florida, supporting local agriculture and delivering products backed not only by science, but by healthy soil, abundant sunshine, and our decades of farming experience.

A Florida CBD Company With Deep Roots in Farming

Long before Treadwell Farms planted its first crop of hemp plants, our family was intimately familiar with Central Florida's growing conditions. Based in Lake County, Florida, we also grow citrus, peaches, watermelons, blueberries, and vegetables. We're farmers who genuinely love growing things—and our family has been doing it for over a century.

That experience matters more than most consumers realize when choosing a CBD company. We spent years in the indoor foliage industry, learning plant health and environmental control in ways that translate directly to cannabis cultivation. When federal law changed and hemp became legal, we applied decades of agricultural knowledge to a plant that rewards careful attention.

Soil health drives everything we do. Our own hemp farming relies on organic practices and OMRI-certified products, building on what we learned growing other crops in this specific microclimate. The Central Florida farms we work with from are chosen for their commitment to these same quality inputs and practices. The cultivars we grow come from breeders who specialize in genetics suited to Southern environments—plants that can handle real pest and disease pressure without compromising cannabinoid and terpene profiles.

Compliance with Florida standards isn't an afterthought; it's woven into every stage of cultivation. We hand harvest, slow dry, and cure with intention to preserve the natural compounds in each plant, and test our product rigorously to meet Florida’s strict criteria.

Why hemp farming practices matter when choosing a CBD company:

• Genetics determine potential. Healthy plants make healthy products. Cultivars bred for specific climates produce more consistent cannabinoid and terpene profiles. 

• Growing environment influences product quality. Hemp is a bioaccumulator, meaning it pulls everything from its environment—the good and the bad. Healthier conditions yield cleaner, safer extracts.

• Sun and terroir shape chemistry. Hemp grown under the Florida sun develops differently than hemp grown under artificial lights. Those differences show up in the final product's effects and character.

How a Science-Driven CBD Company Designs Products With Purpose

Cannabis sativa L. contains over 100 cannabinoids, but we focus on the ones backed by emerging research and customer feedback. CBD remains our foundation, but we've designed formulas around specific minor cannabinoids chosen for distinct purposes.

Our Sleep CBD Gummies pair CBN with CBD because research suggests CBN may support improved sleep and rest. Rapid Relief Cream combines CBD with CBG, targeting localized discomfort. Relief Extract features both CBDa and CBD, inspired by research on how CBDa interacts with specific receptors. When studies pointed to CBDa's unique properties, we utilized our process—using cold extraction and minimal processing to retain this often-overlooked cannabinoid.

Treadwell’s Relief & Recovery collection came directly from customers who needed different cannabinoid ratios for ongoing issues. Each formula gives you another option to find what works best for your body.

We steam distill terpenes from freshly harvested plants when they're most abundant, then add specific blends back into formulas. This keeps products closer to the living plant, full-spectrum in the truest sense. Botanicals and complementary ingredients round out each formula, chosen to work with cannabinoids rather than overwhelm them. Every decision reflects our philosophy: start with plants rich in beneficial compounds, handle them carefully, and let the plant do what it does best.

Third Party Testing and COAs: Non-Negotiables for Any CBD Company

Cannabis plants are bioaccumulators, absorbing everything in their environment—beneficial minerals, but also heavy metals, pesticides, and contaminants. Third-party lab tested CBD results confirm potency and prove that nothing harmful was introduced during cultivation, extraction, or manufacturing.

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) shows what's actually in a product. Florida's hemp testing standards match the state's Medical Cannabis program, ensuring comprehensive panels that cover potency, pesticides, heavy metals, microbials, mycotoxins, and residual solvents.

We test each step of the way: at harvest, upon extraction, after manufacture, and upon bottling. Every product includes a batch number and QR code linking directly to results. Our CBD COA page lists results for every product we offer, and our How to Read a Cannabis COA blog explains how to interpret them.

This level of transparency separates the best CBD company from one hoping you won't ask questions. If accessing COAs requires effort or you get vague assurances instead of data, that tells you everything you need to know.

A Community-Minded CBD Company Focused on Sustainability

Our farming practices prioritize environmental stewardship through organic practices and OMRI-certified inputs that protect soil health for the long term. We chose food-safe, child-resistant packaging from the start, sourcing materials in the United States whenever possible. Our formulas avoid artificial flavors and colors, keeping ingredients as clean as the plants we grow.

Community support isn't a marketing angle for us: it's built into how we operate. We actively support veterans' organizations and seniors in our community, recognizing that giving back matters as much as sales. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in practices that consider environmental impact at every stage. From the soil we nurture to the packaging we choose to the people we support, we're building something that lasts beyond any single harvest.

Five Questions With Jammie Treadwell, Co-Founder of a Family-Run CBD Company

What problem did you set out to solve as a CBD company grounded in hemp farming?

We wanted to create products that stay as close to the plants we grow as possible. That means careful cultivation, gentle extraction, and formulas that respect what the plant offers naturally. We put our name on every bottle, and we use these products ourselves. If we wouldn't give it to our own family, we're not selling it to yours.

How do you define a trusted CBD company today?

A trusted CBD company has real connection to hemp farming—either growing it themselves or working closely with farmers who share their standards. They publish third-party lab results that you can actually verify. Their labels are clear, their COAs are accessible, and their contact information is easy to find. Most importantly, they focus on honest education instead of hype. They're not making wild promises; they're helping you understand the plant and make informed choices.

Which farming decisions most influence product quality?

Genetic selection is everything. You need varieties suited to your specific environment (and disease and pest pressures) that also deliver the cannabinoid and terpene profile you're after. The old saying applies here: garbage in, garbage out. If you start with poor genetics or compromised inputs, no amount of fancy extraction or formulation can fix that. We're selective about what we grow and what we source because quality starts in the field, not the lab.

What misconception about CBD would you correct first?

Cannabinoid-rich hemp is not "diet weed." The plant has so much to offer, and research is finally starting to catch up with what people have known intuitively for years. Just because CBD and CBG don't produce the same effects as THC doesn't mean they're not valuable. Each cannabinoid interacts with your body differently, and that's the point—you have options to find what works for your needs.

How should shoppers compare two CBD company products with different prices?

Start with the label. Are ingredients clearly listed? Can you see where the product was made? Is there a batch number, expiration date, and QR code linking to test results? A reputable product gives you plenty of information upfront. Then look at the milligrams of cannabinoids per serving and calculate cost per milligram. That's often a better way to compare value than price alone. You might pay more per bottle but get more CBD per dollar.

How To Shop for a Quality CBD Company (Checklist)

Not all CBD companies operate with the same standards. When you're evaluating options, look for these markers of quality and transparency:

• Clear label with cannabinoids per serving – You should know exactly what you're getting in each dose.

• Recent, batch-matched COA from an independent lab – Test results should match the specific product you're buying.

• Quality, intentional ingredients beyond just "CBD" – Formulas should show purpose, not just filler.

• Transparent sourcing from a hemp-first CBD company – Know where the plants come from and how they're grown.

• Responsive customer support and fair returns – A company that stands behind its products makes it easy to contact them.

• Bonus: Educational content that explains the science behind products – The best CBD companies invest in helping you understand what you're using and why. Treadwell Farms’ CBD education blog is a great example!

Red Flags That Suggest a CBD Company Is Not Trustworthy

Just as important as knowing what to look for is recognizing warning signs. Walk away if you encounter:

• No COA or batch numbers that don't match the product – This is the biggest red flag; testing should be transparent and verifiable.

• Vague claims and missing contact details – If you can't easily reach the company by phone or email, that's a problem.

• Missing batch number or expiration date – Every product should be traceable to a specific production run.

• Outlier pricing with no potency data – Suspiciously cheap or expensive products should provide clear justification.

• Buzzwords without clear, quantified ingredients – "Premium blend" or "maximum strength" means nothing without numbers.

• Strong medical claims instead of careful, educational language – Reputable companies discuss potential benefits; they don't promise cures.

FAQs About Choosing a CBD Company

How do I verify a CBD company's batch test results?

Check that the link to test results actually works and leads to a legitimate lab report. The COA should include the lab's accreditation, name, and physical location. Most importantly, verify that the batch number on the COA matches the batch number on your product. If those don't align, the test results aren't for what you're holding.

What testing should a CBD company publish for every product?

At minimum, you should see potency testing that confirms cannabinoid levels. A comprehensive panel also includes pesticides, heavy metals, microbials, mycotoxins, water activity (when applicable), and residual solvents. This full panel ensures the product is both potent and safe. 

Are you full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate based?

We use full-spectrum extracts because we believe in keeping products as close to the plant as possible. Full-spectrum CBD means you're getting the complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds that work together. 

How does a CBD company determine dosing guidance for beginners?

We worked with doctors and pharmacists to establish our initial dosing recommendations, then continuously gathered customer feedback to refine that guidance. Everyone's body is different, so we provide starting points and encourage people to adjust based on their response. Our advice is always to start low and go slow. 

Where can I see hemp farming and production details?

The "Our Process" page on our website walks you through every stage, from how we grow and harvest hemp to how we extract and formulate products. We also include details about our testing protocols and quality standards.