As the CBD market continues to flourish, with hundreds of companies eager to get in on the action every month, the market is becoming a bit saturated. Today, the hundreds of brands and dozens of product options available are making those new into the CBD market get an instant headache. New CBD buyers are starting to notice that not all CBD products are created equal. There’s a market composed of low-quality products, there are high-quality products, and obviously, there’s everything else in between. The problem is people have a hard time knowing how to differentiate the good from the bad. That is why you will need these helpful cbd buying tips.
Buying CBD isn’t exactly common knowledge.
Get Familiar with CBD Basics
Before you even add an item to your cart or shopping bag, there are a few things you must get familiar with when it comes to CBD. Understanding the basics will set you up for a successful shopping experience. Using our cbd buyers guide to be educate yourself about the CBD industry is the only way to find the right CBD products for you.
Find Out the CBD Used
First of all, not all products use the same CBD. There are three significant differentiators, and they each are tied to different benefits. Going back to understanding the basics, knowing the differences between each type is paramount. To start, remember that what differentiates one from the other is the extraction process. Then, you’ll probably see this terminology used on the packaging. This is what it means:
CBD Isolate is essentially pure CBD extracted from the hemp plant. The extract is then isolated from the other cannabinoids present, giving you a 99% pure CBD extract.
Full Spectrum CBD is CBD extracted from the hemp plant, along with all the other cannabinoids, including THC, which is known for its mind-altering effects.
Broad Spectrum CBD is a mix of CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD but without the mind-altering effects of THC.
Understand the Different CBD Doses
Before purchasing any CBD product, understanding how much CBD is in the product is essential for health purposes. You need to know how much you can use and how this product will fit into your lifestyle.
CBD dosages depend on the type of product you choose. For example, a CBD tincture administers a dosage using a dropper. Let’s say that you purchase a 30ml CBD tincture product which specifies it has 15000mg of CBD on the label. To know the CBD dosage per serving, or in this case, per dropper, you can follow this formula:
[Total CBD in bottle] ÷ [Milliliters in the bottle] = Milligrams of CBD per serving size
Even though this method is not 100% accurate, it can give you an overall idea. To make sure you’re looking at the correct CBD dose, look at the package for information. According to the cbd buyers guide, the best CBD dosage for you depends on many factors, and you should reach out to your doctor before settling on a dose.
Things to Look For
Once you’re more familiar with the basics revolving CBD products, there are a few things you need to look for. These are things that will steer you away from the low-quality and possibly harmful products, and guide you to find high-quality CBD products instead.
3rd Party Lab Tests
The number one thing you need to look for is if a 3rd party laboratory has tested the product. The lab’s report should be available on the company’s website, and they include everything you need to know to confirm their product is safe to use.
The lab report should confirm:
- If an accredited laboratory performed the analysis. They must be accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
- When was the laboratory report approved? Although there are no regulations about how often a CBD product must be tested, you should use your judgment to decide what’s acceptable for you, whether that’s 1 year or 10 years.
- Check that the lab report confirms the product is free of contaminants.
- Verify the cannabinoid content listed on the product is consistent with what’s on the analysis report. If the product’s label says it contains 1000mg of CBD, you should be able to confirm that amount in the lab report.
The THC Content
THC is legal in several states, but in many others, it remains illegal. Depending on the state, the maximum amount of THC is 0.3% to 0.5% or less. This is the amount generally considered to be safe. It’s important to confirm that the product you’re looking to buy contains the legal amount of THC allowed in your state to prevent any legal ramifications.
The Hemp’s Source
The primary source used to extract CBD is hemp. The hemp’s quality is strictly related to the end product’s quality, which is why tracing the hemp back to its source can help you make a smarter buying decision. Hemp can be sourced from the United States, Europe, and China. Look at the quality standards and the quality controls set in place to help you find the best product possible.
Other Ingredients
Make sure whatever product you’re looking at lists all the ingredients. Hopefully, you can pronounce all the ingredients listed. Otherwise, a quick Google search can help shed light on them to make sure they don’t have any adverse effects. Look for products that use organic and all-natural ingredients, in addition to premium ingredients added to enhance the product’s benefits. For example, CBD sleep capsules with melatonin is a good pairing.
Keep In Mind
With so many brands trying to ride the CBD wave, it’s easy to get flooded with different product options. Take time to do your due diligence and see if the company has a good reputation. While looking at the reviews and experiences others have had with the brand won’t guarantee a high-quality product, this is a good indication the brand is legit.
CBD Buying Tips
High-quality CBD products are out there. Once you start looking for a new product to try, you’ll quickly realize what makes the difference between low-quality products. If you’re ready to buy a new CBD product, keep these buying tips in mind:
- Look for products made by companies from states that have legalized the recreational and medical use of cannabis.
- Try to pick “full spectrum CBD” extracts instead of pure CBD oils. Even if THC is legal in your state, opt for “broad spectrum CBD” that include other cannabis components, but leave out the THC.
- Look for products that list the amount of THC and CBD per serving – not just the total amount.
- Beware of companies making specific health claims.
- Avoid CBD products with toxic thinning agents – keep an eye for propylene glycol, flavor additives, and other ingredients.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out to CBD companies and ask questions – serious companies will be easy to contact.
When in Doubt
Always check with your CBD-experienced friends and family members before choosing a new CBD product. Speaking to a healthcare professional before experimenting with any CBD dosage and product will help you make sure you’re selecting the right products for your health. It’s not advisable to self-treat a pre-existing condition, as CBD may or may not interact with other medications, symptoms, and more. Remember, using cbd buying tips guide provides awareness and education that will help you become a smart CBD buyer.