CBD oil is suddenly everywhere, and it’s easy to see why. It has a solid safety profile, it won’t get you high, and it’s believed to treat a plethora of issues. But there are so many choices that can make you dizzy without knowing the CBD facts. What makes the process even more confusing is that most products are sold online, since the laws around selling CBD are confusing at best.
It’s important to be aware that not all sites sell genuine products. This may require a little more research on your part, but in the end, it will be so worth it. Reading reviews, checking third-party lab results, and asking for referrals are all a part of the process. Rather than jumping on a random site and grabbing the first product you find because the price is low, take the time to really know the CBD facts so you know what you are getting and what to expect.
So, whether you are looking to buy CBD oil in person or online, here are 7 things you should know before you take the plunge.
1) Check for Third Party Lab Results
It is essential that you check for third-party lab results. What, they don’t have them? That’s a hard pass.
A credible third-party lab will provide unbiased CBD facts about the product. And most reputable companies will gladly share this information with you. In fact, most have it prominently displayed on their website. If this information is not available, then the product is most likely not genuine.
Once you see the report, check the credibility of the lab. A good one will be accredited in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This means the lab meets specific standards and operates under guidelines that are strictly monitored.
2) Does the Product Contain THC?
While CBC is legal in almost all states, THC is not. In order for CBD oil to be legal, its percentage of THC is strictly regulated. The amount allowed may vary in different states, but it is generally 0.3% to 0.5% or less. This is the percentage of THC that is considered safe, and that won’t cause a psychoactive effect.
Unless the state you live in has legalized THC and you are looking for a product with THC, you will want to confirm that the product you are thinking about buying has less than the amount allowed by law.
3) What Ingredients Are in the CBD Product
Next check the ingredients list. What, no list? This is a big red flag and means you should move on. Are there a ton of ingredients you don’t really recognize and can’t pronounce? Google them to see what they are and if they have any side effects.
Look for organic and all-natural ingredients, or if there are premium ingredients added to enhance a particular benefit of the product, such as Vitamin B12 for pain relief or Melatonin in CBD sleep aids.
4) Where Did the Hemp Come from and How Was It Grown?
Hemp is grown all over the world in various climates and conditions. Where the hemp was grown affects the quality of the CBD oil extracted from it. The CBD facts experts claim is that the best CBD oil is extracted from hemp grown in Kentucky, the Carolinas, and Colorado.
Some CBD brands build and maintain close relationships with suppliers so that they can be sure they get top-quality hemp while others are more concerned with getting the lowest price.
5) Is the CBD Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum or Isolate?
Don’t be confused by these three terms. It’s very important to know the differences between these three terms and which type is used in the product you are considering buying. The difference refers to the way cannabinoids were extracted.
CBD Isolate is just what it sounds like. The cannabinoids were extracted from the hemp plant, and then the CBD is isolated from the other cannabinoids, resulting in 99% pure extract.
Full Spectrum CBD refers to CBD that has been extracted from hemp and still contains other cannabinoids, including THC.
Broad Spectrum CBD has CBD and the other cannabinoids, but not the THC. Basically, it is Full Spectrum CBD minus the THC.
Which of these you choose will depend on the legality of THC in your state.
6) The CBD Extraction Process
There are many ways to extract CBD from hemp, but CO2 extraction is the one to look for. This method uses pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) to extract the CBD from the hemp plant, preserving the purity of the product.
Other methods use chemicals that are often left behind in the final product. This method is used to save money. Try to avoid methods that use chemicals solvents and look for one that uses CO2 extraction.
7) How Much CBD Is in the Product
Once you’ve determined the quality of the CBD used in the product, you’ll want to check how much is in it. This ensures that you know how much CBD is in each dose, which you can use to determine how much you should use.
When buying CBD products, whether online or anywhere else, these tips will help keep you from purchasing sub-par products and ensure that you get the most out of your purchase. Everyone has a price point in mind, but when considering CBD products, remember the cheapest is not always the best.