Various pieces of research have shown positive results regarding the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), although it isn’t fully accepted by any governing bodies yet. Because of these results, the momentum of CBD has skyrocketed from the previous year, making it one of the fastest-growing industries in 2020.
This year, there seems to be no sign of this product slowing down, especially when hundreds, if not thousands, of eager companies have already entered the market. Because of the different marketing techniques and strategies used by various companies, there are now many ways for a consumer to use CBD—from e-liquids, beverages, bath salts, and topicals. Additionally, the convenience brought by digital marketing also allows curious individuals to easily try the product themselves.
Things To Look For When Buying CBD
The vast number of companies offering CBD products can be a good thing and a bad thing. It’s a good thing since, as mentioned, it offers consumers many options. However, it’s a bad thing because, just like in any industry, the rise of the CBD market also entails the practice of simply selling the product regardless of its quality; there are high chances consumers won’t get their money’s worth should they purchase a low-quality product.
To receive a high-quality CBD product, then, is left to the consumer’s due diligence. Hence, it’s important not to blindly purchase products just because they’re trending or the company has the best marketing strategy. By doing so, you may end up with a product not giving you the benefits it promises and, sometimes, even jeopardize your health, especially when there are unsafe ingredients used.
As a practice when buying CBD products, always read on the reviews and testimonies of the company you’re eyeing to buy. For instance, if you’re eyeing CBDPure, check for some CBDPure reviews online. Additionally, you can use these things to gauge if you’re buying high-quality CBD:
1. Method Of Manufacturing
It’s important to check or inquire with the company how their products are manufactured because the manufacturing method has an important role in determining the quality of the product.
Products priced too low may have used questionable methods of extracting CBD oil. For instance, the manufacturer may use toxic solvents like hexane, propane, butane, or pentane. Thus, if the product is suspiciously cheap, it may endanger your health since these are rather dangerous when consumed and they may tamper with the quality of the product.
On the other hand, companies practicing a safe manufacturing method may use the ‘Whole Plant Infusion’ technique. This is when CBD is blended with medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil like coconut oil by using only heat and pressure. With this method, there are no harsh and toxic chemicals added, preserving the product’s quality. Additionally, this method will retain all of the plant’s flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, which are said to work synergistically to greatly enhance the purported benefits of CBD.
2. Third-party Laboratory Results
In addition to checking how the product is manufactured, it’s also important to make sure the product you’re eyeing to buy has been tested by a third-party laboratory. If it’s tested by a third party, then the company would proudly display the lab results somewhere on their website.
If the company didn’t present any results from a third-party lab, maybe their product didn’t contain the claimed number of cannabinoids or it may contain harmful contaminants.
Sometimes, for some reason, the company may also forget to add the reports or you haven’t found the results on their website. Regardless of the case, if there are no third-party lab results, always contact them. If they don’t respond or fail to provide a copy of the results, it’s best if you choose another manufacturer.
3. Amount of THC
Speaking of checking the product’s label, if there’s one thing you should keep an eye on, it’s the amount of THC. Along with CBD, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the many chemical compounds found in cannabis. Moreover, THC is the one responsible for the feeling of ‘high’ that’s closely associated with marijuana use. Hence, if you don’t want to fail a drug test or avoid the euphoric feeling, check the THC content of the product.
Take note, some CBD products are containing a trace amount of THC because, in small amounts, THC is capable of amplifying the beneficial effects of CBD. However, CBD products must only contain 0.3% or less THC, which is the legal requirement and a guideline set by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
4. Source
If you’re new in the CBD market, experts would advise you to first try CBD oil. This is because this type of CBD product can be incorporated in many ways like cooking and as a dressing for your yummy salad. Finding high-quality CBD oil is also straightforward since you just have to know the origin of the plant used to make the products.
You should opt for CBD oil that’s hemp-derived from Cannabis sativa L., which is also known as hemp flowers. Do note, ‘hemp-derived’ isn’t the same as hemp seed oil. This is because hemp seed oil contains only a small amount of CBD.
Additionally, choose CBD products extracted from plants locally grown in the US because American hemp farmers are certified by their state’s Department of Agriculture (USDA), assuring high-quality products. In the same way as their third-party laboratory results, companies will place the source of their hemp on the label and their website. If this is missing, simply contact the company and ask to be sure.
Conclusion
As you can see, you can’t simply choose a CBD product without having any substantial basis. Since it’s a rising industry, many companies are willing to sacrifice quality just to ride the waves, so to speak. Hence, if you want to receive the benefits CBD claims to have, it’s crucial to consider the things mentioned above.
Most importantly, before buying CBD products, consult with a healthcare professional first. Perhaps, they can advise you on a brand of CBD and they may warn you of the possible side effects, especially if you’re currently on medication.