CBD is popping up in everything. Lotions at the pharmacy. Drinks at your local coffee shop. Bath bombs, gummies, oils, tinctures, and even lip balms. The CBD market is flooded with great claims and big promises. And to be honest, it can all be a little overwhelming.
It’s no wonder that CBD has caught your attention. Research indicates that CBD has many benefits, helping people find relief from things like anxiety and pain. You may find yourself asking questions like:
“How do I know that the products that I see on the shelf will live up to their promises?”
“Where can I buy CBD that works?”
And “where can I order cbd products online, and is that even safe?”
To be fair, it’s reasonable to be concerned. The CBD market is widely unregulated. While the FDA has approved its first CBD-based medication, the rest of the industry has no FDA oversight, resulting in a “buyer beware” scenario. One study found that many CBD products on the market greatly exaggerated the amount of CBD in their products and that some don’t even contain any CBD. Even worse, some products had dangerous levels of toxins or heavy metals.
But there is a segment of the CBD market where reputable manufacturers stand behind the science of CBD and know that it can help people. Their single goal is to get high-quality, effective products into the hands of consumers.
So how do you know you are buying the good stuff?
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Tips for Buying Safe, High-Quality CBD
Do your homework.
Spend time researching the company selling you CBD. Any reputable company will be transparent about its growing and manufacturing process. They will also publish a CoA (Certificate of Analysis) on their website. A CoA is a third-party analysis of CBD products, ensuring that the product you buy contains precisely what the packaging promises. If you can’t find transparent information on the product you are about to buy, move on and find something else.
Know the lingo.
Before you buy, make sure you know what kind of CBD you want. Three common types of CBD products are available, each appealing to different buyers.
- Full Spectrum CBD– Contains other compounds from the cannabis plant, including small amounts of THC, up to .3%. Research shows that CBD is most effective when combined with small amounts of THC. Full-spectrum CBD does not contain enough THC to produce a high, but enough to enhance the benefits of the CBD.
- Broad Spectrum CBD– Still contains a variety of cannabinoids, along with all of their various benefits, just not the THC.
- CBD Isolate– A pure form of isolated CBD. The hemp plant has been heated and processed, resulting in a white powder of only one cannabinoid, CBD. Without the benefit of maintaining the over 115 cannabinoids and all of the healthy plant materials, this is a much less effective version of CBD.
Read the label.
Reputable CBD packaging will be properly labeled. If the label does not contain all of the pertinent information, there is a good chance it is not a quality-sourced CBD product.
- Manufacturers information, including name and address
- Ingredients
- Cannabinoid content
- Weight/Volume
- Production and expiration date
- Batch number
- Instructions for use, including serving size and dosage
- Warnings and contraindications
Shop smart.
CBD products found in a convenience store or smoke shop may not be the stuff you are looking for. Investing in good quality products involves buying them from trustworthy sources. A licensed dispensary or a well-reviewed online CBD company can be a good place to find higher-quality CBD. These retail options should give you access to information on manufacturing standards and lab analysis results.
Build your knowledge.
Knowing a few key pieces of information will help guide you to great products.
- Domestically grown CBD products are subject to USDA standards, guaranteeing a certain level of quality.
- USDA Organic products ensure that no harmful pesticides and fertilizers are used, as they can be absorbed by the plant and passed on to you.
- Look for glass packaging. CBD can stick to plastic and aluminum packaging. The best CBD products typically come in glass.
- Certain CBD products contain additives. If you are vaping, these additives can be harmful to your lungs. If you are consuming it in other forms, always read the label to avoid allergens or other ingredients you prefer to avoid.
Armed with this knowledge, you are ready to tackle the CBD market. Once you find a product that intrigues you, spend some time getting to know the brand. If you try a product you love, see what else that company offers. Reputable CBD brands stand behind their products and work hard every day to provide their customers with the finest products. In a market flooded with false claims and unmet expectations, a brand that you trust is invaluable.
