All CBD oil products are not created equal, and in a world where so many companies are jumping on the wellness bandwagon, it’s never been more important to ensure you’re buying from the right place. This short guide will help you understand how to make a safe, reliable choice and know what to look out for before making a purchase.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU BUY
First things first. CBD oil is perfectly safe when it comes from a reputable manufacturer, but if you’re taking other medications it’s also important to discuss it with your doctor before you try. CBD can have some interactions with other drugs that you might not know about, so have a chat first to make sure you won’t experience any side effects.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT CONCENTRATION FOR YOU
CBD oil products come in a variety of concentrations from weak to strong, so it’s important to start with the right one for you. The higher the concentration, the more potent the CBD oil will be, which means it’s usually a good idea to start low then work your way up. All reputable brands will clearly display the concentration on the label – both the percentage of CBD oil included and in mg form. As well as helping you assess the strength of the product, clearly defined labels will also help you work out the cost per mg so you can make an informed choice that works for your budget.
Most tinctures will come with a dropper that helps you work out how much CBD oil you are taking in each drop – perfect if you are adding to tea or other drinks.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FULL SPECTRUM CBD AND CBD ISOLATE
The most common types of CBD oil available on the market are known as full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. Full spectrum contains all of the active cannabinoids found in hemp, whereas isolate contains just pure cannabidiol alone.
While CBD isolate was once seen as an industry standard, full spectrum oils also offer many benefits. The combination of different compounds have been found to work together to boost medicinal properties, so unless you’re allergic to any of the other ingredients, full spectrum oils are a good place to start.
CHECK ITS ORIGINS
The best raw materials for CBD oil products come from organic hemp plants which are grown in safe conditions with no contaminants. It’s important to look for brands that regularly test their hemp, and you should also be able to see lab results on the company website.
CHECK OUT THE BRAND
Ensuring you’re buying from a trusted brand is important with most things, but particularly so when it comes to controlled substances. Check out the reputation of the brand by looking at online reviews (look at sites like Trustpilot rather just those on the company’s website) and taking note of how they display their product information. Reputable brands will be totally transparent about lab results, methods of extraction, manufacturing processes and any other ingredients they use to make their CBD oil products.
UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENT METHODS OF CBD EXTRACTION
The gold standard of cannabinoid extraction is considered to be CO2 Supercritical extraction, which preserves the nutrients in the plant. Other methods include alcohol and butane extraction, which while effective can also leave some unwanted residues.
CHECK THE CERTIFICATE
Each product should come with its own certificate of analysis so you know it has been thoroughly tested in a controlled environment. Above all else, the certificate will prove that the product contains the right amount of CBD and the legal amount of THC. It may also include information on things like terpenes, heavy metals and pathogens, and you will also need to know that it’s certified organic and toxin free. If this information is not readily available, avoid the brand and take your custom elsewhere.
