CBD. CBG. Hemp Oil. Hemp Extract. Isolate. Full Spectrum. Broad Spectrum. Non-GMO. CO2 Extracted. Hemp Seed Oil. Hemp-Derived. 1000mg. 100mg. 50mg……
With so many labels, acronyms, and numbers flying around on products in the up-and-coming CBD industry, how do you go about finding a legitimate company offering products that are of high quality AND good value, and avoid cheap “snake-oil” companies looking to jump on the Hemp Bandwagon? Here is a short checklist of five things to look for before clicking that purchase button.
1. Carefully check the description of what you are purchasing.
You CANNOT buy CBD oil on websites like Amazon. If you search CBD on Amazon, you will get lots of results for Hemp Oil...this is NOT the same as CBD. Companies are throwing the “hemp” label on everything to cash in on the growing popularity of CBD, but products containing hemp oil are derived from hemp seeds, not the actual plant leaves like CBD, and do not contain the beneficial cannabinoids that can help bolster your endocannabinoid system.
2. Verify the way your oil was extracted.
There are several different ways to process hemp, if your oil looks like a great bargain and is super inexpensive, chances are it was not processed in the cleanest and best way (which is Co2 extraction). Cheap CBDs are often processed using toxic solvents like butane or propane, and even with further refining post-extraction, can still hold on to nasty chemical remnants.
3. Research where the hemp in your oil was grown.
Oil derived from hemp plants grown in the USA offers assurance that the farmers were required to be certified by the State Department of Agriculture before selling their products. Hemp is a very absorbent plant and can pull heavy metals and other undesirables from the soil, but hemp grown in nutrient rich soil will in turn be full of the “good stuff”. A reputable CBD company will be proud to share the story of their plants with you.
4. Always check for the “Three Ps”- Potency, Pesticides and Purity.
CBD companies are required to have their third-party lab reports, or COAs (Certificate of Analysis) easily available for you to review on their website. These reports will tell you:
Potency - the amounts of the cannabinoids in the product you are purchasing. A higher-priced oil will also offer higher amounts of beneficial cannabinoids. In most cases, this will mean that a lower dose will be able to help you achieve the desired results you are looking for, making your oil investment last longer. Also make sure your oil contains less than the federally required 0.3% THC content.
Pesticides - The COA report will also show the oil is free of any pesticides or chemicals that could be harmful to you to consume.
Purity - Hemp grown in safe conditions should be free of solvents or heavy metals, and the COA report will verify that your oil is clean and pure.
5. Contact Customer Service
When dipping your toes into something new like the world of CBD and hemp products, it is preferred to work with a company that is ready and able to answer any questions you have. Try messaging the customer service department of the business you are interested in purchasing from, and see if/how long it takes you to get a response. CBD can help through all stages of life, so forming a long-term relationship with a company you trust is ideal.
Starting a new health regimen can be intimidating, but doing your research ahead of time and finding a company that makes you feel comfortable and confident in the products you are purchasing makes all the difference.
Still have questions about CBD and what oil might be right for you? We would love to chat and help point you in the right direction!