Individuals within and outside alternative wellness circles are turning to natural remedies to alleviate body aches and improve overall health. CBD is arguably the most popular natural remedy for promoting physical and mental health and is readily available thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.
According to one global market insight report, the cannabidiol industry is worth USD 7.1 billion. Moreover, statistics show that the US CBD industry constitutes 49% of the worldwide industry’s market share.
However, a thriving market does not automatically translate to high-quality products, but you can follow the tips below to identify premium-quality CBD oil benefits products.
Consider The Hemp Source, Where It Grows
CBD is the primary non-psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant and the dominant subspecies in the hemp plant. Therefore, CBD products’ quality begins with the quality of hemp plants used in the production process. So, consider purchasing CBD products from CBD brands that are forthcoming about their raw hemp suppliers.
Go for CBD extracted from US-grown hemp to ensure you consume high-quality products. The US Department of Agriculture established the Domestic Hemp Production Program to ensure quality compliance within the hemp cultivation industry.
Hemp plants grow and thrive in specific microclimates and typographical regions. While farmers in over ten states conduct commercial hemp production, crops from Oregon and Colorado are most popular for their outstanding quality. You can further investigate specific hemp suppliers’ farming techniques to ensure they cultivate chemical-free organic hemp.
Consider The Extraction Method
Besides crop quality, the extraction methods used to retrieve CBD extract from the hemp bud also impact CBD oil quality. The most popular extraction methods used to extract CBD and other phytochemicals from the hemp plant are solvent extraction and supercritical CO2 extraction.
Solvent extraction entails macerating hemp plants in an organic solvent that absorbs the maximum CBD amount and other phytochemicals. However, the process has multiple disadvantages, including a lack of selective extraction. The method is also laborious, and some solvents can destroy volatile phytochemicals.
On the other hand, CO2 extraction’s solvent-free nature makes it non-toxic. The process is also more efficient and utilizes lower temperatures to preserve phytochemical integrity and volume. While both CBD processes have advantages and disadvantages, consider purchasing CBD oil products made via CO2 extraction.
Consider The Cannabinoid Content
CBD oil may contain either pure CBD extract or CBD extract containing other cannabinoids, including THC. The 2018 Farm Bill makes it legal to cultivate, produce, and sell hemp products with a THC content not exceeding 0.3%.
When shopping for CBD oil, you will come across terms like Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains other minor cannabinoids, including 0.3% THC, while broad-spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids and phytochemicals but zero THC.
The advantage of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD is that they deliver the “entourage effect,” whereby the phytochemicals work synergistically to enhance CBD’s effects. However, if you would rather use pure CBD, consider purchasing CBD oil containing CBD isolate rather than broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD extract.
Consider CBD Concentration
The CBD industry is highly unregulated, meaning there is no standardized CBD oil dosage for various therapeutic effects.Despite the lack of a standardized CBD dosage, the industry’s standard practice entails listing the CBD concentration on product packaging in mg\ml. While some brands list the CBD concentration per bottle of CBD oil, others list it per serving.
A more potent concentration is not always the best because CBD is biphasic, delivering a sedative effect at higher concentrations. Besides, CBD oil has a different effect on individuals, meaning that a CBD concentration that works for your friend or colleague may not work for you. Therefore, look for correctly-labeled CBD oil products and start low and go slow.
Finding the ideal CBD oil concentration for your needs requires some trial and error. But, the CBD concentration listed on the package should guide you.
Purchase Lab-tested Products
The highly unregulated CBD industry leaves room for unscrupulous vendors and brands to sell low-quality, unsafe products. Such products may feature false information on the label and contain contaminants like heavy metals, chemicals like fertilizer and herbicides, mold, mildew, and microbes.
However, trustworthy brands submit their products for third-party lab testing, whereby certified laboratories screen products for the above contaminants. The labs also verify CBD purity and potency, ensuring the associated brands put the correct information on package labels.
Avoid Products Featuring Unverified Medical Claims
While CBD oil may help alleviate some aches and pains, the FDA has not approved CBD oil for treating bona fide medical conditions. Therefore, CBD oil manufacturers and vendors attaching medical claims, like curing cancer, to their products are using unethical marketing strategies, and you should avoid them.
Although CBD oil may prove effective as an ancillary treatment for various medical diagnoses, consult your doctor before adding CBD to your prescribed treatment regimen.
Shop From Trustworthy Brands
The burgeoning cannabis industry constantly attracts “cannapreneurs,” especially with CBD being federally legal. However, not all CBD products are equal, sift through customer reviews and stick with trustworthy brands selling high-quality products and services.
Conclusion
Any product that can affect your health is worth investigating before consuming. Therefore, take the time to follow up on the checklist above, ensuring you buy high-quality CBD oil that will guarantee you a worthwhile experience.
