With the legalization of CBD products in many states, more and more people are interested in trying them out. But, with all of the brands and products on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones are safe and effective.
In this article, we will give you eight tips for buying safe CBD products. We’ll cover everything from checking the label to researching the company. So, whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced consumer, read on for some valuable advice.
1. Decide Why You Want to Use CBD
There are many reasons why people use CBD, from managing anxiety to relieving pain. Before you start shopping, it’s important to know why you want to use CBD. This will help you narrow down your options and choose a product that meets your needs.
If you’re not sure why you want to use CBD, talk to your doctor or a knowledgeable friend or family member. They may be able to offer some suggestions based on your unique situation.
2. Decide What Form of CBD You Want to Use
CBD is available in many different forms, including oils, capsules, edibles, and topicals. The form you choose should be based on your personal preferences and the reason you’re using CBD.
For example, if you want to use CBD for pain relief, a topical might be a good option. But if you’re looking for a general sense of well-being, an edible or oil could be a better choice.
If you’re not sure what form of CBD to choose, try out a few different products until you find one that works best for you.
3. Consider the THC Concentration
THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It’s what gives marijuana its “high.” Alternatively, CBD is non-psychoactive and does not produce a high.
Most CBD products on the market contain very trace amounts of THC (less than 0.03%), but some contain more. If you’re concerned about THC, look for products that are labeled as “THC-free” or “broad spectrum.” These products have had the THC removed or they never contained any THC to begin with.
If you want to avoid THC entirely, choose a product made with CBD isolate. This type of CBD contains no other cannabinoids or compounds, just pure CBD.
4. Know the CBD Laws in Your State
CBD laws vary from state to state. In some states, CBD is completely legal. In others, it’s only legal if it’s derived from hemp plants with less than 0.03% THC.
Before you buy a CBD product, make sure you know the laws in your state. This will help you avoid any legal trouble and make sure you’re only buying safe, quality products.
If you’re unsure about the laws in your state, contact your local police department or a lawyer specializing in cannabis law. They will be able to give you the most up-to-date information.
5. Find Out Where Hemp Products are Grown
Hemp is a type of cannabis plant, and CBD can be derived from both hemp and marijuana plants. However, most CBD products on the market are made with hemp-derived CBD.
Marijuana plants contain higher levels of THC than hemp plants, so they’re not as common in CBD products. Hemp plants are typically grown in Europe, Canada, and the United States.
When you’re looking at a CBD product, check to see where the hemp was grown. This information should be listed on the product label or website. If it’s not listed, that’s a red flag and you should avoid that product.
Products made with foreign-grown hemp may not meet the same safety and quality standards as products grown in the United States. So, it’s always best to choose products made with domestically grown hemp.
6. Ask for Test Results
CBD products are not currently regulated by the FDA. This means that companies can make claims about their products that aren’t necessarily true.
To make sure you’re getting a quality product, always ask for third-party lab results. These results should be available on the company’s website or upon request. They will show you the levels of CBD and other compounds in the product, as well as any contaminants that may be present.
If a private label manufacturer doesn’t have lab results available, that’s a red flag and you should avoid buying their products.
7. Look for Products that Display the CBD Amount
When you’re buying a CBD product, it’s important to know how much CBD you’re actually getting. That way, you can determine the right dosage for your needs.
Unfortunately, not all products display the amount of CBD on the label. This is because CBD is still technically illegal at the federal level.
If a product doesn’t list the amount of CBD, contact the company and ask them for this information. If they can’t provide it, that’s a red flag and you should look for a different product.
When looking at products that do display the CBD amount, make sure it matches up with what’s listed on the lab results (if available). If not, that’s another red flag and you should avoid that product.
8. Learn the Other Terms on the Label
In addition to the CBD amount, there are a few other terms you might see on a CBD product label. Here’s what they mean:
- Full spectrum: This type of CBD contains all of the cannabinoids and compounds found in hemp plants, including THC.
- Broad spectrum: Like full spectrum products, broad-spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids and compounds found in hemp plants. However, the THC has been removed.
- CBD isolate: This is pure CBD that has been isolated from all other cannabinoids and compounds.
- Hemp oil: Hemp oil is made by pressing hemp seeds. It doesn’t contain any CBD or other cannabinoids.
The Bottom Line
When you’re buying CBD products, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re getting a quality product. Look for products that are:
- Derived from hemp plants with less than 0.03% THC
- Grown in the United States
- Lab tested by a third party
- Displaying the amount of CBD on the label
If a product meets all of these criteria, it’s likely to be safe and effective. However, always use caution when trying new products and start with a low dose to see how your body reacts. You can then increase the dosage as needed.