The valuable CBD market has become very saturated with so many people jumping in just to make a profit. Users of the precious herb are no longer sure whom to trust and where to source CBD products from; however, one thing is certain, people are buying it record numbers.
One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for CBD is the compounds present in the product. Unfortunately, some CBD sold in the free market may fall short of important compounds. Full and broad-spectrum products should contain terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids which work together to enhance the effects.
Keep on reading as we look at the best way to determine the best CBD products in a saturated marketplace…
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid, one of the over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. CBD accounts for about 40% of hemp plant extract and is one of the cannabinoids with the most known health benefits.
Thanks to its health benefits, CBD has become a hot ticket in the market, attracting many users and dealers. While the FDA has approved a form of CBD to treat some types of epilepsy, it does not regulate the CBD market.
The factors that identify good CBD products:
- Must be produced by a company that follows the stem production process.
- The product must be tested by third-party labs.
- A detailed list of the compounds in the product must be listed on the certificate of analysis.
All companies that follow stem production track hemp from the growing stage to the industrial extraction. This eliminates the possibility of impurities that may be harmful.
Why is the COA Important?
When purchasing CBD products from the open market, it is important to look at the Certificate of Analysis (COA). The certificate is a lab report that offers a breakdown of the chemical compounds in a product.
In the context of CBD, a lab report detailing the chemical makeup of industrial hemp extract is the only guarantee of quality. A COA certificate shows the terpenes, cannabinoids, and chemical compounds available within the product.
Vendors and producers of CBD go to unimaginable lengths to show their products as authentic. Even with the certificate at hand, buyers must be keen to prove the authenticity of the COA.
How to Verify Lab Reports
The best CBD companies are not afraid of paying for expensive third-party lab tests. They invest money into the production process and are willing to provide a detailed report on the contents of the products they sell.
To determine whether the certificate is genuine, there are two options to consider:
Verifying the authenticity of third-party lab results guarantees the best CBD products. Many companies can falsify lab results to trick buyers. It is only advanced companies with years of experience that can have their products tested and authenticated.
Types of Whole Hemp Plant CBD Extract
Understanding the type of CBD product being sold is crucial for buyers. Having prior knowledge of the contents of the product reduces the chances of being scammed.
Whole hemp plants can be extracted into three main types of CBD:
- Full-spectrum CBD
- Broad-spectrum CBD
- CBD isolate
Full-spectrum CBD is the most potent form. It is extracted through the CO2 process, where all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other cannabis compounds are retained in the final extract.
Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to the full spectrum above, but it has to undergo an industrial process known as chromatography to remove all THC traces.
Finally, pure CBD (Isolate CBD) is attained by separating the CBD molecule from other compounds through a polar attraction process. Isolates do not contain other cannabinoids but may contain chemicals used in production, and they will not get users high whatsoever because the CBD isolate extraction process guarantees no THC.
What Are Phytocannabinoids & Why Are They So Important?
Phytocannabinoids are just cannabinoids concentrated in the granular trichomes of the hemp plant, such as its buds. There are dozens of phytocannabinoids in hemp, but CBD is the most well-known. Even so, the “Entourage Effect” of all the phytocannabinoids is the best option when CBD is used medicinally.
Why Terpene Profiles and Flavonoids Matter?
Studies have suggested that when CBD is used with all the compounds intact, the interaction between brain receptors and terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids is more effective than independent compounds being used.
The presence of terpene profiles and flavonoids also helps preserve the natural scent and flavor of hemp. If the flavonoids are removed, the final product might have an unbearable smell.
Don’t Buy CBD Products Labeled as Hemp Oil & Here’s Why!
When shopping for CBD products, do not buy any oil labeled as hemp oil or hemp seed oil. Most newcomers to the world of CBD tend to purchase anything with the word CBD attached to it.
It is legal for sellers to market hemp seed extracts as hemp oil. This brings significant confusion to the market. While hemp seed oil may be beneficial in some ways, it does not offer CBD oil’s therapeutic benefits.
CBD oil is extracted from full hemp and contains cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes that work together to offer required benefits.
Look for Vetted CBD Companies With Lab Tested Products
The benefits of CBD can only be enjoyed when the right type of CBD is used. When shopping for CBD products, choosing the right supplier is the only guarantee for quality products.
According to the Observer, the #1 recommended CBD company from all the companies they reviewed in 2021 is Colorado Botanicals, a supplier of high-quality, broad-spectrum CBD products.
There is a huge difference between lab-tested products sold by legal CBD companies with those sold in smoke shops. The difference comes from the quality and content. Smoke shop CBD is likely to contain harmful chemicals used in the production process.
When shopping for CBD, check labels, search for more information about the company selling the products, and most importantly, verify the authenticity of the third-party labs involved before buying CBD.
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