Parallel to advances in cannabinoid research and distribution, cannabis capitalization presents a wide spectrum of transparency in favor of CBD oil manufacturers. CBD, in particular, is getting more attention lately. This non-psychoactive but highly beneficial compound from the cannabis sativa plant is a potential treatment for numerous health disorders, according to several peer-reviewed studies. As a result, there are a multitude of CBD oils on the market today that are sold without regulation.
Despite several well-known manufacturers of CBD oil, many producers sell their supplements hoping to make a quick profit in a booming industry. Luckily, you don’t have to fall victim to dodgy companies or mediocre CBD. Below, we explain which CBD oils are worth your time, and some things to avoid at all costs. With more and more cheap (and poorly made) products in stores and online, it’s important not to be fooled by cheap “quick fixes.”
BUY CBD OILS THAT:
USE FORMULAS BASED ON THE WHOLE PLANT, NOT CRYSTALS
When it comes to buying a quality CBD oil, finding the information to ensure that it is the right product can be a bit overwhelming. Even if it appears to be of good quality at the time of purchase, you won’t know for sure until you’ve tried it. That said, CBD oils made with “whole plant” formulas are a good place to start.
These oils maintain a complex environment of cannabinoids and other chemical components of the hemp plant. Despite its apparent insignificance, this diversity of compounds increases the effectiveness of the effect of the oil. By contrast, oils made from CBD crystals are far inferior to whole plant formulas and are purely one-dimensional in application. This is due to the synergistic potency of CBD when consumed with other compounds in the presence of a virtually unadulterated plant environment.
USE “CLEAN” EXTRACTION METHODS
Another important aspect to take into account is the way in which the CBD is extracted from the plant material and incorporated into the oil that you are going to buy. Since this type of formula is an oral supplement, it is essential that each of its ingredients benefits dietary health and not the other way around. That’s why you’ll want to make sure you buy a CBD oil that uses a “clean” extraction method, such as CO₂.
Unlike extractions with solvents such as butane or propane, CO₂ allows you to completely extract the resinous heads of the trichomes without leaving harmful residues. The aforementioned solvents are just as effective at extracting the trichomes, but they could leave a trail of toxic chemicals. If you have any questions about how your CBD oil has been made, contact the manufacturer.
The extraction method used must be mentioned on the product packaging or on the company’s website. Extraction aside, you will most likely want to invest in a product that is free of contaminants and excess plant material. This improves its flavor and physical consistency, yes, but it also ensures a uniform concentration of CBD and other cannabinoids. In this sense, you should avoid dark and pasty oils and instead opt for the purest and golden ones.
THEY COME FROM COMPANIES WITH A TRANSPARENT SUPPLY
The provenance of your CBD oil is also very important. Organically grown industrial hemp is an excellent material for making CBD oils. The method of cultivation and the care that hemp receives are just as important as the method of extraction. When you search for a product, you will find that some manufacturers are much more open about their growing and processing practices, as well as their business model in general.
HAVE BEEN TESTED
In order to be considered “good quality”, CBD oil must have undergone third-party testing – no exceptions.
AVOID CBD OILS THAT:
PROMISE TO CURE
One way to rule out some CBD oils quickly is to ignore any product that claims to “cure” something. At this time, there are no regulatory guarantees that a product can cure, especially in the case of life-threatening diseases. CBD is an extremely potent compound that could be included in certain health treatments in the near future. However, as things stand, any manufacturer who claims that their product cures is certainly one to be avoided.
CONTAIN THC (OR LACK PROPER LABELING)
CBD is a non-psychoactive supplement only in the absence of THC. EU industrial hemp contains minimum THC percentages, which should also be taken into account and removed in order to provide the best possible product. CBD oils with a THC level above the legal limit should be discarded immediately.
Although this is an area full of legal loopholes, a CBD oil with more than 0.03-0.05% THC is considered too high to be beneficial. The label must list the cannabinoids contained. If you cannot find this list, or if the packaging does not show any type of information, it is best that you buy a product from another manufacturer.
COME FROM COMPANIES THAT WANT TO MAKE QUICK MONEY
The new legal CBD industry offers the opportunity to make money for both entrepreneurs and scammers. Unfortunately, those who have no interest in the benefits of CBD, or who simply want to take advantage of uninformed consumers, are having more success than they should. In order to continue breaking the stigma against cannabinoids, it is necessary to create products that present CBD in the best and most honest light possible. If we want CBD supplements to move forward, it is essential that consumers look at them with a critical eye.
This article covers the most important things to consider when purchasing CBD oil, but it is not an exclusive compilation. To learn more about what makes one CBD oil superior to another, check out our blog and its extensive articles on cannabidiol.
