Finding a CBD product that works for you is a process. The brands and applications options seem endless. Research is essential, and quality matters whether you take your CBD via tincture, topical, or edible. When researching your next CBD purchase, the extraction process, the ingredients used, and the storage conditions are all things to look into. Finding a company that has a track record of producing high-quality CBD—which can be tracked by reviews online, is crucial to ensuring you get a good product.
Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a CBD product:
What is the CBD Concentration?
Cannabis concentration is probably the most confusing part of purchasing any CBD product. What's the saying about opinions? Yeah, everyone’s got one. As a consumer, this makes it challenging to find out what works for you. The short answer is that research is still in its infancy phase, and you should experiment on your own. We suggest starting with at least 10 mg and seeing how you feel. Didn't seem to notice a difference? Don’t worry. Just increase your dosage in 5 mg increments. Everyone’s cannabis receptors react differently, so there is no one size fits all answer. Researchers haven’t found the ceiling on what is considered too much, but The World Health Organization reports that dosages in clinical research studies typically range between 100 and 800 milligrams per day.
What is the CBD Extract Made From?
It’s important to read the fine print. While hemp seed oil is nutritious and a coop oil alternative for your diet, it is not a source for ingesting CBD. Highly concentrated hemp extract is extracted from the flower and leaves of the plant. If you’re unsure of the type of extract in the product you’re about to buy, it’s worth sending an email to their customer service and asking. A reputable retailer will provide a certificate of analysis or COA to back up their ingredients.
What is the CBD Extract Used For?
CBD products fall into two main categories - full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate.
Full-spectrum CBD is a whole plant extract. Meaning it contains more than one cannabinoid like CBN, CBG, and CBC. It will also contain small amounts of THC. By law, THC will be below .03%, which is not enough to get you high — don't worry, but in some cases of extended and frequent use, it can show up on a drug test. Depending on the strain of CBD, extraction method, and some environmental reasons, the contents of your bottle will show different percentages of each cannabinoid on the COA. If you’re looking for something specific, you can ask the retailer to show you the COA associated with the product you're purchasing to ensure you’re getting what you want.
Isolated CBD results from the cannabis plant going through an extraction process to isolate out only the CBD cannabinoid. Isolated extracts won't have the additional molecules, including THC. Isolate is an excellent option for those wishing to avoid THC altogether and for people that have found CBD to be the most beneficial for them. With isolated formulas, you can be sure you’re purchasing the highest concentration of straight CBD, which is great for those who want to treat inflammation. Again, we suggest asking for a COA to make sure you’re purchasing what is advertised.
