Being a first time CBD buyer in the CBD market can be confusing and tough because of all the brands and misinformation related to it.
Here at Unbent Hemp, we bring you a complete CBD buyers guide to answer all your questions to help ensure you make the right decision.
so let's begin with the basics :-What is CBD?
CBD also known as Cannabidiol is one of the hundreds of phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Both hemp and marijuana plants are derived from cannabis plants.
In 2018, the Hemp Farm Bill legalized hemp containing less than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that are naturally occurring. CBD is vastly found in the hemp plant with low trace amounts of THC.
What is the difference between Hemp and Marijuana?
Believing that CBD oil and CBD extracts are solely derived from marijuana is a common misconception.
Both Hemp and Marijuana belong to the same plant species known as Cannabis. The main difference between them is the THC content in them.
THC is chemically known as tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is vastly found in marijuana plants, with low trace amounts of CBD. In addition to CBD, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the second major phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant.
However, Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive nor does it produce a "high" effect.
How to check for high quality CBD products?
You’re thinking about purchasing a CBD product but have no idea where to start. Here is some information to take into consideration before purchasing any products.
First, not all CBD is the same.
Second, not all CBD is quality CBD.
Ever since the 2018 Hemp Farm Bill legalized hemp in the U.S, companies have been popping up everywhere. So what should you look for when wanting to purchase a product?
The first thing one should look for when purchasing a CBD product is if the company provides :-
Certificate of Analysis:- A COA is a document that shows what the product has been tested for. In hemp based CBD products, the most common testing will be for cannabinoids, including delta-9 THC and the amount of CBD extract.
Quality:- Genuine CBD businesses will go even further than that by testing for solvents, pesticides, and fungi that could affect the quality of the final product. A company that means serious business will ensure that a COA is produced for each batch manufactured. This ensures that there is consistency across the board in all the products.
Moreover, COAs should have a 3rd party lab listed on them. 3rd party labs perform quality checks (QC) to ensure that the product meets quality guidelines and won’t harm CBD consumers.
A lab that is ISO17025 accredited is preferred. ISO17025 accreditation means that the lab has met the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in the general requirements for testing and calibration of laboratories.
Legitimacy:- First, does the company provide information as to where the CBD is derived from? In states where marijuana isn’t legal, users will want to make sure the company that they are purchasing CBD from is hemp-derived.
Second, does the company give access to information such as where the hemp is grown? If the company is able to provide information on where their hemp is grown, specifically by listing a state, they aren’t hiding information from their potential customers. (Rule of thumb: if it isn’t grown in the U.S., don’t buy it!)
Third, companies that list their extraction process are another way to tell if they are legitimate. Does the company list CO2 extraction, air extraction, nano extraction or other means of extraction? (Hint: the extraction methods previously mentioned are general industry standards. Other methods may affect the quality of the final product.)
Finally, if you’re still unsure, ask for their business license. If they are unable to produce it upon request, walk away!
Recognition:- Has the company been recognized on social media platforms by users? Have users been able to leave reviews on these platforms or on the company’s website? Social media is another way of finding out about a company and their customer satisfaction. If the general public is able to look up a brand’s information on social media or by Google, it is generally a good sign that they are legitimate.
Other things to look for:
- Has the company been recognized through hemp awards?
- Do they have Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in place?
- Are they USDA organic certified?
3rd Party Retailers:- 3rd party retailers are great if you are looking for information about certain CBD brands on the market. Some retailers may only carry one CBD brand, while others carry multiple CBD brands. A retailer that carries multiple CBD brands can easily make it your “one-stop-shop” for getting all your favorite products. If a retailer claims that products are meant to diagnose, treat, or cure a disease, run! These products have not been evaluated by the FDA. Furthermore, these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Any business claiming that it can do any of the aforementioned is illegal.
Conclusion
When looking for a CBD product ensure that the manufacturer can produce a COA from a 3rd party lab.
Ensure that the company is legitimate by conducting some research on their social media pages and website. If the manufacturer is unable to provide the extraction process or where the hemp is grown, it may be best to shop someplace else.
If the manufacturer has been recognized by other companies, they are most likely legitimate.
Finally, if you’re purchasing from a 3rd party retailer, ensure the retailer understands their products and isn’t just trying to push them off on you.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
If they seem unsure when answering, don’t be afraid to walk away.
Does high price mean a high quality CBD product?
From a general retailer and consumer side we believe that a high priced product doesn’t always mean better quality.
In a study conducted in 2016, it was found that there were serious labeling discrepancies in over 20 products that claimed to contain CBD. An analysis showed that products contained significantly higher or lower concentrations of CBD than advertised. Some contained no CBD at all. While getting higher concentrations helps a better bang for the buck, getting lower than advertised may make one feel robbed.
When it comes to buying CBD (whether it is CBD oil, CBD gummies, CBD topicals, CBD isolate, CBD gel capsules, medical marijuana, etc.) always make sure to check for the certificate of analysis (COA), and not just search for a product name.
Types of CBD extract?
CBD items are made into three essential extracts. Although there are certain DIY strategies that individuals have been utilizing for a few time presently, the foremost common extricates you'll see promoted include:
- CBD Isolate:- CBD Isolate is when all of the components of the hemp plant are stripped leaving only CBD. This strategy is prevalent since it contains 0% THC (the psychoactive component in marijuana that gets you 'high').
- Broad Spectrum:- Broad spectrum contains a broad range of cannabinoids, such as CBG, CBC, and CBN, while still containing 0% THC. It too frequently has other parts of the cannabis plant giving off an 'entourage effect', which is the theory that taking more cannabinoids together, rather than separate or alone, produces a better effect for the individual taking them.
- Full Spectrum:- Finally, Full spectrum CBD can contain all of the cannabinoids plus up to 0.3% THC. Additionally, full spectrum CBD can contain terpenes and flavonoids.
Types of CBD product?
Just like the extracts there are different types of product categories in CBD to choose from.
Each product type has its own pros and cons but at the end of the day, it all comes down to your lifestyle and your choice of convenience.
Here are some of the most common types of CBD products:-
CBD oil and tinctures
CBD tinctures use MCT oil as a base with CBD added in. CBD tinctures may contain additives to create flavor.
Interested, get the best CBD oils and Tinctures in the market from here:-
CBD capsules
Just like health supplements, CBD gel capsules are basically softgel shells filled with CBD oil, making it easier for digestion. You swallow the capsules with water or your favorite flavored drink, then wait for 30-90 minutes. Even though there is an onset delay on CBD capsules they last longer than topicals, transdermals, and inhalation methods as they are gradually released in the bloodstream.
Interested, get the best CBD capsules in the market from here:-
CBD edibles
Edibles are like CBD capsules but are much more fun to take. They come in different forms but CBD gummies are by far the most popular in the CBD market. CBD gummies come in different shapes, sizes, potency, and flavor.
If you have a sweet tooth and don't mind some extra sugar, CBD gummies are definitely a good alternative to CBD capsules.
Here is the Link to the best CBD gummy in the market.
CBD topicals
CBD topicals come in a wide variety of products from balms, lotions, gels, slaves, and so much more! The main purpose of a topical is to avoid the gut, as topicals don’t enter the bloodstream. Absorption rate of topicals depends on the selected CBD dosage and other ingredients supporting the formula. It usually takes 15-60 minutes for a CBD topical to kick in.
Here is the link to the best CBD topical in the market.
How to take CBD?
- Sublingual CBD includes placing tincture oil under your tongue and allowing the oil to stay there for up to 30-60 seconds prior to swallowing. Many brands now include flavored CBD oil.
- Oral CBD products include taking gel caps, gummies, or even adding CBD oil to food or drinks.
- Topical and transdermal CBD products include lotions, gels, and creams that are directly applied to your skin. Topical CBD avoids the gut and is considered non-transdermal.Transdermal products penetrate the skin and help the product enter the bloodstream.
- Finally, CBD products can be inhaled through hemp-derived cartridges.