What to Look for in Your CBD Products

With more brands entering the CBD market every day, it is important to remember that not all manufacturers are created equally. So, what should you be on the lookout for when it comes to selecting the best CBD product for yourself? Read on to find out what research is recommended before you make your purchasing decision:

Determine the Ingredients: Commercial CBD products can be full of non-essential, ‘filler’ ingredients, including sweeteners, preservatives, and cutting agents that reduce the quality of the product. When looking for a high-quality CBD oil, make sure that the main ingredients are a quality base oil (such as MCT oil) and CBD derived from hemp (not hemp seed oil, which is completely different).

Determine the Authenticity: In order to make sure you are being sold high quality CBD oil – and not snake oil – it is important to make sure that the product actually contains the ingredients it claims. The best way to verify this is by requesting the product’s COA, or Certificate of Analysis. A COA contains results from product testing – preferably performed by an independent, third-party laboratory – documenting what is contained within that individual unit. Beyond documenting the levels of CBD, THC and other cannabinoids found in the product, a COA can also alert the buyer to possible contaminants in the form of pesticides, microbes and/or heavy metals

Determine the Potency: If you are new to the world of CBD, we recommend the general approach of starting ‘low and slow’. That way, you can ensure that that your body tolerates the CBD well, minimizing the odds that you experience any side effects or undesirable reactions. Age, weight, metabolism and a host of other individual factors can impact a person’s experience with differing levels of CBD. 

Determine the Origin: Hemp is a hardy plant and can thrive in a range of different climates and soil types. However, just because hemp can be grown almost anywhere, doesn’t mean you should buy products containing hemp grown anywhere. Following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp was made legal to grow for industrial purposes in the US, creating greater opportunities for high quality hemp to be grown and tested domestically. US-based hemp sources are preferable to overseas, as foreign hemp is not subject to any state or federal testing.

After you take these steps, you will have a better sense of what CBD brand might be best for you. At GoCBD, we pride ourselves on offering the highest quality CBD products, processed with the cleanest and most organic options, and marketed with the highest level of transparency. We are always open to questions about the ingredients, origin and potency of our products and would love to hear from you!