Many people are discovering the potential benefits of CBD products. Americans today are prescribed more pharmaceuticals than ever before. For this reason, many people are trying to explore more natural solutions to their ailments and limit the number of prescription drugs they take. An ever-increasing number of them have found success with CBD products. CBD, a cannabinoid or chemical found in the cannabis plant, has been shown to help with everything from anxiety and depression to pain and inflammation.
Unfortunately, researching the optimal CBD oil can be overwhelming to first-time buyers due to the abundance of information available. There is a seemingly unlimited number of products and brands to choose from. If you started to research CBD products wondering, “Is all CBD the same?” you were likely quickly removed from that assumption.
Also, because CBD isn’t regulated, a lot of misinformation is spread. Not all CBD is created in the same way, so if you don’t know what you’re looking for, it’s easy to make the wrong choice. Because there are several thousand available options, it’s important to buy high-quality CBD oil from a trustworthy company. Here are some tips to help when choosing CBD oil.
What to look for when buying CBD oil
The three most important things to consider are the product’s strength, concentration, and purity. When growing hemp plants, farmers have two major concerns: how much cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the plants contain, and making sure that the plants don’t absorb harmful chemicals in the soil. Although CBD can be sold legally in 47 U.S. states, there is no regulation with regard to ingredients or products.
Many states don’t require testing, so it’s important to do your research to find the safest CBD oil that meets your needs. CBD products can only legally be sold in the U.S. if they contain less than .3 percent THC, the psychoactive compound that causes a high. And cannabis plants are known bio accumulators, which means they will absorb the good and the bad form their environment. Potential toxins in the soil, air, and water include heavy metals, pesticides or other potentially harmful chemicals.
Decide which type of CBD is best for your needs
When searching for your optimal choice CBD, consider why you want to take it in the first place. Early research suggests that CBD can help treat conditions ranging from anxiety to pain to multiple sclerosis, and consider the symptoms you are hoping to treat when deciding which form to take. Vaping CBD oil will provide the fastest relief, while oil drops from a tincture will start to work in a few minutes. Applied topically, CBD effects will vary from person to person, from instantly to several hours. CBD gummies or food products will take the longest to be absorbed into your system.
Determine whether the CBD comes from a hemp plant or a marijuana plant
While both CBD and THC-containing marijuana come from the cannabis plant, there are many varieties of cannabis. Hemp plants are cannabis plants that contain .3% or less THC, while marijuana plants are cannabis plants that contain more than .3% THC by dry weight. Many CBD products come from hemp and not marijuana. If you’re buying CBD made from hemp, be sure it was grown in the U.S. CBD extracted from marijuana plants will be tested to ensure the products are within the legal THC limit of .3% to sell. ReThink CBD is derived from Hemp and contains no THC.
Look at test results
Reputable brands will offer a certificate of analysis or COA upon request. The COA is a document from an independent lab that tests for CBD and THC levels and the presence of contaminants. Testing of CBD products made from hemp isn’t required by law, so manufacturers who produce a COA have taken the extra step of arranging tests on their own. ReThink CBD products have a QR code on the back of each product that takes the consumer to the COA.
Additionally, check if the producer incorporates methods of testing approved by AOAC, ISO, AHP, or USP. These three organizations are respected for setting standards in this area. CBD products made from cannabis must undergo tests in some states, but not in others, so it’s helpful to be aware of the laws in your state. In any case, if the company doesn’t have that information or refuses to share it, don’t buy their products.
Read the ingredients label!
Products should show how many milligrams (mg) of CBD you get for each dose and the full bottle. Dosages can vary widely, and if you’re new to CBD, experts recommend starting with a low dose. For more information on CBD dosages, check out our guide. If the label lists the total amount of cannabinoids they have, make sure they also clearly state how much THC and CBD they contain. The COA will provide this information as well. CBD ReThink is proud to provide full-spectrum CBD, which contains the benefits of other compounds and fatty acids found in the plant.
Also check to see if the label mentions “CO2 extraction,” meaning the cannabinoids were removed using carbon dioxide gas instead of chemical solvents. Read carefully to see if the label mentions that the product comes from “hemp oil.” Sometimes “hemp oil” is used interchangeably with “CBD oil,” so be sure to read the ingredients and COA carefully. On the other hand – Hemp seed oil is used as the base for hemp-based soaps and cosmetics, and it contains no CBD. Hemp seed oil should not be confused with Hemp Oil or CBD.
Determine how much THC the CBD oil contains
While CBD made from hemp by definition contains less than .3% THC, you may have other reasons to keep THC to a bare minimum. If you subject to random drug tests at work or are extremely sensitive to THC, you can look for CBD products that are certified to have low levels or zero THC. On the other hand, there is some data to suggest that CBD may work better when it’s combined with small amounts of THC. Early research shows that the “entourage effect” can happen even at the .3% cutoff point for CBD products made from hemp. ReThink CBD products contain Zero THC.
Beware of propylene glycol in vaping products
Propylene glycol, a type of solvent, can be found in some CBD vape pens. When burned, it can degrade into formaldehyde, which is an irritant and may even increase the risk of cancer. Instead, look for CBD vape pens that offer “solvent-free oils.”
Don’t fall for too-good-to-be-true health claims
It’s illegal to make health claims about any product except for prescription drugs. The more dramatic and sweeping the claim, the more likely that it’s false. The FDA has busted dozens of companies selling CBD products for making such health claims.If you have any questions about which CBD product is right for you, we can help. Contact our friendly, knowledgeable customer service team today.
