CBD products and brands are proliferating the consumer market due to the high demand for such alternative treatments for various disease signs and symptoms, such as pain, stress, and sleeplessness. Legitimate products don’t guarantee any therapeutic claims since they’re categorized as food supplements and not as medicines.
To ensure you fully benefit from CBD and avoid unmet expectations, it’s crucial to be keen when buying these types of products. Here are some of the best tips when evaluating CBD products and brands:
1. Read CBD Brand Reviews
One of the most recommended tips when evaluating CBD products and brands is to read CBD brand reviews. Product review sites, social media channels, and the company's website are the best places to read reviews about CBD products.
Check these essential things that you need to note when checking reviews:
Product Quality: Check what previous customers have to say about the quality, usage, and effects of CBD products (CBD oil, tincture, topicals, or edibles) on their health. Does it come with correct labeling with dosage instructions included? Are they happy with the results? How long did they use the CBD product before they attained their desired outcomes?
Customer Service: Find out how the CBD company takes care of their customers. Does the company have a toll-free number to call? How did the customer service resolve the client’s problem regarding the CBD product purchased?
Ratings: Look for the star ratings and reviews of verified customers. Why did some customers rate the CBD product poorly? Were there any false claims that disappoint the buyer?
2. Check The Brand’s Reputation
Deal with a reputable CBD brand by checking the company’s reputation. Here’s how:
Check The CBD Company’s Website: Visit the CBD brand’s website and go to their ‘About Us’ page. This is where you can read the company's profile (including vision and mission), how they process their CBD products, and other relevant company information. Also, read the testimonials to get insight into how satisfied their customers are.
Ask Around: Do you know a relative or a friend who has been using the CBD product? If yes, then ask the CBD users about their experience. Do they highly recommend the brand of CBD oil you plan to buy?
3. Know The Source
CBD products may have different sources in terms of country of origin and the hemp plant or cannabis plant used, including the plant cultivation and manufacturing process. It’s crucial to know where the CBD product has been manufactured to ensure its legitimacy.
Check the following details when analyzing the CBD source:
Sustainable Farming: You want to ensure that you’re only sourcing CBD products that are made of organic hemp plants–cultivated using sustainable farming (helping farmers and the environment alike). Make sure that the hemp or cannabis plants weren’t treated with harmful pesticides, which can harm your health. This is especially true if you’re planning to ingest CBD oil.
Extraction Process: CBD can be extracted in hemp or cannabis plants using different methods, such as carbon dioxide extraction (CO2 extraction) and butane extraction. CO2 extraction or decarboxylation is highly recommended for ingesting CBD products because carbon dioxide is naturally found in the body, causing no harmful effects, unlike alcohol and butane.
Type Of CBD Oil Used: Depending on the cannabinoid levels (will be discussed below), CBD oils are categorized into three types. Cannabinoids pertain to the active ingredients found in CBD products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), terpenes and flavonoids (responsible for flavor and aroma), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The THC content in CBD products should be less than 0.03%. Otherwise, it’s considered an illegal cannabis product.
4. CBD And Other Cannabinoid Content
As mentioned, CBD can be categorized according to the cannabinoid content, which includes the following:
CBD Isolate: CBD isolate refers to the purest CBD form, which is recommended for first-time users who want to experiment with the potential health benefits because it doesn’t contain other cannabis compounds. Since CBD isolate is refined, it's generally odorless and tasteless.
Broad Spectrum CBD: This CBD type contains plenty of naturally occurring compounds from the hemp or cannabis plant without the psychoactive ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Full-Spectrum CBD: This form of CBD contains all cannabis or hemp plant compounds but has a low THC level, hence it won’t cause a psychedelic effect. Full-spectrum CBD is considered more natural and less processed than CBD isolate.
Conclusion
Evaluate the CBD products and brands by checking product reviews and the company’s reputation. Also, it pays off knowing the source and cannabinoid content of the product to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth. Knowing that you’re dealing with a legitimate seller and using a high-quality CBD product gives you peace of mind that your health, safety, and general well-being are safeguarded.
