Key takeaways
- The CBD industry is flooded with several fake products.
- Approximately 60% of CBD products in the U.S are mislabeled.
- About 28% of CBD companies don’t conduct pesticide testing.
- A good third party lab report must come from an ISO/IEC or DEA certified laboratory.
- CBD products from organic hemp are safer and offer little to no side effects.
- CBDa is 1000 times stronger than CBD.
With an increasing number of people recognizing the potential benefits of CBD, it becomes crucial to understand how to choose the best product in the market. Consider the CBD market as an industry where various product owners, ranging from reputable to questionable, coexist. The absence of FDA regulation has made it challenging to find trustworthy products. Research indicates that approximately 60% of CBD products in the U.S. are mislabeled, and around 28% of CBD companies don’t conduct pesticide testing. Despite these concerns, a solution exists for identifying a good CBD product. Let's delve into it.
How to identify a good CBD product
- Third-Party Testing: Ensure the CBD product undergoes third-party testing by an ISO/IEC or DEA verified laboratory. Reputable manufacturers provide lab reports verifying the product's purity, potency, and absence of contaminants. This transparency ensures the product meets quality standards.
- Source of Hemp: Choose products derived from organically grown hemp. Hemp plants act as bioaccumulators, absorbing substances from the soil. Organic cultivation reduces the risk of pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals in the final product.
- CBD Concentration: Review the product's CBD concentration. Reliable products clearly state the amount of CBD per serving, allowing consumers to verify dosage accuracy and effectiveness.
- Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate: Understand the difference between full-spectrum CBD (containing other cannabinoids and terpenes) and CBD isolate (CBD alone). Full-spectrum products may offer additional benefits due to the "entourage effect," where cannabinoids work synergistically. In addition, full-spectrum products may also contain unique compounds like CBDa which are more powerful than CBD. See the next section for a comparison between CBD vs. CBDa.
- Extraction Method: Consider the extraction method used. CO2 and cold extraction is a preferred method as it yields a clean and efficient product without harmful residues. Avoid products extracted using potentially harmful solvents. Nesas Hemp employs a cold extraction process that saves all the hemp-based compounds in their natural form to improve effectiveness at receptors.
- Transparency and Brand Reputation: Choose products from reputable brands known for transparency and quality. Look for customer reviews and feedback to gauge the brand's credibility and the product's effectiveness.
- THC Content: Ensure the product complies with legal THC limits (usually 0.3% or lower). This is crucial to avoid unwanted psychoactive effects and to comply with regulations, especially for individuals subject to drug testing.
- Product Form and Delivery Method: Consider the product form that suits your preferences – oils, capsules, edibles, or topicals. Additionally, choose a delivery method aligned with your desired effects, such as fast-acting options for acute issues or sustained-release for long-lasting benefits.
- Customer Support and Education: Select brands that provide excellent customer support and educational resources. Reliable companies offer information on product usage, dosage guidelines, and potential interactions, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.
- Legal Compliance: Ensure the product complies with local CBD laws. Awareness of regional regulations helps avoid legal issues and ensures the product is obtained from legal sources.
Is CBD the most potent Cannabinoid?
No, CBD is not the most potent non-psychoactive cannabinoid. There are over 100 cannabinoids in the hemp plant with each producing a unique effect on our endocannabinoid receptors. Researchers have discovered that cannabinoid acids like CBDa are more powerful than their neutral counterparts.
How strong is CBDa?
CBDa or cannabidiolic acid is the original compound secreted by the cannabis plant. It plays significant roles in protecting the plant against pest and disease invasion. CBDa is forcefully converted into CBD by allowing the hemp plant to age or by exposing the plant to harsh chemical and environmental conditions like heat and chemicals. Information from research shows that CBDa is 1000 times more active than CBD. You can read our article on CBD vs. CBDa for more information.
Frequently asked questions
How do you determine the quality of CBD?
For top-tier CBD extracts, verify the product's quality with a Certificate of Analysis (COA), ensuring it underwent third-party testing by a reputable laboratory. Numerous online retailers furnish customers with these third-party lab results and COAs. Larger health food stores also stock a variety of CBD products.
What are the common types of CBD?
The common types of CBD are Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, and CBD Isolate:
Full-Spectrum CBD: Contains a full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and compounds from the hemp plant. Offers potential benefits of the "entourage effect," where various compounds work synergistically. May contain trace amounts of THC (usually below 0.3%).
Broad-Spectrum CBD: Similar to full-spectrum but THC-free. Retains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes for enhanced effects without the psychoactive element.
CBD Isolate: Pure CBD in crystalline form. Isolated from other cannabinoids and compounds, resulting in a product with 99% pure CBD. THC-free.
What is the best CBD dosage?
When it comes to CBD, the right dosage depends on what you're using it for. Here are some general guidelines:
Anxiety: 300 to 600 mg per day.
Bowel Disease: 10 mg per day.
Cancer-Related Pain: 50 to 600 mg per day.
Parkinson's Disease: 75 to 300 mg per day.
Poor Sleep: 25 mg per day.
Psychosis: 600 mg per day.
Note that these guidelines were from research and user testimonies. Their effect may vary from person to person.
Want to Learn More?
Sources
Johnson, D. A., Hogan, M., Marriot, R., Heaney, L. M., Bailey, S. J., Clifford, T., & James, L. J. (2023). A comparison of advertised versus actual cannabidiol (CBD) content of oils, aqueous tinctures, e-liquids and drinks purchased in the UK. Journal of Cannabis Research, 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-023-00183-y
VanDolah, H. J., Bauer, B. A., & Mauck, K. F. (2019). Clinicians’ Guide to Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 94(9), 1840-1851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2019.01.003
Rapin, L., Gamaoun, R., Hage, C. E., Arboleda, M. F., & Prosk, E. (2021). Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: Real-world evidence from a Canadian medical cannabis clinic. Journal of Cannabis Research, 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00078-w
Moltke, J., Hindocha, C. Reasons for cannabidiol use: a cross-sectional study of CBD users, focusing on self-perceived stress, anxiety, and sleep problems. J Cannabis Res 3, 5 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
