Finding High-Quality CBD Products – Some Tips And Ideas
Finding High-Quality CBD Products – Some Tips And Ideas
With more studies being done, fewer regulations, and increased acceptance, CBD is gaining in popularity by leaps and bounds. CBD extract is attracting a fairly large number of start-up entrepreneurs who just want to make a quick profit from hemp’s popularity. This class of entrepreneurs tends to source their hemp from farms that are not organic, they use cheaper petroleum-based extraction methods and almost never provide lab test results of their products so you never know for sure what the quality or potency is. Because of these somewhat shady practices, it becomes difficult for the consumer to determine what is high-quality CBD and what isn’t.
Here are some ways that will help you identify high-quality CBD products:
1. Consider The Source
The CBD manufacturer sources their hemp locally. Whether it’s in Europe, the U.S. or Australia, it should come from farmers who are committed to quality hemp. Of course, it will be more expensive than hemp coming from China let’s say, but worth every penny. Specially bred industrial hemp plants are grown as an agricultural crop only, by farmers that the manufacturer has a relationship with and who care about the plants they grow. If there’s ever a problem with a harvest, the manufacturer will know about it and can make decisions that will maximize the quality of the product they make.
2. Petroleum-Free Processing
The amount of care that goes into a plant doesn’t stop at the farm, how CBD oil is extracted from the plant is crucial. Even though specially bred industrial hemp plants have a naturally higher level of CBD, the actual plant extracts are quite low. To obtain higher concentrations of CBD they will use a super-critical CO2 extraction method. This chemical-free extraction method is more expensive, uses safer solvents, and ensures a highly potent and pure extract. This method is also eco-friendly, non-toxic, and has minimal impact on the environment.
Contrary to the safer CO2 extraction method, the Rick Simpson extraction method uses petroleum solvents to extract the active compounds found in the cannabis plant. These solvents leave petroleum-based residues which end up in the CBD extract and have been shown to have a negative impact on all kinds of our body’s biological functions. Even though this method is efficient and cheaper, it produces products with lower concentrations of CBD.
3. Look For Independent Third-Part Lab Test Results
Manufacturers that post independent laboratory test results online and follow a strict pharmaceutical-grade testing process are the ones you want to pay attention to. If their testing includes two different labs and tests for over 300 chemicals including pesticides, residual solvents, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants, you can rest assured you will be getting a safe, and pure product.
4. Products Should Contain Less Than .03% THC
The highest quality CBD extracts contain less than .03% of THC. As a matter of fact, that low amount of THC can be equated to the same amount of opiates found in a poppy seed bagel. Even though poppy seeds and heroin come from the poppy plant, eating fifteen bagels will not get you “high”. The same goes for CBD, while hemp and marijuana are related, industrial hemp is low in resin, does not produce a natural abundance of THC, and can be sold in all 50 states ( according to the 2014 US Farm Bill ).
5. Hemp Extract Should Be Whole-Plant Extract
Manufacturers should be using “whole-plant” CBD extract. Whole-plant CBD extract is extracted from the stem, seeds, and stalks of the hemp plant. This extract will contain not only CBD but the full range of other natural compounds such as terpenes, sugars, flavonoids, and secondary cannabinoids that are found in all parts of the hemp plant and are known to work better together.
More than ever, CBD manufacturers are working hard at providing safe, effective products that are of the highest quality possible, sourced from the best hemp plants, and using the safest methods. If CBD is something you might be interested in, then we strongly suggest giving some a try and seeing for yourself how CBD might be able to help you.