Research shows that one in seven Americans uses some form of CBD products. Does that include you?
If so, it’s critical to ensure that you source your CBD from a reliable, proven, and legal distributor. As more people become aware of the healing properties contained in the oil, the market has become saturated. Unfortunately, that means more than a few scam companies have emerged in response.
The good news? There are plenty of places to get top-tier, premium products you can trust. Wondering who makes the best CBD oil?
Read on to learn how to discern a good find from a fake
1. Consider THC Content
First, it’s important to understand what CBD oil is and what it is not.
Short for cannabidiol, CBD is one of more than 110 identified cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant. Though it can deliver a calming and soothing sensation if you ingest it, CBD cannot get you high. This is what sets it apart from another well-known cannabinoid, THC, which contains psychoactive properties.
Before you buy CBD oil, check its label.
If the distributor is claiming that it contains more than 0.3% THC, it’s legally considered marijuana by the federal government. That means it’s illegal in many states. These products can cause what’s known as a “head high” which can affect your ability to focus and think clearly.
Even in the states that have legalized marijuana, there are strict limits around where the products can be sold, namely in state-licensed dispensaries. While you might be able to find high-THC-content oil there, keep in mind your personal sensitivity and experience with THC. For many, the head high can be uncomfortable and unnerving.
If the THC content is under 0.3%, it’s considered industrial hemp. In this case, the government allows it to be formed legally into oils, edibles, tinctures, lotions, and more. If you’re new to CBD or simply want to avoid a head high, it’s best to stick with hemp-derived products.
2. Ask About Origin
If you decide to go with a CBD product that contains hemp, it helps to know where that hemp was grown. While much hemp comes from overseas, there are concentrations of domestic hemp. Most of this activity is centered in Colorado, Oregon, or Kentucky, with Colorados’ hemp-growing program being the most robust.
If possible, stick with domestic hemp. This is primarily because states that have such agricultural programs perform spot tests to check THC levels, investigate illegal pesticide use and ensure the plants are in healthy condition. On the other hand, hemp grown overseas is not always subject to the same rigorous testing and quality control measures.
The hemp’s origin should be listed on the product. If you’re buying CBD oil in a dispensary or retail store, the associates working there should be well-versed on these key details.
The same goes for buying online.
The e-commerce company you’re purchasing from should be as transparent as possible. If you can’t find origin details on their website, send them an email or chat message to ask.
3. Request a Certificate of Analysis
Before you buy, always ask to see the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for any CBD oil you’re considering.
This little document holds major meaning. Put simply, it shows the authenticity and safety of the product. It describes how it performed in tests that checked its CBD and THC levels, as well as its level of contaminants.
If the company you’re planning to purchase the CBD oil from does not have a COA or is unwilling to share it with you, consider this a red flag and your opportunity to continue your search elsewhere.
4. Consider Your Usage
Once you’ve verified that the oil you’re considering is from a reputable source, you want to make sure you’re getting the right product for your needs.
Why do you want to try the oil in the first place? Are you looking for concentrated, topical pain management? Or, are you simply seeking a way to calm your general anxiety and help you sleep better at night? In either case, there’s a CBD oil product for you!
If you already have a short list of companies to buy from based on your above research, start there. Otherwise, you can hop online and read the best CBD reviews to find the top companies dominating the industry.
If you need quick relief from a physical ailment, such as a muscle cramp, products that enable you to inhale the CBD oil can work the fastest. You can also use an oil tincture to release drops of the oil under your tongue.
On the other hand, CBD products that you rub onto your skin can take several hours to absorb and take effect. Likewise, most CBD edibles also have a longer timeline, as they have to pass through your digestive tract before they can enter your endocannabinoid system (ECS) and be absorbed into your bloodstream.
5. Understand Your Dose
Ideally, you’ll be able to find CBD bottles that include detailed information on the amount of CBD contained in:
- The whole bottle
- One dose
While it’s easy to find information on the amount of CBD in the whole bottle, it’s less common (but more helpful) to know the amount that a single dose contains. This way, you can make sure you’re getting enough CBD to help treat your symptoms.
Expressed in milligrams, doses vary depending on the different types of CBD oil available. If you’re just starting out, or if you’re taking the oil sublingually, it’s best to start out with a small dose of around 10 mg.
In your research, be sure to find the amount of actual CBD that the product contains, not the total number of cannabinoids. These can include dozens of other related compounds that decrease the efficacy and quality of the oil.
Who Makes the Best CBD Oil? You Decide
With so many options on the market today, answering a question such as “Who makes the best CBD oil?” can feel next to impossible.
While there are a few frauds in the mix, most of today’s manufacturers are quality-focused and satisfaction-driven. As you research the best brand of oil for your needs, keep the above factors in mind. It might take some time to answer all of your questions, but when it comes to your health, it’s always worth it.
Interested in learning more helpful lifestyle tips? We’ve got them all on our blog! Now that you know how to find the best CBD oil,
