Tips for Identifying Quality Healing Products
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has been shown to positively affect health in many clinical trials and anecdotal experiences. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve CBD products as over-the-counter medical treatments for general use.
Despite this, CBD products are still available for consumers who seek them out, looking for the health benefits of the products, including pain relief, nausea relief, and more. And because CBD has become so popular, many companies are now producing and selling their own formulations and product lines.
While it sounds convenient that this is the case — CBD is everywhere! — it actually can be quite a hindrance to consumers like you, looking to reap the benefits of a non-pharmaceutical product. The problem is that not all CBD products are high-quality, and therefore are less effective, if they do anything at all. In fact, only 31 percent of CBD products are correctly labeled with their potency and ingredients!
To get a quality product, you’ll need to conduct in-depth research of the CBD lotion or the CBD tincture you’re interested in purchasing.
What’s the Difference Between THC and CBD?
Both THC and CBD are found in the cannabis plant. However, they’re very different compounds.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is a psychoactive compound that makes you feel high. CBD does not have these effects.
What’s the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana?
Hemp and marijuana plants belong to the same genus, Cannabis, which has multiple species. Certain species of hemp plants within the genus are cultivated for CBD products, which contain no more than 0.3 percent THC. Marijuana plants contain much more THC, but are also within the same genus.
THC and CBD work together quite well to maximize benefits. That’s why people who use CBD products often choose full spectrum ones, which contain trace THC, plus compounds called terpenes and flavonoids, which also are noted to promote wellness and health. However, even with trace THC, it’s possible to fail drug tests, which is why other people look for the alternative to full-spectrum.
Your other choices for CBD are CBD isolate, which contains only pure CBD, no additional terpenes, flavonoids, or THC; or broad-spectrum, which contains all the beneficial terpenes and flavonoids without the THC. Which you choose to use is ultimately your decision, and as long as you get the benefits you’re looking for from the product you buy, that’s what matters.
How to Interpret the CBD Product Label
Just like you read the nutrition facts or ingredients on the packaged food you eat, you should read the label on the CBD products you’re thinking of purchasing to verify its contents. Here’s a quick guide to understanding what the information on the label means.
Some products list CBD as hemp extract, but that means the same thing as being cannabidiol. If the label doesn’t mention cannabidiol or hemp extract, they’re not CBD products. These might be called hemp seeds, hemp seed oil, or Cannabis sativa seed oil.
On the CBD label, you’ll also find information about a carrier oil. This oil preserves the CBD and helps your body absorb it. Common carrier oils are grapeseed oil, MCT oil, olive oil, or cold-pressed hemp seed oil.
CBD tinctures and other types of CBD products you take orally might also contain flavoring to make it taste a little better.
The label should also include information about potency, the amount of CBD contained in each serving. Potency can vary greatly and is usually measured in milligrams.
What is a Certificate of Analysis?
Full-spectrum CBD products come with a Certificate of Analysis, also called a COA, which shows its contents were independently verified for its purity and ingredients.
The COA will outline the concentration of CBD and THC; identify other compounds contained in the product; and note the levels of heavy metals or pesticides.
Other compounds you can expect to see in the product if you’ve purchased full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD are cannabidiolic acid, cannabinol, cannabigerol, and cannabichromene. The heavy metal and pesticide analysis should indicate “pass,” which means the levels are safe and acceptable for use.
Where Can I Buy CBD?
If you’re interested in trying CBD products, you can purchase them in a variety of places, including CBD specialty shops, smoke shops, or online. You might even find a hair salon selling CBD — that’s how popular it is.
Just be sure to do your research to ensure you’re getting a quality product, properly formulated with all the right ingredients, so you can enjoy the benefits of CBD.