Whether you’re checking online or walking from one shop to another on the street, cannabis-focused businesses have loads of CBD products on the market. Unfortunately, a good number are either fake or even unhealthy. I will show you my essential tips to help you find quality CBD products when shopping.
Key Takeaways
- Going for reputable brands is one of the best ways to shop quality CBD products.
- Products with unrealistic well-being claims are most likely fake.
- Choose only products with third-party lab results with a certificate of analysis (COA).
Why is CBD Quality Important to Users?
CBD is an essential compound in cannabis with numerous benefits for recreational and wellness users. Early research on CBD and some users claim that it offers beneficial effects, including pain relief, stress management, improved sleep, and appetite improvement. If not well produced, a CBD product won’t achieve these results.
For instance, some CBD products on the market are made with artificial additives, synthetic cannabinoids, and little to no CBD content. Using such substandard products could result in health risks, and you’d end up wasting the money spent on purchasing them since they may be ineffective.
Best Ways to Find Quality CBD-Infused Items When Shopping
Now, let me get into the best strategies for finding top-quality products, especially those with the best CBD flower strains, when buying CBD items online or in-store.
1. Patronize Only Reputable Brands
The cannabis industry is growing, and many businesses are entering the space daily. However, while the brands are increasing, not all of them are transparent in their dealings. To spot top quality CBD products, consider patronizing brands like Mama Kana US with a verifiable track record, good success stories, clear ingredient information, and other essential details.
Alternatively, you can look up a CBD product manufacturer on certified cannabis groups like the U.S. Hemp Authority. The top CBD brands belong to such communities and are transparent with their business operations.
Another effective method is to check online reviews of verified buyers on the product page or website. Usually, the reviews are impartial, and they give you a sense of what previous buyers think of the product. Whether the information provided is about the product only, the manufacturer, or both, you can weigh the positives and negatives to ultimately make an informed decision.
2. Prioritize Good Pricing
When shopping for CBD products online or in-store, it’s okay to hunt deals and promos to get a bargain. However, always remember that authentic CBD products don’t come ridiculously cheap. Some products are cheaper than others due to their production processes, but similar products with a price well below the industry average could be fake.
For instance, you’ll quickly notice that a product from a full-spectrum extract is expected to be costlier than an isolate product because of its high production cost. This difference is usually seen in their shelf prices also. However, any product with a ridiculously high or low price after comparing it with similar ones from different brands is a red flag.
3. Know the Source of the CBD
CBD products of the highest quality are produced from organically grown hemp, especially from the U.S. or Europe. Such hemp flowers are usually free from pesticides, herbicides, and other harmful chemicals because they are grown in clean environments and under the safest conditions.
For instance, marijuana farms in states with strict hemp regulations like Colorado, Kentucky, and Oregon have a strong reputation for cultivating high-quality hemp that is used for CBD products. You can consider opting for CBD product manufacturers that source their hemp from such locations.
4. Check for Third-Party Lab Testing
Every CBD product claims to be the best on the market. Even the fake ones are loud about their efficacy. To filter through the noise, find CBD products with verifiable third-party lab testing results. Such results, especially the Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirm that the product is really what it claims to be.
Also, lab results emphasize the manufacturer’s transparency and signify that the products can be considered safe and effective due to the absence of toxic substances like pesticides, molds, and heavy metals.
Bonus Tip: Go the extra mile by checking the product label to understand its CBD concentration, the type of CBD extract (Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate), and the full ingredients list.
5. Avoid Products With Unrealistic Promises
Any CBD product that presents itself as the master solution to health issues is one you want to avoid. For instance, if a product claims that it cures anxiety or can completely heal pain, it’s most likely a sham and not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is no scientific proof that CBD can cure any health issue, so quality brands are FDA-compliant and only use terms supported by the organization.
At the end of the day, remember that CBD laws vary at the federal and state levels. For instance, in the US, the 2018 Farm Bill states that CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC to be considered legal, but this isn’t the same across every state. So, ensure the product you’re buying complies with your local regulations and tick these steps off your checklist to be safe.