7 Tips for Buying CBD Online

Since the 2018 Farm Bill gave the green light for CBD oil production and use, a myriad of different companies has sprung up across the U.S. With so many CBD brands and options, you may find it hard buying CBD online.

However, since the CBD industry is bold new territory for many consumers and producers alike, there are numerous variables to keep track of. As you explore the market, consider these tips for finding the right CBD product.

Look for Full Spectrum CBD Products

Full spectrum oils contain a variety of cannabinoids in addition to CBD for optimal benefits. This typically means that there will be a trace amount of THC in the product, but federal regulations dictate that this amount cannot exceed .3 percent. If you are concerned about the presence of THC, or if you live in a state that has banned THC altogether, you may then consider broad-spectrum products over products that only contain CBD isolate.

The dynamic ensemble of cannabinoids performs better together, demonstrating a chemical “entourage effect,” and utilizing a wider network of neurotransmitters and biological pathways.

Know the Ingredients of Your CBD Product

While you can expect to see CBD and THC in full spectrum oils, you should beware of additives and other harmful ingredients that may accompany the essentials. Edible CBD gummies may be packed with sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, and vape fluids may be cut with hazardous thinning agents.

Natural MCT oil comes with its own list of potential benefits and may be used as a carrier oil. However, you should talk to your doctor about any questionable ingredients present in the product and CBD oil use in general.

Check if the Cannabidiol Product is Traceable

Some states like Utah now require companies to label their products with a scannable code to verify its authenticity. With such codes, you can trace the product back to its source and confirm that it does indeed contain the ingredients that it claims to offer.

These codes may often be found on the producer’s website, if not on the product label itself. As CBD use becomes more common, it is likely that more producers will adapt scannable codes.

Know How the CBD Product was Lab Tested

Reputable producers should send their oil to be tested by a third-party lab, not in-house. The test results should also be confirmed with a certificate of analysis. For the sake of transparency, the producer can provide a scannable code to access the certificate.

Understand How the CBD Product is Derived

Look for oils that are extracted from full cannabis plants, not just the stalks or hemp seeds. These parts don’t possess the amount of CBD needed to make an effective oil, as the resinous flowers of cannabis plants present the most abundant and readily available cannabinoids. Producers should also be upfront about their extraction and filtration methods.

Avoid Any CBD Items with Overt Health Claims

The FDA prohibits CBD producers from making any explicit claims that their oils are health products with definite benefits. If a producer is willing to make such claims anyway, their statements should be taken as a red flag, not a selling point.

This lack of transparency may suggest quality issues elsewhere, and a 2017 study in the Journal of American Medical Association showed that CBD concentration can vary widely from one product to the next. The study determined that out of 84 tested products made by 31 different companies, only 30.95 percent were accurately labeled.

Talk With Your Doctor About CBD Oils, Topicals, or Other CBD Products

The most practical step you can take before taking any CBD is to speak with your health care professional. They should consider any medications you may be taking and can discuss the potential benefits.

And you can always reach out to us to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We'll walk you through CBD use and how it can impact your life. Visit our contact us page for more.

CBD Sources:

We legally cannot hyperlink these resources due to FDA regulations, but if you're interested in learning more, copy and paste the links below into your browser to read.

• https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2661569
• https://hempindustrydaily.com/standardized-labeling-may-be-key-to-cbd-legality/
• https://www.foriawellness.com/blogs/learn/full-spectrum-cbd-pain-inflammation-entourage-effect-benefits