Which CBD products are worthy of our trust?
In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave its blessing to Epidiolex, a purified CBD drug for the treatment of severe childhood epilepsy. Six months later, Congress passed the Farm Bill, legalizing the cultivation of hemp for many uses, including producing biomass for CBD oil extraction. The 2018 Farm Bill defines hemp as cannabis containing 0.3 percent or less of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
In theory, these important developments should make it easier to access safe and effective CBD products. But so far, the FDA has refused to regulate non-medicinal cannabis-derived CBD.
Federal policy continues to favor CBD isolates while discriminating against artisanal, full-spectrum CBD-rich products that may be more effective than single-molecule drugs. Project CBD supports policies that provide broad and easy access to lab-tested, high-quality, CBD-enriched artisanal products in addition to expensive pharmaceutical options.
Project CBD encourages consumers to look for products made from the tops of unfertilized female hemp flowers, which are rich in high-resin CBD. Cannabis is much more suitable for extracting medicinal oils than hemp, which has low resin fibers, or industrial hemp, which is grown for its seed oil and protein.
But the argument for sourcing cannabidiol from “marijuana” (cannabis with more than 0.3 percent THC) rather than hemp is already moot, and the argument for sourcing cannabidiol from hemp, which has the highest CBD (as we like to say at Project CBD This is because “wink wink”) is used. According to a 2021 genomics study by the University of Minnesota and Sunrise Genetics, 90 percent of genes come from high-resin marijuana rather than low-resin hemp. If properly cultivated, extracted, and processed, such plants qualify as suitable starter materials for manufacturing CBD-rich oil formulations.
But choosing between the many unregulated CBD brands, which, as one industry insider says, “usually has less manufacturing oversight than cat litter,” can be problematic.
Many hemp-derived CBD products are mislabeled. To cite one of several examples, a study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that 69% of 85 products surveyed had incorrect amounts of CBD and/or THC on the product label. was shown to have been listed.
Another study found significant discrepancies between some leading hemp-derived CBD brands that falsely claim their products contain full-spectrum CBD-enriched oil. However, laboratory testing of some samples found that only one cannabinoid (CBD) was present, and these products were made with CBD isolate rather than the more effective whole plant CBD-rich extract. It is made using things.
Another problem: Some overly processed hemp-derived CBD products are contaminated with toxic solvent residues, corn syrup, artificial flavors and colors, and other contaminants.
Shopping tips for buying CBD online
Below are some general tips that we recommend you keep in mind when purchasing CBD products on the internet. If you're in the process of comparing and trying out CBD brands, these shopping tips can point you in the right direction.
Choose products from states with clear regulations
Consumer Reports recommends looking for CBD products made by companies in states that have legalized recreational and medical marijuana use. These states tend to have stricter standards for the quality and safety of CBD products.
Choose American Hemp
If you live in a “CBD-only” state, choose CBD products made with American hemp grown in states like Colorado, Kentucky, Oregon, Montana, Vermont, and Tennessee. Domestic sources often adhere to higher quality and safety standards compared to foreign sources.
Prioritize sustainable CBD
Whenever possible, look for CBD-rich products derived from high-resin hemp that is sustainably grown according to certified regenerative organic standards. This ensures sustainability both for the environment and for product quality.
Choose Full Spectrum CBD
Choose “full-spectrum” CBD-rich oil extracts rather than isolates, distillates, or products labeled “pure CBD” or “no THC.” Full-spectrum options contain multiple cannabis compounds, including small amounts of THC, which can enhance therapeutic effects through the entourage effect.
Considering the broad spectrum for THC concerns
If THC is completely illegal in your state, or if drug testing is an issue, choose a “broad spectrum” CBD oil product. These contain other beneficial cannabis components, but no THC.
Check CBD and THC per serving
When shopping, look for product labels that list the amount of CBD and THC per serving, as well as the total cannabinoid content of the entire bottle. This will help you accurately measure your dosage.
Be wary of health claims
Be wary of CBD companies that make explicit health claims about their products. Such claims are not allowed by the FDA, and reputable companies focus on providing information about potential benefits without making medical promises.
Validate the Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Be sure to check the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for your CBD product. This document confirms that the product has undergone independent lab testing for quality and purity. Must contain results for CBD, THC, and contaminants.
Avoid harmful ingredients in vape cartridges
If you're considering CBD oil vape cartridges, avoid ones that contain toxic diluents like propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol, or harmful thickeners like vitamin E acetate or artificial flavor additives.
Avoid low-quality CBD foods
Avoid low-quality CBD-infused gummies and drops that use corn syrup or artificial colors as ingredients. High-quality CBD edibles prioritize natural, healthy ingredients.
Beware of addictive hemp products
Be wary of “CBD” companies selling hemp products and unregulated synthetic cannabinoids that can be addictive in large doses. Stick with companies that adhere to safe and legal CBD practices.
Beware of multi-level marketing
Be wary of MLMs and companies that force you to buy a subscription right away. Reputable CBD companies prioritize transparency and quality over aggressive marketing strategies.
Understanding CBD sources
Be wary of brands that claim their CBD is derived from hemp seeds and stems. CBD is not found in hemp seeds, and only minimal amounts are found in the stems. Make sure your CBD products are sourced correctly.
Contact CBD brands directly
Don't be afraid to contact CBD companies directly and ask questions about their products, sourcing, and manufacturing processes. If you can't easily reach them, consider alternatives with better customer support.
How do you vet CBD brands?
Project CBD Marketplace is a platform for quality brands and stores that support our work. We carefully vet our partners and evaluate their organizations and products using a number of flexible criteria that emphasize safety and transparency.
Here are some of the factors to consider when evaluating CBD companies.
company
Ethics and Culture, Diversity and Inclusion, Social Responsibility Truth and Transparency Availability and Accessibility of Information Focus on Education Focus on Health
product
Sources of CBD Focus on whole-plant, full-spectrum products Manufacturing methods Third-party testing of every batch Healthy, naturally derived ingredients
© Copyright, Project CBD. May not be reproduced without permission.
