What to look for in CBD oil

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Have you ever wondered what CBD oil is all about? What are its pros and cons, and how do you choose the best CBD oil? This article is your go-to guide when shopping for CBD oil.

CBD oil is rapidly gaining popularity, so you are likely to find it sold in most shops. For this matter, there may be fake or harmful CBD oil products being sold. You may be misled into buying a product due to selfishness and competition from different manufacturers who might lead you to buy a harmful product. Therefore, there are factors to consider when looking for CBD oil. This article discusses some of those factors, including the source of the oil, the extraction process of the oil, Third-party testing, and the reputation of the brand.

What is CBD Oil?

Clarke & Watson (2007) defined CBD (Cannabidiol) as naturally a compound found in the cannabis plant. It comes second in abundance after Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound found in cannabis but is known to cause a ‘high’ effect when consumed. Frassinetti et al. (2018) confirmed that CBD oil had been used for its helpful properties on health for many years. In the US, its use was approved in the 2018 Farm Bill and has been manufactured into different brands like the sublingual that is put to be absorbed under the tongue, topicals that are applied on the skin or aching joints and muscles, vapes that are smoked, vaporizers that are inhaled and capsules which are tablets that contain the CBD Oil.

Oil Source

The primary source of CBD oil is the hemp of the cannabis plant. A good manufacturer ought to outline the source of its hemp, where it is grown, and how it is grown. Hemp that gives better results is grown organically. Is the CBD oil you want growing organically produced? Before purchasing the CBD oil of your choice, research widely on the source of hemp and how it is grown.

Extraction and Processing

Nobody would want to buy a product containing impurities. It is important to be conversant with the process involved in obtaining CBD oil. There are three processes used to extract it. They include the solvent extraction process that uses ethanol to dissolve the waxes of the hemp plant. Though recommended, it should be run with caution, as alcohol is highly flammable. Secondly, the olive oil process involves mixing the hemp plant with olive oil and heating it to a specific temperature before extracting the oil. Finally, the use of Carbon dioxide is involved. It is important to note that CBD oil is extracted from the plant’s flower. This is the gummy part of hemp where all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are secreted. The flowers are then treated and pressurized with carbon dioxide to pull beneficial compounds from the plant material.

Third-Party Verification

In the case of purchasing products, especially the processed ones, you should buy and use those with third-party verification. A product verified by an ISO compliant agency or an agency such as Food and Drug Agency, FDA, is trustworthy. Third parties ensure the CBD oil does not contain impurities. Only the third-party lab and not the manufacturer must verify products to ensure credibility. Confirm that CBD oil is certified by scanning QR codes found on the packaging.

Reputable Brands

When purchasing CBD oil from retailers, you should only deal with the best. A reputable brand will only sell you high–quality products that are free from impurities. Such brands are subjected to third-party lab tests and indicate the source of plants for their oils. Check the customer views before buying from a seller to ensure you get top-notch CBD oils. Reputable brands are those from companies that have not received any warning from relevant certifying authorities. Popular brands include flavored variations like mint, vanilla, berry, kiwi, and citrus fruits. Ensure flavoring is natural and that the oil does not contain suspicious additives. When purchasing CBD oil products from a dispensary or a retailer, ensure that they are knowledgeable about the products they make or carry. Many CBD rankings depend on the brand, especially on expert blogs. It is always vital to be keen, for some sources are always biased. You can always compare user reviews from at least three different sources.

Customer Review

A product brand of any type must get feedback from customers who have used it. This applies to CBD oil too. According to Hazekamp (2018), a good CBD oil has reviews from customers who talk about its efficacy, how long it takes to ship the product, the price, and the customer service. You will know that CBD Oil is good if it has positive customer reviews.

Reason for Buying CBD Oil

It is best to determine your reason for buying your oil. It has many uses, such as treating seizures, according to McCoy et al. (2018). You must consult your physician for a proper prescription in such a case. Others use the oil to treat skin conditions, manage anxiety, and relax the mind, whereas there are also CBD oils meant for pets, especially dogs. In the case of pets, be careful not to use CBD oil for pets on humans. This is because CBD meant for animals might have effects on humans. It is essential to be wise about the type of oil you buy because different CBD oils have different uses.

Conclusion

When looking for a CBD oil for the first time, it may be a hard nut to crack. Since the market is not 100% regulated, you may be misled through mislabeling which may be dangerous to your health. Research is important when it comes to choosing CBD products. Always check the source of hemp, extraction methods, third-party testing, and the company’s transparency regarding branding. Your choice will depend on the CBD consumption method and potency; the factors should suit your lifestyle, preference, and expected effects.

Reference

Clarke, R. C., & Watson, D. P. (2007). Cannabis And Natural Cannabis Medicines. In Marijuana And The Cannabinoids (Pp. 1-15). Humana Press.

Frassinetti, S., Moccia, E., Caltavuturo, L., Gabriele, M., Longo, V., Bellani, L., … & Giorgetti, L. (2018). Nutraceutical Potential Of Hemp (Cannabis Sativa L.) Seeds And Sprouts. Food Chemistry, 262, 56-66.

Hazekamp, A. (2018). The Trouble With CBD Oil. Medical Cannabis And Cannabinoids, 1(1), 65-72.

Mccoy, B., Wang, L., Zak, M., Al‐Mehmadi, S., Kabir, N., Alhadid, K., … & Snead III, O. C. (2018). A Prospective Open‐Label Trial Of A CBD/THC Cannabis Oil In Dravet Syndrome. Annals Of Clinical And Translational Neurology, 5(9), 1077-1088.

 

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