It’s been around six years since the 2018 farm bill was passed, and ever since then, there’s been no dip in the popularity of CBD products. The farm bill made hemp-derived CBD products legal on the federal level, and since then, states have legalized CBD products for recreational and medical purposes.
You’ll find CBD products being promoted on different platforms like Amazon, food stores, medical dispensaries, and even some cafes and hangout parlors. There are hundreds of CBD brands on the market, and it can be a confusing task to finalize one.
Today we will unravel the secrets of the best CBD oil and everything you should know before you buy one.
Why is CBD Oil Popular, and How Does It Work?
CBD is a chemical compound found in abundance in both marijuana and hemp plants. The CBD you’ll find in most of the CBD products is derived from hemp plants because the farm bill has legalized hemp-derived CBD only. The other common and notorious component is THC; it’s the one that is responsible for making you high, but the hemp plant has a very low amount of THC in it as compared to the marijuana plant.
Unlike THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound and cannot make you feel high or stoned. The hype is all about CBD’s potential health benefits, like relief from pain and anxiety; some people even use it to relax and wind down after a long day.
It is suggested that CBD works by influencing the endocannabinoid system found in the human body. The endocannabinoid system regulates bodily functions like cognition, memory, mood, sleep, and pain by sending messages to various organs, muscles, tissues, and cells. When CBD influences these receptors, people feel improvement in their mood, relief from pain, and other calming effects. Some get hungry, some feel sleepy, and whatnot.
Why should you be careful when buying CBD oil?
CBD oil is the most simple way of consuming CBD, but the effects reported are mostly anecdotal, and the studies are not very concrete. Though the studies are increasing with time and progress is being made with clinical human trials, CBD products are still not vetted by the FDA, so you should be careful when selecting CBD oil, as there are plenty of misleading brands on the market.
Different types of CBD oil
- Full Spectrum: Contains all compounds like different cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and traces of THC found in hemp plants.
- Broad Spectrum: No THC, rest everything the same as full spectrum CBD.
- Isolate: Only contains a single cannabinoid, CBD; isolate is the purest form of CBD.
Things You Should Consider Before Buying CBD oil
What Kind of Hemp is Used?
The hemp that goes into your CBD oil plays a crucial role in its overall quality and effect. It is suggested that CBD oils be made with organically grown hemp. Why? Because hemp plants absorb a lot of nutrients from the soil and surroundings, growing them in an organic setting is best. The best hemp in the US is found in Colorado, so you can try broad-spectrum CBD oil from Colorado Botanicals, which has state-of-the-art facilities in Colorado.
Check the Brand’s Reputation and History
The market is full of new brands; every other day a new CBD brand pops up, and the consumer can fall prey to gimmicky marketing practices. Always check for testimonials from real users on various platforms; check their experience with the brands. Get in touch with the customer support team and get your queries resolved before purchasing. Good brands will always display crucial information like sourcing, manufacturing process, return refund policy, dosage guidelines, and certification on their website.
Check the Certificate of Analysis
All reputable brands will have their CBD oil and other CBD products tested by an independent third party. These reports are usually available on the product page itself and give the customer exact quantities of all the cannabinoids in the product. They also contain the results of heavy metal testing and other adulterations. The best-rated CBD oils to buy will always have these test results attached to the product page. Make sure that the results are for the latest date and batch.
The Extraction Method Used to Make the CBD Oil
The most common and trusted form of extraction is the C02 extraction method, where pressurized C02 separates the terpenes and cannabinoids from hemp plants without the use of heat or toxic solvents. Trusted brands like Colorado Botanicals always mention the method of extraction on product labels and websites. Then there are ethanol extraction methods, which are also used in various oils and tinctures, but they are very risky due to the inflammatory nature of ethanol. The worst and cheapest method is using hydrocarbon solvents. This process uses chemicals like propane and butane to extract the compounds from hemp plants. Avoid products made with this method, because if traces of such chemicals are left in the product, they can harm the user in the long run.
Importance of Concentration While Using CBD Oil
The concentration of CBD in the CBD oil you are taking plays a crucial role in the effects you’ll feel. Higher the potency, denser, and longer the effects. Some people might feel the buzz with just 10-15mg, especially beginners, and some might need heavy doses like 25–30 mg and even up to 50 mg. So start slow and let your body adjust and modify the dosage with time. The foods you eat will also influence the effects of CBD on your body. For example, a diet with rich Omega-3 fatty acids can multiply the effect of CBD oil as it boosts your ECS system.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap; this guide will help you buy the best CBD oil as per your needs. Always go with trusted brands like Colorado Botanicals, their transparent policies, 60-day risk-free trial, and organically sourced Colorado hemp positions their 300mg full spectrum CBD oil as one of the best rated CBD oils to buy from a plethora of other CBD brands in the online space. Always be cautious and read label information thoroughly before buying the product, checking testimonials of other consumers is also a great way to check the credibility and effectiveness of the product and brand.