Cannabidiol (CBD) has rapidly gained popularity as a natural supplement, with many interested in its potential in treating various conditions such as nervousness, feelings of discomfort, stress, and sleep issues.
However, the vast array of CBD products on the market can make it challenging to determine the ideal one for you. Conducting thorough research and identifying a top-quality CBD product tailored to your needs is crucial. But what should you be looking for? Say, for example, you’re interested in buying CBD oil. What makes for a high-quality CBD oil in comparison to other products on the market?
In this article, we will look at some of the key factors that will help you determine CBD quality, answer all of your questions about CBD, and empower you to make well-informed decisions.
Ready to dive right into your experience with high-quality CBD oil for sleep, stress, and beyond? Start here with FOCL!
What Is High-Quality CBD?
CBD is a natural derivative of the hemp plant that has made its way to the forefront of public consciousness in recent years. Those looking for natural, holistic wellness might be interested in using this non-psychoactive cannabinoid to enhance their wellness routine.
But one thing they may not know going in is that not all CBD is made the same. There are low-quality CBD products out there that can greatly impact your experience. Doing your due diligence is essential to getting the most that CBD has to offer and preserving your health.
High-quality CBD is responsibly grown, transparently manufactured, and heavily tested. After all, it’s been shown that hemp is a highly absorbent plant capable of pulling dangerous contaminants out of the soil it’s grown in, including cadmium, lead, and nickel.1
At best, you may be getting a product that isn’t what it’s advertised to be. At worst, you’re putting your health at risk. Whether you’re shopping for oils, tinctures, edibles, capsules, and topicals, make sure you’re purchasing high-quality CBD!
Benefits Of High-Quality CBD Oil
CBD oil has gained popularity in recent years due to a host of potential health benefits touted by users. But what might you expect to encounter when you try high-quality CBD oil for yourself?
Some of the potential health benefits associated with CBD use include:
- Relief from feelings of discomfort: CBD oil may reduce inflammation and feelings of discomfort, which can be helpful to those dealing with chronic pain, recovering from workouts, or struggling with autoimmune disorders.
- Stress relief and mood enhancement: CBD oil can potentially help users experience a greater sense of peace and calm. From daily stress management to mood improvement, CBD may be a valuable resource when trouble strikes.
- Insomnia relief: Improved sleep quality has been observed in those with insomnia using CBD oil. This may be due to CBD’s impact on anxiety, which seems to also support better sleep in some individuals.2
While CBD oil shows promising potential health benefits, it is important to recognize that further research is needed to fully understand its benefits and possible side effects. Speak with your doctor before you try CBD to learn about whether or not it’s the right fit for your needs.
Knowing The Difference Between CBD Oil And Hemp Seed Oil
The terms "CBD oil" and "hemp seed oil" are not interchangeable, even though you may encounter one popping up in place of another in online marketplaces. What new CBD users may not be aware of is the fact that they refer to distinct products. Some vendors may take advantage of this lack of awareness to get you to purchase products you’re not looking for.
The good news is that it’s easy to distinguish between the two based on terminology.
CBD oil is a concentrated extract with high levels of CBD. It is usually derived from hemp, but it will never be called hemp seed oil. CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant's flowers, leaves, and stalks and then traditionally combined with a carrier oil like coconut, olive, or hemp seed oil.
In contrast, hemp seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of hemp. It lacks substantial CBD content but is abundant in essential fatty acids and other nutrients, making it suitable for cooking and beauty products.
Pay attention to what language a vendor uses so you don’t end up buying a product low to nonexistent in CBD.
Essential Criteria To Consider
When choosing a high-quality CBD oil, there are several factors you will need to evaluate to get a product that is safe to use, effective, and enjoyable. Here are some of the key criteria that will help you find the best CBD oil for your needs!
Source Of Hemp
When choosing high-quality CBD oil, it is important to consider the hemp source. Hemp grown in contaminated soil may contain toxins, pesticides, and heavy metals, posing health risks.
To guarantee the safety of your CBD oil, opt for a reputable source that uses organic hemp grown in herbicide, pesticide-free soil. Seek hemp cultivated in countries with a history of hemp farming, such as the United States, Canada, and Europe, which have stringent regulations to ensure crop safety and quality. Avoid hemp grown with genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Extraction Method
The extraction method is an important factor when selecting high-quality CBD oil. There are various extraction methods, each with its pros and cons.
- CO2 extraction: The most common method uses pressurized carbon dioxide to extract cannabinoids. It is considered the safest and most efficient approach, yielding high-quality oil with minimal contamination.
- Ethanol extraction: Ethanol extraction employs ethanol to dissolve the cannabinoids from the plant material. While this method is fast and efficient, it can result in lower-quality oil with higher levels of contaminants.
- Olive oil extraction: Here, olive oil is used as a solvent to extract cannabinoids. Although slower and less efficient, this method produces higher-quality oil with fewer contaminants.
Regardless of the technique used, it is vital to guarantee that the CBD oil is made through a safe, effective procedure that produces a high-quality, contaminant-free product.
Choose FOCL for the best CBD oil in 2023, extracted using state-of-the-art CO2 extraction for maximum purity and potency. Visit FOCL today to experience the difference in quality and see for yourself!
SEE ALSO: What is the Bioavailability of CBD Oil?
Types Of CBD
When choosing high-quality CBD oil, it's essential to know the different types of CBD available: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate.
- Full-spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum contains all compounds found in the hemp plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial substances. It is thought to provide the most therapeutic benefits due to the entourage effect, a synergistic interaction of these compounds.
- Broad-spectrum CBD: Broad-spectrum is similar to full-spectrum but has been processed to eliminate all traces of THC. It still contains all other compounds found in the hemp plant, offering the same therapeutic benefits as full-spectrum CBD without any potential of getting high or having THC in your system.
- CBD isolate: CBD isolate is the purest form made by extracting CBD from the hemp plant and isolating it from all other compounds, resulting in a 99% pure CBD product. It is ideal for those sensitive to other compounds or seeking a THC-free product.
When deciding on a CBD type, consider your needs and preferences. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD provide the most therapeutic benefits, while CBD isolate may be the most suitable for those desiring a THC-free option.
Third-Party Testing
Many of the issues and negative beliefs surrounding CBD can be associated with poor product quality. We’ve already mentioned contaminants, but that’s not the only problem.
For example, one study conducted by the FDA found that, out of 102 products tested, 18 had less than 80 percent of the CBD promised. Even more striking, only 46 contained CBD within 20 percent of the amount listed.3
This is why independent testing is critical. This testing ensures the product is free of contaminants, additives, and potentially harmful substances while also verifying the CBD oil's potency and the presence of other cannabinoids like THC. Make sure all of your products have been third-party tested. This brings us to our next point…
Certificate Of Analysis (COA)
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document providing a detailed report of tests performed on a specific product. It's vital to confirm that the CBD oil you buy has been tested by a third-party lab and has a valid COA.
The COA should also contain information about the hemp source, including the strain and farm location. This information verifies the hemp's quality. The COA should include test results for the CBD oil's potency and cannabinoid profile, confirming that it contains the advertised CBD amount without unwanted cannabinoids, terpenes, or additives and contaminants (unless you want other cannabinoids and terpenes for the entourage effect).
We’ll cover some of the other essential areas featured in a COA in the sections below.
Extraction Date
When choosing high-quality CBD oil, the extraction date is another important factor to consider. This date indicates when the extraction process was completed and the oil was bottled, giving you an idea of the oil's freshness. CBD oil can degrade over time, so it's important to select recently extracted oil for optimal therapeutic benefits.
The extraction date can typically be found on the CBD oil bottle's label, listed as a month and year or a specific date. If the extraction date is missing, it's best to avoid the product. While this date doesn't directly indicate the oil's quality, it helps you determine its freshness.
You should also consider the product's shelf life when selecting CBD oil. Most CBD oils have a shelf life of one to two years, but this can vary depending on the product.
Additives And Contaminants
CBD oil's quality is one of the top considerations, but being aware of potential contaminants or additives is equally important.
Additives can include preservatives, flavoring agents, emulsifiers, or solvents. Make sure any additives are safe for consumption and non-toxic, and check for the absence of artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners in the product.
Contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, or other harmful substances may be introduced during extraction or production. Always review your product and COA to avoid any substances that could be hazardous to your health.
Where To Buy High-Quality CBD Products
With numerous brands and products, knowing where to buy your CBD products can be challenging. When determining where to buy CBD products, keep the following considerations in mind.
- Make sure you're buying CBD from a reputable source. Look for established companies with a solid reputation. Examine customer reviews and any complaints. Ensure the company is transparent about its products, providing lab test results and extraction process information.
- Seek out stores that offer a wide selection of products, including CBD oils, tinctures, topicals, edibles, and capsules, ensuring you find the ideal product for your needs.
- Compare prices among various brands and look for discounts or special offers for new or loyal customers.
- Verify that a company provides fast, reliable shipping, ensuring prompt delivery and good condition. Look for companies offering free returns or exchanges if you're unsatisfied with your purchase.
Final Thoughts
High-quality CBD oil is made from non-GMO, organic hemp and designed for maximum efficacy. These products are third-party certified to offer greater transparency and help you maintain your peace of mind knowing that you’ve received what you paid for. But where do you find a company that can meet (even surpass) all of these expectations?
Look no further than FOCL! Our premium CBD oil is made with organic ingredients, and our hemp is grown in the USA using organic farming practices, eliminating the potential of any GMOs, pesticides, or herbicides sneaking into your oil.
All of our products are third-party tested, and we make it easy to start your CBD journey with free shipping and 15 percent off your first order when you sign up for a free FOCL Rewards account!
Shop our CBD oil now or take our Product Finder Quiz to discover which other products are designed for your lifestyle!
Check out this article about CBD oil to learn more:
FAQs
What is the highest quality of CBD?
The finest CBD oil is derived from organic hemp plants using a CO2 extraction process, which is considered to be the most efficient and effective method for extracting CBD. Additionally, check to make sure the CBD oil undergoes third-party laboratory testing for potency, purity, and safety as this can play a role as well.
What is a good CBD oil percentage?
The optimal CBD oil concentration depends on one's unique requirements and preferences. Generally, a higher percentage signifies greater potency. However, it's crucial to understand that oil quality takes precedence over its concentration.
What does pure, high-quality CBD oil look like?
Pure CBD oil usually appears clear and ranges from a pale yellow to a golden hue. It should not contain impurities like particles, sediment, or discoloration.
How do you test CBD purity?
The most reliable method for assessing CBD purity is through third-party laboratory testing. Check to see if a COA is offered with your product prior to buying any CBD oil.
What is the purity of CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate, the purest form of CBD, typically contains 99% pure CBD, devoid of other cannabinoids, terpenes, or compounds. Additionally, it is free from additives and other contaminants.
Sources:
- Biagia Musio (2021, November 24). A spectroscopic study to assess heavy metals absorption by a combined hemp/spirulina system from contaminated soil. Environmental Advances. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666765721001150
- Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: A large case series. The Permanente journal. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
- Evans, D. G. (2020). Medical fraud, mislabeling, contamination: All common in CBD products. Missouri medicine. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7723146/
