Determining the quality of a product depends on the details displayed on that product package. But the next big step is to understand what is shown to us. How do we determine the quality of a product without first learning the art of interpretation? We must learn how to interpret a product’s label before making a purchase. After reading the label and other information, we should be able to identify whether the product is suitable for our wellbeing or not. In this post, we’re talking about a specific product.
CBD is researched and analyzed through third-party testing and not the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This makes it even more complicated as you are left with market research entirely. So, it’s up to you to identify what’s in the product. But first, let’s get you up to speed with what CBD is, in case you don’t already know!
A little bit about CBD
CBD or Cannabinoid is found in the cannabis plant. THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol is also found in this plant. These two compounds, however, are very different in terms of their properties. THC is the compound that is associated with getting high, as in, from the use of marijuana. THC also causes harmful side effects when taken in huge amounts. CBD does not share the same property; it does not cause a person to feel high.
CBD can be extracted and used from two types of cannabis plants – Hemp or Marijuana. Hemp contains 0.3% THC, whereas marijuana contains higher levels. A few states in The US have made it legal to sell both types of CBD products. Some states can provide either of the two derived products. The other states do not allow or rendered it illegal for sale by law.
The CBD derived from marijuana may cause some psychoactive effects i.e. intoxication. The THC contained in these products will be identified in any drug test you take.
Therefore, CBD derived from hemp is the preferred choice as only trace amounts of THC is found. The THC amount is not enough to cause intoxication or a ‘high’ in the brain. Its traces cannot be found in tests as compared to marijuana-derived CBD.
Three types of CBD you should know
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Isolate CBD
The CBD isolate is isolated from the other compounds of the hemp plant and is considered the purest form of CBD. This product contains zero percent THC and this should be displayed on the label.
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Full-spectrum CBD
The full-spectrum CBD contains the naturally available cannabis plant ingredients, also including THC. But if this product is derived from hemp then the THC levels will be close to negligible i.e. 0.3%. This value is at the dry weight. THC levels can rise when the flowers are extracted and added to the oil.
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Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD contains several cannabis compounds with no THC. However, a few traces of THC are found at times.
Checking the label on CBD products – the defining moment!
Based on the three types of CBD products, you can make your choice of preference for consumption. Your next step, however, still involves reading the label.
It is important to check the label on the product in case you are allergic to any of the ingredients. For instance, some products will list hemp extracts like hemp seeds, hempseed oil, or Sativa seed oil. These are different from hemp-derived CBD.
However, the main ingredients of CBD oil products will list grapeseed oil, olive oil, MCT oil, or cold-pressed hemp seed oil. Oil is used as a carrier for CBD and to stabilize and preserve the compound, helping with better absorption in the body. Note that the oil product or an edible might contain artificial flavors or colors.
The next thing you need to look for is the COA or Certificate of Analysis. As we mentioned earlier, the FDA does not approve or analyze these products. Hence, the COA is provided by third-party tested laboratories that are not connected with the CBD manufacturing companies.
The COA can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the product using your smartphone, every CBD product has one on either the box or the label. If not, be skeptical.
If the product does not have a COA (Certificate Of Analysis) available then move on to the next product. However, you can also email the company to provide you with the COA that is also provided on retail websites.
How to check the COA
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Is the label accurate?
The COA will also contain information that is present on the label of the product. So, double-check at both ends. Check, especially the CBD and THC concentrations as inaccuracies are a recurrent problem with CBD products.
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Which CBD are you buying?
Elements such as cannabidiolic acid, cannabinol, cannabichromene, and Cannabigerol should be listed on full- or broad-spectrum products.
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What do the lab charts say?
Check the status column of the lab charts. If it says “pass”, then any presence of heavy metal and pesticides, if at all, is within safe limits of consumption.
Another significant point is that supercritical CO₂ is used to extract the desired compounds while producing CBD oil. Supercritical CO2 ensures that the extract produced is free from any residues or additives. This is not possible with other extraction methods. CBD oils that contain chemicals like propane, pentane, butane, or hexane should be avoided.
Checking for the label and crucial information from the COA is a priority for you as the consumer. We hope to have informed you well! So, the next time you step into a shop or plan to make an online purchase, you’ll know what to read and how to interpret the details displayed on the product. On elementearthcbd.com, EVERY product has its COA in the tab labeled Lab Results! We will not nor ever put up any product that does not contain a legitimate and legal lab result report.
Your dose of intake of CBD or how much you can consume in a day depends on the severity and type of your condition.
