It seems as if CBD is all the rage these days. In 2019, the demand for CBD products skyrocketed like never before, and the industry is showing no signs of slowing down. With the global market expected to increase at a CAGR of 22.2 percent from 2019 to 2025, from $4.6 billion in 2018, it seems that the best time to try CBD is now.
This growth is largely prompted by the legalization of CBD oil Canada-wise, which further led to a domino effect as other countries and states became open to the legalization of CBD. The multitude of health benefits that CBD can offer is no secret now, and many people are beginning to take advantage of them.
For people trying it for the first time, though, purchasing CBD online can be an overwhelming experience. So, if you’ve found yourself in a confusing position, here are five things you need to know before buying CBD online:
Third-Party Testing & Lab Results
One of the most important factors to consider before buying CBD online, are the test results that guarantee the consistency and the quality of the concerned product. While you can easily find a legitimate online dispensary Canada-wide, it’s essential to verify the reliability of the brand you’re looking into. Taking a look at a brand’s testing policy can help you determine how reliable the company and the product are.
If a third-party lab doesn’t test the product, it’ll be difficult for you to figure out whether it indeed contains the ingredients stated. Additionally, since CBD is essentially a health product, you need to be careful and should require reassurance on whether the product has any harmful substances or not.
You should ideally request a lab report if it’s not provided on the website. This third-party testing should also have been carried out by a reputable lab that meets specific industry standards. If the company is unable to provide the report, you should consider another brand of organic CBD oil instead.
The Amount of THC
For those of you who don’t know, CBD stands for cannabidiol and is one of the derivatives of the cannabis plant. This component is often confused with THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is also found in the cannabis plant and is responsible for the “high” caused by marijuana.
CBD is primarily legal because it doesn’t result in the same psychoactive effects as THC. However, it’s essential to know that many CBD products contain a small amount of THC, or less than 0.3%. This amount is legal and, when you’re making a purchase, you should know how much THC content the CBD oil has and what the legal amount is for your state.
The Extraction Method
As established, CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, but its extraction varies from product to product. CBD can be extracted in multiple ways. The three most common methods are solvent extraction using isopropyl, butane, alcohol, or ethanol; olive oil extraction, which is also the oldest method; and CO2 extraction, which is considered the most advanced technique.
Where extraction methods are concerned, CO2 extraction is highly recommended because it results in a potent product that retains the CBD’s purity without any contamination. If the product you’re considering uses any other extraction method, you should reconsider it before buying CBD online.
The Hemp Plant’s Origin
The hemp plant is characterized as a bioaccumulator which technically absorbs everything from the soil, air, and water it comes into contact with. This property makes it essential to know where the hemp plant used to create a CBD product was grown, cultivated, and sourced.
The plant should ideally have been grown organically; otherwise, it could have been exposed to harmful herbicides, heavy metals, or pesticides. When you use the CBD product, you’d be at risk and putting these substances inside your body, too.
Many CBD brands want to get their hemp plants at the lowest prices possible, prompting them to compromise on the products’ quality. This is why it’s essential to know the hemp plant’s origin to ensure you’re getting the best product possible before buying CBD online.
The Type of CBD Used
When you’re shopping for a CBD product, you’ll likely come across the terms “CBD isolate,” “broad-spectrum CBD,” and “full-spectrum CBD.” It’s essential to know the difference between these terms to understand what you’re getting. Here’s what they mean:
- CBD isolate refers to 99 percent pure CBD oil that’s been extracted from the hemp plant and separated from all other cannabinoids.
- Full-spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids present in the hemp plant, including THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD falls between the other two types and can essentially be described as full-spectrum CBD without any THC traces.
Whichever product you choose depends on the laws of the state you belong to and your needs. Usually, broad-spectrum CBD like and CBD isolate are the best choices since they don’t contain THC.
Final Thoughts
CBD is a popular product that’s only going to become more widespread as years progress. As the demand grows, the supply will also increase, and some of these suppliers may not have the best quality products. This is why it’s essential to be informed about the kind of product you’re purchasing before buying CBD online.
Additionally, since CBD is also used for health purposes, you need to consult your doctor on what the right amount of dosage is for you and whether the product is right for you or not. By following the guidelines above, you can fully get the benefits CBD has to offer.
What are other things necessary for someone to know when buying CBD online for the first time? Let us know in the comments below.
