We encourage our readers to seek out products made from the unfertilized flower tops of high-resin, CBD-rich cannabis, which is better suited for extracting medicinal oil than is low-resin fiber hemp, or industrial hemp grown for seed oil or protein.
Plant breeders have been creating high-resin cannabis varietals with CBD levels over ten percent, while keeping the THC under 0.3 percent.
If you live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, always buy your CBD from a licensed dispensary.
If you don’t live in such a state, you can still obtain CBD from the internet, but you must be far more careful.
There is no regulation of these products and you usually have no idea how much CBD you’re going to be getting. Further, many hemp-derived CBD products are mislabeled.
A study reported in the American Medical Association journal reported that, out of 85 products tested, 69 percent had an incorrect amount of CBD listed on the label.
Another survey found significant discrepancies among some of the leading hemp-derived CBD products.
They falsely claim full-spectrum CBD-rich oil is included in their products, but lab tests of several samples revealed that only a single cannabinoid (CBD) was present.
This indicates that the products are made with CBD-isolate rather than the more effective whole plant CBD-rich extract.
Another problem: some of the highly processed hemp products also contain toxic solvent residues, corn syrup, artificial colors and flavors, and other contaminants.
How can you tell which products are safe for use?
Consumer Reports suggests using products made in states where medicinal marijuana is legalized. Those tend to have stricter standards and regulations.
If you live in a “CBD-Only” state, choose CBD products made with American-grown hemp.
Choose full-spectrum, CBD-rich oil extracts instead of products labeled “pure CBD” or “no THC.”
Full spectrum means it contains several cannabis compounds, including a little THC. If THC is illegal in your state, look for “broad spectrum” CBD oil products that still contain other cannabinoids (but no THC).
Here are some things you should avoid when choosing a CBD product:
- Companies that make grandiose promises or explicit health claims. This is not allowed by the FDA.
- CBD hemp oil vape cartridges made with toxic thinning agents like propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol. Also, avoid flavoring agents and other toxic additives.
- Poor-quality CBD-infused gummies made with corn syrup and artificial colors.
- Brands that claim their CBD is extracted from the hemp seed and/or stalk. CBD is not found in hempseed and very little is found in the stalks.
Don’t be afraid to reach out and contact any CBD company you are considering purchasing through. Ask questions prior to making a decision to purchase to ensure you are properly informed.