Finding a high-quality CBD oil requires investing some time and effort. Below you can see all the factors you should consider when picking the cream of the crop.
CBD vs. Hemp-Seed Oil
CBD oil is often referred to as hemp oil, leading to confusion between CBD and hemp seed oil. While both types are extracted from the hemp plant, hemp seed oil is made only from hemp seed. It has a number of health benefits thanks to its mineral content and fatty acids. However, it doesn’t contain any CBD.
On the other hand, real CBD oil is extracted from the leaves, stems, flowers, and buds of either hemp or marijuana plants. So if you want to reap the benefits of CBD, you should know that hemp seed oil won’t provide you with any of these.
CBD Types
There are three main types of CBD oil:
- Full spectrum—besides CBD, contains other cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant. As a result, it may bring numerous health benefits. However, it also comes with a small amount of THC, always below 0.3%, which is the legal limit.
- Broad spectrum—a great option for those who worry about the presence of THC. While THC is eliminated, it still contains all the other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Isolate—doesn’t contain anything but pure CBD. It’s stripped of all other hemp compounds, such as terpenes and other cannabinoids.
Hemp Origin
It’s only logical that the quality of CBD oil will depend on the quality of the cannabis. That’s why hemp must be cultivated on healthy soil. To be sure that we’re presenting you with the best CBD oil, we favored those made from plants grown in the US. This doesn’t mean that overseas oils are necessarily inferior to US products, but we know that US regulations prescribe strict conditions for growing cannabis.
CBD Concentration
When shopping for CBD products, you should always consider their concentration. This way, you’ll know how much CBD there is in the oil and how potent it is. However, keep in mind that taking a tincture with high potency doesn’t mean that it will instantly alleviate the symptoms you’re experiencing. Also, it’s always better when a CBD brand offers different concentration levels because it allows you to pick the one that works best for you.
Extraction Method
Another critical factor that affects the quality of CBD oil is the method of extraction. Some manufacturers use toxic substances like solvents, which can end up in the final product in small amounts. A safer practice is to use ethanol in the extraction process, but CO2 extraction is usually considered the best extraction method.
Additives
Of course, there need to be no harmful additives or toxic substances for CBD oil to be pure. However, not all additives are bad. If you don’t like the taste of CBD oil, you can check out flavored or sweetened CBD products. However, they should use only natural and harmless additives.
Third-Party Tests
Good CBD oil brands send their products to third-party laboratories to test them for purity. These tests allow them to determine the content of CBD and THC in their products. In addition, they analyze them to confirm they don’t contain any harmful substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides, or traces of solvents.
You should go for transparent brands when it comes to their lab results by publishing them on their official websites. However, keep in mind that some CBD oil companies provide this information only if you buy CBD oil or some other CBD product from them first.