How to Choose the Right CBD Online Store

Selecting a trustworthy CBD oil store involves conducting plenty of research. A concerning number of people are happy to purchase CBD from gas stations and brands that have not established a reputation for excellence within the industry. Sadly, the fact that it is a poorly regulated industry means many unsafe products are unfortunately on the market.

Various studies have found that a high percentage of online CBD products don’t contain the amount of cannabidiol (CBD) claimed on the label. Furthermore, a disturbing number of products contain excessive THC levels far beyond legal limits (0.3%).

Therefore, when choosing a CBD oil shop from the thousands available, you should consider the following 5 factors. Doing so will significantly increase your chances of buying a safe product.

A remarkable number of CBD oil stores either don’t have an About Us page or else the page gives you little information on the brand. If you find this to be the case when browsing a specific company, perform a general Google search. Trustworthy brands tend to be featured in several publications, so you should be able to find plenty of content relating to them.

If you discover very little info, it is probably best to move on. Faceless brands are far more likely to sell low-grade CBD products. After all, they remain anonymous for a reason!

Whatever CBD oil shop you choose, please ensure it uses organically grown hemp. One thing about the plant is that it cleans the soil it grows in. The hemp plant’s roots dig deep into contaminated soil and absorb harmful compounds. These compounds are stored in the plant’s stalk, stems, or leaves. While this is great news regarding cleaning polluted soil, it is problematic when creating CBD products.

If CBD is extracted from hemp grown on contaminated soil, heavy metals, pesticides, insecticides, and other harmful ingredients could end up in the products. In general, the world’s best hemp is grown in the United States and the European Union. Make sure the CBD oil store uses hemp cultivated in one of these regions.  Also, regulations for safety are generally stricter in the countries.

Of course, a CBD oil shop stating that it uses hemp cultivated in Kentucky isn’t enough. It also needs to prove that its products contain no harmful compounds. Reputable brands achieve this via COAs, documentation that outlines a product’s cannabinoid profile.

COAs also show that products are tested for various chemicals, including heavy metals and pesticides. Moreover, these COAs should be up to date with testing performed by a reputable lab.

While CBD gummies may have a lengthy ingredient list, the same should NOT be the case for CBD oil. In fact, when it comes to oils and tinctures, the shorter the list, the better. Ideally, a CBD oil product should contain little more than hemp extract, a carrier oil such as MCT oil, and natural flavors. Other commonly used carrier oils include MCT oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, and sunflower oil.

There is no need for any CBD oil product to contain more than those ingredients. Indeed, anything else is likely filler and a sign of a low-quality product.

There are several ways to extract compounds from the hemp plant. However, the industry’s gold standard is supercritical CO2 extraction. This method involves using carbon dioxide (CO2) to separate different plant components, resulting in a clean, pure, and safe product. Companies use sophisticated and expensive equipment to achieve this process. With no residual solvents to worry about, customers can feel confident about putting this CBD product into their bodies.

Ethanol extraction is another common method and is considered safe if performed correctly. One possible issue is the presence of residual solvents. However, reputable brands ensure that levels of remaining solvent are minimal.

Other extraction methods involve the use of hexane or butane. Avoid such products as there is a higher chance of harmful chemicals remaining in the product.

Before buying anything sold by a CBD oil shop, check its reputation and stick with brands that are known to be trustworthy. Ensure that the hemp is grown in the U.S. or EU and is certified organic. Never buy a CBD product that doesn’t have an up-to-date COA from a highly rated lab and analyze the list of ingredients. Finally, remember that CO2 extraction is the best option, although a few good brands also use ethanol extraction.