Introduction
With hundreds of CBD brands available, according to Brandon Beatty, the founder and CEO of Bluebird Botanicals, it’s crucial to know what to look for when shopping for CBD products. Here are some key points to consider.
Labels
Beatty advises that a dietary supplement should have a back panel with an FDA disclaimer and a warning section. “Ideally, it would also be best to have access to their third-party lab test results,” Beatty adds.
Third-Party Testing
Quality assurance is a vital concern in the industry. Ensure your CBD product is third-party tested for label accuracy. A third party is a reputable independent organization unaffiliated with the company selling the product. For instance, a 2017 JAMA study tested 84 CBD products and found that 26% had lower CBD levels than labeled. Look for a quality assurance seal or certificate of analysis from a third party on the product label or on the retailer’s website if you can’t find it.
Dosage
Dosage is a confusing topic for many. “Many brands do not do a good enough job of guiding consumers on dosage,” says Chris Roth, CEO and co-founder of Highline Wellness. Consider whether your CBD is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate when thinking about dosage. Full-spectrum may include other cannabis compounds, like cannabinoids or terpenes. It’s important because of something called the ‘entourage effect’; they’re more effective when combined than when used individually,” Roth explains.
Claims of Curing Diseases
If a product claims to cure a disease, it’s a big red flag. “You should avoid any companies making disease claims,” says Beatty. “If they are making these claims, it means they’re either willing to break the rules, or they don’t understand the rules.”
Batch Number
You should be able to check the batch number of a CBD product, just as you would check the batch number on raw chicken or bagged lettuce during a recall. Manufacturers should include a batch number on their products. “It’s an important indicator of whether they are following good manufacturing practices,” Beatty explains.
Additional Ingredients
As with any supplement, you want to know everything you’re ingesting in addition to CBD. “Sometimes I notice [CBD manufacturers] will add melatonin,” says Dr. Chin.
Where You Buy
You can find CBD products in shopping centers, convenience stores, and coffee shops in many states. There are also many online retailers that sell CBD products. If in doubt, natural grocery stores are safe brick-and-mortar shops for buying CBD. “Usually, they have a vetting process, which can do some of the legwork for you,” Beatty says.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when purchasing CBD products, understanding what to look for can help ensure you receive a safe and high-quality product. Always consider label details, third-party testing, dosage, claims made by the company, batch numbers, additional ingredients, and the credibility of the retailer.