If you’ve purchased CBD oil before, you’ve probably realized that not all CBD products are created equal. (if you’re new to CBD, hopefully this guide can help you avoid some headaches!)

Because the industry is still developing, it can often be a challenge to know to choose the good CBD products from the bad ones.

If you’re not sure how to safely buy CBD oil, here’s a list of things to check for before buying a bottle of CBD oil.

1. Does the Product Contain Less Than 0.3% THC?

While THC is legal in several states, it is illegal in most of them.

In order for a CBD product to maintain its legality, it can only contain a certain amount of THC. Depending on the state, the maximum amount of THC allowed is 0.3% to 0.5% or less.

This is the amount that is generally considered to be safe and shouldn’t inflict the psychoactive effects of THC.

Unless you live in a state where THC is legal and are knowingly seeking a product that contains THC, it is very important to confirm that the product you are looking to purchase contains less than the legal amount of THC allowed in your state.

The best way to do this is to check the product’s lab report or Certificate of Analysis.

If they don’t have a lab report readily available, or their lab report says that the product has THC, but their product label says it doesn’t… you’ll probably want to stay away from that product.

2. What Type of CBD is Used in the Product?

When shopping for CBD products, consumers are faced with the choice between products that contain “Full Spectrum CBD,” “Broad Spectrum CBD,” or “CBD Isolate.”

Understanding the difference between the three, and which type is used in a CBD product, is extremely important to know.

So what’s the difference between full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate CBD?

First off, the difference between each type refers to the cannabinoid extraction process.

CBD Isolate is pure CBD that was extracted from the hemp plant, and then isolated from the other cannabinoids that were present, resulting in a 99% pure CBD extract.

Full Spectrum CBD is CBD that was extracted from the hemp plant along with all the other cannabinoids that were present, including THC.

Broad Spectrum CBD is a bit of a mix between both CBD isolate and Full Spectrum CBD. Essentially, Broad Spectrum CBD is Full Spectrum CBD, without the THC.

Now, depending on your needs and the legality of THC in your state, a full spectrum CBD product may not be suitable for you. In that case, a product made with CBD isolate or Broad Spectrum CBD may be your best choice.

The importance is understanding the difference between the three, then checking the product to confirm which type of CBD it uses.

3. Is the Product Overpriced?

When shopping for any CBD product, price is usually an important factor, as you want to make sure you’re not getting ripped off.

Before you purchase any CBD product, do your due diligence and make sure you’re not overpaying for a product by asking these simple questions:

How does the product compare to similar options?

Whether it is a CBD tincture, CBD chocolate, or CBD vaporizer, compare the product’s price to three other product’s with the same CBD concentration.

If it’s around the same price or lower, great. If it isn’t, let’s look a little deeper.

Is the product’s retail price, the actual price you’ll end up paying?

Sometimes a product may seem more expensive than another option when it’s actually cheaper after considering discounts, shipping, and rewards.

Before you immediately dismiss a product because it’s more expensive, be sure to compare the brand’s discounts and incentives with the other options you are considering.

Sometimes, the higher priced product could end up being cheaper. If it isn’t, let’s continue to the next question.

Is the product’s higher price justified?

So the product you’re considering ended up being priced higher than other options. That’s fine, products can certainly range in price, but is the price justifiable to you?

Factors that could increase the price of a product include:

  • The product contains premium ingredients to improve its effects
  • The product contains a special feature (such as a roll-on topical compared to a standard rub-on topical)
  • The product is from a company with an outstanding reputation

Essentially, does the product offer value that justifies the increased cost. If it does, great. If it just has fancy packaging, or is endorsed by some celebrity, don’t let yourself get ripped off.

#4 Are Previous Customers Happy with the Product?

A great way to gauge the legitimacy of a product or brand is by reviewing the experience others have had with the product and brand.

While it doesn’t guarantee the quality of a product, it does provide useful insights into how other felt about the product and could reveal potential problems you’d rather avoid.

It’s fairly simple and can quickly be done with a few quick searches into the brand’s website, Facebook, and other social platforms.

Does the product and brand have any reviews? Are they good, bad, average? Are there any alarming complaints or praise from their customers?

These are crucial questions that will help you determine if the product is worth giving a try.

#5 How Was the CBD Extracted?

There are several different methods of extracting CBD; however, CO2 extraction is the standard because it is safe and delivers a pure end product.

CO2 extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) to extract CBD from the plant, then compresses it into a supercritical cold liquid state, while preserving the nutrient-rich trichomes and terpenes.

Because CO2 extraction preserves the purity of the CBD while not contaminating the end substance, it is the most superior way to extract CBD and should be the standard for any quality CBD product.

Always Be a Smart Shopper and Do Your Research

We hope that this guide helped you become a more informed CBD shopper. The industry is still developing and there are a lot of good companies out there, but a few you should watch out for as well.

Don’t let yourself get taken advantage of. Check off the items on this list and always do your research.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out with your thoughts in the comments.

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