By PAGE Editor

Although the CBD market is growing at a rapid rate, the industry is still poorly regulated. To guarantee you are purchasing high-quality CBD oil, it is vital that you familiarise yourself with some key indicators when shopping. A few of the things to look for in a CBD oil include flexible dosing, legal THC levels, organic hemp, certified independent testing, and a trusted seller.

The origins of CBD oil

Cannabidiol (CBD) and at least 110 other cannabinoids can be extracted from cannabis plants. Cannabinoid levels vary from plant to plant, so industrial hemp is used to obtain CBD as this strain contains high levels of CBD. Hemp also contains low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a cannabinoid that makes people high when inhaled or ingested in excess. CBD is legal in the UK and many parts of the EU if it contains less than 0.02% THC (nowhere near enough to make you high). CBD offers a range of health benefits by influencing the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates many of our physical and mental processes, such as pain, sleep, and mood.

Onset time

CBD has varying onset times, depending on which product you use. For example, vapes take effect quickly but wear off quickly too. Edibles take longer to get to work, but their effects last longer. CBD oil has a quick onset time of around 15-20 minutes as it is placed under the tongue to be absorbed by the soft tissue found there. This sublingual delivery method makes CBD oil one of the most efficient ways to enjoy CBD. The effects of CBD oil can last 2-6 hours, depending on several factors, such as a person’s weight and how much CBD they take.

Key indicators

The better the quality of your CBD oil, the more beneficial it will be to your health and well-being. You wouldn’t put poor-quality fuel in your car and expect it to get you very far, so why do the same with your dietary supplements?

Natural extract

One of the first things to check when buying CBD oil is that it contains a natural CBD extract. Natural CBD comes from hemp, whereas synthetic CBD is made in a laboratory. Research suggests the molecules in synthetic CBD behave differently from those found in natural CBD. For example, Naturecan’s CBD oil contains natural, plant-based CBD that is exclusively derived from hemp.

Easy to take

Since people often forget to take their supplements, it is essential to ensure your CBD oil is easy to take. Check that your bottle comes with a pipette to drop your dose under your tongue or an aerosol head to spray the oil into your mouth. Either of these will help you to administer and track your dose.

Flexible dosing

CBD-infused oil is available in a variety of strengths, from 5-40%, to meet individual needs and budgets. It is recommended that users start out with a low dose and then increase it if needed until they find what works best for them. A CBD oil of about 10% makes a good starting point, as each drop provides 4mg of CBD, enabling you to up your dose or increase your frequency if necessary. As the Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends a maximum dose of 70mg per day, this also allows you to start with 2-5 drops and take up to 17 drops in one day.

Less than 0.02% THC

CBD oil that contains less than 0.02% THC is legal in the UK and most European countries. So, if you purchase in the UK, check that the oil meets this level. If you are buying abroad and thinking of bringing your CBD oil back with you, make sure that the THC content will pass a customs check, as some countries and many parts of the US allow up to 0.03% THC.

Broad-spectrum

CBD extracts can be any of three main types, isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum. Isolates contain around 99% of the single cannabinoid CBD and do not offer the entourage effect, where compounds work together to enhance the effects of one another. This type of extract is free from THC. Broad-spectrum extracts contain a variety of cannabinoids and compounds, including CBD, terpenes, fatty acids, and flavonoids, but are free from THC. Full-spectrum extracts contain a range of cannabinoids and compounds, including traces of THC.

Broad- and full-spectrum oils have the potential to provide the entourage effect due to their varied cannabinoid content. If you are looking for this synergistic effect without running the risk of having THC in your system, then broad-spectrum CBD oil is a good choice.

Carrier oil

CBD oil is usually blended with a carrier oil to make it easier for your body to absorb. The most popular choices are medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), olive, or hemp seed oil. MCT is popular because it is easily digested and contains a high-fat content of good fats.

Organic hemp

Hemp absorbs anything from the soil that it is grown in - water, nutrients, and minerals, but also mercury, lead, and any other chemicals that may be present. For this reason, buying CBD oil extracted from organic hemp is preferable to ensure that it is safe to intake.

European or US hemp

Hemp has become an attractive crop in many countries, with governments even incentivizing farmers to give their land over to this low-maintenance crop. However, look out for CBD oil extracted from European- or US-grown hemp, as these geographic areas have not only developed good farming practices but also tend to be certified to grow hemp.

Safe extraction

CBD producers can use several methods to extract CBD from hemp, but one of the safest and most environmentally friendly involves CO2. This method uses high pressure and extreme temperatures but avoids the introduction of solvents, such as ethanol.

Clear guidelines

Check that your CBD oil contains clear guidelines stating the recommended dosage. Although CBD oil is well-tolerated by most people, it can have mild side effects in case you take too much of it. For example, you may see a change in your appetite and experience diarrhea, headaches, or a dry mouth. CBD could interact with any medication you may be taking, so discuss your wish to supplement with your doctor before taking CBD oil. As a precaution, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking CBD.

Tested

Quality is important if you want your CBD oil to provide the expected benefits to your health and well-being. To ensure your CBD oil contains the legal level of THC and the CBD concentration stated on the label, check that there is a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This will show that the product has been independently tested.

Novel Foods approve

CBD supplements, such as CBD oil, are classed as a novel food, and businesses that sell these products must seek approval from the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Make sure that the supplier of your CBD oil has sought authorization to sell CBD, as this will ensure the product meets safety and content standards.

Trusted

Always buy your CBD oil from a trusted brand. Therefore, before purchasing any products, make sure that the company you choose meets all the key indicators that we have touched on and has a good reputation in the market.

The takeaway

Make sure that you get what you paid for by familiarising yourself with what to look for in CBD oil. Awareness of these key indicators also keeps you safe from poor-quality products and ensures you experience all the benefits of good-quality CBD oil.

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