[[{“value”:”
In recent years, CBD has become a globally sought-after wellness product, championed for its diverse array of potential health benefits. From chronic pain management to stress relief, this multi-functional compound – most often taken in the form of an oil or tincture – is now a daily go-to for a huge number of wellness enthusiasts – but as demand surges, the market is becoming increasingly flooded with products – so how, in a sea of options, do you find the best quality product for you?
If you’re considering incorporating CBD into your daily routine, or are questioning the CBD product you’re already using, learning how and where to source high-quality products is key. Doing so will not only ensure that what you are taking is safe, but also that it is effective.
Here, we take a look at how to identify premium CBD products to help you make the most refined choice.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol – a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant, which belongs to the cannabis family. The absence of THC, also from the plant, means that taking CBD products doesn’t produce a high, and means that users can potentially enjoy a myriad of health and wellness benefits both safely and legally.
Research into the effects of CBD on mood conditions like depression anxiety, as well as chronic pain and inflammation, sleep disorders and more, has shown promising results, but it’s pertinent to be aware that not all CBD products are created equal.
Inaccurate dosages and harmful contaminants are a real issue in some parts of the world, particularly where regulation is lacking – and some products have even been found not to contain any CBD at all, so doing your research before you buy is essential.
CBD is short for cannabidiol – a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant, which belongs to the cannabis family
The types of CBD
Most people assume that there is only one type of CBD, but actually, that isn’t the case. There are three different options to choose from, and knowing the benefits of each will help you to make a more informed decision.
Full-spectrum CBD, which contains all cannabinoids found in the help plant, is popular because it’s thought that they are more potent together than in isolation and thus deliver enhanced benefits. This does mean that broad spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC, but at less than 0.3 per cent, they don’t produce any effects. This type of CBD is only permitted in the UK under strict regulations, which dictate that no full-spectrum product must contain more than 1mg of THC.
Broad spectrum CBD is similar but has all THC removed – and is the kind you’ll most commonly find in health food shops and wellness boutiques in the UK because it contains all the same cannabinoids, minus THC.
And finally, there’s CBD Isolate – pure CBD, with all other plant compounds removed. Again, this is subject to strict rules and regulations, but its purty makes it a good choice for those with sensitivities and means you’ll always know exactly what’s in the product you’re taking.
Assessing quality
Even so, you don’t have to buy CBD Isolate to get a quality product, and there are some key things to look out for that will tell you all you need to know:
Third party lab testing
All reputable CBD brands will be fully transparent about the source and quality of their products, so look for one that can provide third-party lab test results – otherwise known as Certificates of Analysis. These will confirm the cbd and THC content of the product, its purity, and also batch information to ensure traceability.
Purity is important because products that are not pure may contain heavy metals, pesticides and microbial contaminants – all of which can be detrimental to your health. When purchasing a product with wellness in mind, it goes without saying that this is the last thing you want.
All reputable CBD brands will be fully transparent about the source and quality of their products, so look for one that can provide third-party lab test results – otherwise known as Certificates of Analysis
Sourcing
Being able to trace where a CBD product came from will also tell you more about its quality. The hemp plant is a bioaccumulator – in other words, it absorbs everything from the soil it’s grown in, so the conditions in which the plants a product was made from were cultivated matter. Look for organic hemp to ensure that pesticides were not involved in the cultivation process, and opt for products made from non-GMO crops that are grown in regulated regions like the UK and the EU.
Extraction methods
It’s not just where CBD is sourced from that matters, but also how it was extracted. Co2 extraction is known to be the most effective method because it leverages pressurised carbon dioxide to draw cannabinoids from the plant, and can be conducted without the need for toxic solvents, offering the cleanest results possible.
Ingredients
This one might seem obvious, but checking the ingredients list is also vital. The purest and best-quality products will have just one or two – the CBD extract itself, and a carrier oil such as hemp seed or MCT. Avoid products containing unnecessary fillers and synthetic flavourings – flavoured options might make your oil more palatable, but for the purest product, the simplest are the best.
The bottom line
Finding the best possible CBD product is easier when you know what to look out for, and ensuring purity, third-party lab-testing and transparency around sourcing and extraction methods will help you narrow down the wheat from the chaff. Buying from a reputable brand will give you extra peace of mind. You can shop top-quality CBD products at Mama Kana.
“}]] We take a closer look at how to identify premium CBD products to help you make the most refined choice. Read More
