Beginner’s Guide to CBD Products
Astonishingly, many people remain in the dark about CBD products, despite their immense surge in popularity. Much of this is due to the astounding level of misinformation and outright lies surrounding the cannabinoid. While some brands sell hemp products of the highest quality, like Premium Jane CBD products, others thrive on the confusion and sell stock that barely contains CBD at all.
In this concise guide to CBD products, we analyze what you need to look for when making a purchase.
Know the Difference Between CBD Oil & Hemp Seed Oil
Reputable brands get their CBD from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant. It is this product you want when searching for cannabidiol because it should contain a significant percentage of it. Some countries and major third-party sellers don’t allow the term ‘CBD.’ Therefore, you might find that legitimate brands are forced to say they sell “hemp products.”
However, this only adds to the confusion. There is also “hemp seed oil,” which is extracted from the plant’s seeds. Such products contain practically no CBD and are instead used as nutritional supplements. Customers dipping their toes into this complex industry for the first time could accidentally buy hemp seed oil instead of CBD oil, even if the brand makes no such claims
Is CBD Legal?
If you happen to live in the United States, we have great news! The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the cultivation of industrial hemp with a maximum THC content of 0.3%. THC is the most abundant intoxicating cannabinoid in the marijuana plant. In the U.S., any Cannabis sativa L. plant with more than 0.3% THC is classified as “marijuana,” while any plant with 0.3% THC or less is classified as “hemp.”
Many websites erroneously claim that “CBD is legal in all 50 states.” This is misleading and, some might say, an inaccurate statement. The Farm Bill didn’t federally legalize CBD itself, only hemp. Therefore, each state can determine whether cannabidiol is legal.
For the most part, states are lax regarding CBD regulations, with few implementing any rules. Generally speaking, if a CBD product comes from hemp and has a THC content no higher than 0.3%, you can buy it. However, in Idaho, the maximum level of THC in CBD oil is 0.1%. In Kansas, CBD products cannot contain any THC whatsoever.
CBD is legal in dozens of countries, although there are different THC limits. For instance, CBD products must not contain over 0.2% THC in the United Kingdom. Most European Union countries allow low-THC CBD products as long as they are derived from hemp.
Meanwhile, CBD products must contain at least 98% cannabidiol and 2% or less of other cannabis cannabinoids in Australia and are considered Schedule 3 substances. Up until December 2020, it wasn’t possible to get CBD in Australia without a prescription!
Countries in Asia are among the strictest when it comes to CBD legality. For example, the cannabinoid is a controlled substance in Singapore, meaning it is illegal to possess it.
How Do I Know a CBD Product/Brand Is Legit?
Navigating the shark-infested CBD waters is challenging at first. However, it gets much easier once you know what to look for. Here are a few quick tips:
- Never buy CBD products without up-to-date third-party lab reports. This documentation outlines the item’s cannabinoid content and whether it has passed tests for pesticides, insecticides, heavy metals, and other harmful chemicals. Research shows that a huge percentage of brands mislabel their products, so reports from trustworthy labs are crucial.
- Carefully read the ingredients list and scan for evidence of ‘filler.’ For instance, high-quality CBD oil contains little more than hemp extract, a carrier oil such as MCT, and occasionally natural flavoring.
- Find out where the brand sources its hemp. Kentucky is regarded as one of the best places to grow hemp. If nothing else, don’t buy CBD products when the plant is sourced from outside the United States, European Union, or the United Kingdom.
- Look for as much information about the seller as possible. Check its website and About Us page, and investigate customer reviews. There are plenty of established brands, so there’s no need to take a risk with a new company if it doesn’t already have a positive reputation.
Final Thoughts on CBD, a Beginner’s Guide
When you stick with established brands such as Premium Jane, you’re guaranteed top-notch CBD products extracted from low-THC hemp. This is the bare minimum you should expect, yet too many organizations fall short. Don’t sacrifice your health for the sake of a few dollars. Good CBD isn’t cheap, but it is typically worth the price.