7 Questions To Ask Before Buying CBD

By MaryAnn Stanger ND  •  2 comments  •  5 minute read

 

The interest in CBD keeps growing, leading to many businesses trying to capitalize on this health trend. From Amazon to health stores and even pet clinics, everyone wants in.

While this offers consumers competitive pricing and countless choices, it also brings potential safety concerns. Why? Because CBD products lack Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. They don't adhere to strict rules like prescription drugs, making product quality uneven and some even potentially risky.

If you're in the market for CBD, you're probably wondering how to ensure you're getting top-notch products from trustworthy sources. In this article, we'll provide you with 7 essential questions to ask before hitting that "Check Out" button.

 

1. Is The Source of This CBD Oil Good Quality?

When it comes to selecting the right CBD products, paying close attention to the sourcing of hemp is paramount. The source of hemp directly influences the quality and safety of CBD products. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating the sourcing:

1. Organic: Organic hemp cultivation ensures that the plants are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Choosing organic CBD products minimizes exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and promotes environmental sustainability.
2. Pesticide-Free: Pesticide residues in hemp can contaminate CBD products and pose health risks to consumers. Sourcing hemp from pesticide-free farms reduces the likelihood of pesticide contamination and ensures a cleaner, safer product.
3. Sustainable Farming Practices: Sustainable farming practices prioritize environmental stewardship, biodiversity, and soil health. Look for CBD products sourced from farms that employ sustainable agriculture techniques such as crop rotation, composting, and water conservation. Supporting sustainable farming practices helps protect ecosystems and promotes long-term environmental sustainability. Farms in the United States follow this.
4. Third-Party Testing for Heavy Metals: Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium can accumulate in hemp plants from contaminated soil or water. Third-party testing by independent laboratories is essential to verify the absence of heavy metals in CBD products. Manufacturers should provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs) that detail the results of third-party testing, including heavy metal analysis. Consumers should verify that CBD products undergo rigorous testing for heavy metals to ensure product safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

By prioritizing CBD products sourced from organic, pesticide-free, sustainably farmed hemp that undergoes thorough third-party testing for heavy metals, consumers can make more informed decisions and select high-quality products that align with their health and environmental values.

Why Are These Things Important?

Non-organic additives can harm CBD quality and safety. High doses of these chemicals may risk your health, even leading to severe conditions like cancer and kidney damage.

Many suppliers use non-organic chemicals on their hemp, resulting in a bitter taste. Zaturals CBD products stand out because we prioritize organic, US-sourced, non-GMO, CO2-extracted hemp. We ensure our products meet stringent cultivation standards for a reliable and safe experience.

 

2. Are Fillers and Artificial Ingredients In This CBD Product?

Watch out for artificial ingredients and fillers when buying CBD. Some brands cut costs by diluting pure hemp extract with cheaper additives. This not only weakens the product's strength but can also pose risks for long-term and regular consumers.

It can be difficult to determine which ingredients in a CBD product are artificial or fillers. It can also be challenging to identify which ingredients actually improve the product. This confusion arises because the terms used are broad and vague.

While it’s near-impossible to make a complete list of all CBD additives, the common ones we usually hear about are:

• DXM (the active ingredient in cough syrups),
• 5F-ABD (a potentially dangerous filler compound capable of causing headaches, nausea, dizziness, irritability, and fainting)
• diacetyl (a yellow liquid known for its intensely buttery flavor),
• vitamin E.

CBD-focused brands must list their ingredients on their labels. High-quality CBD products have a simple list of natural ingredients, making them easy to understand.

When a brand deliberately makes its ingredients hard to find, run for the hills.

 

3. Is The Dosage of CBD Shown?

Again, examine both the front and back labels. Typically, doing so provides you with a good idea of the amount of CBD in milligrams (mg). The active ingredient will list CBD or hemp extract.

Remember to note two things: The CBD dosage per serving and the total amount of the actual product. They will list the total amount on the front of the bottle and the amount per serving on the side.

Why Are These Important?

Some brands mislead consumers by emphasizing milliliter counts on labels. For example, consider two CBD oil bottles: Bottle 1 is 10ml with 1,000mg of CBD, and Bottle 2 is 20ml with 1,000mg of CBD.

Despite both having 1,000mg of CBD, Bottle 1 is more potent. It contains 10% CBD per serving, while Bottle 2 has 5% CBD per serving, making Bottle 1 twice as strong.

While Bottle 1 may seem pricier at first, it provides higher CBD content per dose, meaning you use fewer drops for the same effect. However, bottle 2 in contrast, costs more for less potency.

 

4. Does a Higher Price Mean a Better CBD Product?

 

On average, good quality CBD products range between $0.02 and $0.20 per mg of CBD. Four factors determine these prices: production method, raw material quality, potency level, and general price markup.

Quality brands use organic hemp that is free of pesticides and GMOs. They also have their products tested by third-party labs for CBD/THC levels, pesticides, solvents, and mold.

Some brands test only for specific THC/CBD levels and charge high prices, sacrificing safety and quality. When buying CBD, choose lab-tested options to get your money's worth. Also, be savvy when shopping, some companies charge premium prices just because they can.

 

5. Is The CBD Product cGMP Compliant?

A CBD brand's effectiveness and safety depend on its production process consistency and regulation.

Reputable CBD companies strictly follow current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) enforced by the FDA. These rules ensure correct facility design, control, and monitoring to protect consumers from harmful products throughout a product's lifecycle.

Before purchasing, ensure a brand complies with cGMP standards to guarantee high-potency, safe CBD.

 

6. Can I Purchase a Trusted CBD Product Online?

The short answer is yes, however, you need to be diligent with your research.

1. Digging up more information about the CBD product you want to buy
2. Evaluating the trustworthiness of CBD brands
3. Ask experienced CBD users for best buying practices (some of which we will list below).

Before you buy CBD products, make sure you take note of the following:

• They derive cannabidiol from organic and toxin-free hemp plants, not marijuana.
• CBD product contains less than 0.3% THC, making it legal in all US states.
• The CBD brand tested by a third party, has a CoA, and follows safe sourcing and manufacturing practices.

 

7. Do They Offer a “Satisfaction Guarantee”?

A "Satisfaction Guarantee" clause is the hallmark of a brand that truly believes in the quality and effectiveness of its pure CBD products. It's a promise to customers that their satisfaction and well-being are paramount. This guarantee is more than just a marketing ploy; it's a commitment to transparency, integrity, and confidence in the product's efficacy.

In the realm of CBD products, finding the perfect fit for your needs often involves a process of trial and error. Not every product will provide the desired effects or meet your expectations right from the start. That's where the importance of a Satisfaction Guarantee comes into play. It gives consumers the freedom to explore different options without fear of wasting their time or money on products that don't deliver the desired results. 

Sump It Up!

To buy effective CBD products, ask yourself these 7 questions to make the best choice. Consider the quality of the products before making a purchase. Make sure the products actually work. Asking these questions will help you make an informed decision.

Since the beginning, we at Zatural only want what’s best for our customers. Zatural prices products reasonably, ensures high quality, sources them safely, keeps them filler-free, tests them through third parties, and complies with cGMP standards.

If you happen to love our award-winning CBD products, then we are grateful for your support. If not, then we offer a Satisfaction Guarantee of up to 30 days after purchase.