5 Tips On How to Read a CBD Label
By Charles Andrews
CBD has gained immense popularity, potentially due to its prowess in the treatment of a wide array of health conditions as it binds several receptors in the body. These include the nervous system, liver, immune cells, and heart. With that said, it also does not make people feel high.
According to a recent Gallup poll, 14% of Americans use CBD products. Furthermore, the CBD market is projected to top $20 billion by 2024. Seemingly, every corner store you walk to, you will find them selling some kind of CBD product.
Currently, the CBD industry is self-regulated. To get things into perspective, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate this industry which is why the information on the labels of CBD products may vary from brand to brand. This inconsistency may make it a little trivial for consumers who are used to comparing products from different brands. Yet, the label can prove to be very useful. Our purpose is to help you understand the key aspects of the label that you must read when you are looking to make a decision on your purchase. You can also look to consult Oklahoma 420 Doctors who can walk you through the best treatment plan for your health condition.
Factors You Need to Consider When Shopping For CBD Products
First: Brand
The first thing you notice when purchasing a product is their brand name. Especially when you are purchasing a product that you will be using to manage your health, it is of the utmost importance that you go for a trusted brand. For a product like CBD, it is a good idea to learn more about the brand and what they are about. If they are not popping up on Google, you probably should just steer clear. Specifically, ensure that the brand name on the packaging matches to that of the Certificate of Analysis reports.
Here are some of our favorite CBD brands you can try are:
Second: Type & Potency
There are different types of CBD, each serving their own purpose and benefits. The label should clearly mention which type of CBD is used in the product. Here are the three types of CBD that you will find labeled on the products:
- CBD Isolate: This type of product contains only CBD and no other cannabinoid that is found in the hemp plant. It has its own specific uses however it is not that sought after in the market as it lacks the therapeutic benefits that other cannabinoids bring into the picture.
- Full Spectrum: This makes up for where the previous CBD lacked. Essentially, full spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant which includes THC as well. But that does not mean that it will make you feel high. It does not.
- Broad Spectrum: For people who do not want to consume any amount of THC, they prefer this type of CBD product. Essentially, the broad spectrum contains all the cannabinoids except THC.
So, check for the type of CBD or the oil source on the label everytime you purchase any CBD product. Also, before purchasing it is important that you check for the CBD potency of the product. You can determine the concentration by comparing the packaging’s size to the amount of CBD mentioned on the label.
Third: Total CBD Content & Serving Size
Every CBD product that you are looking to purchase must clearly mention the milligrams of CBD content present in the entire package. Serving size essentially is the amount of product you need to consume at a time. For instance, if you are dosing a CBD oil, they generally come with droppers of 0.5 ml and 1 ml sizes. These are calibrated to help you with precision dosing.
There is no perfect answer to how much CBD you should consume. The ideal serving size varies depending upon the individual’s age, weight, height, what results they require, and the type of CBD product they are looking to use. To make it easier for you, consume 1-5 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight based on your level of pain. This chart below will help you understand better.
In case you have any doubts regarding your daily dosage, it is best to start small. Like starting any wellness routine, start low and go slow. Once you determine your optimum CBD level, start with a serving size below that number and gradually increase your serving size every few days.
Fourth: Manufacturing Date
Depending upon the CBD product you are purchasing and how you are planning to store it, the efficiency of the product degrades over time. The manufacturing date essentially helps you determine how old the product is. To illustrate, just like purchasing any other product, the manufacturing date is one of the first things you need to check. In case of CBD oil, it is usually printed on the bottom or side of the package. Avoid getting the product if it is close to the expiration date.
To store your CBD products you must simply:
- Keep it away from direct sunlight, air, and heat.
Heat and sunlight can degrade the efficiency of the product. Today, most CBD products come in packaging that is designed to protect them from damage due to light. Subsequently, the most optimum place to store your CBD products is a pantry which is dark, dry, and cool.
Similarly, exposure to air reduces the effectiveness as oxygen has the ability to alter the chemical balance of CBD products. This process is commonly known as oxidative stress. That is why most CBD products come in airtight bottles. For quality assurance, try and keep the product in its original container.
Fifth: Certification & Testing
Third party testing is very important when you are purchasing a product. Certification guarantees that the product you are looking to purchase has been tested at a third-party laboratory and has no relationship with the manufacturer. These results are unbiased and thus you can trust them. Reputable CBD companies showcase information regarding their Certificate of Analysis on their label. More often than not they come in the shape of a barcode which can be easily accessed by a smartphone. If that is not the case, check for the certification on their website.
Conclusion
Though, it is positive that CBD has garnered immense popularity in the past few years, it has also provided opportunity for fraudulent and unqualified production facilities to manufacture fake versions of popular CBD products. This may be a symptom of the unregulated market but as a consumer you must learn how to purchase the right product.
That is why choosing a CBD product based on price is not wise. Instead, your focus should be on the quality of the product. Essentially, you are purchasing it for its therapeutic benefits. This is what makes reading the label when purchasing the product so important. I hope this guide helps you better understand how to read CBD product labeling and what matters the most when shopping for CBD products.
