The amount of CBD retailers available can be overwhelming. As a result, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you shop for CBD confidently. So, next time you shop online at stores, you’ll know exactly how to find a reputable manufacturer.
How to Get CBD
Thanks to the 2018 ‘Farm Bill,’ getting CBD is no longer a problem in the United States. CBD is readily available online and sold in gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies nationwide.
Finding high-quality, consistent CBD is much more complicated, especially if you are looking for affordable products. As a result, the goal is not to get CBD but to find a manufacturer that will deliver premium products that result in you experiencing the benefits of CBD.
Where To Buy CBD – Online Vs. Retail
The first step is to determine where to buy your CBD. We recommend buying online or from a reputable CBD specialty store. Unless you already have a manufacturer, you trust, we would avoid gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies.
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of buying CBD online and from a retail store.
Online
Advantages:
- Access to thousands of brands, manufacturers, and products
- A convenient way to pull up lab tests
- Customer reviews
Disadvantages:
- Easier to be misled by unethical companies
- No barrier to entry for brands
- Tons of companies selling fake products
CBD Retail Store
Advantages:
- Access to one-on-one help from knowledgeable staff
- A curated selection of reputable brands
- A place to come back to if you have issues
- Help navigating the purchasing process
Disadvantages:
- Limited products
- Stores can still be misleading and promote fraudulent or low-quality products.
How to Find High-Quality CBD Oil
While there are advantages of walking into a retail store and getting help from a sales representative, this isn’t a reality in most cases. Usually, the product knowledge and information provided aren’t substantive enough to limit your market.
We recommend educating yourself and buying CBD online. This way, you will have the entire market at your disposal. Once you know how to find a reputable manufacturer, you can easily navigate the online CBD ecosystem.
What To Look for When Buying CBD Oil?
When you are shopping online, there are four things you should look for; we discuss each in detail below.
3rd Party Lab Tests
This is the only way companies can offer transparency to customers. 3rd party lab tests reveal:
- Cannabinoid potency
- Terpene potency
- Heavy metals
- Pesticides
- Residual solvents
After reviewing the lab tests, you can ensure exactly what is in your extract. We recommend finding another manufacturer if a company doesn’t offer tests by a non-affiliated lab.
Source of Hemp
You also want to know where your hemp is coming from. Unfortunately, some companies have started incorporating synthetic ingredients to cut costs. Ensure your manufacturer is at least using USDA-regulated hemp. We recommend finding a company that provides details on the farm where they source the flowers for their extract.
Reviews
Customer reviews are a great way to determine what consumers think of a retailer or manufacturer’s products. Look at the brand’s website and 3rd party review platforms to ensure you aren’t getting a biased view.
Ingredients
Additional ingredients such as numbing agents, sweeteners, fillers, and sleep aids can be harmful. If possible, find a manufacturer that offers all-natural products.
How to Choose CBD Products?
Once you’ve found a company that meets the four metrics above, you need to find a product. We highly recommend CBD tincture because you can administer it sublingually. Consider incorporating gummies into your routine for a convenient and enjoyable way to experience the potential benefits of CBD. If you aren’t sure, try different types of products using promotional coupons until you’ve found the best option.
What Type of CBD Is Most Effective?
We also recommend full-spectrum CBD if you aren’t concerned with consuming THC. Otherwise, look for broad-spectrum. You will benefit more from a whole plant extract than CBD on its own.