Concurrent with advancements in cannabinoid research and distribution, the capitalisation of cannabis boasts a wide spectrum of transparencies on behalf of CBD oil manufacturers. CBD in particular is receiving the star treatment as of late; the non-psychoactive, yet overwhelmingly beneficial constituent of the Cannabis sativa plant is potentiated as a possible treatment for numerous conditions, according to various peer-reviewed studies. As a result, on the market today exists a plethora of CBD oils sold largely without extensive regulation.

Although there are several reputable manufacturers of CBD oils, many producers sell CBD supplements simply in hopes of turning a quick profit in a burgeoning industry. Luckily, you do not have to be subject to shady companies with sub-par CBD. Below, we break down the type of CBD oils worthy of your consideration. We will also provide you with some red flags to avoid at all costs. Especially as more cheap (inexpensive and poorly made) products appear online and in stores, it is important not to succumb to the appeal of an inexpensive “quick fix.”

Consider CBD oils that:

Use whole plant formulas, not crystals

When shopping around for CBD oils of value, it can be a bit overwhelming to locate all the necessary information that assures this product is the right one. Even if everything looks good upon purchase, you won’t truly have a grasp on its quality until using it. With that said, buying CBD oils made from “whole plant” formulas are a good place to start.

In brief, whole plant CBD oils refer to those that retain a complex environment of cannabinoids and other chemical constituents from the hemp plant. Although seemingly insignificant, maintaining a variety of plant compounds boosts the efficacy of the CBD oil’s effects. In contrast, CBD oils manufactured using CBD crystals or isolates are far inferior to whole plant formulas. These represent a purely one dimensional application of CBD. This is due to CBD’s synergistic potency when consumed with other compounds in the presence of a largely unadulterated plant environment.

Use “clean” extraction methods

Another integral consideration to make involves how CBD is extracted from plant matter and subsequently infused into the ingestible oil you are about to buy. Since this kind of formulation is indeed an oral supplement, it is of great concern that every ingredient contained within contributes to dietary health, not detracts. For this reason, be sure to locate CBD oils made using “clean” extraction methods, such as CO₂.

Unlike extractions using solvents like butane and propane, CO₂ allows the resinous heads of trichomes to be gently, but fully extracted, leaving no harmful residue behind. The aforementioned solvents are similarly effective at harnessing trichomes, but may leave toxic chemicals behind. With any doubts about how your CBD oil is made, contact the manufacturer.

As it is, the extraction method used should be plastered on the product’s packaging or the company’s website. Beyond the extraction itself, you will likely want to invest in products that have been thoroughly purified of any excess plant material or contaminants. This improves the taste and evens the physical consistency, yes; but it also ensures a uniform concentration of CBD and other cannabinoids. In this sense, avoid dark, pasty looking oils; instead, opt for pure, golden CBD oils.

Come from companies with transparent sourcing

Where your CBD oil is sourced from is not a superfluous characteristic. Organically cultivated industrial hemp is top-notch material when it comes to CBD oils. How the hemp is grown and taken care of is just as important as how the cannabinoids were extracted from the plant matter. When searching for products, you will find that some manufacturers are much more open about their cultivation and processing practices, as well as their business model in general.

Are tested

Your CBD oil must have undergone third-party testing to be considered “high-quality,” no exceptions!

Avoid CBD oils that:

Claim to cure

One of the quickest ways to whittle down a selection of potential CBD oils is to get rid of any product that claims to “cure” anything. At this point in time, there is no regulatory assurance surrounding claims that products can cure, especially in the case of life-threatening illnesses. CBD is an extremely powerful compound, very well one that may be increasingly included in treatments in the near future. However, with such limited oversight, any manufacturer that posits their product to cure is probably someone to avoid.

Contain THC (or lack adequate labelling)

CBD is only a non-psychoactive supplement, when no THC is present. EU industrial hemp already contains very small percentages of THC, but even this should be given consideration and removed in order to provide the best product possible. CBD oils containing THC levels above the legal limit are an instant red flag.

While this is a subject full of grey areas, CBD oil containing more than 0.03-0.05% THC is considered illegal in most countries. Labels should explicitly list the cannabinoids contained within. If you can’t locate this information, or if the container displays no information at all, you may be better off making another purchase from a different business.

Come from companies looking to make a quick buck

For those with either an entrepreneurial or duplicitous spirit, the newly legal CBD industry offers opportunities to make a decent buck. Those with no real interest in CBD’s benefits, or are simply looking to profit off of uneducated consumers are unfortunately experiencing more success than they should. In order to continue un-learning the stigma against cannabinoids, it is necessary to present products that represent CBD in the best, most honest way possible. If CBD supplements are to progress, it is paramount that shrewd consumers consider products with a critical eye.

This list represents some of the most notable characteristics to look out for when purchasing CBD oils, but it is by no means an exclusive compilation. For more information on what makes one CBD oil superior to the other, visit our blog for in-depth articles on all things cannabidiol.