Choosing the Right Hemp-Extracted CBD Product

With the recent passage of the Farm Bill legislation, we have seen a boom in the hemp-extracted CBD product industry. From hemp-extracted CBD shops to pharmacies, you can find cannabidiol products all over. Hemp-extracted CBD comes in many forms including droppers, capsules, gummies — even infused lattes and seltzer waters!

Here at Pharmacy Proud, we believe hemp-extracted CBD has a place in the market, and we even carry CBD products at our pharmacy. The major issue is that not all CBD is created the same. In fact, many companies make claims and misrepresent the content in their products, sometimes putting the consumer at risk. We’ll delve into the ways you can ensure you are getting a quality CBD product but first, we’ll explain what it is.

What is Hemp-Extracted CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of 104 chemical compounds cannabinoids in the cannabis plant called Cannabis sativa. The main psychoactive cannabinoid, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is known for its psychoactive effects. Hemp-extracted CBD can have small traces of THC but in order for it to be legal, it must have less than 0.3%. With such a small amount of THC, hemp-extracted CBD won’t give you the same mind-altering effects as THC. Hemp-extracted CBD is created by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and diluting it with a carrier oil. It is legal in all 50 states but generally you must be over 18 years old to purchase it.
CBD works in the body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Through the ECS, the body’s normal homeostasis is related, or a general state of balance. Studies have shown that CBD may help with chronic pain, inflammation reduction, stress relief, improvement in sleep, and more.

How to Shop for High-Quality CBD Products

Now that you understand the origin of CBD, we’ll get into how to pick a high-quality product.

Read the Company’s Certificate of Analysis

We always recommend that before you buy a hemp-extracted CBD product, you ensure the company provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA). A COA includes detailed information about the content and quality of the product. The product should be free of pesticides, heavy metals, and toxins. Most of all, a COA helps guarantee that the product that you’re receiving is exactly as advertised. Many hemp-extracted CBD companies make claims and misrepresent their product, leading to a product that may not be as effective as it the label states.

There are two types of COAs: first-party and third-party reports. First-party reports are completed by the hemp-extracted CBD company while third-party reports are completed by an independent company. It’s crucial to seek out hemp-extracted CBD companies that have had their products tested by a third party. This provides transparency to the consumer and ensures you are receiving a high-quality product.

Talk to Your Independent Pharmacist

Although it’s legal to sell hemp-extracted CBD in pharmacies in Kentucky, it isn’t legal in every state. Regardless if CBD is carried at your local pharmacy, it is always best to talk to your independent pharmacist before adding it into your healthcare regime. Most independent pharmacists are familiar with CBD and can help you decide if the particular product is right for you. We recommend bringing in the product and COA to have your independent pharmacist look over with you. If the product doesn’t appear to be a good fit, your independent pharmacist can likely recommend alternative options.

Conclusion

While there are plenty of hemp-extracted CBD options to choose from, it’s crucial to find a quality product from a brand you trust. Carefully do your research and always talk to your independent pharmacist before taking a CBD product. Stay tuned for more CBD advice from Pharmacy Proud!

Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/best-cbd-oil#takeaway
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits