A lot of people have discovered the benefits of CBD, and the rest of the world is trying to catch up. Only a few years ago, most hemp-based tinctures were homegrown and many still thought such products were illegal. Today, the business has grown in a very big way, attracting large manufacturers and charlatans alike. Unfortunately, this means you have to watch out for CBD imposters.

The good news is that reputable CBD makers are happy to share important information about their products, including where the hemp was grown, if it is organic or not, and what size batches are used for infusion. Many will even publish lab analysis results. This information is crucial when it comes to choosing a product that is safe, reliable, and good for you. 

Truth is, not all CBD is created equal and you need to watch out for CBD imposters. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the difference between poor products and great ones so that you know what to look for.

Why It’s Important to Only Buy From Reputable CBD Producers

At the moment, there is very little regulation of CBD products. Studies of CBD, including its benefits and risks, are still in their infancy, although current findings are very positive for the treatment of such things as pain, anxiety, and depression. However, because of this lack of oversight, anyone from all over the world can make a CBD product and sell it. 

 

It’s critical to know what’s in the CBD product you’re buying, whether it’s to measure potency for dosing or for concern of different cannabinoids and terpenes found in various oils and tinctures. For instance, some CBD oils are derived from hemp, while others from the marijuana plant, which can have a significant impact on the level of THC found in a CBD product.

 

Even worse, there are those out there taking full advantage of the open market and selling oils without CBD in them at all. Considering the price of true CBD oil, it’s not worth taking a chance on a product that may be entirely ineffective or even harmful. 

How to Avoid CBD Imposters and Find a Reputable Dealer (4 Key Factors)

If you’re looking at CBD products, you already know their benefits, both for people and for pets, but you might not know where to get them. Some CBD oils are better than others and it’s critical to find a source you can trust. For this reason, we’ve put together some things to look out for so that you know exactly what you’re getting. 

1. Know the Difference Between Hemp-Derived and Marijuana-Derived CBD

Hemp and Marijuana are both cannabis plants that contain CBD, so why does it matter where the CBD comes from? Truth is, it may not, depending on your particular needs. However, it’s important to realize that every CBD product contains some amount of THC as well, and certain CBD products will have higher levels than others.

A good way to look at it is that hemp typically has higher levels of CBD and lower levels of THC, while marijuana is the other way around. By federal standards, hemp should contain no more than 0.3% THC and is legal in all 50 states. For this reason, it is crucial for many people, particularly athletes and those with certain jobs, to only purchase CBD products derived from hemp as those that are made using marijuana can contain more THC and may show up on a drug test. 

2. Avoid International CBD Imposters

Purchasing CBD from international vendors may not seem like a big deal, but it comes with some problems. For starters, many countries outside of the United States do not have the same regulations or safeguards put in place to ensure a pure and safe product. For example, questionable agricultural practices can leave heavy metals and toxins in the soil that are absorbed by the hemp plant and end up in CBD products.

If you are going to purchase CBD oil from a different country, be sure to do some research to make sure the product you are getting is safe. However, until the international market is better regulated, it’s probably best to stick to local products. Besides, some of the best CBD in the world is produced in the United States, locally grown in states such as Colorado, Kentucky, and Oregon. 

3. Learn to Read the Lab Results

Many of us won’t buy food from the grocery store without first checking the labels for such things as protein levels and sugar content, and the same goes for CBD products. If the vendor is reputable, each product should be clearly labeled with the actual CBD content in milligrams and suggested dosing. 

On top of that, the best vendors will also provide lab results for their products. All quality CBD products are tested in the lab to determine their potency as well as a full spectrum analysis of other compounds that can be found in the oil or isolate. In other words, the best companies know they have nothing to hide and freely share these lab test results on their websites. If a vendor does not or will not share lab results with you about their CBD oils, it may be best to find a different company.

4. Verify Where the CBD Comes From

It’s always good, whenever you can, to verify the source of the CBD you are considering. Most quality CBD comes from hemp grown organically in the United States, and some of the finest products are made using small-batch infusions.

For instance, Rooted Hemp sources its CBD from hemp grown organically in Central Oregon. Their CBD products are produced in small batch infusions to create the highest quality CBD oil. 

Avoid CBD Imposters

The benefits of CBD can be life-changing, which is why it’s so important to avoid CBD imposters. After all, high-quality CBD oil has a lot to offer, but only after you find the product and dosing that is right for your specific needs. Be informed and be safe!