Even though CBD oils are now quite popular, the industry has been infiltrated by crooks. You are now more likely to buy a lower quality or fake CBD Oil than an original product. However, these products pose serious health risks since they usually contain toxic chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, and synthetic additives. This article offers an overview of why such products still exist and how to avoid fake or poor-quality CBD Oils.
Why Fake or Poor-Quality CBD Oils Still Exist
The reality is that people will always try to use shortcuts and run good things. Poor quality and fake CBD oils exist due to greed in the industry. There isn’t a specific regulatory body for CBD products; hence, crooks can use such loopholes to sell low-quality CBD oils.
Companies are using illegitimate or poor methods to manufacture CBD oils. Besides that, some industrial hemp plants aren’t grown according to the FDA requirements; hence they are contaminated.
Ways to Avoid Fake or Poor-Quality CBD Oils
If you know what you are looking for, then you can quickly recognize CBD oils that are fake. Whether you are making an online purchase or visiting a brick-and-mortar store, you can still find the best quality CBD oil that offers value for money.
To ensure that you buy legitimate and high-quality CBD oil, here are some of the most effective tips to consider:
- The Company’s Website
- Consider the Source of Hemp
- Presence of Residual Solvents and Other Contaminants
- The Ideal Extraction Method
- Independent 3rd-Party Testing
- Product Potency
- THC Content
- Product Label and Packaging
- Customer Service Contacts
The Company’s Website
Before you purchase, ensure that you analyze the CBD company’s official website. Understand that a website, in this case, acts as a link between the manufacturer and consumer. This is a space where the consumer can access the products they need.
Besides that, they can use it to access other information such as techniques used to produce CBD, the company’s location, shipping information, order tracking, customer care, etc. Note that if a company doesn’t have a website with contact details or physical address, then you should avoid it. The chances are high that you could get scammed.
Consider the Source of Hemp
Hemp is a bioaccumulator; hence it can absorb anything in its growing environment, including heavy metals. Besides that, it has several invertebrate predators such as aphids and mites that understandably force some farmers to use harsh pesticides and chemicals.
However, such products can be harmful to humans and cause environmental hazards. If you want a high-quality CBD oil, then you should only buy products from FDA-approved farms cultivated using organic farming techniques.
Presence of Residual Solvents and Other Contaminants
Even the government has put strict regulations; there are still some loopholes in the CBD industry. As a result, not all agricultural facilities usually operate under stipulated standards. There are still manufacturers that use cheap manufacturing techniques that leave residual solvents such as propane and butane. These contaminants are harmful to the human body and can result in serious health complications.
The Ideal Extraction Method
Currently, the CO2 extraction method is the golden industry standard. Even though it’s quite expensive and requires skilled operations, CO2 extraction doesn’t leave unnecessary plant extracts or toxic solvents. Besides that, it helps to maintain CBD’s natural profile, eliminating the chances of destabilizing the compounds found in the hemp plant extract.
Independent 3rd-Party Testing
It’s important for all CBD products to undergo independent 3rd-party tests in a registered and unbiased lab facility. This is because the hemp industry is self-regulatory, and this means that chances of product manipulation are high. A reputable brand that sells legitimate, high-quality CBD products should subject each product batch to an independent 3rd-party lab test.
This is important in verifying the product purity and quality. Additionally, the lab reports should be constantly updated and made available to customers. If a company doesn’t have lab reports or they’re no recent updated reports, then stay away.
Product Potency
Potency, also known as CBD strength, refers to the number of milligrams of pure CBD in a product. It’s worth noting that some companies sell low-potency CBD products such that they won’t give you the effect you desire, regardless of the recommended dosage. Take note that if a CBD oil has less than 250 mg per 30 ml bottle, its potency is extremely low, and you should avoid it.
THC Content
THC, unlike CBD, isn’t legalized federally. This means that you could be jailed or fined in some states if found in possession of a THC product. It’s a psychoactive cannabis compound with mind-altering properties. However, THC is can still be legally allowed for use with CBD products in trace amounts, i.e., less than 0.3%.
This is because a combination of CBD, THC, and other cannabis compounds usually leads to the pain-relieving and therapeutic entourage effect. But for your safety, only buy CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC.
Product Label and Packaging
The product label and packaging information should be informative and precise. It should be noted that CBD companies need to provide their consumers with basic information regarding the product they are selling.
This includes the CBD product name, the type of ingredients used, the potency level, the recommended dosage amount, the date of manufacturing/expiry, etc. If a CBD product’s package doesn’t come with information, the chances are that you will end up buying a fake CBD oil.
Customer Service Contacts
There are many issues that buyers usually face before and after purchasing a CBD product. It could be inquiries about a certain product, shipping delays, failed payments, wrong orders, etc. Note that a legitimate company will always be willing to help its clients by having a customer service contact.
Other Important Tips to Consider Include
- Choosing unflavored CBD oils since they don’t have artificial ingredients that can be used to mask the CBD’s profile. There’s still a need for more research studies to determine the effect of flavorings and other additives on CBD’s organic profile.
- Avoid CBD products in non-sealed packaging. These aren’t real products, and the chances are that they might have been purchased somewhere and adulterated. Your chances of buying high-quality CBD products are high if you consider CBD oils sold in sealed packaging that matches the brand’s profile or packaging details.
- Select standard brands if you want CBD products for renewable vape pens and refillable cartridges.
Characteristics of Poor Quality or Fake CBD Oils
CBD Oils can be altered, contaminated, or made with poor-quality ingredients. Such products are generally harmful and toxic and could result in unwanted side effects. Knowing the characteristics of such products can help you avoid making such purchases.
- Misbranded CBD Products
- Contamination
- Inferior Gadgets
Misbranded CBD Products
These are products that have wrong branding are labeled with errors. Other components include incorrectly tagged quantities or ratios of elements in the CBD product. Misbranding is a serious cause of health dangers. That’s why you should purchase products from reputable brands with verifiable profiles.
Contamination
Fake or poor-quality CBD oils are likely to have bacteria, mold, or other microbe contamination such as e-Coli and salmonella. One of the biggest causes of contamination is poor manufacturing practices, leading to diseases and plaque.
Inferior Gadgets
The gadgets used to manufacture CBD play a crucial role in the quality of the final product. Inferior gadgets pose a significant threat to CBD quality since they can easily contaminate the plant extract with thick metals and toxic chemicals.
Why You Should Buy High-Quality/Original CBD
Of course, everyone wants to buy products that offer value for money. So, what you are paying for should contain compounds in amounts they are supposed to contain. Research into the CBD market indicates that most products, especially those bought online without due diligence, are more likely to contain less CBD than they are claimed or mislabeled.
You should do comprehensive research and only buy CBD products from trusted brands. Quality products offer value for money, but they are highly likely to provide the expected results with minimal side effects.
Does CBD Oil Expire?
Yes. When you are checking for the quality of CBD oil, you should consider the manufacturing and expiration dates. CBD oil products are just like other perishable organic items, but the shelf life usually depends on the type of CBD.
For instance, CBD isolates are usually highly filtered before the carrier oil is added. They have similar characteristics to most household oils found in the kitchen. So, your isolate product can last for 1-2years if stored appropriately.
Meanwhile, full-spectrum CBD oil products have lower shelf lives. This is because they are usually made with whole-plant oil extracts that are less refined. Refining is generally limited to ensure that the product retains much of its organic compounds and other plant materials. However, the shelf life of a full spectrum CBD is only six months once it’s opened.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, cheap and low-quality CBD Products are readily available on the market. However, this doesn’t mean that you should let yourself buy these products since you will waste your hard-earned cash and expose yourself to toxic compounds.
However, there are pointers and red flags that you can use to determine the legitimacy of a product. Always consider standard brands with verifiable profiles and websites. Besides that, third-party lab reports, CO2 extraction techniques, and high CBD potency can help ensure that you buy CBD oil that offers value for money.
