It’s gained popularity in recent years because thanks to the Farm Bill passed in 2018, CBD products are legal in all 50 states as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. In addition to online retailers and dispensaries, CBD goods are now sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, and even natural food markets.

This wide availability can make it hard to choose the right CBD product for you, but here, we’ll show you the criteria to look for so that you can learn how to choose the right CBD product for yourself.

What is Hemp?

Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that has been cultivated since approximately 10,000 BC to produce food and fiber. The use of hemp dates back almost as far as human civilization itself–hemp cultivation appears in China around 8,000 BC and India 5,000 years ago.

But even more recently, people have turned to it because of the anecdotal evidence that it may help them feel calm, soothe aches and pains, and even stimulate a stronger sense of focus.

CBD is a compound that’s produced naturally in hemp plants. The human body already contains a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that is responsible for a variety of things, including regulating the internal environment of your body (homeostasis).

Broad-Spectrum vs. Full-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD products, on the other hand, contain 0% THC. However, these products may also contain terpenes, as well as other trace amounts of cannabinoids.

Full-spectrum CBD is a product that contains other cannabinoids like CBN and CBG, as well as terpenes, which are the naturally occurring oils in hemp plants. Full-spectrum CBD products also contain trace amounts of THC–the psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis.

Here’s the thing: these trace amounts of THC are not enough to cause a high, but they are enough to enhance the effects of CBD in what’s called the entourage effect. The entourage effect refers to the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work together to increase the potential effects, better than they would if you were to take just one of the cannabinoids on its own.

CBD Lab Testing

Unfortunately, there are companies out there that aren’t exactly selling what’s advertised on the bottle. While this can be unintentional, it’s important to take a look at a CBD company’s independent third-party lab testing and their certificate of analysis (COA). This is a verified lab that calculates the amounts of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other materials found in the product. It also ensures that a product is free of harmful toxins and molds.

While it can be a bit of extra work reading through these reports, it’s also important to understand what you’re consuming. And if you want to get into a bit of extra research, you can dig deeper into the types of terpenes in the product, as well as how they may work with your body.

Be aware that some products may contain synthetic CBD, or may not be CBD at all. Also, look for products labeled as hemp seed oil. This type of product does not contain CBD, and while hemp seed oil is nutritious, it isn’t the same as hemp oil or hemp extract.

Finally, some products that have been randomly tested contain more THC than is on the label. The last thing you want is to unexpectedly experience psychoactive effects!

We recommend USDA-certified organic hemp because the process, from the soil to the harvest to the extraction, are highly regulated. Read more about it here!

CBD Products and How They Work

When it comes to CBD products, there are a few formats to consider: tinctures, edibles, topicals, and inhaled. These types of products work in slightly different ways, so let’s delve into what each one does.

Edibles take at least an hour to kick in (because they enter your system through digestion), but the effects can last several hours depending on the dosage. Tinctures and topicals work faster–usually within 20 to 40 minutes if taken sublingually or massaged into the skin. And smoking or vaping can bring potential effects in 5-10 minutes, but they may not last more than a few hours.

Are you taking CBD for a specific ache or injury? A topical may be the right solution for you, as it can be applied directly to the skin, where it penetrates the subdural layers.

Are you taking CBD because you’ve heard it can help you feel calm? A tincture or gummy might be the way to go! These formats can be used on a daily basis to build up over time. That said, you can add the occasional warm bath with a CBD bath bomb, too.

Many people will sample various types of CBD products until they find a product that is the right fit for their needs. Be patient and work with a shop or dispensary that is knowledgeable and whose staff is trained to help you find the right products.

Check the Packaging

As odd as it might seem, the packaging plays a big role in the quality of the products. CBD oxidizes and can go rancid if not stored properly, so you should always try to find products that are in extra dark glass, an opaque pill bottle, or tins, for example.

The label on the packaging can also tell you a lot about whether the product is trustworthy or not. Look for links to a website for lab tests, and to look up reviews. Also look for an expiration date–they can be tricky to find, so if you can’t find it and verify it, find another product.

You can also get a feel for the company’s ethics on the website. If they make claims that CBD cures illnesses, for example, they may be misleading you. This isn’t to say that CBD doesn’t have benefits, but the scientific evidence is still in its infancy. It is not yet regulated by the FDA, but there is one prescription CBD medication that is FDA-approved for seizures.

The bottom line is that if there is something that feels off when you look at the label or website, keep looking for a product that provides transparency and honesty.

Consider Possible Side Effects and Risks

While CBD is a natural compound that is generally considered safe, it isn’t entirely without risk, and some people do report side effects and drug interactions.

CBD can interact with other drugs, causing side effects that are more severe. Before using CBD, it is a good idea to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications. While Dr. Google can be helpful, verifying the accuracy of the information can become a guessing game.

CBD can cause mild side effects in some people, such as fatigue or upset stomachs. But unlike THC, it doesn’t usually cause anxiety or the munchies. Start with a low dosage and slowly titrate up to evaluate any changes you might feel.

Researchers are still unsure if CBD is safe to be used during pregnancy. To be safe, pregnant women should avoid CBD until further research studies can be conducted.

Consider the Price

We all love a good deal, but when it comes to CBD, buying the cheapest product usually isn’t the best idea. Pricing can vary greatly from one company to the next because different companies may use different production processes and farm hemp in different countries. But more than that, you might not be buying CBD at all.

Compare products to determine the dosage and price because they can vary. People who are just starting out with CBD may be quick to buy a low-dose, inexpensive option. However, investing in a higher dosage at a more expensive price can be less expensive because you may need just a few drops to do the trick.

Final Thoughts

There is no such thing as too much research when it comes to your CBD. Your body and your health are worth the time and effort. Be sure to stick with products that are transparent with all of the information. Don’t settle for less than the best CBD products, and you’re more likely to be satisfied with your investment.

Be skeptical and don’t be afraid to ask questions when making a purchase. Most reputable shops and dispensaries are happy to answer your questions, and they are more likely to train employees well.

The post Buying CBD for the First Time? Follow These Criteria appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

Sunmed CBD recently introduced two USDA-certified organic CBD oils, which we are very excited about. But what does USDA Organic mean, and what is the process for certification? In this article, we’re going to cover how a CBD product becomes certified organic by the USDA, and what it means for you as a consumer and the environment we live in.

USDA Hemp Regulations

You may remember the 2018 Farm Bill, which reclassified hemp as a legal crop in the United States. This landmark paved the way for the regulation of hemp crops to be tested for quality and THC content, as well as differentiate it from other cannabis plants marijuana, which produces psychoactive effects.

It also required that the regulatory framework be put in place for industrial hemp. One of those regulations requires that any plants that don’t meet quality standards, or that contain more than 0.3% THC will be destroyed. This puts hemp growers at a higher risk than traditional crop growers, who are covered by crop insurance. Only recently has crop insurance become available to hemp farmers, and only in individual counties in some states.

Each state must submit its regulatory guidelines to the Secretary of USDA to allow for the licensing and regulation of farmers to grow industrial hemp. Every farmer who wants to cultivate hemp must submit an application for a license to the state, and must comply with regulatory policies to keep growing. Any hemp farmer operating without a license, or without adhering to the regulations, could lose their license and be charged with a felony. And unlike conventional food crops like veggies, fruits, and herbs, people are not allowed to grow hemp at home unless their state legally allows it.

CBD remains a Schedule I substance under federal law, but the 2018 Farm Bill created an exception. Any cannabinoids extracted from hemp that is grown by licensed hemp farms will be treated as legal. That said, it is imperative to check with your state and local laws to ensure that you are allowed to use and have CBD.

What Does USDA Organic Mean?

You’re very likely familiar with the USDA Organic seal, which is displayed on foods and other products found in your grocery store. Consumers seek out organic products for many reasons—perhaps to avoid chemicals like pesticides, or because of the environmental impact, or even because of GMOs.

To gain the USDA Organic seal, producers are subject to numerous processes, strict guidelines, and testing. For the purpose of this article, we’ll explain the guidelines as they apply to cannabinoid products.

USDA Organic Regulations

For a farmer to gain the USDA Organic seal, there are numerous regulations to follow, as well as licensing and yearly inspections.

• Organic hemp crops must be harvested on soil that hasn’t used synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides in the past three years.
• No synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides can be used on the crops during the growing or harvesting process.
• Farmers must use tillage and cultivation methods that guard the soil quality, and that minimize soil erosion.
• Hemp seeds must be certified as non-genetically modified (non-GMO).
• Growers must submit records of all sales, as well as the companies they supplied to. They are also subject to criminal background checks.
• CBD producers must use USDA-approved extraction processes, including CO2, sugar cane alcohol solvent, or lipid infusion. Even the carrier oils and essential oils that cannabinoids are suspended in are subject to these standards.
• The end product must be certified and labeled as either Organic or 100% Organic. The distinctions are explained below.
• An approved third-party auditor certified by the USDA must test all ingredients, as well as the final product, to ensure adherence to the USDA guidelines. This audit goes all the way down the supply chain for each product, certifying a thorough examination of each ingredient used in the process.
• Every year, a third-party audit must be done to maintain certification.

The processes for producing organic cannabinoid products are quite rigorous, ensuring quality from before the crops are even planted, and until the final product is packaged for sale. Meticulous records must be maintained, and many farms and CBD producers report having to hire full-time staff just to keep these certifications.

The Difference Between All-Natural and Organic

Many consumers actively seek out organic and all-natural products, but likely don’t know the distinctions. While these distinctions share some of the same qualities, there are differences that buyers should be aware of before making a purchase.

100% Organic

100% organic products are precisely what they say they are. Every one of the ingredients used in the end product is certified organic.

Organic

All certified organic products will be labeled as such. Still, CBD companies cannot claim that their end product is 100% organic, and all agricultural ingredients in the product must be certified organic. The certified organic ingredients are marked with an asterisk in the ingredients list on the product label.

“Made With” Organic

“Made With” Organic is not a USDA certified product, but 70% of the ingredients are certified organic, and the remaining 30% are subject to strict guidelines. This type of product may state that it is made with organic ingredients on the label, and those ingredients are marked with an asterisk.

Specific Organic Ingredients

The product may state that it contains specific organic ingredients (less than 70% certified organic). This type of product cannot bear the USDA seal, and it may not list the product as being “organic.” However, it can contain ingredients that are certified organic in the ingredients list. The non-organic ingredients are not required to be tested or certified in the same way that “Made With” Organic products are.

All-Natural Products

Products that are labeled as “natural” and “all-natural” are not subject to the same certifications and scrutiny as organic products are, and are not regulated. These products usually don’t contain synthetic ingredients or high levels of processing to earn the all-natural distinction. Nevertheless, the agricultural ingredients may have been treated with synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, or antibiotics.

Why Third-Party Testing and Verification is so Important

Third-party verification is critical in CBD products. Consumers may not have the resources to determine on their own where or how a CBD tincture was, or what processes were used. The USDA Organic label provides a guarantee that a product is organic, but if a product isn’t certified, how can you determine the safety and quality? One answer lies in third-party testing.

Take a look at the lab report, which should include information about any heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, microbes, and chemical residue. Additionally, information about the specific cannabinoids and amounts found in the product should be listed, as well as any terpenes and solvents found. Moreover, these reports sort out any synthetic cannabinoids that may have been added to a product. Synthetic cannabinoids can damage the body’s endocannabinoid system, as well as the brain.

The cannabis plant is well-known for its ability to soak up toxins from the soil it grows in, which is fantastic for cleaning the soil, but not exactly ideal for the consumption of the plant. This is why the third-party reports are crucial in ensuring the quality of non-certified products, but also why USDA Organic certification introduces a higher level of quality overall.

Farming & Sustainability

Let’s look beyond the end product and how it affects the consumer and to the farming practices and benefits of growing certified organic ingredients.

Farmers who previously grew corn, soybeans, and other crops run the risk of having a “bumper crop” that produces no profit at the end of the harvest season. By legalizing industrial hemp, these farmers can contribute to a booming industry that can yield more profit per acre than some traditional crops.

Because of the 2018 Farm Bill, there are no restrictions placed on growers who export and import hemp seeds internationally. They are also able to engage in interstate trade of the crop without limitations. The Farm Bill laid the groundwork for eventually making hemp crops a globally traded commodity on the world market, so long as it adheres to the 0.3% standard.

Growing organic crops also helps to increase environmental sustainability. When organic-approved pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are used, they pose far less risk to the water in our lakes, rivers, and oceans, which are delicate ecosystems that are harmed by synthetic chemicals. Organic farms have been shown to produce less runoff and erosion than non-organic farms, also reducing the risk of floods. Hemp plants absorb more CO2 from the air than forests, and other crops do and could contribute to reducing greenhouse emissions.

By using USDA Certified Organic CBD products, you’re reducing your body’s exposure to synthetic chemicals, as well as promoting more sustainable farming practices for the world around you. While organic farming has been around for several years now, this is a relatively new practice in the world of CBD production, and we’re excited to be one of the pioneering organic CBD companies. When nothing but the highest quality ingredients is essential to you, shop Ripon Naturals today!

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