Buying CBD can be challenging if you don’t have any experience. The number of options, different brands, and types of products are overwhelming. In addition, the rampant low-quality extracts on the market can make buying products from a CBD store or online without a deep understanding of the market can be wasteful or even dangerous.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying CBD so you can confidently shop. After reading, you’ll learn how to buy CBD online and in retail. In addition, we will show you how to identify high-quality CBD.
A Comprehensive Guide to Buying CBD Oil
Our CBD buyer’s guide is meant to assist you in the process of purchasing CBD products. Before getting into the buying process, you need to understand the types of CBD extract and administration methods. Below is a detailed guide to essential information you need before you go to buy a CBD product.
Types of CBD extract:
- Full spectrum CBD – A whole plant extract that includes all the cannabinoid and terpenes from the hemp plant, including THC.
- Broad spectrum CBD – Another type of whole plant extract but excludes THC.
- CBD isolate – Pure CBD, free from all other cannabis compounds.
Types of administration methods:
- CBD oil – An extract combined with a carrier oil in a tincture meant to be used sublingually (absorbed under the tongue).
- Topical CBD – Extract combined with a filler meant to be absorbed through the skin, includes lotions, balms, creams, and salves.
- Edibles – CBD in the form or food and drink that must be digested.
- Smokables – Flower or vape that is decarboxylated, inhaled, and absorbed through the lungs.
How to Buy CBD?
Now that you know the different types of CBD and administration methods, you can choose your ideal product. If you are looking for the easiest way to take CBD with maximum absorption rates, we recommend CBD oil or gummies.
Topicals are great for centralizing relief in specific areas, but absorption rates are unclear. While smoking is the most absorbent administration method, the consequences associated with inhaling hot smoke may not be worth the benefits.
After choosing your ideal administration method, you’ll need to find a quality extract.
Three Steps for Finding CBD Quality
Follow these 3 steps to find a high-quality extract.
- Ensure the product is lab tested by a 3rd party. (Check for cannabinoids, terpenes, heavy metals, and solvents.)
- Read the entire ingredients list, avoid synthetics and unnatural sweeteners.
- Check out reviews by authentic customers.
The lack of regulation in the CBD industry has allowed countless unethical companies to take advantage of uneducated buyers. To ensure you are buying real CBD that is safe, you need to buy from companies that offer transparency. If a company provides lab tests, ingredients, and reviews, they are far more likely to offer high-quality products.
How to Choose a CBD Product Online?
Buying CBD online is extremely convenient and gives you access to a diverse range of products. However, the anonymity of eCommerce has allowed many companies to sell fake CBD or misleadingly labeled products.
We recommend avoiding Amazon and going through our 3 steps to find a high-quality CBD product. If you do some due diligence, you’ll be able to find premium CBD oil online.
How to Shop for CBD in Retail?
While shopping in retail can seem more reliable, it’s still possible to buy fake CBD in-person. We recommend avoiding buying CBD at gas stations or corner stores as these types of retailers are notorious for offering misleading products.
If you do choose to shop in retail, find a CBD store with a knowledgeable employee that can help you answer the 3 questions we covered above.