What Makes a Trustworthy CBD Product? 5 Things to Look For!

Shopping for trustworthy CBD products online can be stressful, especially if you’re new to them. How do you know what to look for? What should you avoid?

CBD is a powerful therapeutic and pain relief alternative, and there are many wonderful products on the market. There are many laws and regulations to protect consumers, meaning only the best products can remain for sale online. However, the FDA does not regulate the industry yet, and you should still be careful to ensure you’re getting safe, high-quality products.”

So, what makes a reputable product and company? Let’s dive into the difference between CBD and conventional over-the-counter pain relievers, along with five ways to spot trustworthy CBD products.

CBD Benefits vs. Conventional Pain Relievers: How Do They Differ?

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Aspirin, and Naproxen are often used to relieve moderate pain, fevers, and inflammation. However, CBD has quickly become known for its pain relief properties. Many are now opting for CBD because it’s:

• Natural: Reputable CBD products are all-natural pain relief, whereas OTC painkillers contain synthetic chemicals that can cause side effects and other issues in high doses.
• Minimal in side effects: OTC meds like Ibuprofen can cause nausea, dizziness, and allergic reactions. High doses and prolonged use can even lead to stomach ulcers and bleeding, liver damage, and more. CBD typically has mild side effects, if any.
• Safe and effective: CBD is non-habit-forming and does not lose its effectiveness after prolonged use, as with many conventional pain relievers
• Effective post-workout relief: Research shows that drugs like Ibuprofen inhibit muscle growth and reduce collagen production. Conversely, CBD images with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) deliver anti-inflammatory effects without blocking the crucial healing process.
• Multi-faceted: In addition to pain relief, CBD can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, asthma, insomnia, depression, and more. But OTC drugs can sometimes exacerbate these issues.

5 Ways to Choose Reputable CBD Products

Below are indicators of trustworthy products and brands and some red flags to avoid. Keep these in mind throughout your CBD research and shopping.

1. Be Careful Where You Shop

Stick to reputable online brands or those sold in state-licensed dispensaries instead of gas stations and smoke shops, which tend to have products with low concentrations of CBD or harmful ingredients. Trustworthy stores and brands will be transparent about their growing and manufacturing processes and never hesitate to share their lab results.

2. Opt for USDA-Certified Organic Hemp

Finding CBD products made from USDA-Certified Organic hemp guarantees the hemp used in your products won’t contain harmful chemicals like pesticides, heavy metals, fertilizer chemicals, fillers, GMOs, or additives. These can affect a product’s quality and safety. At best, they can cause a bitter taste; at worst, you could ingest harmful chemicals that cause health issues.

Plus, you’ll know it was farmed sustainably!

3. Pay Attention to the Dosage

Note the amount of CBD per dose or serving. A higher concentration means a more effective product. Ensuring the concentration and dosage are accurate and safe is also essential.

Dosage also varies based on the type of CBD product. For example, our Breakfast Gummies contain 20mg of CBD each, while our Delta-8 Sleepytime Gummies contain 15mg each. This is because a small amount of Delta-8 (the powerful hemp compound and key ingredient) helps you calm down and ease your stress, anxiety, and pain.

4. Read the Label Thoroughly

As you shop for CBD products, read the labels closely. A trustworthy company will list the following:

• Name and address of the manufacturer or distributor
• All ingredients in their products
• USDA-Certified Organic hemp
• Where the hemp is grown (like ours, which comes from North Carolina!)<
• Net quantity (weight)
• Lot, batch, or control number
• Production and expiration dates
• Instructions on how to use the product, including serving size/dosage
• Warning

Additionally, look for a short list of U.S.-grown ingredients you can pronounce. You might see:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): Full-spectrum CBD products like ours include small traces of THC to produce the “entourage effect,” when several cannabinoids work together to enhance the product’s wellness benefits without making you high.
• Other cannabinoids: In addition to CBD and THC, you may see other common cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabidivarin (CBDV), and cannabinol (CBN).
• Terpenes: These aromatic compounds give CBD products their scent and flavor (like the citrusy limonene and piney pinene) and potential health benefits.
• Carrier Oil: The most common carrier oil for CBD products is MCT oil, often derived from coconuts and offering its own wellness perks, like anti-inflammatory properties. Others use almond, sunflower, olive, or vegetable oils.

5. Look for a Certificate of Analysis

Every CBD product should include a certificate of analysis (COA) to ensure it is toxin-free and safe. Most have a link to this report on their site or via a QR code on their products. You can also ask for the COA, which should include at least the following information:

• Cannabinoid Analysis: This shows the weight and concentration of cannabinoids in the product.
• Heavy Metals Analysis: The report should confirm heavy metals like cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury don’t exceed certain levels.
• Pesticides Analysis: It should also examine traces of chemicals used on plants during farming, such as cypermethrin and ethylene oxide, to ensure they don’t exceed specific amounts.

Additionally, the analysis should be conducted by a third-party lab, which should be named on the COA. This ensures accurate, unbiased results. You can even research the lab to confirm it is legitimate.

And watch for CBD products with recent COAs to ensure you get what the label says! One small 2023 study of 16 randomly selected CBD products found significant inconsistencies with label claims in half of the products. Most CBD gummies tested contained less CBD than their labels listed, while CBD tinctures and capsules exceeded their potency claims.

Bottom line: The COA proves the product’s CBD content, purity, and safety. Not having one is a red flag that shows a lack of transparency. It could even mean they’re not testing the quality and safety of their products or hiding concerning results. Or, if their COA only includes a cannabinoid panel, it could mean they’re not investing in verifying the other substances.

Experience the Benefits of Organic CBD Products

As a nurse and a passionate proponent of CBD, creating high-quality, safe, effective products is of the utmost importance to me! You’ll find that all of The Healing Consultant’s products are:

• Full Spectrum: Our products contain a range of the hemp plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes, all of which work together to help you feel better.
• Less than 0.3% THC: No high, just enough for that entourage effect and added benefits!
• USDA Organic Hemp: We source USDA-Certified Organic hemp from North Carolina, so you know where your CBD comes from and what’s in it.
• Third-Party Lab-Tested: Our products are compliant and verified by a third-party lab—no toxins or fillers here! Scan the QR code on your product labels to check.

You can expect full transparency and guidance toward the best solutions for your health and lifestyle from our self-care kits and individual products.

And if you’re just dipping your toes into CBD, you can try all of our proprietary products obligation-free in our 10-Day CBD Trial Box! You’ll become a member of my inner circle, with support as you work to overcome your emotional trauma, anxiety, pain, or physical pain inhibiting your life. This kit includes a 10-day supply of my:

• CBD Breakfast Gummies: To help you wake up refreshed and free of brain fog
• Delta-8 Sleepytime Gummies: For evening relaxation
• CBD Evening Drink Drops: To soothe your mind and body for bedtime
• CBD Relaxation Lavender Salve: To relax those topical aches and pains

Remember to follow me on Instagram or Facebook so you can share a post with a photo and your story to let me know how the products worked for you. This will help us continue spreading the word and support more people on their healing journey!

Do you need more customized guidance and solutions? Book a CBD consultation with me today for three deep-dive sessions and a custom trial box based on your needs.