Cannabidiol, or CBD, has been shown to alleviate some of the pain associated with cancer, as well as treat diseases like insomnia. CBD can be present in cannabis, but it is also found in certain hemp products. Hemp products that contain less than 0.3% THC are legal in all 50 states, but they are not FDA regulated, so it may be difficult to tell which companies sell reputable items.
5 Things You Should Do Before Purchasing Hemp Products
Be aware of claims that sound too good to be true
If a hemp oil manufacturer’s website claims hemp oil is a “miracle cure” without providing any credible sources, there is a chance their products are untrustworthy. Hemp can be helpful in treating pain and inflammation, but it is not a cure-all.
Check CBD levels
Just because a product is made from hemp doesn’t mean it is rich in CBD. For example, Nutiva has many hemp-based products available, but they don’t claim to have any CBD. This doesn’t mean these products have no CBD, but that the levels are not advertised or tested, meaning we don’t know how much CBD each item contains.
See if the company has a history of false advertising
The FDA tests have revealed that some hemp products “were found to not contain the levels of CBD they claimed to contain.” For example, one company advertised 750 mg of CBD for every 3 ounces of their oils, but the FDA testing found less than half that amount in the actual product.
Try to purchase directly from a marijuana dispensary
If you live in a state where cannabis is legal, you may be able to buy hemp products at a licensed dispensary. It is still important to ask your budtender where your products come from and if they have been tested to ensure the best results. Be aware that some use the term “hemp oil” to describe cannabis oil, though the two are much different.
Check to see if they do laboratory testing
Search for companies like Endoca, who has Good Manufacturing Practice certification, and also use a third-party to test their products. Certified testing is the best way to confirm that your product is safe.
