There are many reasons why someone might want to try CBD, as it has shown benefits for everything from promoting mental calm to minimizing aches and pains. However, with the huge diversity of products on the market today, it can be hard to know which CBD products are pure, potent, and effective. This is where independent laboratory testing comes in. Most reputable CBD brands routinely test their products and offer this information freely to consumers. Testing is essential to ensure consistency across batches and safety for consumers, and a good CBD brand will do this regularly. However, some CBD companies work with less trustworthy labs to get the results they want, misrepresenting their products. Unfortunately, this is common in the cannabis industry. That’s why trust and transparency are key for any quality CBD retailer.
Whether you are shopping for the best CBD online or visiting your local CBD dispensary, make sure the brands you are buying offer this type of transparency. Ensure that each product is tested by an independent third party (not in-house tested) and is free from contaminants. Research news stories to see if the company has been caught engaging in sketchy lab procedures. At a bare minimum, CBD product testing should include the following:
- Verification of THC levels 0.3% or less in accordance with Federal law
- Assurance of purity – no fillers or additives (especially for vape products)
- Spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes- percentages found in batch
- Levels of contaminants below limits (heavy metals, etc.)
- Assurance of microbial purity – free from bacteria, mold, yeast, etc
- Verification of potency- CBD content matches what is stated on bottle
Some CBD brands will go above and beyond and obtain certifications for organic products, obtain a Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) certification, or even something like a certification for products free of glyphosate (RoundUp) residue.
When you invest in a bottle of CBD oil, CBD gummies, topicals, or any other product, you deserve to know exactly what you’re buying. These days, it’s far too easy to sell adulterated, poor-quality products to uneducated consumers. So, in order to protect yourself, make sure you have access to third-party results, and look up as much as you can about the company and testing lab.
Want to learn more about lab testing of CBD and what to look out for? Come down and visit us at Ignite Dispensary, and chat with one of our helpful staff members!