CBD…Quality Matters.

Cannabidiol (CBD) has many therapeutic benefits leading consumers to seek out CBD for health and wellness. It is commonly found in the form of edibles, oils, or creams and is available everywhere from dispensaries to gas stations. So how do you know the quality of the product you are getting?

CBD is primarily sourced from medicinal or industrial hemp. Hemp contains less than 0.3%THC (the compound in cannabis that makes you “high”).  Legally, CBD must be less than 0.3% THC to be sold under current law. CBD is non-intoxicating making it appealing for daytime use.

However, there are differences between the two. Industrial hemp is high in fiber and seeds with few flowers. Note: the flower or “bud” is where THC and CBD, the active compounds of the cannabis plant, are stored. It is tall and slender and is often grown as a crop to draw pesticides, chemicals, and heavy metals out of the soil, or crop rotation. Industrial hemp is also grown to produce textiles, paper, oils, building materials, and body care products.  Whereas, medicinal hemp is a genetic cross of medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp. Medicinal hemp is bred for its therapeutic properties. It is shorter and bushier than industrial cannabis and specifically designed to produce more CBD rich flowers while remaining below the threshold of less than 0.3% THC.

Whether you purchase products developed from industrial or medicinal hemp, do your research before you buy to ensure purity and avoid contaminants. Organically grown, medicinal hemp is the purest option for CBD.  At the very least, look for products that have been lab tested for chemicals and solvents, and one that has been processed in a pharmaceutical-grade facility.  Products should also be packaged in a dark container or bottle to prevent breakdown and preserve your CBD. Reputable suppliers and growers should be able to supply you with a Certificate of Analysis (COA). A COA is a written lab analysis outlining terpenes, cannabinoid levels, and results of contaminant testing for each specific product. I would also recommend visiting the manufacturers website to learn more about their cultivation, extraction, and lab testing methods.

Clark, C. S. (2021). Cannabis: A handbook for nurses. Wolters Kluwer.