How do I know if a CBD Company is Reputable?
The demand and adoption of CBD products among health-conscious people are increasing at a rapid rate. The global CBD industry is expected to grow with a compound annual growth rate of 15.8% in the next six years.
The USA is a hot market for CBD products, with millions of people now actively consuming them to deal with everyday stress, anxiety, and sleep troubles. However, due to a lack of regulations in the industry, mislabeling is a common issue.
Often brands compromise on quality to cut costs and gain market share quickly. As per some studies, approximately 70% of products have more or less amount of cannabinoids than what’s mentioned on the label.
So it’s quite difficult to determine what the most trusted CBD company is in today’s time. That’s why there are a few parameters you must use to assess the reputation of CBD companies before splurging your hard-earned money. Let’s explore them in detail one by one.
Certificate of Analysis
This is the first and foremost thing you should check before you click on that play button. A certificate of Analysis or COA, is a report of unbiased done by third-party independent labs. It allows you to look beyond the rosy marketing claims made by manufacturers.
Reputable companies make these Certificates of Analysis (COAs) easily available, on their website or through a QR code on product packaging. It allows consumers to check whether the gummies or oils they are buying have the same amount of cannabinoids as mentioned on the label or not.
Other than potency, these reports also focus on levels of pesticides, heavy metals, and solvent residues that could compromise product safety.
If you come across a brand that doesn’t provide reports of the latest batch or makes it difficult for you to access them, ditch it right away. Also, as an extra precautionary step, check the credentials and certificates of the lab that has prepared the COA.
Extraction Method & Hemp Source
See, the quality of CBD products depends a lot on what kind of hemp is used to make them. Yes, the extraction process plays a huge role in product quality. However, the origin and genetics of hemp plants, the type of soil in which they are grown, and the overall cultivation process used by the company are also important.
Products made from organically grown domestic hemp under the Agricultural Act’s guidelines will provide a much better and worthwhile therapeutic experience. That’s why you as a consumer must buy CBD from companies that follow these practices and have all the necessary certifications.
Next, you have to look for the extraction method used by the brand. The CO2 method is considered the gold standard and often requires brands to invest in sophisticated and expensive machinery heavily.
It involves using carbon dioxide under high pressure to extract cannabinoids without leaving harmful chemical residues. To cut costs some may brands use Ethanol or Solvent methods. Reputable companies will always mention the extraction process used to make the product.
Transparency & Support
Transparency goes a long way in establishing trust between consumers and the company. A reputed CBD company will always be transparent about its return policies, sourcing methods, and the type of ingredients used to make the products.
For example, popular and well-known CBD brands like Colorado Botanicals offer a 60-day no-risk guarantee on all their products.
So if their gummies or oil don’t work for you, you can easily return in 60 days and get your money back. Transparency about formulation is also important, good brands will mention whether the product has a full spectrum or broad spectrum extract. Clear, detailed product descriptions are also non-negotiable.
Ingredients should be fully disclosed, with precise information about concentrations, potential allergens, and intended use. Another tell of reputed CBD companies is active customer support consisting of real humans and not bots, and the presence of educational material on the website for new customers.
Customer Reviews & Overall Reputation & Pricing
Who can better vouch for the quality of the company than the people who have actually used the product? Reputable CBD brands will have authentic reviews from real customers on both brand pages and third-party websites. As a smart consumer, you must properly investigate these reviews across multiple platforms and prioritize verified purchase testimonials.
Platforms like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Reddit discussion threads can provide you insights about the real-world experience of people with the products. Read them thoroughly to get an idea of how effective the products are, customer service, and overall satisfaction.
Check out the company’s social media pages too. See how they interact with customers and respond to questions or concerns. A company that communicates openly and professionally is usually more reliable.
Also, check how long the company has been in business. Brands that have been around for several years are more likely to provide consistent, quality products. If a CBD company has won any industry awards or received special recognition, that’s another good sign they’re doing something right.
Finally, value for money should be your top priority. Ethical and Responsible brands will price their products at levels that are affordable for the masses. Don’t fall for the hype of celebrity brands that will sell you the same thing at a much higher price. Good brands will often bring products into the sale and give you extra discounts on bulk purchases.
The End Note
Well, that’s a wrap. We hope you had fun reading about parameters to identify high-quality & reputable CBD companies. Colorado Botanicals is currently leading this race with its wide range of correctly priced and carefully made CBD lineup.
Still, you are free to look for other options but do make sure to check on the above-discussed parameters like COA, Extraction method, Hemp source, Transparency, Support, Reviews, and pricing.
Also, as a beginner make sure to start with a low dose of only 10-15mg CBD every day. Let your body adjust to the new compound, note down the effects, and try to take it with food for better absorption of cannabinoids in the body. Also, increase your water intake to avoid the risk of nausea and dehydration.
