What to watch out for when buying CBD oil?

Cannabinoid content in the final product

The percentage of CBD, together with the volume of the product packaging, forms the absolute amount of CBD in the product. Therefore, when purchasing a product, you should not only pay attention to the percentage of CBD but also to the absolute amount of the product. For example, 10ml of CBD with 10% CBD should contain between 900 mg and 1000 mg of CBD, depending on the oil's density. Equally important is the THC content in the final product. This must not exceed the legally established limit of 0.3% under any circumstances.

In some oils, the corresponding CBD value consists of those with CBDA (cannabidiolic acid). CBDA is the precursor of cannabidiol and accordingly does not have the same effects as CBD. Although there is now scientific knowledge about CBDA, general statements about it are still highly controversial. The exact breakdown of the cannabinoid composition is ideally provided by the producers themselves.

Certification

Own tests

As already pointed out in our blog post "Arge Canna," product certification can provide information regarding quality. A corresponding analysis certificate (COAs = Certificate of Analyses) should be presented to customers by the dealer at the latest upon request.. If such a certificate cannot be presented, a purchase is discouraged. However, existing analysis certificates can also be manipulated. After all, it can happen that the CBD and THC dosage content is slightly altered on behalf of the seller and the product is only subsequently sent to the respective certification body.

Independent laboratories

In Austria, Arge Canna currently makes it a duty as the only independent working group to test cannabis products available on the market. Accordingly, their test results are highly reliable. Classifications of CBD oils with the AC quality seal are therefore considered safe and trustworthy.

Natural vs. isolated CBD (full-spectrum extract vs. isolate)

There are many ways to obtain cannabinoids from industrial hemp. Besides alcohol extraction, most CBD producers rely on extraction using liquid CO2. These extraction methods enable the production of so-called full spectrumExtracts. This means that in addition to CBD, a broad spectrum of other natural cannabinoids, as well as terpenes, flavonoids, antioxidants, and other secondary plant substances are obtained. The combined use of all plant active substances is intended to potentiate their effects, which is referred to in professional circles as the entourage effect.

To obtain pure CBD, this initial extract must be further concentrated and other ingredients removed. In this step, the so-called CBD isolate is produced. This is especially preferred by customers who are sensitive (or even allergic) to other plant substances or cannabinoids - such as THC. Due to the chemical isolation of the active ingredient, residues of solvents may be present in isolates, which is why you should always carefully check the analysis certificates from CBD producers. If no analyses of solvents, heavy metals, and other contaminants are available, products should be treated with caution. It is also more reliable if analyses are conducted by external laboratories rather than in-house. Unfortunately, taste and color are not good indicators of product quality and CBD content.

CO2 Extraction

The CO is considered the gentlest of all effective methods to extract plant material so far2 extraction seen. The corresponding solvent evaporates completely, leaving the plant ingredients unchanged. What remains is a 100% residue-free industrial hemp extract. CBD oils obtained by CO2-extracted, are not contaminated with synthetic chemicals. 

Phytocomplex of active substances

A phytocomplex is the synergistic combination of the natural active substances of each medicinal plant and can contain groups of substances such as terpenes, flavonoids, and other secondary plant compounds. The interaction of these often has a synergistic effect. Therefore, a product with a rich phytocomplex of ingredients can definitely be relied upon.

Legality

In Austria, a THC content of 0.3% and in Germany 0.2% is defined as the limit of legality. In Switzerland, however, the threshold for THC is 1%. The information on the product label should be taken into account and checked accordingly. As long as the guideline value is adhered to, no psychoactive effect is to be expected with proper use.

Application and Dosage

Many manufacturers market their CBD oils as dietary supplements and accordingly provide dosage recommendations. Since CBD is not marketable within the EU without approval due to the Novel Food Regulation, many providers sell products like cannhelp aroma products with CBD. These meet the same quality standards but cannot include dosage recommendations. We comply with all legal requirements, and our products are legally available. 

Packaging and Storage

CBD is sensitive to light and should therefore only be purchased in opaque packaging. Once a CBD oil has been acquired, it should ideally be stored in a cool, dark place. Since it is a light- and air-sensitive product, it can be easily stored in a kitchen cabinet. Cannabidiol oil lasts at least two years. Storing it in the refrigerator, however, can change the oil’s consistency and is not necessary if stored cool and dark otherwise.

Holding a high-quality and satisfying product in your hands is ultimately the goal of everyone. Therefore, we strongly recommend considering all the aspects listed here when purchasing CBD oils. In particular, ingredients and THC content should always be checked before buying. It also never hurts to ask for certification and take a look at it. This provides clarity about which ingredients are actually present in the purchased products. Among other things, the extraction method using CO should also be taken into account.2If you follow the recommendations provided by the manufacturer, you can enjoy the effectiveness and sustainable benefits of the product.