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, attention should be paid not only to the percentage of CBD but also to the absolute amount of the product. 10ml of CBD with 10% CBD should thus contain between 900 mg and 1000 mg of CBD, depending on the density of the oil. Equally important is the THC content in the final product. This must not exceed the legally established limit of 0.3%.

In some oils, the corresponding CBD value is composed of those with CBDA (cannabidiolic acid). CBDA is the precursor to cannabidiol and therefore does not produce 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 not recommended. However, existing analysis certificates can also be manipulated. Finally, it can happen that the CBD and THC 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, the Arge Canna currently acts as the only independent working group committed to testing cannabis products available on the market. Accordingly, their test results carry high credibility. 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 ingredients is intended to potentiate their effects, which is referred to in expert 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 can 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

As the gentlest of all effective methods to extract plant material so far, CO2 extraction is used.2 extraction are seen. The corresponding solvent evaporates completely, while the plant ingredients remain unchanged. What remains is a 100% residue-free industrial hemp extract. CBD oils obtained by Co2 -extractions obtained 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 legal limit. In Switzerland, however, the limit 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.

Usage 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 correspond to the same quality but cannot be provided with dosage recommendations. We comply with all legal regulations, and our products are legally available. 

Packaging and Storage

CBD is sensitive to light and should therefore only be obtained in opaque packaging. If a CBD oil has been purchased, it should ideally be stored cool and dark. Since this is a light- and air-sensitive product, it can be easily stored in the kitchen cabinet. The cannabidiol oil lasts at least two years. Storage in the refrigerator, on the other hand, can change the consistency of the oil and does not need to be considered if stored alternatively in a cool and dark place.

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