With the number of intriguing reports about the health and wellness potential of hemp-derived CBD, a significant number of people are interested in hemp-derived products. Many people who are interested put off buying CBD because they don’t feel they know enough about gauging product quality to make an informed decision. Many others simply don’t know where to start.
Of course, you want a quality CBD product at a reasonable price. While the increasing interest is CBD means you will likely find numerous places to make your first purchase, when you place your trust in a reputable company, you can shop with confidence.
Can I Buy CBD?
Yes, if you live in the United States, you can buy CBD without a prescription if your CBD is sourced from industrial hemp. Hemp-derived CBD contains 0.3 percent THC or less, differentiating the hemp plant from the other source of CBD, marijuana. If you live outside of the U.S., the laws may be different. Some countries allow a higher percentage of THC in hemp-derived products, others allow less. Some countries still prohibit the purchase of hemp-derived CBD.1
4 Factors to Consider When Buying CBD
When you make the decision to purchase hemp-derived CBD, it’s important to consider the purity and potency of the products you select. Reputable companies value transparency. Those who value transparency will give you easy access to important details to help you verify the quality of their products. Before making a final decision, consider the following four factors:
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#1 Third-Party Testing
When CBD is third-party tested, that means the product manufacturer uses an independent lab to verify the purity and potency of their products. While any company can claim their products are third-party tested, stick with companies that give you access to test results. You can use the batch test results to confirm the products you select are as potent as the company claims and free from chemical and microbial contamination.
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#2 Safe Extraction Processes
CBD is a cannabinoid found abundantly in hemp oil. The hemp oil that contains CBD (cannabidiol) is extracted from the stalks and stems of the plant. Since CBD is a consumable product, it’s essential that CBD manufacturers use food-safe extraction methods. CO2 extraction and ethyl alcohol extraction are the two most commonly used food-safe extraction methods.2 CO2 extraction uses temperature regulation and pressure to transform carbon dioxide to a near-liquid state. Once liquid, CO2 releases the plant oils. Ethanol extraction relies on a common food preservative, ethyl alcohol, for the same purpose.
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#3 The Plant Type and Quality
While most of the CBD products commonly sold online are sourced from industrial hemp, it’s important to understand that there are two potential sources, hemp, and marijuana. Hemp-derived CBD does not cause intoxication because there are only trace amounts of THC, if any. When you purchase any cannabis product, it’s important that the plants are grown from non-GMO seeds using natural farming methods. Any contaminants absorbed by the plant will find their way into your CBD oil. Batch test information can alert you to potential contamination.
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#4 Choose Quality Over Quantity
The FDA recently tested numerous products sold online and found many contained little to no CBD. That does not mean all vendors are dishonest. When purchasing CBD products, it’s important to know how many milligrams (mg) of CBD you are paying for. If you find a large bottle of CBD for a surprisingly low price, the product likely contains little cannabidiol (CBD). To avoid buying an overpriced product, verify the amount of CBD in the bottle. Then compare the cost per mg and be sure to read customer comments and feedback. Checking reviews can help you determine if the customers purchasing before you were pleased with product quality and customer service.
Where Can I Buy CBD Oil?
With the rapidly increasing popularity of hemp-derived CBD, you have likely noticed at least one retailer in your area with a sign or banner announcing they carry CBD products. Now that the federal government has lifted the restrictions on hemp cultivation, you will likely see many more. If you are ready to experience the health and wellness potential of hemp-derived CBD, you likely have access to a significant number of purchasing options, including:
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#1 Online
Most of the CBD products available for purchase online are sourced from non-intoxicating industrial hemp. Whether you are interested in CBD tinctures, topical products, capsules, or CBD vape products, the most reputable vendors, companies like CBDistillery, ship your products directly to your door. Shopping online gives you the opportunity to compare products and product quality before making a purchasing decision.
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#2 Dispensaries
A dispensary is a government-regulated retail establishment that sells cannabis and cannabis-related products. Since there are two potential sources of CBD, hemp, and marijuana, you may be able to purchase CBD through a dispensary. Whether marijuana-sourced products are sold for recreational use or by prescription for medical purposes will depend on the laws in your state. While you may find hemp-derived CBD in a dispensary, you will not find 0% THC hemp oil products.
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#3 Head Shops and Specialty Stores
CBD is turning up in specialty retail shops across the country. You will likely find CBD available in local head shops, or stores selling smoking-related paraphernalia, and other specialty retailers across the country. CBD may also be in stock at your local nutrition store, apothecary, or vape shop. If your salesperson is knowledgeable, they may be able to help you select the best product, or combination of products, to suit your needs.
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#4 Pharmacies
Since the federal government recently lifted the ban on hemp cultivation, numerous retailers are looking to dive into the market. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find hemp-derived CBD at your local pharmacy. CVS Pharmacy recently announced they are carrying topical CBD products at locations across eight states.4 For now, CVS Pharmacy will not carry ingestible products. Shortly after CVS announced their CBD pilot program, Walgreens announced plans to carry CBD in 1,500 US locations.5
Buying Online Could Be Your Best Option
Buying hemp-derived CBD online could be your best shopping option. Not only does online shopping allow you to purchase products conveniently from the comfort of your home, shopping online gives you several advantages you won’t find in stores. Consider the value of the following benefits:
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Options for Discreet Shipping
Because CBD is a cannabis product, many first-time shoppers are uncomfortable with the idea of others knowing they purchased a cannabis product. Those who are less than comfortable letting others know their shopping habits appreciate online stores that offer discreet shipping options. With discreet shipping, no one looking at your package would have any indication of the content.
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High-Quality Discounts
Many online retailers offer discounts based on the total dollar value of your purchase. Some offer promotions like free shipping, while others might offer a discount when shoppers purchase multiple products. For those using CBD regularly, online discounts can add up to significant savings.
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Convenience
While you could travel from store to store to find the best product to suit your needs, you don’t have to. Online shopping lets you order whenever you are ready, without having to drive out of your way, fight for a convenient parking spot, or spend time running from store to store to find the products you want for the best price.
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Loyalty Programs
Some online CBD retailers offer incentive programs to loyal customers. Many of these loyalty programs give customers points based on the total amount of their product purchase. Customers use their reward points to receive a discount on a future purchase. As with other discounts and promotions, loyalty programs make purchasing CBD online much more affordable than shopping in stores.
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Huge Selections
When you purchase CBD in a store, it may not be easy to find the specific product you are looking for. Your CBD options are limited to the inventory on hand. If you do manage to find the right product type, you may not have many options for product potency. Shopping online gives you access to a larger assortment of CBD products and makes it easier to find the right product for your needs.
Shopping Online with CBDistillery
People using CBD desire a quality product at a reasonable price. They want to know they are purchasing from a reputable company that values transparency and provides access to important details like extraction methods and third-party test results.
When you select products from CBDistillery™, you are purchasing from a company that oversees every aspect of production, from soil testing to product distribution and every step in between.
CBDistillery™ products are created from non-GMO hemp seeds. Our crops are grown using natural farming methods, and our full-spectrum hemp oil is CO2 extracted. You can verify the potency and purity of CBDistillery™ tinctures, topicals, softgels, gummies, and vape products by viewing the batch test results within our product images or scanning the QR code on your product label. Order online or find a CBDistillery™ retailer near you.
Additional Sources
1. Blog Cannabis. (2018) What is the Legal Status of CBD Oil in Europe in 2018?
2. Project CBD.org. (2019) Cannabis Oil Extraction.
3. Consumer Reports. L Gill (2018 September 27) How to Shop for CBD.
4. Fortune. D Reisinger (2019 March 21) CVS Pharmacy Will Begin Selling CBD Products in Stores Across 8 States.
5. Brightfield Group. (2019 March 18) Retailers are Going After CBD.
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