How much do you trust your CBD company?
In a nation where the hemp industry is virtually unregulated, individuals and companies are scrambling to capitalize on a booming market. As laws and regulations are forming, many companies are taking advantage of the loose structure and in many cases are providing an inferior product, or worse, a dangerous product. An example of this occurred in our shop this past fall. A customer brought us a bottle of CBD that was purchased from one of the largest national retailers in the world. Having bought it from a store that traditionally has great products at amazing prices, confidence was high that the CBD was of top quality. However, upon analyzing the contents, website, and lack of certifications the exact opposite was found. The $80 bottle of CBD was not only labeled incorrectly, but the main ingredients were water, high fructose corn syrup, red dye 40, sodium benzoate, and a very minimal amount of what was supposed to be CBD. With no lab tests we really had zero idea of what the bottle contained. This came from a national chain retailer. So, if this can happen, how can you protect yourself? There are a few things to look for that will ensure the company you buy from knows what they're doing and has your best interest in mind.
- Do they have all the proper licenses required to manufacture and sell CBD?
This is a big one. Proper licensing ensures that the products are being tested and the labeling is accurate. Rule of thumb...never buy CBD from a company without first seeing a recent and official third-party lab test and their CBD license.
- Where do they source their hemp from?
As Louisiana forms its industrial hemp market it is imperative that its natives support the states initiatives and the local businesses that make up the Louisiana hemp industry. Foreign and out of state companies have already flooded the local hemp scene. We need to support our local farmers, especially in 2020 as this is the state's first year to grow hemp. At Aromatic Infusions we grow hemp in Utah and will be growing on 7 different farms and greenhouses in Louisiana this year. CBD extraction will be performed in a state approved lab here in Lafayette parish. We will be one of the only seed to shelf CBD companies in the state, if not the only one.
- Is it an internet company or is it a real store or manufacturer.
Most people would want to buy a product from the manufacturer, not someone who simply puts their label on someone else's bottle. This is referred to as white labeling. CBD is a therapeutic oil. You want to deal with the people making it, or at least a representative. If you buy CBD from the internet, make sure you verify their credentials. Put a name, face, and lab tests behind that bottle before you ingest it.
- False claims and rock bottom prices.
CBD is expensive to distill and isolate. There is a price floor that is present and when a company sells at this level or below it this is a huge red flag. A few months ago, I saw a 20 oz bottle of lavender oil selling for $15. Knowing the production cost of lavender, I immediately knew this was not a pure lavender. You get what you pay for, and although the costs of producing CBD is falling, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Tips For Verifying Quality of CBD
- Certificates of Analysis
- The first thing you should look for when purchasing CBD is a Certificate of Analysis.
- A Certificate of Analysis will show all the cannabinoids that are in the bottle and the potency of these cannabinoids. Most reputable CBD companies will have these readily available on their website or are willing to provide one to you.
- We recommend scanning over the document and verifying a few things:
- Locate the company’s name that you are purchasing from on the Certificate
- Locate the level of CBD on the Certificate and verify that the amount is on the bottle (most testing companies provide the CBD potency on a mg/mL scale, so a bottle of 1000mg should test at about 33.3mg/mL)
- If the company does not provide a Certificate on their website and they are not willing to give you a copy, then they most likely do not sell a pure CBD product.
- Keywords
- Look for keywords on the bottle to ensure that the bottle you purchased contains CBD.
- Some Keywords to look for are:
- CBD
- Cannabidiol
- Hemp Cannabinoid Extract
- Full Spectrum
- Isolate
- Broad Spectrum
- If the bottle you purchased do not contain any of these words, it is most likely a bottle of hemp seed oil that is being marketed in the same way that CBD is.
- The Company makes Major Health Claims
- If the company you are purchasing from claims that their products will “Cure” a specific disease or illness, the company is not a reputable company.
- It is immoral and unethical for any company selling CBD to claim that their product will cure any disease or illness because there is not enough evidence out there to state this as a fact.
- Instead look for companies that use these types of phrasing:
- Our CBD has been proven to help with ________.
- Our CBD may aid in the management of these symptoms.
- We have had many customers report that CBD has helped them with these symptoms.
- Extremely High Doses
- Most adults need about 15-30mg of CBD per day to see satisfactory result from using CBD.
- If you see a bottle that offers 5,000mg, 10,000mg, or 20,000mg and it is not priced at over $200, then it is most likely a fake bottle. These companies stole this marketing technique from the CBD industry and make it seem as if they are offering a ridiculous deal.
If you have any questions about the purity of a product that you have purchased, or if you have any questions about our products, email CBD@aromaticinfusions.com or call our store at 1-337-573-7024.
