How to find a high-quality CBD product

Since CBD products are becoming global, their quality is very important. Putting a potentially hazardous product in/on the body, could be ineffective or even harmful. Defining which CBD product is safe, effective and of high quality is a big challenge for every consumer.

Which quality parameters should I pay attention to?

1. WHOLE-PLANT EXTRACT VS. ISOLATED

There are three main types of CBD tinctures: full-spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate. Since CBD products can be made from isolated CBD, check whether the product label or the product web page contains additional information about the extract’s content. Terms like “Full Spectrum” or “Whole Plant” mean that the product contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids and other hemp compounds. Much research confirms that CBD products containing a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids are more effective than isolated CBD.

2. THE BEST EXTRACTION

The most popular and safe CBD extraction is supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction. CO2 provides a clean, precise extraction that massively reduces the contamination potential of other methods, like ethanol, hydrocarbon and other solvent extractions.

3. CHECK FOR CBD POTENCY AND POSSIBLE CONTAMINATIONS

As the CBD concentration often deviates from the declared value on the label, it is advisable to check the CBD concentration on a certificate of analysis (COA). Due to the possibility of product contamination, which can occur at any point along the hemp chain, during the cultivation, manufacturing and packaging processes, it is advisable to review additional analyses, like for residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, microbial pathogens.

4. REVIEW ACCREDITATED LAB RESULTS

For an additional verification it is also recommended that the COA is issued by an accredited laboratory under ISO/IEC 17025, which is the most important standard for testing laboratories. The accreditation confirms that a particular laboratory can produce precise and accurate test results and calibration data, along with traceability. Laboratory 3rd-party COAs are also recommended.

5. CHOOSE A CERTIFIED GMP MANUFACTURER

Have you ever heard of abbreviations like GMP, GDP, GACAP? The most famous in the CBD industry is GMP. GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices, which is a quality-management system for ensuring that products are consistently produced and controlled according to current quality standards.

Don’t be fooled, the GMP mark on the product or a web page does not necessarily mean that the product is manufactured in accordance GMP standards. Did you know that there is a big difference between being GMP certified or only GMP complaint? It is advisable to check whether the CBD manufacturer has an official GMP certificate, or it just communicates that its products are GMP complaint. If you are searching for a high-quality product, it is very important that the CBD manufacturer validates its GMP compliance with a certificate awarded by independent and external supervisory bodies. Pay attention also to the huge differences between GMP certificates, whose requirements vary according to a particular type of CBD product, like dietary supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceutical products.

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At Pharmahemp we are rewarding our loyal customers with special offers and launches of new products. You can follow us on our social media and website for all updates. For any questions regarding the manufacturing process, quality control and final products, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].