The CBD market has exploded over the past few years. Since the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018 (which legalized hemp-derived CBD in the US), new CBD brands have been practically popping up daily. While there is everything from CBD coffee to gummies, CBD oil remains one of the most popular products amongst people from all walks of life.
As it becomes more and more ubiquitous, consumers have been left asking the questions: what exactly makes a CBD oil high-quality, and how does one find the best CBD oil brand? While the world of CBD can seem a bit confusing, the following will give you clarity on how to find the top CBD oils on the market.
The 3 Types of CBD Oil
Before diving into what makes a high-quality CBD oil, it’s important to understand the types that exist. One common misconception is that there is only one type of CBD oil. However, as you look into different options on the market, you’ll come across three main categories of CBD oil: isolate, broad-spectrum, and full spectrum.
Isolate
A CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. To create a CBD isolate, a CBD concentrate goes through what is called a winterization process. This means the CBD is isolated from the other compounds found in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other plant parts. Typically, a CBD isolate will be extracted from the hemp plant (rather than the marijuana plant), because this plant has the lowest concentration of THC.
Broad Spectrum
With a broad spectrum CBD oil, the plant compounds (including cannabinoids and terpenes) remain intact in the concentrate. However, a broad spectrum of CBD oil goes through a process so that the remaining THC is removed.
Full Spectrum
A full-spectrum CBD oil contains, as you might have guessed, the widest range of plant compounds. It has the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds found in the plant. Unlike with broad-spectrum CBD oil, the THC is not removed. However, it contains trace amounts, so there is not enough to get users high. If you are in Georgia, you can buy CBD in Atlanta and other large cities.
What Makes a High-Quality CBD Oil?
So what exactly constitutes a great CBD oil? There are a few factors that impact the quality of a CBD product. Whether you are looking for the best broad-spectrum CBD oil, a high-quality full-spectrum oil, or a stellar isolate, the following factors will help you determine whether an oil is of exceptional quality.
One major factor is where the hemp is grown. Higher caliber brands will often grow their own hemp or source it from local farmers. By doing this, they are fully aware of the processes that are being implemented to grow the plant and can be confident that they are using the best quality hemp. On the other side of the spectrum, some brands import plants from out of the country. While this can cut down on costs, these brands won’t know exactly what regulations or practices were put in place to grow these plants. This means they are getting lower-quality plants, and ultimately crafting lower-quality CBD oil.
The CBD extraction process also plays a part in the quality of a CBD oil. There are two main extraction processes: ethanol extraction and CO2 extraction. With ethanol extraction, the plant is mixed with alcohol, and then the ethanol is evaporated. This process is typically less expensive and can be done on large batches. There may also be some traces of solvent in the final product. However, ethanol extraction is preferred by many, as it keeps intact all of the other parts of the hemp plant including all cannabinoids and terpenes.
Through CO2 extraction, a machine uses pressurized carbon dioxide to extract oil from the plant. Unlike ethanol extraction, the leftover solvent won’t be found in the final product. CO2 extraction works on smaller batches, so it can be more expensive – which is why some brands choose to go the ethanol extraction route.
Finally, consumers should be looking at the carrier oils that are used in CBD oils to determine which products are the highest quality. A carrier oil enhances the bioavailability of the CBD, which refers to how much CBD the body can process at a time.
Essentially, a carrier oil helps you get the most benefit from the CBD without letting any of it go to waste. Plus, certain carrier oils can offer additional health benefits. Some effective carrier oils include hemp oil, MCT oil, and grape seed oil.
Tips On Finding the Best CBD Oil Brand For You
When looking for a great CBD brand for your needs, it is important to keep the factors mentioned above in mind. If you are interested in a CBD brand, look into their product information and business practices to determine what goes into making their oils. This will help you determine if the brand is true as they seem – or if you need to keep looking.
An example of a top-quality CBD oil brand is Every Day Optimal. The company produces a variety of CBD products, including isolates and broad spectrum oils. Looking at the requirements mentioned above, they check off all the boxes necessary to create an exceptional CBD oil.
Every Day Optimal has teamed up with industry-leading farmers across the US to source industrial hemp grown in organic conditions. The company uses CO2 extraction methods to craft their oils, which are created with carrier oils to boost bioavailability. Beyond the high-caliber production practices and ingredients, the company has received over 1200 (and counting) 5-star reviews from customers.
Why Do People Take CBD?
The benefits of CBD go far and wide, and studies continue to reveal new benefits and uses of CBD. Some of the most common reasons people turn to CBD include the following:
- Relieve Pain: Those dealing with either chronic or acute discomfort may be able to find relief by using CBD topically or orally. While CBD is not necessarily a treatment for conditions or injuries, it may help people cope with pain. One 2015 study found that CBD applied topically may help reduce pain related to arthritis. A separate survey of CBD users reported that 42% of those using CBD for pain said it worked better than typical pain medication.
- Promote Sleep: Many sufferings from sleepless nights turn to CBD. Multiple studies have shown the benefits of using CBD to promote sleep, including a 2019 study which found that patients who self-reported poor sleep quality was able to improve their sleep quality within the first month of taking CBD.
- Reduce Stress and Anxiety: CBD is commonly used by people dealing with stress and/or anxiety to tap into balance and relaxation. One study found that CBD may help users relieve anxious behavior and find a sense of calmness.
By finding the right brand with the best CBD oil, you’ll get the best results with CBD. Be sure to take the time to look into the brands you are interested in, and you’ll be on track towards the incredible benefits of CBD.