I'm in the USA so this applies only to our geographic area... Sorry but I am not familiar with what is going on in localities outside of the States...
I am not in any way giving medical advice and I am not responsible for the information below.
Ok, to get started:
Does CBD Have THC?
- Full spectrum products have THC. Be careful of brands with full spectrum products stating "THC-free"!
- Broad spectrum products have multiple cannabinoid components but no THC.
- Isolates have CBD only.
Is Hemp Oil and/or Hemp Seed Oil CBD?
- NO! CBD is a processed byproduct of the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant only.
- Very inexpensive brands are likely just hemp seed oil or hemp oil with the implication of CBD benefits... snake oil.
Does CBD Work?
No science data is currently accepted yet. Some people swear by it and others never experience the sought after benefits.
Is CBD Legal?
- That is a very broad definition. The easiest answer is many states still consider it illegal (Idaho for example). Technically per the FDA CBD is illegal if in any product ingested or put on the skin. Its common to read in the news product being confiscated of store shelves across the country.
- Just google the legality in the local area where you live and see what pops up.
What Should I Look For In A Quality Brand?
- Hemp is Grown and Processed in the USA
- 3rd party tested on EVERY batch produced. Tests confirm no pesticides, herbicides, solvents, molds, metals, and validate the purity and potency of the batch.
- Manufactured in a GMP certified lab/facility
- Non-GMO, Organic, and for applicable products like oils/tinctures, vegan.
- The brand should manufacture its own product for quality control.
- The brand should have a quality website that shows all the above information plus, company information, address, how long they have been in business, contact information, return policy, etc.
- The brand should provide clear directions on how to use each of its particular products.
How Much Should I Pay?
- This is a hard question to answer but in general, take the potency (mg) you are looking for and multiply by the following factors for the following products. Some quality brands may be cheaper but the following is a current guideline:
- Oils and Tinctures - 5.6 cents per mg
- Gel Caps - 6.0 cents per mg
- Gummies - 6.2 cents per mg
- Topicals - Can't really apply a metric because of the wide variation in formulations
- Vape - I don't follow vape products as I don't like what it can do to the lungs. Sorry.
How Much (mg) Should I Take?
- To my knowledge, there is no scientific definitive answer. Basically, start with a low dosage (10-20 mg/day) and slowly increase the dosage until the desired effect occurs. The benefits take time to show up. Again, there is no science yet to all this so give each dosage level time (few days to a week) before deciding to change the dosage. If you are overdosing you are wasting money.
These are the questions brands should be addressing in their marketing efforts. Contact EpochBG for more information how to market your CBD brand.