What To Look for in CBD Products – Muscle MX
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What To Look for in CBD Products
CBD Education

 

What To Look for
in CBD Products

Have you considered trying CBD (cannabidiol) products for pain, anxiety, or other concerns? You’re not alone.

A 2019 Gallup poll found that 14% of Americans use CBD, while another survey performed in 2020 found that 33% of Americans currently use, or have used, CBD products.

The popularity of CBD products has grown since the 2018 Farm Bill, and experts predict the trend will continue. Increasing interest in CBD has led to the emergence of numerous product options, with countless companies offering their products for sale in-store and online.

The only problem is that not all CBD products are equal. You’ll need to keep a few things in mind to ensure you purchase high-quality items.

Types of CBD Products

CBD products contain hemp-derived CBD, which may be an isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum extract. Isolates contain CBD only. Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products feature many of the original plant's cannabinoids and terpenes. The only difference is that full-spectrum products have no more than 0.3% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), while broad-spectrum options have no THC.

Today, there is seemingly an endless variety of CBD products available online. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by your options. Understanding the different products available can help you choose the best fit for your needs.

Topical Products

Topicals are CBD products that you apply to your skin. They include an array of CBD-infused lotions, creams, and balms. Along with hemp-derived CBD, they also contain other ingredients to promote specific health benefits, such as easing chronic pain, muscle aches, and inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and acne.

One of the key features that sets topicals apart from other CBD products is how you use them. Most other CBD products are ingestible. CBD and other active cannabinoids get into your bloodstream via your digestive system or through absorption under your tongue. The CBD in topicals absorbs into your skin, providing more targeted relief.

CBD Gummies

CBD gummies are edible products similar to chewy gummy candies. You’ll find them in a wide variety of fruity flavors. Like other CBD products, they may also contain other cannabinoids or ingredients to help you achieve specific benefits, such as ashwagandha for relaxation or green coffee caffeine for energy.

Each gummy contains a specific amount of CBD — which you’ll find on the label — making dosing a breeze. Once you determine your ideal dosage, you can take the number of gummies that coincide with that amount.

CBD Oils

CBD oil is often the first thing that comes to mind when people think of CBD products. It’s a liquid preparation consisting of a CBD extract suspended in an oil — usually medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), coconut, or hemp. Some also contain flavors or additional beneficial ingredients.

You’ll usually find CBD oils in opaque bottles sealed with caps that have built-in droppers for easy dosing. You can take your desired amount under your tongue or mix it with your favorite food or beverage.

What To Look for When Buying CBD Products Online

While CBD products are legal, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to issue clear regulations regarding approved and unapproved uses. That makes it easy for less reputable brands to sell inconsistent, ineffective, and even unsafe products.

However, many other companies are creating high-quality, effective, and consistent CBD products for consumers. The question is, how do you tell the good from the bad?

Below, you'll find five things to look for when shopping for CBD products.

1. Cannabis-Derived Ingredients

Take a look at a product’s ingredient label. The whole reason you’re buying CBD products is for the CBD. As such, you should see hemp-derived CBD (cannabidiol) on the list. You may also see “hemp extract,” which some companies use as an alternative.

Be wary of any product that doesn’t list either CBD or hemp extract as an ingredient.

You may find some CBD products that list hempseed or cannabis sativa seed oil as an ingredient. It isn’t the same as CBD, as hemp plant seeds contain no cannabinoids. Make sure you see CBD or hemp extract somewhere on the ingredient list.

2. Safety Claims

While the FDA hasn’t issued regulations for CBD products, there are still things companies can’t do, including making unsupported safety claims. For instance, some companies will label their products as “safe for all users.”

Avoid products making safety claims. Instead, you should see warnings that recommend keeping products out of reach of children or consulting your physician if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications.

3. Therapeutic Claims

CBD product labels also can’t make unsupported health claims. While research shows CBD has many potential benefits, you should watch for definitive claims that a product can cure or prevent certain health conditions.

4. Active Ingredients and Cannabinoid Analysis

You should know what you’re putting in or on your body, especially if you have allergies or sensitivities to ingredients that could cause adverse reactions.

A reputable CBD company will tell you exactly what’s in its products besides CBD. You should find a complete ingredient list and a cannabinoid analysis performed by a third-party lab.

5. Heavy Metal Analysis

While CBD companies aren’t technically required to have their products third-party lab-tested, doing so helps ensure product quality, safety, and labeling accuracy.

In addition to a cannabinoid analysis, you should be able to find information regarding a product’s heavy metal and contaminant analyses. The results won’t always be on the label, but you can usually find them on a company’s website or by request. If the company stalls or refuses to provide them, you should look elsewhere for the products you want.

Shop the Wide Range of Products Muscle MX Offers

With so many available options, finding the best CBD products on the market can feel impossible. Knowing what to look for — and what to avoid — in a potential product makes the process much easier.

Check the product labels, read the ingredients, and don’t hesitate to ask for third-party lab results.

Muscle MX provides a variety of high-quality CBD products scientifically formulated with clean, natural ingredients, including USA-grown hemp. With options such as topicals, gummies, and oils, you’ll find a product that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Check out our products to learn more!

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