CBD Label: How to Read It
The popularity of CBD is rocketing. It’s the best of times to shop for CBD and the consumers have to be savvy readers of CBD labels. Whether you buy it online or over the counter, being able to read the label on the CBD product is crucial. At the end of the day you want to know what you are buying.
CBD label requirements are not the same in all states. Currently the state licensed adult-use programs and the medical cannabis systems have the strongest label requirements. Currently CBD is not regulated federally but manufacturers often mimic the look of federal dietary ingredient labels.
CBD Dosage
One of the most important things a CBD label can tell you is the dosage. The dosage is in milligrams. You have to know the total milligrams in the entire package, serving size, milligrams per serving, and the number of servings. Every product package should clearly tell you the amount of CBD contained in milligrams.
For instance, if you are buying a CBD gummy, one gummy bear is a common serving size. The amount of CBD per serving is what amount of CBD that gummy contains and the number of servings is the number of gummies in the entire package.
CBD Oil Source
Knowing where the CBD comes from is important too. CBD products in the medical and adult use cannabis markets come from plants bred for aromas, strong effects, and flavors. These products contain THC which is a psychoactive compound that makes its users high or euphoric. On the other hand, CBD derived from industrial hemp plants contain less than 0.3% THC.
Another important thing to look out for is whether the product is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate.
- Full Spectrum: This includes other cannabinoids, terpenes, and THC
- Broad Spectrum: It contains a trace amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes but no THC
- CBD Isolate: This consists of pure CBD with no other cannabinoids and terpenes.
Batch and Lot Number
It’s important to have batch and lot number on the package. For consumers it is a sign of credibility. When there’s a recall, regulators can hold an entire batch or lot. On the other hand, to know when and where the product was made, batch and lot number is important.
Manufacturing Date
CBD degrades over time and it depends on the type of product and how you store it. The manufacturing date is very important. It tells you how old the product is. If you are buying a CBD rich flower, the fresher the better. So the product packaging must contain the manufacturing date.
LIcense Number
CBD product manufacturers must list their license number on the label. This helps the consumers distinguish between licensed and non-licensed product manufacturers. When reading the label look for a name and series of numbers. Most states allow you to look up licensees by their number.
Third Party Certification
A third party certification is the proof of the accuracy of the manufacturer’s label claims. COA or the Certificate of Analysis is one of the popular third party certifications. Manufacturers send their sample from each batch to run test and evaluate the product. Although third party lab testing is not required to sell products, reputable companies do it to ensure the consumers get what is promised on the label.
Other Ingredients
Beyond raw CBD oil or CBD isolate, most CBD products come with other ingredients. For instance, CBD gummies contain glycerin, colors, and flavors. CBD tinctures may come with some other oil, spirits, or glycerin. Scrutinize other ingredients for quality, purity,and the presence of allergens.
QR Codes
Having QR codes on the label is a sign of quality. Although it is not obvious to scan the QR code, you can get the lab test results by doing it.
Warning Labels
CBD has interaction issues with other drugs. Look for the warning on the label. Read it carefully. Always make sure you know if CBD has some interaction issue with other drugs or supplements you are taking.
Contact Information
Aside from license number the product label must contain the basic contact information of the manufacturer. This can be a website which allows you to research the product and make an informed choice.
Ingredients to Avoid
There are ingredients you need to avoid. Read the label carefully and see if the product contains such ingredients. Like in CBD vape, avoid additives including thinners, thickers, vitamins, or other essential oils.
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The Bottom line
Before purchasing CBD oil products, it is very important for you to be able to read the label. This will help you know everything about the product you are buying. This will also help you distinguish between the scammers and the reputable brands. Always look for third party lab test results. Furthermore avoid the brands who fail to provide you with the third party lab test results or COAs.