Finding the best CBD tinctures of supplements depends on a number of factors: here are the top 3
Not all CBD is the same, and some can be just plain useless.
In the U.S. “Wild West” of CBD, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has yet to come out with national standards, leaving many states to consider their own. The benefits of CBD are considerable, but “What many people don’t realize is that not all CBD is the same,” said Mark Patterson, vice president and co-founder of SilverLeaf Global, who spoke with Chiropractic Economics on choosing a CBD product or line of products for patients or individuals.
Among the top 3 considerations in choosing a CBD product are the quality of the hemp it was produced from, the potency, and the safety of the product and the company.
Best CBD: Hemp production and potency
“[CBD products are] different depending on many factors with, the primary factors being hemp seed chosen to grow, how it is grown and harvested, how the CBD is processed out of the hemp material, strength chosen, filler and if the product is tested throughout manufacturing, and once finalized, tested again by a certified independent testing laboratory to verify purity, strength and overall quality,” Patterson says.
He adds, “Do not let this dishearten you in choosing a product as there is a concise way to determine the product you want and verify it is as advertised.”
The best CBD potency also depends on purity and the amount of additives.
“The potency, or said differently the strength of CBD, is chosen by the supplier during the processing phase,” Patterson says. “As an example, a CBD product that has a 1,000mg strength is determined by fixed mathematical equations calculated in milligrams.”
As important for consumers is the concentration or amount of formula you have to take to get the best CBD recommended dose or strength claimed on the product.
“Most products are sold in 1 oz. dropper bottles or more, which is twice or more diluted than buying the same strength in a 0.5 oz. dropper bottle,” he says. “The 0.5 oz. bottle archives the same dosing strength in taking half of what you would take in a 1 oz. bottle. Concentration allows for more accurate dosing, more CBD strength per drop, and further benefit is better bioavailability.”
Most additives, such as Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) oil, usually a fatty component of coconut oil, is a carrier oil to aid with digestion and assist with blood stream absorption.
“Most CBD formulas contain additives which improves dosing, formulation and overall assurance of quality and outcomes,” Patterson says. “This said, understanding the additive used is important and it should be found on the product ingredient label. Additives, though beneficial and an important part of the formulation process, should be stated on the ingredient label as the inactive ingredient.”
Hemp safety and spectrums
Each CBD product should have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) available for inspection, which is a full panel test on the product from a certified testing laboratory, and usually available on the company website. If not, that’s a red flag.
“If a COA is not available publicly or you have to ask for one to be provided outside of their website, buyer beware,” Patterson says. “Another important fact to know is if you are buying full-spectrum CBD or broad-spectrum CBD. Both are compliant under federal regulations but full spectrum contains small trace amounts of THC versus broad spectrum that, backed by a COA, should show non-detect THC (THC free).”
Full spectrum CBD must have less than 0.3% THC by law, is legal in all 50 states, and will not give users a “high.” The trace amount of THC in full-spectrum CBD is purported to create an “entourage effect” where CBD and THC together create interaction between phytocannabinoids and terpenes where the compounds in cannabis work together to produce a better effect than when taken alone.
“Also, it is important to verify the CBD is from hemp produced in the U.S. due to it being grown under strict federal and state regulations, which are not required by other countries who grow hemp,” Patterson says.
According to Patterson, things to look for in the fine print of the best CBD products include:
• Grown and made in the USA
• THC free if your situation dictates
• Organically grown
• Non-GMO
• Vegan certified
• Certified kosher
• Dosage instructions
• Verify if it contains a UPC code and lot number
The amount of CBD to be taken will depend on the brand and dosing instructions. Dosing may vary from individual to individual, and advanced dosing may be available on the company website.
Bioavailability is the ease in which the body can absorb the product, and makes a difference when choosing the form of CBD.
“The gold standard is taking a CBD tincture directly under the tongue and holding there for two minutes before swallowing,” Patterson says of the most immediate and absorb-able method. “Best not to eat for 10 minutes of dosing to achieve the best absorption possible. For best results, CBD oil or gel caps are recommended. Gummies and CBD added into other ingestible products reduces effectiveness and ultimately diminishes bioavailability.”
Mark Patterson is vice president and co-founder of SilverLeaf Global, which produces Nanosol Pro and Nanosol Pet products that are tested by a verified, FDA-approved testing facility, and have a Certificate of Analysis that has been provided by the testing facility. For more info go to nanosolpro.com.
