20/04/2018
4 Questions You Need to Ask About Your Cannabinoid Products:
With the CBD and cannabinoid industry growing exponentially, researchers continue to explore the compounds’ therapeutic properties and new products are constantly being introduced on the market. Not all cannabinoid products are created equal, however, and it’s important that you do a little bit of research before purchasing.
As you explore the multitude of cannabinoid products on the market, ask these 4 important questions to ensure that you’re only consuming the safest and highest quality products:
Where are the plants grown? Are they grown safely?
All forms of cannabinoid-producing plants are bioaccumulators, which means they absorb compounds and substances from the soil. While this is beneficial for the plants to grow dense and tall, it can allow contaminants, metals or pollutants to seep from the soil into the plants and eventually make their way into cannabinoid products. Before buying a cannabinoid product, ask whether the plants are grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. It’s also a good idea to ask where the plants for the cannabinoid product were grown. If dispensary or retail store workers can confidently answer the question, it’s a sign that they understand and care about the products they’re providing.
What type and potency of cannabinoids does the product contain?
It is important to know the potency of the cannabinoid product that you’re going to incorporate into your healthcare routine. Products can contain all different levels of cannabinoids. Some products contain higher amounts of the psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has shown to provide an array of therapeutic benefits but will also cause a user to experience a high. Others may have more cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive cannabinoid that won’t cause a high but has shown to offer neuroprotectant and antioxidant properties.
It’s also a good idea to know how much of a particular cannabinoid a product contains. For example, if you’re looking for a CBD product, compare the differences in concentration of CBD among products. You can learn more about the benefits of each major cannabinoid here to help you select the type of product that’s right for your needs.
Does the cannabinoid product undergo strict testing?
It’s extremely important that cannabinoid products are tested for any outside contamination. Because of the plant’s identity as a bioaccumulator, toxins like microbes, mold, heavy metals, and other possible contaminants can make their way into cannabinoid products. Always ask whether an independent accredited lab has tested the cannabinoid product for safety and quality before you buy or consume it.
What, if any, are the other ingredients used in the product?
While some people prefer to consume pure cannabinoid products, some products, such as edibles and tinctures, include other ingredients beyond the cannabinoids and other natural constituents themselves. Cannabinoid products are designed to encourage homeostasis, so you don’t want to tamper with this balance by selecting products that contain artificial ingredients. Be sure to ask whether any additional ingredients that are added to products are all natural and not synthetic.
