CBD is a popular all-natural hemp compound. A quick "buy CBD online" search returns over 150,000,000 results. But with so many brands to choose from and no oversight, it's tricky to know where to start. This guide will show you how to single out a CBD brand that's right for you.

U.S.-Grown Hemp

It's vital to know where your CBD is coming from. The United States has some of the highest quality standards in the world in agriculture. Many brands still import plant matter from other countries with fewer regulations.

Hemp is a bio-accumulator plant that pulls toxins and other compounds from the soil. This feature can be a good or bad thing, depending on the quality of the soil. If the brand grows the plants in nutrient-rich soil, you'll get CBD rich in vitamins and other beneficial compounds. But if the soil is full of toxins, those can also end up in the final product.

The best way to ensure you're getting a premium hemp extract from clean and pure plants is to buy from brands that only use domestically grown plants. That way, you can be sure of the quality of the soil and farming practices.

Cultivation Method

Non-GMO, organic hemp is the best option for consumption. But not every brand takes this route. Some use pesticides and other harmful chemicals in the farming process. These can end up in the final product, so choosing brands that only use organic farming methods is essential.

The hemp plant has been thriving worldwide for over 10,000 years. It's a resilient plant that doesn't require much in the way of pesticides or other chemicals. Using too many chemicals can damage the plant and reduce the quality. So, when a CBD brand says they use organic farming methods, it's a good sign they're producing a quality product.

Extraction Methods

Next, you want to look at the CBD removal process. The most common methods are CO2 extraction and alcohol extraction.

CO2 extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide to pull the desired compounds from the plant matter. There are three primary methods: supercritical, mid-critical, and subcritical.

Supercritical

Supercritical is the most effective but also the most expensive. It's also the most gentle, pulling out a broader range of compounds from the plant.

Mid-Critical

Mid-critical is a happy medium between supercritical and subcritical in terms of cost and effectiveness. It can still pull a broad range of compounds, but it's not as gentle as supercritical. Because of this, it takes less time to complete and isn't as expensive.

Subcritical

Subcritical uses lower temperatures and pressure than the other two methods. It's less effective but also the least expensive. Because it's less gentle, it can leave behind some of the more delicate compounds in the plant.

Alcohol extraction

Alcohol extraction is the other popular method. It uses a solvent (usually ethanol) to remove the desired compounds from the plant. The primary advantage of this method is that it's less expensive than CO2 extraction.

When done correctly, the alcohol evaporates completely, leaving no residue. But if not done correctly, there's a risk of the final product having traces of alcohol. The downside is that it can harm the environment and your health.

Additional Ingredients

Most brands don't offer pure CBD extract. Even companies that promise all-natural, minimalistic products add flavoring. A premium hemp extract has a unique taste. Many people find it unpleasant, so brands often add essential oils or flavors to mask the taste.

With these extra components, you need to check a few things.

• Are they natural flavorings? For example, some brands use terpenes to enhance the flavor. These are all-natural and found in the hemp plant.
• Are they safe? Some brands add artificial flavors or sweeteners. These are safe for most people but can cause problems for those with allergies or sensitivities.
• Do they add anything else? Some brands add other cannabinoids, like CBN or CBG. Others add herbs or vitamins for additional benefits. 

Always read the complete label. That way, you'll know what's in the product.

Transparency and Testing

Finally, you want to ensure the brand is transparent about its products and testing.

CBD brands should make their third-party lab results available to customers. These results show the CBD's potency and purity. They also show if there are any contaminants in the product.

You can usually find lab results on the brand's website. We recommend looking for them before you make a purchase. That way, you can be confident you're getting a quality product.

Product Type

The type of product you choose is also essential. CBD comes in many forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, oils are easy to use but can be hard to measure the dosage. Capsules are easy to measure but can take longer to work. Think about how you want to use your premium hemp extract and choose the product that best fits your needs.

Some brands only focus on a handful of products. Others offer a wide range. There's no right or wrong answer. It just depends on what you're looking for.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a CBD brand can be overwhelming. There are thousands of brands to choose from, and they all claim to be the best. With CBD, quality is essential. But it's not the only factor to consider. You also want to make sure the brand is reputable and transparent. By checking these boxes, you can be confident you're getting a premium hemp extract from a brand you can trust.

Medigreens is a CBD brand that offers a wide range of products. We use all natural ingredients, and our products are available in various forms. All of our products are third-party lab tested for potency and purity. Visit our website to learn more about our products and company.