CBD products are everywhere these days, from oils and gummies to topicals and even pet treats. But with so many options, figuring out how to choose CBD that actually works for your needs can feel overwhelming.
Not every CBD oil or product is created equal. Some companies cut corners, use poor-quality hemp plants, or skip essential testing. That’s why understanding what to look for before you buy is the best way to stay safe and get the most from your purchase.
Here’s your simple guide on how to choose CBD oil, what to look for, what to avoid, and how to find the product that fits your goals and lifestyle.
1. Identify What You Want CBD to Do
Before you choose a CBD product, think about what you’re hoping to achieve. Are you using CBD to unwind, manage everyday discomfort, or support better sleep? The type of CBD and product form you choose can make a big difference.
- For fast results: Try CBD oil tinctures or vape products. They absorb quickly through the bloodstream.
- For longer-lasting effects: Edibles or capsules release CBD slowly as your body digests them.
- For targeted relief: Topicals like creams and balms can be applied directly to sore muscles or joints.
Everyone’s body responds differently, so finding what works best for you may take some experimentation. Start small and observe how your body reacts before increasing your dosage.
2. Understand CBD and THC
When learning how to choose CBD oil, one of the first questions to ask is whether you want your product to contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound in the cannabis plant known for its psychoactive effects or that “high” feeling.
However, in small amounts (under 0.3% THC), it can enhance the benefits of CBD through something called the entourage effect. This is when CBD, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids work together for a more balanced and effective result.
If you want the benefits of CBD without any THC, you can still enjoy it safely through other types of CBD:
- Full-Spectrum CBD: Contains all compounds from the hemp plant, including a small amount of THC (0.3% or less).
- Broad-Spectrum CBD: Includes multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but no THC.
- CBD Isolate: Pure CBD with no other cannabinoids or plant compounds.
If you’re new to CBD or sensitive to THC, start with broad-spectrum or isolate formulas before trying full-spectrum products.
3. Check Where the Hemp Comes From
The source of hemp matters. Look for CBD products made from hemp plants grown in the United States, especially from states like Colorado, Oregon, and Kentucky. These areas have strong agricultural standards and regulated growing practices.
Imported hemp doesn’t always meet the same safety standards and can contain pesticides, heavy metals, or other contaminants.
Always read the product label or visit the company’s website to verify where the hemp is sourced. Hemp grown under U.S. regulations gives you peace of mind about quality and safety.
4. Look at the CBD Content Per Serving
Many shoppers assume the big number on the bottle is how much CBD they’ll get per dose, but that’s not always true.
For example, a 1,000 mg bottle might contain 1,000 mg total CBD, not per serving. Always check how many milligrams (mg) of cannabidiol (CBD) are in each serving.
If you’re a beginner, start with a low amount of CBD (around 10–20 mg per serving) and gradually increase as your body adjusts. Remember the golden rule of CBD: start low and go slow.
5. Check for Third-Party Testing and a COA
Every trustworthy CBD brand provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent, third-party lab.
This document shows exactly what’s in your CBD product, including cannabinoid levels, THC amounts, and results for contaminants like pesticides, solvents, and heavy metals.
If a brand doesn’t make lab results easily accessible, that’s a red flag. Transparency is key to ensuring your CBD product is safe and matches what’s advertised.
6. Avoid Overhyped Claims
Be cautious of products that make bold or unrealistic health promises like “CBD cures cancer” or “guaranteed anxiety relief.”
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently approve over-the-counter CBD as a medical treatment, and only one prescription CBD medication (Epidiolex) has FDA approval for certain forms of epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
CBD may support overall wellness, but it’s not a cure-all. A trustworthy company will emphasize benefits of CBD without making exaggerated medical claims.
7. Pay Attention to Ingredients and Carrier Oils
Quality CBD oils contain more than just cannabinoids. A good product also includes a carrier oil that helps your body absorb CBD more efficiently. Common carrier oils include MCT oil, hemp seed oil, and coconut oil.
Avoid products with unnecessary additives, artificial flavoring, or unclear ingredient lists. The fewer fillers, the better.
Checking the product label also tells you whether the CBD oil includes other natural compounds like terpenes and flavonoids, which may enhance the product’s overall effects.
8. Choose the Right Form for Your Lifestyle
CBD comes in several forms of CBD, and choosing the right one can depend on your preferences and routine.
- Oils and Tinctures: Great for flexibility and fast results.
- Softgels and Capsules: Easy to take, consistent dosage.
- Gummies and Edibles: Tasty, long-lasting effects, discreet.
- Topicals: Target specific areas of discomfort.
If you prefer precise control over your dosage, start with oils or capsules. Once you know how your body responds, you can branch out to other CBD forms.
9. Compare Price and Value
When comparing products, don’t just look at the price tag. Check how much CBD per milligram you’re getting for your money. Sometimes, a slightly higher-priced option is actually more cost-effective if it contains a higher amount of CBD per serving.
Reliable brands are transparent about pricing, testing, and sourcing. Remember, high-quality CBD may cost more, but it’s worth it for your safety and results.
Sum It Up
Learning how to choose CBD doesn’t have to be confusing. Start by identifying your goals, understanding THC levels, and reading product labels carefully. Choose a trustworthy brand that’s transparent about testing, hemp sourcing, and ingredients.
At Zatural, all our full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products are made from organic, U.S.-grown hemp plants, third-party tested, and designed to fit your wellness routine.
From oils to gummies, topicals, and more, you’ll find CBD products that match your lifestyle and deliver the natural support you’re looking for.
Why buy from Zatural?
At Zatural, our customers come first. Our mission is to help increase the standard of health through natural means.
Our products are natural, organically grown, and formulated by a doctor who ensures you are receiving professional-grade ingredients and formulas that work. Zatural is transparent with their customers and upfront about their products.
Customer satisfaction is key, which is why we offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee that allows you to return your product for a full refund if you are not 100% satisfied.
Zatural CBD Products
For educational purposes only FDA DISCLAIMER
*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
2 comments
Hi Ellen, as a matter of fact, we have a Broad Spectrum Hemp Butter option. The product that you would be looking for is our CBD Butter.
Here is the link: https://zatural.com/products/cbd-butter
I would be very pleased if your ‘Hemp Butter’ was available as a ‘Broad Spectrum’ product.