When choosing your CBD, it’s critical to look at the label. But how do you read it? Since the FDA doesn’t currently regulate the manufacturing of CBD, learning about it, and choosing the right product can be confusing. But we’ll show you how it’s done.
Even without regulations for the manufacturing of CBD, the FDA does provide guidelines for the product label. The label on your CBD oil or gummies should give information about what’s in the bottle and who manufactured it.
Because there are still plenty of questions without answers about CBD’s effectiveness, be sure you are purchasing a pure product manufactured in a reputable facility. Keep reading to learn more about what to look for on your CBD product label.
It’s Legal, But Make Sure It’s Good
Much like any legal health supplement, just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s a quality product. CBD (cannabinoid) products can cover a wide range of options: from cheap and questionable to more expensive and better quality. However, you don’t always have to spend more to get better quality CBD products. CBD labels can tell you what you’re getting despite the price.
The labels should include (at minimum) the following information.
The Manufacturer and Distributor
Sometimes the manufacturer and distributor can be the same company. However, you’ll often find a CBD product manufactured by one company then distributed by another. Research one or both names when you find them on the label.
Do an online search for the company names. Find information about their testing standards and facilities. Because the FDA doesn’t regulate the manufacturing of CBD products, no standards currently exist for testing or storing these products. You risk purchasing products with contaminants when you choose a company that doesn’t follow best practices for testing and storing products.
Pro tip: If you can’t find any information on a company’s testing or facilities, you might want to steer clear of that product. There are plenty of other options for better-quality CBD products.
The Ingredients
Is it “pure” CBD oil? Check the list of ingredients to be sure.
- Hemp-derived oil — If your CBD product derives from hemp, the label should tell you how much hemp oil is in your product.
- Cannabinoid-derived oil — If your CBD product derives from cannabinoid (marijuana), you’ll see that on the label.
Additional ingredients aren’t necessarily harmful, but it’s important to note every ingredient on the label to understand what’s in your product. Some products can include beneficial herbs, other carrier oils, flavors, artificial coloring, or sweeteners.
Watch for THC. To remain a legal CBD product, the label should show only trace amounts—or no more than .3 percent—THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the ingredient in marijuana that causes a “high.”
Pro Tip: If your product label says it’s “pure,” beware of too many “extra” ingredients on the label.
The Amount of Product in the Bottle
CBD oil labels have to tell you how much product is in the bottle. In general, CBD oil comes in three bottle sizes: 0.5 ounce (15ml), 1 ounce (30ml), and 3.38 ounce (100ml) sizes.
Pro Tip: While you find larger bottles on occasion, standard product sizes make it easier to compare other information on the product label.
The Serving Size
How much CBD should you take? The product label should provide the recommended dosages. Your CBD oil bottle comes with a dropper. In most cases, half of the dropper gives you a 0.5-milliliter dose of product—a standard dosage.
However, depending on the strength of your CBD oil, the right dosage recommendation can vary.
Pro Tip: Start with a low dosage, then increase it over time as-needed.
What Else?
For health-related products, the FDA requires the information to be truthful and not misleading. It’s always wise to do an internet search to verify label information before purchasing CBD products. CBD products can’t claim to “cure” problems—be wary of any product packaging that makes such claims.
Regarding the packaging, the label should be clear and easy to read. Information should be forthcoming and follow standard label formatting. The product itself should also follow the guidelines of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970. These guidelines help the packaging for household products package prevent a child from accessing the product.
A CBD Product Label Protects You!
If a CBD product label omits critical information or appears misleading, protect yourself by looking for a better product. There should be no question about what’s in your CBD product. Never risk purchasing or ingesting a contaminated product! Until the FDA begins regulating the manufacturing of CBD products, do your research before choosing CBD oil.
You never have to wonder what goes into our products. We list our ingredients on the product packaging, as well as on our website. You’ll also see bottle sizes, product strength, and how to best store your CBD oil.
Shop our products with confidence!
