Why not all CBD products are created equal
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Reading time 4 min
CONTENTS
CBD is everywhere and comes in all forms, but not all products are created equal. Behind the same "CBD" label, there can sometimes be worlds of difference. Let me explain how to distinguish between the good, the genuine, and the rest.
Things to remember
- Not all CBD products have the same purity or extraction quality.
- The origin of the plants and the cultivation methods directly influence the effectiveness of the product.
- A transparent brand that has been tested by an independent laboratory is the only real guarantee of trust.
The purity of CBD at the heart of the issue
If you really want good CBD, forget about appearances and look at purity. Because two products labeled "1000 mg of CBD" can be very different, depending on how they were extracted, filtered, or mixed.
There are several ways to extract CBD from the hemp plant, and not all of them are created equal.
- SupercriticalCOâextraction: this is the cleanest and most precise method. It produces pure CBD with no chemical residues, while preserving other cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Extraction using ethanol or solvents: less expensive, but often riskier, as it can leave traces of solvents in the final product.
- CBD isolate: here, only 99% pure CBD is retained, without any other components of hemp. It is an isolated molecule, often used for highly concentrated products, but less natural in their effects.
And that's where we understand the difference. A full spectrum extract contains other beneficial molecules such as CBG, CBN, and terpenes, which work synergistically. This is known as the entourage effect. A broad spectrum extract retains this richness, without THC. Isolates, on the other hand, lose some of this natural magic without THC.
A quality product must be free of pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents. These impurities, invisible to the naked eye, can nevertheless affect your health or alter the effects of CBD.
The origin of hemp, the root of trust
All CBD products come from hemp, but not all hemp is created equal. Its geographical origin, cultivation method, and variety directly influence the quality of the CBD obtained.
European hemp, a safe bet
In Europe, hemp is a highly regulated crop. Only certain varieties are permitted (with less than 0.3% THC). cultivation of hemp in the United-Kingdom, Switzerland, and the Netherlands uses sustainable methods that respect the soil. They grow hemp that is rich in cannabinoids and terpenes, but free of GMOs and pesticides.
Conversely, some products imported from countries outside Europe, particularly the United States or Asia, may come from intensive farming or contaminated soil. This CBD may contain undesirable traces.
Traceability, the key to transparency
A reputable brand should be able to tell you where its hemp comes from, how it is grown, and how it is processed. If it remains vague or avoids the question, that's a bad sign.
Mama's little tip: choose brands that emphasize:
- A local or European culture;
- Direct partnerships with producers:
Artisanal or controlled production, rather than industrial.
Because beyond marketing, it is this traceability that makes the difference between exceptional CBD and questionable CBD.
Reading labels and checking ingredients is essential.
Carrier oils: the basis of the product
CBD is fat-soluble, meaning it dissolves in fats. That's why it's always mixed with a carrier oil. And depending on which one is used, your experience will be very different:
- MCT coconut oil: light, neutral, and highly digestible. It is the preferred choice of high-end brands.
- Hemp oil: more robust, with a pronounced vegetal taste, but rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Olive oil: natural, but less stable when heated.
A good product will tell you what oil is used and in what proportions. If it doesn't specify this, be wary.
Additives and flavorings
Many brands add natural flavors (mint, citrus, vanilla) to make the taste more pleasant. This is not a problem in itself, as long as these flavors are natural and not synthetic.
But some formulas contain additives, colorants, or preservatives that have no place in a wellness product. The golden rule: the shorter the list of ingredients, the better.
Laboratory testing: the true mark of trust
Mama often tells you: a good CBD product is one that has been analyzed, certified, and is transparent. Independent laboratories test the composition of products:
- The exact CBD and THC content;
- The possible presence of contaminants (heavy metals, solvents, bacteria);
- The profile of terpenes and cannabinoids.
A genuine certificate must be dated, signed, and freely accessible (often via a QR code on the packaging). This is the only way to verify that your oil contains what it claims to contain.
Certain European labels such as Bio, Ecocert, GMP, or ISO 22000 guarantee clean and traceable practices. This is not mandatory, but it is often a good indicator of reliability.
Article written by Benjamin Poirel-Nadal
Passionate about natural well-being and plants with multiple virtues, I've been exploring the benefits of CBD and its various forms for several years.
My aim? To share with you clear information, honest opinions and practical advice to help you integrate CBD into your daily life with confidence and serenity.
