CBD CHECKLIST: What to look for when buying CBD

Our company was founded with a mission to provide high-quality CBD products to those who need them most. We understand that safe and effective CBD is important to our customers. As our company grew, we initiated more efficient processes to control purity, potency and consistency by doing everything ourselves. From the organic hemp we grow sustainably, to the formulations we extract and test rigorously, Lazarus Naturals controls and oversees the entire process. Now we'd like to empower our customers by passing on the knowledge of what they should look for when shopping for quality CBD—because it’s the right thing to do. If you don’t know what to watch out for when buying CBD, our experts are here to help. In this beginner’s CBD guide, you’ll find out everything you need to know about finding quality CBD oil.

Price- Not all cbd is priced fairly

If you’ve done much comparison shopping of CBD products, the first thing you may notice is the wide and often illogical range of price to potency. You would think that the higher the potency, the higher the price. But that isn’t always the case when shopping for a quality CBD product. In a comparison of leading brands, we found some charging three or four times more for the same amount of CBD potency. The most expensive product is not necessarily the better product; however, if the price seems too good to be true—it usually is. Cheap CBD typically equals poor quality CBD, contaminated raw materials, low-grade solvents, and additives. Make sure you do your research and read the label so you don’t buy fake CBD oil.

The best way to compare prices is on a “price per milligram of CBD” basis. To calculate the price per milligram for a high quality CBD oil product, simply divide the total price by the total amount of CBD in milligrams, as seen in the below image. By comparing prices on the basis of price per milligram, you get a true comparison of value for your money. Use this calculator below to see how Lazarus Naturals Standard Potency Tincture and High Potency Tinctures compare.

Is it organic?

Finding a CBD brand made from organically grown hemp should be a top priority. Hemp is a natural bioremediator, meaning it has the ability to draw toxins and metals from the soil. This is a huge win for the soil but is not desirable if you plan to make CBD from a hemp plant grown in toxic soil. A hemp plant will absorb chemicals or pesticides used in cultivation, so if your CBD comes from contaminated hemp, it's very likely that some of those chemicals will wind up in the final product.

Organic farming practices are much safer for the environment as they avoid the use of harmful chemicals and materials. Good crops come from good soil, and by farming with natural compost and non-toxic manures, it improves the overall quality. When crops like hemp are grown organically, they can improve the soil for the next cultivation.

Organically grown hemp produces superior natural products. In 2020, 120 acres of Lazarus Naturals hemp crop earned USDA Organic Certification through Oregon Tilth, a certifying agent of the USDA's organic program. As we now convert our latest harvest into the products you know and trust, keep an eye out for the coveted USDA Certified Organic badge on many of our hemp-derived CBD products—including oil tinctures, massage oil, and coconut oil!  

We’re proud to operate our farm with organic growing practices, which play a large part in growing the highest quality hemp possible—along with the ideal climate and soil conditions that come with our home along the sunny 45th parallel in central Oregon. Lazarus Naturals is committed to practices that benefit local air, soil, and water—which enables us to be better neighbors and stewards of the beautiful land we share.

3rd party testing - know what's in your product

CBD that comes from organically grown hemp can still contain toxins and metals, due to it’s bioremedial qualities. So, how do you know what’s in your product? Any CBD oil company you purchase from should have third-party lab testing results available on their website. These are known as a Certificate of Analysis or COA. Reputable companies post these on their websites for any customer to refer to. If a company is unable or unwilling to share test results with you directly, we strongly recommend not buying products from them. You can find a COA on our website by visiting the “Test Results” tab on an individual product page, or by visiting "Test Results" from the "Learn" dropdown on our site and looking for the batch number listed on every product.

Focus on these identifying these key factors when reviewing test results:

Testing Location: Would you buy a used car without having a third-party mechanic look at it first? The same concept applies to CBD products. If a product is tested in-house, you are taking their word at face value. Seeing results from a third-party lab means they have nothing to hide.

Amount of THC and CBD: Federal regulations require hemp-derived CBD products to contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. It’s not considered a hemp product if it contains more. This means it may not be legal in your state or could be subject to different regulations. You also want to ensure your product contains the amount of CBD advertised. A third-party lab result will confirm this.

Missing Cannabinoids: All full spectrum or broad spectrum products contain several cannabinoids in addition to CBD. These include CBDa, CBG and CBC. A third-party lab test shows the amount of these other cannabinoids in your product.

Displaying test results on the website where it’s easy to find is a sign of quality and compliance. Learn more about our third-party lab test results and what we test for.

Where is it grown or sourced?

When choosing any CBD product, knowing the backstory helps you make an informed choice. Only buy CBD that has been made with hemp grown in the USA. Some companies use hemp from other countries that don’t have the same standards and regulations we do. Even better, buy from a CBD brand that grows their own hemp, like we do at Lazarus Naturals. Our Farms are located in Central Oregon, where the dry, high desert climate near the 45° parallel is ideal for growing and harvesting hemp. Our CBD company owns every part of the process, from the farms to the extraction facility to packaging, ensuring control over safety and quality at every step.

How many milligrams (mg) of CBD are there per milliliter (ml)?

When comparing products, look at the total milligrams of CBD content. This should not be confused with milliliters. Milliliters are used to measure the amount of liquid in a CBD tincture and milligrams measure the amount of CBD in a product. In other words, the size of the tincture says little about the amount of CBD content you will be getting. Milligrams of CBD tell a more accurate story. 

Our droppers are marked each quarter of the way to the full ml mark. Our tinctures are either standard potency (20mg/ml) or high potency (50mg/ml). We make it as easy as possible for you to get the right amount of CBD oil in each and every dropper. That way you have no questions when it comes to getting the perfect dosage.

Use this calculator to determine the amount of CBD per mg before you buy. 

How the potency is calculated:

mg (CBD) X ml (Volume) = Total CBD

Total CBD / Volume = Potency (mg/ml)

Is it full-spectrum, broad spectrum or an isolate?

Each of the three main CBD concentrates offers benefits that are unique and have value. The best concentrate is whichever fits your needs and situation best. Neither is better than the other and each has its own characteristics. For instance, some people are put off by the strong flavor and scent of hemp in full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD. Others prefer Isolate because they are sensitive to the trace amounts of THC. Understanding the differences between CBD can help you choose the right product for your needs.  

Research the company

Are they growing their own hemp? Do they have third-party test results? What are people saying about their products? Taking the time to do research on a company can be challenging, but it will give you the confidence you need when purchasing. After that, reading a couple of reviews and testimonials from their customers is one of the best ways to get a real picture (as far as the quality of the company and their products). Scroll their social media channels.Once you have selected a trustworthy company, chances are you’ll stick with them throughout your CBD journey. The CBD market has become flooded with new brands popping up each day, so, don’t hesitate to be as diligent as possible with your research - or else you may end up disappointed.

Check the Online Product Reviews

Whether you are shopping for CBD capsules or CBD edibles, always check the product reviews. When buying CBD online, one of the best ways to review the CBD company you are buying from is to check what past buyers are saying. If the reviews are positive, it's likely that it is a high quality CBD oil. However, if the CBD users are complaining, you may want to go with a different company or product. Buying CBD online can be difficult. Simplify the process by properly researching the CBD company and all the products they offer.

Which form of CBD is best for you? 

CBD products come in a variety of forms and intended uses, as well as with amounts of CBD that vary wildly. Some people prefer ingestible methods of CBD, while others prefer it in a topical form. When it comes to delivery methods, it’s all about personal preference, so it’s good to choose a company that has different options to help you find your preferred method and serving size. At Lazarus Naturals, we carry a variety of CBD products to fit into your daily routine - from CBD topicals to Tinctures and softgels you’re sure to find the right product to fit your needs. 

If you don't know which quality CBD product is right for you, feel free to contact our team to ask further questions. Our passionate staff members would be more than happy to help you find the perfect product for you.

To learn more about our company and products, browse our website or check out our blog today.

Satisfaction Guarantee

When trying new products for the first time, companies that offer a risk free trial gives you the confidence you need to find the best CBD without worry. We stand behind our products by offering a 90 day satisfaction guaranteed policy. If you're unhappy with your purchase for any reason, we can offer a full refund or in-store credit if you contact us within 90 days of your purchase order with us. 

We’d love to know your thoughts and questions to help better your CBD experience. Drop us a line in the comments section and be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.