Have you ever seen the word “third-party tested” on the label of your favourite CBD product and wondered what it really means? Third-party testing is a process where an independent lab analyses a product to verify its components and quality. This is a common practice in many industries, including food, electronics, and, yes, CBD.
Now, you might be thinking, “Why should I bother with third-party testing?” I get it. You might be simply looking for a CBD product to help relax at the end of a hard day or to assist with managing life’s daily challenges.
But here’s something you should know: The quality and safety of the CBD product you choose can greatly influence its effectiveness and, importantly, your health. That’s why third-party testing is not just some fancy jargon, but a crucial part of ensuring you’re getting the best quality CBD.
Here are top reasons why third-party testing plays a key role when you’re searching for high-quality CBD:
1. Ensuring product safety
Would you buy food without checking its ingredients? Probably not. The same should apply when you’re shopping for CBD products.
Third-party hemp testing is your best bet to know what’s really in the product you’re using. Because, let’s face it, not every company out there is fully transparent or diligent about the safety of their products.
Through third-party testing, independent labs analyze the product and provide a comprehensive report of all the contents. This isn’t just about confirming the presence of CBD. It’s about making sure that the product doesn’t contain harmful substances like heavy metals, pesticides, or residual solvents from the extraction process.
2. Verifying cannabinoid content
When you buy a CBD product, you want to know that you’re getting exactly what the label claims, right? This is where third-party testing comes into play once again.
You see, the concentration of CBD in a product directly impacts its effectiveness. If a product claims to have 500mg of CBD, but in reality, it only contains 200mg, it’s not going to deliver the results you expect. It’s like paying for a high-powered sports car and getting a scooter instead!
Third-party testing verifies the exact amount of CBD and other cannabinoids in a product. On the product’s Certificate on Analysis, you’ll find a detailed report of the cannabinoid profile that includes the concentrations of CBD, minor cannabinoids, and even THC.
3. Confirming the absence of THC
If you’re using CBD products, there’s a good chance you’re not looking to get high.
Most high-quality CBD products aim to have negligible to zero THC content. This ensures that you can enjoy the benefits of CBD without any mind-altering effects. But how can you be sure that your chosen CBD product truly doesn’t contain THC, or contains it within legal limits? You guessed it – through third-party testing.
THC is an area where you can’t afford to take the manufacturer’s word for it. It not only alters your mental state but could also potentially land you in legal hot water in places where it’s restricted.
Third-party testing takes the guesswork out of the equation by clearly identifying and quantifying THC content present in the product.
4. Checking for terpenes and other beneficial compounds
There’s more to CBD products than just CBD. High-quality CBD products often contain other beneficial compounds, including terpenes and flavonoids which work together to enhance the benefits of CBD.
Terpenes, for instance, not only give CBD products their distinctive scents but can also offer additional benefits like relaxation and mood enhancement.
However, not all CBD products contain these beneficial compounds, and this can affect the overall effectiveness of the product. Therefore, third-party testing is important to check the presence and concentration of these compounds in your chosen CBD product.
So, whether you’re looking for a product to help with relaxation, pain management, or mood enhancement, knowing the terpene profile can help guide your choice.
Establishing trust and credibility
Trust is a major factor when choosing any health or wellness product. With CBD, this is even more crucial due to the industry’s relative newness and the abundance of subpar products in the market.
Unfortunately, the CBD market isn’t immune to companies making false or exaggerated claims about their products. Some may claim their product contains a certain amount of CBD, when it contains much less, or none at all. Others may promise their products are free from harmful substances when they’re not.
Third-party testing provides assurance that the product you’re buying has been independently verified to be what it claims to be.
Takeaway
Third-party testing isn’t just another marketing gimmick – it’s actually a reliable checkpoint in the CBD marketplace, and your surefire way to verify you’re getting what you paid for. So, the next time you’re shopping for CBD products, give priority to those that have undergone thorough third-party testing.
Jordan Wayne, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
