Choosing the Best CBD Oil

Let’s face it, CBD oil is “all-the-buzz” these days but you need to be careful where you get it or you could make a costly mistake! While the FDA legalized CBD in late 2018, it remains unregulated.

My intent here is to provide just enough information so you can make an informed buying decision.

CBD Oil Buying Tips

If you want to make sure your cat or dog benefits from CBD, here are some things to keep in mind. Please note these principles apply to CBD products for both pets and humans!

1. Is the CBD oil extracted from Cannabis or Hemp?
2. Are you are buying Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum CBD.
3. Make sure the CBD oil is made with CO2 extraction.
4. Always buy a product complete with a certificate of analysis.
5. Check where the Cannabis or Hemp was grown.

Cannabis vs. Hemp

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a naturally found substance found in both the cannabis and hemp plants. Both plants provide health benefits … but there are differences.

Cannabis (marijuana) contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is responsible for the psychoactive properties of cannabis. It’s what some people refer to as getting “high” or catching a “buzz.”

Hemp contains much lower amounts of THC. To be sold legally, hemp will contain less than 0.3% THC. This allows you and your pets to benefit from a feeling of calmness without the “fog” associated with getting high. 

Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum

Check the label of your CBD product to make sure it’s full spectrum or broad spectrum. Either type contains terpenes which are naturally occurring medicinal substances but the full spectrum contains up to 0.3% THC. In addition, both contain other important cannabinoids including CBC and CBG.

• CBC has been studied for its cancer-fighting activities, its ability to block pain and inflammation, and its positive effect on brain cells.
• CBG is also being studied for its medicinal use. It’s been shown to decrease inflammation in the digestive tract, protect nerve cells and the eyes, support healthy bladder function and, again, fight cancer cells.

CBD Oil Method of Extraction

To extract CBD-rich cannabis oil, one must start with CBD-rich plant material. There are many ways to extract oil from the cannabis plant, each has its pros and cons. Some methods are safer and more effective than others. Cannabis oil made with neurotoxic solvents like butane and hexane may leave unsafe residues that compromise immune function and impede healing.

• CO₂The supercritical (liquid & gas), or subcritical (liquid only) CO₂ method uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and extremely low temperatures to isolate, preserve, and maintain the purity of the medicinal oil. This process requires expensive equipment and a steep operational learning curve. But, when done well the end product is safe, potent, and free of chlorophyll.
• High-grade grain alcohol can be used to create high-quality cannabis oil appropriate for vape pen cartridges and other products. But this extraction method destroys the plant waxes, which hold the health benefits. Other solvents can include propane or butane but this is not an ideal method of extraction not only because it can destroy the beneficial waxes, but because these solvents can leave a residue in the product that can be potentially toxic to your pets.
• Olive oil can also be used to extract cannabis oil. Research suggests this method is both safe and inexpensive, however cannabis-infused olive oil—whether CBD-rich or THC-dominant—is perishable and should be stored in a cool, dark place.

Look For A Certificate Of Analysis

A certificate of analysis is a document, usually from a third-party laboratory, that shows the amount and type of cannabinoids in the CBD product. Further information can be found here: What to look for in a CBD Certificate of Analysis.

Every batch of CBD should have its own Certificate of Analysis (COA) to inform us of it’s quality. If the product doesn’t have a COA then we recommend not purchasing it in favor of one that does.

Growing Field Locations

It’s also important to know where and how the hemp is grown that is used to make the CBD oil. This is because hemp plants are really good sponges and can absorb contaminants as they grow. And this is why heavy metal toxicity can be a concern when looking at CBD oils. Always look for an organic product to reduce any environmental toxin risks. To be certified USDA Organic a CBD product must adhere to strict guidelines from “farm to store.’

Where to Buy CBD Oil

Through our own experience we highly recommend the Joy Organics Store (Ad) for CBD products. Joy Organics was created with a clear initiative: to develop premium pet CBD products through innovation and excellence, with service to match.

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• First Published Feb. 19, 2020
• Last Updated Feb. 11, 2021

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Originally posted on February 11, 2021 @ 4:02 pm