What to Look for When Buying CBD Isolates

FDA has not yet approved CBD products, including CBD isolate. Due to this, most cannabis users question its safety and quality. This article highlights CBD isolate, why CBD sourcing is important, factors to consider while buying CBD isolate, and the benefits of high-quality CBD isolate products.

With the rising numbers of CBD shops available, it is easy for you to fall into the trap of many scam CBD sellers. Another disadvantage is that CBD products, CBD isolate included, are not yet FDA regulated, so many companies produce varying quality products. CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid naturally existing in the cannabis plant. It is available in three types; full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. CBD isolate is the most refined since all the other cannabinoids were extracted from the plant during its processing. For new users, it may be difficult at first to choose the right product; however, consider the following before buying your desired product; its sourcing, availability of a certificate of analysis, and proof of third-party lab test results.

Understanding CBD Isolate

According to Marinotti & Sarill (2020), CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD since other compounds were extracted from the plant. Kozela et al. (2016) noted that CBD isolate does not cause any psychoactive effects due to the absence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active compound in the marijuana plant. Various extraction methods are utilized during its processing, leaving pure CBD crystal. Afterward, these crystals are ground into powder form, easing users' consumption. It is a good option for sensitive people since it is tasteless and odorless.

Cooray, Gupta & Suphioglu (2020) commented that CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid systems by binding indirectly to the primary cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. By activating these receptors, CBD exacerbates its effects. Some of the effects of CBD isolate include but are not limited to:

• Relieving pain
• Alleviating anxiety and depression
• Preventing nausea

Therefore, you must be careful when purchasing CBD isolate since buying the wrong one may not provide you with the desired effects.

Why Is CBD Isolate Sourcing Important?

Before purchasing CBD isolate, you should know its sourcing. Since CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, knowing the origin of the plant is vital since it provides you with insight into the available components. Source information shows you whether:

• The plant was sustainably cultivated
• It contains pesticides
• It contains heavy metals
• Proof of third-party lab test result

A toxic substance in the product affects the product's quality and safety. For example, hemp plants that use non-organic chemicals have a bitter flavor. To make things worse, consuming products with these toxic substances may lead to severe medical conditions such as cancer.

Factors to Consider While Buying CBD Isolate

Below are essential tips that will help you choose a good CBD isolate products:

Presence of a Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A certificate of analysis indicates the compounds in the products. Mostly, it is available online through the company's website. However, if unavailable, you should request one. If the company does not give you the certificate, it's a red flag since it lacks transparency. It may mean that the company's products are undergoing safety testing or it had problematic results that may tarnish its name.

In a COA, you should look for the following:

Pesticides Analysis

It measures the traces of chemicals used during plant cultivation. Consuming products exposed to pesticides may cause weakened immunity and, even worse, liver toxicity. For pregnant women, it may lead to congenital disabilities or cancer in their infants. Some of the pesticides to avoid include ethylene oxide and cypermethrin. Learn more about which is better cbd isolate or full spectrum

Heavy Metals Examination

It lists heavy metal levels. They may include; lead, mercury, and cadmium. Exposure to heavy metals may cause severe health conditions like kidney damage. Learn more about

Cannabinoid Review

It indicates the amount of cannabinoids present in the product. A company with a cannabinoid panel is a red flag since it lacks transparency to its customers. Additionally, a COA should also contain levels of terpenes (the compound linked to a plant's scent), mycotoxins, and residual solvents.

Proof of Third-Party Lab Test Results

Third-party lab test results are a vital factor since they confirm the companies' level of trustworthiness. With a third-party lab involved, the results are likely unbiased and accurate. Ensure that this lab is a qualified entity and that it is reliable.

Whether the Product Is Organic

An organic product does not contain chemicals such as pesticides. The company should have USDA (U.S Department of Agriculture) certified organic products for a product to be organic since other companies may claim that their product is organic while it's not. Before purchasing CBD isolate, confirm the details from the USDA website.

Whether the Product Is NON-GMO

NON-GMO CBD isolate products are derived from hemp plants cultivated naturally without external interference. To know whether the product is NON-GMO, you should inquire from the company. Learn more about what is cbd isolate good for

Whether the Product Is Vegan

It is easy to find a vegan CBD isolate product since CBD naturally exists in the hemp plant. However, when added to various products like edibles, it may be a bit tricky since there may be the presence of gluten.

Extraction Process Used

The most effective extraction method uses C0₂ or ethanol since it produces high-quality products. Additionally, it reduces solvent toxicity. CBD isolate products that utilize butane, pentane, or propane should be highly avoided since they leave toxic residues.

Benefits of Choosing High-Quality CBD Isolate

Relieves Anxiety

CBD contains anti-anxiety properties that work by altering how the brand responds to serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical believed to be a mood stabilizer. Since CBD isolate is highly concentrated with CBD, it may treat various anxiety disorders, including but not limited to post-traumatic symptom disorder and social anxiety.

Alleviates Pain and Inflammation

CBD interacts with the ECS, which is responsible for pain sensation. It helps alleviate pain. Also, what makes it even more compelling is its powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Blake et al. (2017) noted that CBD might deal with various types of pain, such as:

• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Neuropathic pain

Cancer Treatment

CBD may prevent cancer growth cells. However, beware that this research is in its early stages. CBD isolate may also reduce various cancer symptoms and treat cancer side effects such as nausea. However, before taking CBD isolate, talk to your doctor first. 

Summary

Since CBD isolate is not FDA-approved, many consumers find its safety and quality questionable. However, this article highlights some essential factors to consider before buying CBD isolate. These factors include; the availability of COA (it shows the cannabinoid levels, presence of pesticides and heavy metals in the product), proof of third-party lab test results (it confirms a product's quality), and whether a brand is trusted or reliable. With that said, you should not aimlessly consume CBD isolate without your doctor's permission since it may cause adverse effects when interacting with your body due to the presence of other cannabinoids you were unaware of.

References

Blake, A., Wan, B. A., Malek, L., DeAngelis, C., Diaz, P., Lao, N., ... & O'Hearn, S. (2017). A selective review of medical cannabis in cancer pain management. Ann Palliat Med, 6(Suppl 2), S215-S222.

Cooray, R., Gupta, V., & Suphioglu, C. (2020). Current aspects of the endocannabinoid system and targeted THC and CBD phytocannabinoids as potential therapeutics for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases: a review. Molecular Neurobiology, 57(11), 4878-4890.

Kozela, E., Haj, C., Hanuš, L., Chourasia, M., Shurki, A., Juknat, A., ... & Vogel, Z. (2016). HU‐446 and HU‐465, Derivatives of the Non‐psychoactive Cannabinoid Cannabidiol, Decrease the Activation of Encephalitogenic T Cells. Chemical biology & drug design, 87(1), 143-153.

Marinotti, O., & Sarill, M. (2020). Differentiating full-spectrum hemp extracts from CBD isolates: Implications for policy, safety and science. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 17(5), 517-526