CBD has been rising in popularity in the last few years, but what is it? CBD is cannabidiol, a product derived from hemp with holistic properties. Products containing CBD have cropped up in the form of gel pens, creams, oils, and supplements, among others. Everyone from dog groomers to pet retailers has picked up on the craze.
But what do we actually know about CBD? Most hemp-derived products are not regulated by the FDA and none have been approved for human consumption. Many manufacturers of CBD products are not printing proper nutrition facts concerning these supplements.
So what can a consumer do under these uncertain circumstances? We all want what’s best for our pets, but how do we know which products are beneficial and which are just capitalizing on the CBD craze?
How to Assess CBD Products
Here are a few issues to research when ascertaining whether a manufacturer of CBD products is a reputable source.
- Are the hemp extract products made in a facility approved under Current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)? This is a clear sign of a lab functioning to produce high-quality supplements, whether for a human or animal.
- Is the lab FDA-regulated? Any company operating under FDA regulations has a certificate of analysis, or CofA. Products created in these approved labs will create products with proper boxes on the packaging detailing supplement facts. If you are unsure what a “supplement fact” box should look like, consult any vitamin bottle meant for human consumption.
- Does the company utilize third-party analysis for their products? Reputable companies hire other, independent companies to analyze their products and affirm their claims. Independent companies confirm what ingredients have gone into the products. When reviewing the Certificate of Analysis from an independent company, look for categories under pesticide, metal, and solvent content. The analysis for these compounds should read “ND” for Not Detectable.
- Where does the company obtain their hemp? Certain products with hemp sourced from Europe actually originate in China and are then processed in Europe. These hemp oil products are notorious for containing bio-contaminants and heavy metals. For now, your safest bet is to stick with companies purchasing hemp products from the United States only.
- Does the company confirm their CBD products contain no THC? THC is the chemical that causes the hallucinogenic properties in marijuana. CBD products derived from marijuana instead of hemp may contain traces of THC. The Certificate of Analysis will provide information on the concentration of THC in a CBD product.
- Does the product provide dosing guidelines? Any reputable supplement should have the words “dietary supplement” along the bottom and dosing guidelines somewhere on the packaging. These guidelines should be clear, concise, and overall easy to read.
Navigating the relatively new world of CBD-related holistic products can be overwhelming at times. The best way to ascertain whether a product comes from a reputable source is through research and due-diligence; investigate a potential new supplement for your dog the same way you would examine a chemical you plan to add to your own diet.
Will Corrente is a career entrepreneur and trusted authority and expert in the dog care industry. Will has over 15 years of experience as the owner and operator of Very Important Paws Dog Resort in West Palm Beach, FL. Copyright 2020 k9vitatherapy.com
While becoming USDA organic is often not an option for hemp growers, look for CBD companies who do not use pesticides, herbicides, or any chemicals on their hemp plants. Make sure the company provides full panel third-party lab testing. This is how you can hold CBD makers’ feet to the fire and can make sure that the purity and potency are what the company claims.