Legality Comes First

Federal law draws the line at 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. Plant material above that line is cannabis under the Controlled Substances Act. Material at or below it is hemp. Interstate shipment of hemp is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. State rules add limits. Several states ban delta-8 THC and other hemp-derived intoxicating cannabinoids. Check your state code before you order. A seller that ships to a banned state can create a problem for the buyer.

Ask for the Batch Certificate of Analysis

Every batch needs a test from a third-party lab. The certificate of analysis (COA) reports cannabinoid content, residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbials. Ask for the COA tied to the batch you are buying, not a sample report from last year.

Confirm these parameters:

  • Batch number on the COA matches the label.
  • Lab name and ISO 17025 accreditation.
  • Total THC, not delta-9 THC alone.
  • CBD in milligrams per unit and per container.
  • Pesticide and heavy metal results with pass or fail limits.
  • Test date within 12 months.

Compare Price Per Milligram

Divide total CBD milligrams by the price. A $60 bottle with 1500 mg costs $0.04 per mg. A $30 bottle with 300 mg costs $0.10 per mg. Fill weight, carrier oil, and serving size change the value. Vape carts and edibles cost more per mg than tinctures.

Pitfalls

  • No COA, or a COA with no batch number.
  • "Lab tested" printed on the label with no report behind it.
  • Blends that list ingredients but no amounts.
  • Health claims. Under FDA rules a seller cannot claim a CBD product treats or cures disease.
  • Full-spectrum labels with no THC number. Full-spectrum products contain THC.
  • Gas station and convenience store stock with no lot tracking.
  • Prices far below market. Check fill weight and mg first.

What to Check at Delivery

Match the bottle batch number to the COA. Check the seal and the expiration date. Store tinctures away from light and heat. Keep CBD away from children and pets. Talk to a physician before use if you take prescription drugs, are pregnant, or are nursing.