The legalization of cannabis in Canada has opened the doors to a thriving CBD oil industry. With so many new CBD oil products hitting the market, it can be overwhelming trying to determine which ones are actually high quality. This article will unveil the best CBD oil choices available in Canada right now.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over 100 compounds called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the more well known cannabinoid THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. This means it does not produce any mind-altering effects. Instead, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body to help regulate various functions like pain, sleep, mood and more.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and diluting it with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil. The popularity of CBD oil has skyrocketed in recent years due to its purported health benefits. Some of the conditions CBD oil is believed to help with include:
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Inflammation
- Epilepsy
- Skin conditions like acne
- Neurodegenerative diseases
With so many potential therapeutic uses, it’s no wonder CBD oil is being called a wonder supplement. But not all CBD oils are created equal. Quality can vary dramatically between different brands and products.
Factors that Determine CBD Oil Quality
There are several key factors that determine the overall quality of a CBD oil product:
Source of Hemp
Hemp is a bioaccumulator, meaning it absorbs everything from the soil it’s planted in. Hemp grown in poor quality soil tends to be lower in CBD and can contain harmful contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides and microbes. For the highest quality CBD oil, look for products made from organically grown hemp from reputable farms in regions like Colorado, Oregon or Kentucky.
Extraction Method
Common methods for extracting CBD from hemp include supercritical CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction and carrier oil extraction. CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard because it pulls the broadest spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes and other beneficial compounds from the hemp plant. Carrier oil extraction is the simplest and cheapest method, but it can contain solvent residues and extract fewer beneficial compounds.
CBD Concentration
Higher potency CBD oils tend to provide stronger effects. However, dosage is more important than concentration. Even a lower concentration oil can deliver adequate CBD by adjusting the dose. Potency just gives you more flexibility in dosing. Look for CBD oil with at least 25mg CBD per milliliter.
Third Party Testing
Any CBD product you purchase should undergo independent third party lab testing to verify the stated potency on the label and check for contaminants. Reputable companies post recent test reports on their websites. Beware of any brands that do not provide third party testing results.
Hemp Seed Oil vs CBD Oil
Hemp seed oil is extracted from hemp seeds but does not contain any CBD. It’s commonly used as a carrier oil to thin out CBD extracts. While hemp seed oil has benefits, like skin moisturization, it does not provide the benefits associated with CBD oil. Read labels carefully to ensure you’re getting a true CBD oil, not just hemp seed oil.
Top 5 Best CBD Oils in Canada
Based on the criteria above, here are 5 of the highest quality, top-rated CBD oil products available in Canada right now:
1. Zenbliss
Zenbliss clones its own proprietary hemp plants in Colorado to create whole-plant extract CBD oil with a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. Their organic CBD oil contains no additives and comes in a range of concentrations up to 6000mg CBD.
2. PureKana
One of the most well-respected U.S. CBD companies now ships to Canada. Their full spectrum CBD oil is extracted via CO2 method from organic, U.S.-grown hemp. It’s loaded with beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes and MCT oil. Lab results are easily accessible on their website.
3. Endoca CBD Oil
This European CBD company sources organic hemp from Scandinavia and uses a non-toxic CO2 extraction process. Their CBD oils and isolate crystals are 100% organic certified. All products are rigorously tested in labs.
4. Charlotte’s Web Hemp Extract
Charlotte’s Web offers some of the most well-known CBD oil products in Canada. Their full spectrum hemp extract is sourced from organic farms in Colorado. Flavored oils in chocolate mint, olive oil and lemon twist are also available.
5. CBD2HEAL Pure CBD Oil
This Canadian CBD company has earned rave reviews for their premium CBD oils. Their hemp is organically grown in Alberta and extracted using food-grade ethanol. CBD2HEAL CBD oil is vegan, non-GMO and contains added terpenes and amino acids.
Choosing Wisely
With the massive growth of the CBD market, shady companies pushing inferior products have run rampant. By selecting a CBD oil from reputable companies that use high quality extraction methods and organic hemp, you can feel confident you’re getting a pure, potent CBD product that’s safe for consumption. Don’t just choose the cheapest CBD oil or trust big claims that sound too good to be true. Do your due diligence to find a quality CBD oil that will deliver the results you’re looking for.
