Feeling overwhelmed in your quest for the best CBD oil? You’re not alone – particularly given the vast number of products available online and on the shelf. Choosing a high-quality, affordable option backed by a reputable company can be intimidating.

Turns out, CBD oils are not created equal. When making your decision, narrow your focus to these four value-first considerations, and do not compromise.

Choose Organic. CBD comes from hemp. It’s a natural, plant-based product, so the way in which the plants are grown is a key differentiator in ultimately determining the quality of the extracted oil. When starting your selection process, review the product label and ingredient list to identify whether a product is farmed organically or conventionally. This is an important consideration for many individuals who lean toward clean, simple ingredients and organically grown products. Organic producers that avoid the use pesticides, herbicides or glyphosates are mindful of both the integrity of the hemp plant as well as the health and sustainability of the farmland and soil.

For example, a CBD oil producer like Sunsoil recognizes the quality of its organic hemp-based products is directly linked to the natural environment where the plants are farmed in picturesque northern Vermont. The employee-owned company’s farmland, facilities and primary ingredients are all USDA certified organic and GMO-free. Sunsoil also holds a certification from Vermont Organic Farmers as a vetted organic processor.

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farm from sunsoil

Pros and Cons of Processing. Once hemp plants are harvested, CBD manufacturers have to extract the CBD compounds from the hemp. The way the CBD is extracted can determine the cost, quality and effectiveness of the bottled CBD oil. Typically, the most prevalent extraction processes utilize compressed carbon dioxide or a solvent extraction where chemicals like ethanol, butane or propane are pressurized and used to strip and capture the CBD.

While all extraction methods can result in high-quality products, the team at Sunsoil pioneered a lipid infusion process that uses only organic coconut or coconut-derived MCT oil to extract CBD from hemp. This method preserves the naturally occurring compounds and ratios of cannabinoids found in the hemp plant and results in high-quality, whole-plant hemp extract that is minimally processed. As Sunsoil further developed its lipid infusion process, their team also found that it was an incredibly efficient way to manufacture CBD oil at scale. Those efficiencies end up allowing Sunsoil to price its organic CBD oil more accessibly than others.

“Some producers outsource their agricultural operations and/or extraction processes. But, we’re differentiated by our mission-driven approach that stems from our agricultural roots,” said Sunsoil co-founder and Vice President of Agriculture, Jacob Goldstein. “We have total control over our growing, extraction and manufacturing operations and are able to efficiently bring the most good to the most people adding the most value at a fair price.”

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carrying hemp from sunsoil

Third-Party Testing. Next, verify that the CBD oil you’re considering meets the highest quality benchmarks. Here’s where transparency is key. Look for products that are independently verified through an ISO (Independent Standard Organization)- accredited lab that taps the expertise of high-level technicians. Some companies, such as Sunsoil, test at multiple points throughout the process and publish results on their website. And, visible QR codes located on product packaging links informed consumers with test results. This comprehensive commitment to openly track lab reports back to each specific batch is a key indicator of a company’s transparency and focus on quality.

More specifically, every batch of Sunsoil organic CBD products is tested for purity and potency at independent labs. The team also tests to ensure products are not contaminated with pesticides and contain no detectable glyphosate. Last, Sunsoil publishes a representative lab report for each batch test on their website.

In addition, Sunsoil manufactures its finished goods in a Certified Good Manufacturing Practice facility (cGMP), complying with scrutinized standards and guidelines.

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Taking hemp leaves from sunsoil

Ethically Priced. Last, but not least, cost of CBD oil is a logical consideration. Three aspects to keep top of mind at checkout include:

• The quality of the product

• The price per milligram

• The values of the company

While the first three suggested considerations – organic farming practices, independent testing and cGMP compliance – are critical factors in the CBD decision making process, pricing should not be ignored. From a price comparison standpoint, the amount of CBD per serving size should be clearly labeled. As you weigh your options, compare the price per milligram in the CBD product/s you’re considering. The way to calculate this is fairly straightforward:

Total price ($) / total mg of CBD = $ per mg of CBD

For example: If you spend $60 on a CBD tincture with a total of 600 mg of CBD, then you are paying: $60 / 600 = $0.10, or 10 cents per mg of CBD.

“Our efficient production process allows for cost savings that we pass along to consumers, helping to make CBD more accessible for more people,” explained Goldstein. “We firmly believe in chasing down price with efficiency and never sacrificing quality. This results in a high-quality CBD product at an approachable price point.”

Throughout the month of February 2020, all Sunsoil orders purchased and shipped online are 50-percent off. This value-driven offer underscores Sunsoil’s promise to offer affordable access to the product to individuals who make CBD a part of their wellness routine. The company also recently launched a disruptive refill-at-retail test program that decreases the cost per milligram to 2 cents.

Remember, as a consumer, you have the right to demand the highest quality CBD oil product for your personal health needs. Remain diligent about choosing organic. Understand the precise way the CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant during processing. Confirm transparent testing measures are duly incorporated into the quality control process. And, in evaluating cost, choose a reputable company that purposefully seeks to reduce its pricing in order to make a high-quality CBD oil that is affordable and accessible for all. For more information on Sunsoil products visit https://www.sunsoil.com/.