Why is CBD so expensive?

CBD

Jan 23

It’s an easy answer: supply and demand. With the high demand for CBD products comes the high prices. BUT… here’s the interesting tidbit we learned that everyone should know.

There are different methods of producing CBD, and the distinction is important.

Photo by Kimzy Nanney on Unsplash — `Photo by Kimzy Nanney on Unsplash`

1. Full-Spectrum CBD: This extracts the full profile of beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes; terpenes are what gives the plants their smell and flavor. With this extraction method, there are trace amounts of THC in the products, but not enough to get you high.
2. Broad-Spectrum CBD: This takes the Full-Spectrum CBD and sends it through a refinement process that removes nearly all the THC compounds.
3. Isolate CBD: This isolates the CBD from the rest of the compounds in the cannabis plant and creates a CBD product that tests as high as 99% pure CBD. Interestingly, the cost of producing isolates is much lower than the cost of full- or broad-spectrum CBD, and it also gives you a product that may be less effective.

This is where, as consumers, we need to be aware of what we’re purchasing.

If we’re purchasing products made with CBD isolates, then the cost should be lower than the premium products that should be made with the full- or broad-spectrum CBD. But this is NOT always the case.

So how can we know what we’re purchasing? Only buy products from companies that are transparent with their lab testing results, preferably third-party lab testing.

Before purchasing CBD products, look for the certificate of analysis.

This will ensure the products are not contaminated, the THC levels are within the allowed limits, there are no heavy metals or microbials, and there is no detection of pesticides or herbicides. All this is important to research and understand, especially in a time when products are hitting the market left and right. Due diligence in a developing industry is important to your health and safety.

With that said, IMBHO will continue to identify companies we believe follow the strictest guidelines and are transparent with their consumers, showing their third-party lab results.

Watch this video for more thoughts on why CBD is so expensive.