Read on for a deeper dive into the world of broad-spectrum hemp, as well as a rundown of some of the best broad-spectrum hemp CBD products for a THC-free chill. The THC is typically removed during the extraction process, and batches are then third-party tested to ensure 0.0% THC, which is the defining quality of “broad-spectrum.” According to Gordon, if you’re unsure whether a product is full or broad-spectrum, it’s best to take a look at a product’s third-party test results—and definitely steer clear of any products that don’t share that information publicly on their website. “There is no formal definition for broad-spectrum, so without looking at third-party test results for the product, you still wouldn’t know what the ingredients are just from the label.” When you’re ready to rock with your hemp CBD, Gordon suggests taking your dose with a fat-containing meal, which is thought to promote absorption. “Typically, ingested CBD products are best taken two to three times per day to maintain steady levels, though some individuals use them once daily or as needed for specific purposes,” he adds. Here’s a quick example of taking hemp CBD for a specific purpose: If your goal is a sound night’s sleep, it’s best to take your broad-spectrum hemp CBD about 15 to 30 minutes before bedtime.* Still, if you’re more experienced with hemp CBD and hoping to reap the—ahem—full spectrum of benefits, Gordon says full-spectrum CBD is the way to go. “If no drug testing is involved, I would always recommend full-spectrum products because the tiny amounts of THC adds to the potential therapeutic value.” Also available as a full-spectrum option, this vegan option is GMO-free and has 2.5g of added sugars (from organic tapioca and cane sugar) per gummy, which is less than many other brands in the space. Also featured in our roundup of the best CBD gummies for sleep, they have a slight hemp aftertaste. Sustainability & Packaging: FOCL sources hemp from a farm in New Mexico, but it occasionally sources from other U.S.-based growers that meet standards. All hemp undergoes CO2 extraction, a nontoxic and environmentally safe process, and the final product ships out in a glass jar. Transparency: All FOCL products are third-party lab tested with results of the assessments visible here. Sustainability & packaging: Prima has several certifications for sustainability efforts, is a Certified B Corporation, and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We appreciate the brand’s effort towards sustainability by using recycled materials for packaging, ditching plastic, and staying carbon neutral. You can even return your empty jars with a prepaid shipping label through its Recycle for Real program! Transparency: You can find the COA for this body butter on the product page. Along with offering a handful of flavors, the brand offers the flavored tinctures in multiple strengths, including a gentle 15 mg of hemp CBD per serving, a moderate 30 mg of hemp CBD per serving, and a strong 45 mg of hemp CBD per serving. Regardless of potency, the formula packs just three ingredients: organic hemp, organic flavoring, and organic coconut-derived MCT oil. Across the board, these USDA certified organic tinctures get great reviews from customers, and the smooth flavor is commonly called out as a highlight. One reviewer even puts the orange bliss tincture in their coffee daily. Sustainability & packaging: Joy Organics sources hemp from USDA certified organic farms and offsets all of the carbon emissions generated through its shipping process by partnering with Carbon Fund, which allows the company to provide carbon-neutral shipping. Packaging should be curbside recyclable, as long as it’s properly cleaned. Transparency: All of Joy Organics’ COAs are available on its website. It also includes instructions on how to find your lot number on your product at home. Sustainability & transparency: As we mentioned above, Joy Organics farms hemp on USDA certified organic farms and provides carbon-neutral shipping. And, as with its tinctures, the COA for these capsules is available on Joy Organics’ website. Sustainability & packaging: While cbdMD makes a quality product and uses US-grown hemp, the brand doesn’t shine in the sustainability department. If organic ingredients and sustainable shipping are important to you, this option might not be your jam. Transparency: cbdMD clearly displays the COA for these capsules in downloadable-PDF form on the product page. It also shares the brand’s sourcing and extraction process, along with third-party testing results, on the about page. Reviewers say it’s lightweight and fast-absorbing with too much of a smell, despite the menthol. You can choose from either a 1,000 or 3,000 mg potency (CBD newbies, we recommend starting with the 1,000 mg option). Just know that the higher the potency, the more expensive this cream gets. Sustainability & packaging: CBDfx farms hemp grown organically and uses an energy-efficient CO2 extraction process to draw out CBD. Its packaging is made from curbside-recyclable plastics and glass. Transparency: The COA for this cream was easy to find on the product description page. CBDfx also uses a team of medical advisors to review all of the product information on their pages. The brand spent nine months perfecting this broad-spectrum pick, settling on a moderate-strength formula that packs 33.3 mg of broad-spectrum hemp per serving. Available as a single bottle of three-pack, it also has 2 mg of minor cannabinoids, such as CBC, CBN, CBG, and CBDv. This clean formula only has three ingredients: organic hemp extract, organic MCT oil, and organic mint flavor. (Of course, the potential downside is that the coconut-derived MCT oil means this tincture isn’t suited for those with tree nut allergies specific to coconut.) Sustainability & packaging: R&R uses a clean CO2 extraction process and partners with certified organic farms to source its U.S. hemp. It doesn’t make any additional statements around sustainability or recycled materials, although packaging should be curbside recyclable if properly cleaned. Transparency: The COA for this oil was readily available on the product page, which we love to see. R&R is also happy to educate consumers about its farming, extraction process, and more on the about page. It also offers a 60-day money back guarantee, so if you’re not happy after trying this tincture at least once a day for a few weeks, you can get a full refund.
