Your Ultimate CBD Oil Guide: Choosing the Best Option

The CBD market is flooded with products ranging from $20 bottles to $200 bottles, all claiming to be the best. How do you know what's actually worth your money?

After years in this industry, I've seen every corner cut, every misleading label, and every quality shortcut. I've also seen exceptional products that deliver exactly what they promise. Here's how to tell the difference.

Start With Third-Party Lab Testing (Non-Negotiable)

This is the single most important factor—more important than price, brand reputation, or marketing claims.

What Third-Party Testing Means

An independent laboratory analyzes the product to verify:

• Actual CBD content (does it match the label?)
• THC levels (is it within legal limits?)
• Contaminants (pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, mold)
• Other cannabinoids present

Why This Matters

A 2017 study published in JAMA tested 84 CBD products purchased online. The findings were alarming:

• 26% contained less CBD than labeled
• 43% contained more CBD than labeled (sounds good, but inconsistency is still a problem)
• 21% contained significant THC despite being labeled as THC-free

Without third-party testing, you're taking the manufacturer's word for it—and that study shows that word isn't always reliable.

How to Verify Testing

Reputable companies make this easy:

• QR codes on the bottle link directly to lab results
• Dedicated page on their website with searchable batch numbers
• Results should be recent (same batch you're buying)
• Results should be comprehensive (not just CBD content—full cannabinoid profile and contaminant screening)

Red Flags:

• "Lab tested" claims without accessible results
• Results that are years old
• Results from in-house testing instead of independent labs
• Companies that make you contact customer service to see results

If a company makes it difficult to verify their testing, that's intentional. Walk away.

Hemp Source and Growing Practices

Where the hemp comes from matters. Hemp is a bioaccumulator—it absorbs whatever is in the soil, including heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants.

What to Look For:

• US-Grown Hemp: The US has stricter agricultural standards than many countries. While good hemp grows elsewhere, US-grown hemp gives you more regulatory protection.
• Organic Certification: Organic hemp hasn't been exposed to synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Not all quality hemp is certified organic (certification is expensive), but it's a good indicator.
• Transparent Sourcing: Quality companies tell you where their hemp comes from—specific states or even farms. Vague statements like "premium hemp" without details are a red flag.

Why It Matters:

CBD oil from hemp grown in contaminated soil or with heavy pesticide use will contain those contaminants. Third-party testing should catch this, but source quality is your first line of defense.

At Steve's Goods, we use Colorado-grown hemp specifically because Colorado has some of the strictest hemp regulations and ideal growing conditions. That's not marketing—it's a functional choice that affects product quality.

Extraction Method: How CBD Gets From Plant to Bottle

Not all extraction methods are created equal.

CO2 Extraction (The Gold Standard)

Supercritical CO2 extraction uses pressurized carbon dioxide to pull cannabinoids from hemp. It's clean, efficient, and doesn't leave chemical residue.

• Pros:
  • No solvent residue
  • Preserves the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes
  • Produces the purest end product
• Cons:
  • Expensive equipment and process
  • Higher production costs (often reflected in price)

Ethanol Extraction

Food-grade ethanol dissolves cannabinoids from plant material. When done properly, it's safe and effective.

• Pros:
  • Cost-effective
  • Can produce quality full-spectrum extract
  • Generally safe when ethanol is fully removed
• Cons:
  • If not fully purged, residual ethanol remains
  • Can pull chlorophyll and other unwanted compounds (gives a bitter taste)
  • Requires additional refinement steps

Hydrocarbon Extraction (Butane, Propane)

Uses butane or propane as solvents. Common in cannabis concentrates, less ideal for CBD oil.

• Cons:
  • Risk of residual solvents if not properly purged
  • Safety concerns during production
  • Potential for contamination

What to Avoid:

Cheap extraction methods using questionable solvents. If a company doesn't disclose its extraction method, that's a concern.

What to Choose:

CO2 extraction is your safest bet for quality and purity. Ethanol extraction from reputable companies is acceptable. Avoid anything else or any undisclosed methods.

Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs Isolate

We've covered this in detail elsewhere, but here's the quick decision guide:

• Full Spectrum: Maximum benefits through entourage effect; contains trace THC (<0.3%). Best choice for most people not concerned about drug testing.
• Broad Spectrum: Entourage effect without THC. Best for anyone who needs to avoid THC entirely but wants comprehensive benefits.
• Isolate: Pure CBD only. Best for those with sensitivities to other cannabinoids or who want predictable, THC-free simplicity.

For overall wellness and maximum effectiveness, a broad-spectrum approach is preferable to an isolate.

Concentration and Potency: Understanding the Numbers

CBD oil labels show total milligrams (mg) per bottle and often mg per serving.

Common Concentrations:

• 250-500mg: Low potency (good for very mild support or microdosing)
• 500-1000mg: Medium potency (suitable for most people starting out)
• 1000-2500mg: High potency (for experienced users or those needing higher doses)
• 2500mg+: Very high potency (for specific therapeutic needs)

How to Calculate Cost-Effectiveness:

Don't compare bottle prices—compare cost per mg of CBD.

Example:

• $50 for 500 mg = $0.10 per mg
• $80 for 1000 mg = $0.08 per mg
• $120 for 2000 mg = $0.06 per mg

Higher-concentration bottles often deliver better value, assuming quality is equal.

Finding Your Right Potency:

Most people starting out do well with 500-1000mg bottles, which allow 15-30mg doses. If you know you need higher doses (40mg+), start with at least 1000mg to avoid burning through bottles quickly.

Carrier Oil: What CBD Is Suspended In

CBD extract is thick and concentrated. It's mixed with carrier oil for easy dosing.

Common Carriers:

• MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglycerides):
  • Usually derived from coconut oil
  • Flavorless
  • Enhances CBD absorption
  • Most popular choice for good reason
• Hemp Seed Oil:
  • From hemp seeds (different from CBD extract)
  • Contains additional nutrients (omega fatty acids)
  • Slightly nutty flavor
  • Good choice, though absorption isn't quite as good as MCT
• Olive Oil:
  • Less common in CBD products
  • Strong flavor that can overpower the product
  • Acceptable but not ideal
• Grapeseed Oil:
  • Light flavor
  • Good absorption
  • Less common but perfectly acceptable

What Matters:

The carrier oil should enhance absorption without interfering with the CBD. MCT oil does this best, which is why most quality products use it.

Additives and Ingredients

Quality CBD oil has a short ingredient list: CBD extract and carrier oil. Maybe natural flavoring for flavored varieties.

What to Avoid:

• Artificial flavors or colors: Unnecessary and potentially problematic for some people.
• Excessive additives: Long ingredient lists with unrecognizable chemicals.
• Sweeteners: Shouldn't be in CBD oil (gummies are different).
• Fillers: Some cheap products dilute CBD with unnecessary ingredients to reduce costs.

What's Acceptable:

• Natural flavoring: Peppermint oil, citrus extracts, etc., for flavored varieties.
• Preservatives: Natural preservatives (like vitamin E) in small amounts to extend shelf life.

The best products keep it simple.

Price: What You Should Actually Pay

CBD oil prices vary wildly, and price doesn't always indicate quality—but very cheap CBD is almost always low quality.

Realistic Price Ranges (Per Bottle):

• 500mg: $30-60
• 1000mg: $50-100
• 2000mg: $80-150

These are for quality, third-party tested, properly sourced products. Prices significantly below this should raise questions. Prices significantly above should be justified by exceptional quality or unique formulations.

The "Too Cheap" Problem:

Quality hemp costs money to grow. Proper extraction costs money. Third-party testing costs money. If a product is drastically cheaper than competitors, corners are being cut somewhere—usually in ways that affect what's actually in the bottle.

The "Too Expensive" Problem:

Some premium brands charge premium prices for standard products. You're paying for branding, not better CBD. This is why focusing on verifiable quality factors (testing, source, extraction) matters more than brand reputation alone.

Company Transparency and Reputation

Beyond the product itself, evaluate the company:

What to Look For:

• Clear contact information: Real address, phone number, and responsive customer service.
• Educational content: Companies that educate rather than just market tend to prioritize helping people over short-term profit.
• Consistent third-party testing: Not just one batch—every batch.
• Realistic claims: If they're promising CBD cures cancer, run. Responsible companies discuss support and wellness, not miracle cures.
• Return policy: Legitimate companies stand behind their products.

Red Flags:

• Grandiose health claims: CBD is beneficial but not a cure-all.
• No way to contact them: P.O. boxes and no phone number.
• Inconsistent information: Product details that change or contradict across the site.
• Fake reviews: All reviews are 5 stars, with generic praise.
• Pressure tactics: "Limited time" offers that never actually end.

Flavored vs Unflavored

This is personal preference, but here's what to consider:

• Unflavored (Natural):
  • Tastes like hemp—earthy, slightly bitter
  • No added ingredients
  • Some people prefer knowing they're getting pure product
  • Others find the taste off-putting
• Flavored:
  • Makes sublingual use more pleasant
  • Common flavors: peppermint, citrus, berry
  • Should use natural flavoring, not artificial
  • Slightly higher price to account for flavoring

Neither is better—choose based on whether you can tolerate hemp taste.

Bottle Design and Dosing Convenience

Practical consideration: Can you actually use this easily?

• Dropper Quality: Should have clear measurement markings. Cheap droppers are hard to use accurately.
• Bottle Size: 30ml (1 oz) is standard. Some come in 15ml or 60ml. Larger isn't always better—CBD degrades over time once opened.
• Packaging: Dark glass bottles protect CBD from light degradation. Clear bottles look nice but allow light to reduce potency.

Questions to Ask Before Buying

Run any CBD oil through these questions:

• Can I easily access third-party lab results for this specific batch?
• Is it full or broad spectrum? (Unless you specifically want to isolate)
• Where is the hemp grown?
• What extraction method was used?
• What's the cost per mg of CBD?
• Does the company provide clear contact information?
• Are the claims realistic and responsible?
• Is the concentration appropriate for my needs?

If you can't answer these questions from the product page, the company isn't being transparent enough.

My Personal Checklist

When I evaluate any CBD oil—including our own at Steve's Goods—here's what I verify:

• ✓ CO2 extraction
• ✓ Full or broad spectrum
• ✓ Third-party tested with easily accessible COA
• ✓ US-grown hemp
• ✓ MCT carrier oil
• ✓ Minimal, clean ingredients
• ✓ Appropriate concentration (at least 1000mg for regular use)
• ✓ Cost between $0.05-$0.10 per mg
• ✓ Company transparency

Any product meeting all these criteria is worth considering. Products missing multiple items aren't.

The Bottom Line

Choosing CBD oil doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require looking past marketing claims.

Prioritize third-party testing above everything else. Verify hemp source and extraction method. Understand what concentration you need and what you're actually paying per mg of CBD. Choose a full or broad-spectrum unless you have specific reasons for isolation.

The "best" CBD oil isn't the most expensive or the most heavily marketed—it's the one that meets quality standards, fits your needs, and comes from a company you can trust to be honest about what's in the bottle.

Start there, and you're far ahead of most people buying CBD.