How to choose CBD or CBG oil
There is a wide range of CBD products, while quality varies greatly. In this guide, we briefly explain what to look for when choosing a product so that you get a natural, high-quality product – without synthetic ingredients and at a fair price.
1. Full spectrum, not isolate
The most important decision is the type of extract. Full spectrum means that the product contains a natural hemp extract with all cannabinoids, terpenes and antioxidants that act synergistically. Isolate is purified CBD (97–99.9%), often added to inexpensive products, but it can also be synthetic. More in the guide Full spectrum, broad spectrum or isolate?
2. Pay attention to the CBD and CBG cannabinoid content in the product
Very high concentrations of CBD generally cannot be achieved solely by extracting industrial hemp with a low THC content. The ratio between THC and CBD in the plant is often approximately 1 : 20 to 1 : 40. This means that an oil with 20% CBD, if obtained solely by concentrating such a full-spectrum extract, could contain approximately 0.5 to 1% THC.
Therefore, products with 15%, 20% or 30% CBD often contain added CBD isolate or another concentrated CBD extract, which increases the final CBD content. Naturally obtained full-spectrum CBD oils without added concentrated cannabinoids usually contain lower concentrations of CBD, most commonly approximately between 3% and 10%.
The situation is somewhat different with CBG products. Hemp plants that are selected for a high CBG content usually contain very little THC. The ratio between THC and CBG can be approximately 1 : 60 to 1 : 80. Therefore, CBG products can also contain higher concentrations of CBG, for example up to approximately 15%, while still having a very low THC content.
3. Who is the manufacturer?
A serious supplier is involved in the entire chain – from hemp cultivation to extraction. Resellers often only fill purchased extract or isolate into containers. At Dr. Gosar, the entire process is our own; the products are developed by Dr. Borut Gosar, PhD in biotechnology. See the certificates and our extraction process.
4. Extraction and distillation method
For hemp extraction, we use 95–100% ethanol, which, in addition to cannabinoids, also effectively dissolves terpenes and antioxidant phenolic compounds. The resulting ethanol extract is then further processed using low-temperature vacuum distillation, which takes place under reduced pressure and in the absence of oxygen. This process helps preserve sensitive bioactive compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes and antioxidants by reducing their exposure to oxidation and high temperatures. Read more about the process in the guide How our CBD oil is made. More in the guide How our CBD oil is made.
5. Price per milligram, not just price
Compare the price based on the amount of cannabinoids (mg), not just the price of the bottle. An overview of strengths and package sizes can be found in the Hemp / CBD category.
Which strength should you choose?
When choosing the strength of CBD drops (CBD oil), it is important to know that there is no universal dose. The effective amount varies from person to person, so each user should adjust the dose according to their needs and their body's response. The strength of the drops is primarily a matter of dosing convenience. Once you determine the dose that suits you, it is recommended to use the same product, as this makes it easier to maintain consistent use. Quality manufacturers ensure that the composition varies only minimally between individual batches. If you are just starting to use CBD drops, we recommend starting with a lower dose and gradually adjusting it as needed.Our recommendations:
- Medium strength: 5% ECO CBD drops
- Higher strength: 7% ECO CBD drops
- With CBG: 5% CBG + 3% CBD drops
Frequently asked questions
Is a stronger product always better?
Not necessarily. The naturalness of the extract (full spectrum) is more important than simply having a high percentage of CBD.
How can I recognize a synthetic or isolate-based product?
Often by a very high CBD content (above 10%).
Shop - Hemp / CBD