CBD is a rapidly growing health ‘trend’ worldwide, probably one of the most beneficial natural products on the market for those experiencing multiple issues related to a weaker endocannabinoid system and related conditions. In Lithuania, this compound and its recognition are still gaining momentum, but in the United States, where CBD has been used since 2018, this industry is predicted to be worth as much as 22 billion US dollars by 2023! The legalisation of CBD has resulted in dozens of new companies in Lithuania that have started offering their CBD product lines to the market, however, some of them may not be as ‘clean’ and pure as they claim.
Not all CBD products are the same – some of them may contain harmful substances that affect your health and prevent the effectiveness of CBD. CBD has a reputation for being a natural and holistic (‘it’s all the same’) product, therefore people tend to assume that it is all 100% natural, pure, unadulterated, and that hemp is grown the same way. That’s why it is important to read labels, know what to look for, make sure the CBD product you want to try has been tested by a third-party lab and this information is available on the seller’s website.
What are the potential contaminants in CBD?
Pesticides or synthetic cannabinoids
One of the most dangerous substances that can be found in CBD products is pesticides – these chemicals are used to kill any insects or organisms that harm the growth of hemp. If present on the hemp plant, pesticide residues can be concentrated in the final CBD oil product. Pesticides or synthetic cannabinoids may also be deliberately added to CBD oil to increase yield, weight or potency. Pesticides can cause acute and chronic health effects after prolonged contact with the skin or in the body.
Solvent residues
Solvents are used during the production process to extract and isolate active ingredients such as cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant. Some solvents such as CO2 and ethanol are safe, while others such as petroleum, hexane or benzene are toxic. If proper methods are not followed after extraction, residual solvents may remain in the CBD extract and later be absorbed by the body. Repeated exposure to these toxic solvents can have adverse effects on the nervous system, causing fatigue, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, headaches and muscle weakness.
Heavy metals
Hemp plants can absorb all the chemicals they come into contact with through soil, water or even the air, meaning that unsanitary practices at various stages of production, storage and distribution can introduce unintended contaminants such as heavy metals. Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements, and while some, such as zinc and iron, are essential nutrients, others, such as mercury, arsenic and lead, are harmful and can be toxic when absorbed in certain amounts.
Microbiological pollutants
Microbiological contamination is the non-intended or accidental introduction of microbes such as bacteria, moulds, yeasts or fungi into a substance. Depending on how the hemp is harvested, processed and preserved, these micro-organisms can enter the final product and cause a potential health threat, such as a disease or infection.
In addition to unwanted contaminants, it is also important to make sure that the CBD products you are looking at contain less than 0.2% active THC, the main psychoactive compound in hemp that causes the feeling of high. A product containing more than 0.2% THC cannot be used or sold.
To enjoy the full health benefits of CBD, look for products where the hemp used has been grown in rich, fertile soil, the oil has been produced in a food-grade facility and, most importantly, tested by a trusted third-party lab. Hempo products are made from hemp grown in northern Italy, where the climate is perfect for their growth: lots of sunlight and an average annual humidity level of 70%, so the plants release a lot of beneficial cannabinoids and there’s no need to use any chemicals, pesticides or artificial fertilisers.
Our mission is to provide quality products so that our community could enjoy a better life. All our products are grown organically and tested by a third-party laboratory. We offer a wide selection of CBD cosmetic products, CBD oil and CBD capsules. Soon we will add a topical gel to our range. With our products, you can safely and effectively solve many skin, nail and hair problems.
