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Cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant, is used for a variety of health and wellness reasons. For instance, many people use CBD to help ease symptoms of anxiety, chronic pain, and other conditions, or because it has a calming effect.
CBD is a fast-growing industry, with new products on the market every week. It’s not always easy to decipher a CBD label and determine the quality of a product, but choosing a reputable brand will give you the most benefits for your bucks.
CBDistillery, the flagship brand of Balanced Health Botanicals, has served more than 2 million customers since it was founded in 2016. The brand also aims to stomp out stigma about cannabis and “prove that CBD isn’t just a buzzword,” through their #CBDMOVEMENT efforts on social media.
Below, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of the brand and take a look at some of CBDistillery’s top products.
CBDistillery is a growing brand name in CBD. Launched in Colorado in 2016, the brand has developed quite a bit since then. They now offer a slew of full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate products.
Like other trustworthy CBD brands, CBDistillery is certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority and is third-party tested. The brand strives to be transparent, and on their website, they mention that part of their mission involves offering easy access to CBD products and widespread education about CBD.
Pros
- transparent about sourcing and manufacturing
- certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority
- offers a large variety of CBD products at reasonable prices
Cons
- doesn’t offer discount programs for low income households
- labels some their products as supplements, which doesn’t align with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) protocol
- products aren’t certified organic
Company reputation
Part of CBDistillery’s growing reputation can likely be attributed to their mission for transparency and skipping gimmicks. For example, in 2020, CBDistillery underwent a website and packaging rebranding to focus on educating consumers about CBD and providing clear labeling.
The CBDistillery website features thousands of favorable customer reviews of individual products. Elsewhere online, the brand goes head-to-head with other top CBD retailers in reviews and analyses.
Right now, the brand has just a handful of older reviews on Trustpilot, a third-party consumer review website. One reviewer who identifies as a blind screen reader said they had a difficult time navigating the checkout process. The company has an accessibility menu, but it’s unclear if it’s improved since the review was posted.
Another review had a positive experience, noting fast shipping. A few reviewers from 2018 and 2019 were also unsatisfied, noting customer service issues and missing certificates of analysis.
Quality and transparency
Certifications and memberships
CBDistillery is certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority (USHA), a seal of approval that means the brand has undergone the USHA’s independent third-party audit and met strict standards regarding ingredients, labeling, and FDA compliance.
In 2019, CBDistillery’s parent company achieved self-affirmed generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status through an independent review by toxicologists. The brand also has memberships with the National Hemp Association and the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, the hemp industry’s major grassroots organization.
Marketing practices
Notably, CBDistillery has not received any
That said, CBDistillery does label their products as supplements, which some other companies have received warning letters over.
Sourcing and manufacturing
Another pro about CBDistillery is their degree of transparency in product sourcing and manufacturing. The brand says they use non-GMO industrial hemp, grown in the United States with natural farming practices, to create their products.
CBDistillery’s manufacturing facility is approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The facility is certified by NSF International to follow
For their full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products, CBDistillery uses a carbon dioxide (CO2) supercritical extraction process, lauded for its safety for both the environment and user.
For their isolate products, the brand uses ethanol extraction. Ethanol extraction can sometimes leave behind residual solvents in the final products. However, CBDistillery tests each product for residual solvents to make sure none remain.
Certificate of analysis
Each CBDistillery product also features a certificate of analysis (COA) from ACS Laboratory or Botanacor, both third-party ISO 17025-accredited labs.
COAs show:
- cannabinoid profile
- potency
- terpenes content
- whether it has passed tests for:
- water acidity
- heavy metals
- pesticides
- mycotoxins (toxic compounds produced by molds)
- residual solvents
- microbiology petrifilm (presence of bacteria)
You can access a COA by scanning the QR code on a CBDistillery product’s label. When browsing the brand’s website, you can find the COA overview in the product’s image slideshow and access the QR code for more information.
Range of products and pricing
CBDistillery offers a range of CBD products, including:
- oils
- softgels
- capsules
- gummies
- topicals
- drink mixes
- powders
Product offerings also include full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate formulas at a range of potencies.
Many other CBD products leave you to do the math to figure out the amount of CBD per serving, but CBDistillery products are clearly marked with this information. Oils, for example, range from 250 to 5,000 milligrams (mg) per 1-ounce (oz) bottle.
The labels also suggest a serving size, how much CBD you’ll get in that serving, and how many servings each package contains.
User reviews for various products frequently mention CBDistillery’s affordability, and fair pricing is a source of pride for the brand.
The brand also has a discount program for active military members, veterans, firefighters, police, and EMTs. CBDistillery offers a loyalty program as well, for future discounts. Unlike some other popular brands, CBDistillery doesn’t offer discounts to low income households.
Subscribing to certain products can save you 30% on the cost, as well as free shipping.
CBDistillery also offers pet products. However, it’s important to note there’s not much research on how CBD affects dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. Talk with your veterinarian before giving CBD to your pet.
Also, keep in mind that THC is toxic to dogs. You’ll want to keep any full-spectrum products out of reach of your pets.
Customer service
Parent company Balanced Health Botanicals has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, but they do have some negative customer reviews and complaints, mostly regarding shipping and ordering snafus.
However, it appears these complaints have been closed over the past few years.
Other users on the CBDistillery website rave about the brand’s customer service.
A few of our editors tested a range of CBDistillery products. They used each product for at least 5 days, comparing the flavor, potency, and effectiveness of each one.
Here’s our take on how CBDistillery’s products stack up in real-life applications.
| Brand | Pros | Cons | Discount programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| CBDistillery | • good transparency • U.S. Hemp Authority certified • large selection of products | • not certified organic • labels their products as supplements | • discount program for active military members, veterans, firefighters, police, and EMTs • loyalty program and subscription savings |
| cbdMD | • positive reputation • uses organic, non-GMO hemp • offers 3 discount programs | • some poor customer service reviews • unclear on hemp farm locations | • discounts for veterans, first responders, and those with legal disabilities • auto-ship discounts available |
| CBDfx | • competitive pricing • good variety of products | • no assistance programs available • unclear if products are certified organic • doesn’t name CGMPs facility | • loyalty program available |
Ordering your first CBDistillery product is a relatively simple process.
First, you’ll add your selected item(s) to your shopping cart. You can apply your promo codes here if you have them. As we mentioned, the brand offers a loyalty program where you earn points as you shop. These points eventually turns into discounts. You can sign up for that before checking out, if you would like.
Additionally, depending on which product(s) you choose, subscribing can save you 30% and get you free shipping. You’ll find the option to do this in your cart if it’s available.
Finally, there is a discount program for active military members, veterans, firefighters, police, and EMTs.
When you’re finished shopping, you’ll be asked to create an account using your first name, last name, and email address, and then you’ll choose a password. You can check out faster if you opt to check out as a guest. After you enter this basic information, you’ll move on to shipping.
At the time of publication, the brand offers free shipping on orders over $75. Products are shipped 48 hours after payment is processed. According to the company, your products should arrive 5 to 7 days after the order has shipped.
Deciding on the CBDistillery product that’s right for you will depend on your specific needs, likes and dislikes, and lifestyle.
- Onset of effects: Like many other CBD companies, CBDistillery’s capsules and oils use MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil. It’s often extracted from coconut oil. MCTs are broken down and absorbed rapidly, which is why you’ll often find MCT oil used in CBD products. The onset of these products is typically 1 to 2 hours.
- Flavor preferences: If the taste of hemp tends to bother you, flavored gummies and oils could make a better choice.
- Desired effects: Topicals are great for a localized application of CBD, like on aching joints, while ingested products offer a body-wide effect.
- THC preference: CBDistillery’s full-spectrum products will contain no more than 0.3% THC, but if you prefer to avoid this compound entirely, you may want to try a broad-spectrum or isolate product. Keep in mind, too, that broad-spectrum products may contain trace amounts of THC. If you want to steer clear of THC altogether, you may want to stick with isolate products.
As with any product you’re trying for the first time, start with the smallest serving possible to see how you react. Low and slow is a good general rule when it comes to CBD.
Individual factors, like your body weight and body chemistry, can affect your tolerance. Keep in mind that the method of consumption will also affect dose, absorption rate, and onset of effects.
Edibles can take up to 2 hours for effects to begin, so you’ll want to hold off on consuming any more during that time frame. Tinctures and sublingual (under the tongue) sprays tend to become noticeable between 15 and 45 minutes. Topicals can take up to an hour to provide relief.
It’s a good idea to try a low dose daily for about a week to give your body time to adjust before increasing it. If you’ve never used CBD before, you may want to start with a very low dose of just 1 to 2 mg and slowly increase the dose as needed.
When it comes to taking your dose, that also depends on the type of product:
- Oils: CBDistillery recommends holding the product under your tongue for 15 to 20 seconds before swallowing.
- Softgels: Take these as you would any other capsule, washing them down with water as desired.
- Gummies: Chew one serving as you would any other gummy.
- Topicals: You can apply these products as needed, but you may want to do a patch test on a small area first to make sure you don’t have a reaction to any ingredients.
CBD is generally reported as safe, although some common side effects may occur, such as:
It’s also important to note that CBD may interact with certain prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements. This includes medications that carry a grapefruit warning.
A 2019 study shows that CBD may also cause liver toxicity or injury. However, this study was conducted on mice, and researchers say you may need to take taking extremely high doses for this to be a concern.
One more thing to keep in mind: It’s best to use caution when consuming CBD along with high fat meals. Fats can increase CBD blood concentrations and raise your risk of side effects, according to a 2020 study.
Avoid CBD if you’re pregnant or nursing.
Before taking CBD, it’s best to talk with a doctor, especially if you’re managing health conditions or taking medications or supplements.
Since CBD may interact with some medications, OTC drugs, and dietary supplements, your healthcare team can make the best recommendation for you based on your health history and current medications.
A doctor or knowledgeable cannabis clinician can also recommend a starting dose, if you’re new to CBD.
A good rule of thumb is to start with the lowest possible dose before you learn how CBD affects you. Later, you can slowly increase the amount you take.
Where is CBDistillery located?
CBDistillery is located in Colorado.
Is CBDistillery a reputable CBD brand?
Yes. CBDistillery has a positive reputation and a good selection of products. All of the brand’s products are tested by independent labs for safety and quality. The company’s manufacturing facility is also certified to follow the FDA’s CGMPs.
Is CBD FDA approved?
To date, the only CBD product that’s FDA approved is
This is why it’s so important to shop from transparent companies with positive brand reputations and thorough third-party testing.
It’s also important to make sure the brand you’re shopping from doesn’t make over-the-top claims about their products.
What’s the most potent full-spectrum CBD oil?
CBDistillery sells a 5,000-mg full-spectrum CBD oil. It’s the company’s strongest product, with 167 mg of CBD per serving — more than twice the CBD content per serving of their 2,500-mg CBD oil.
CBDistillery says that a little of this oil goes a very long way.
Is CBD safe for pets?
At this time, research on the effects of CBD on dogs, cats, and other domestic animals remains limited. Before you give CBD to your pets, make sure to speak with your veterinarian.
Keep in mind, too, that THC is toxic to dogs. That means you’ll need to keep full-spectrum products out of reach to avoid accidental ingestion.
CBDistillery checks all the boxes as a reputable CBD brand that uses hemp industry best practices. Consumers can be confident in knowing everything from the parent company’s sourcing and manufacturing processes to their industry certifications.
But the transparency doesn’t stop there. Product labels include access to detailed COAs. Plus, product labels clearly state what customers are getting in terms of total CBD content and serving size, eliminating a lot of math or guesswork.
The brand also offers a range of product types and potency to meet various customer needs.
Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.