Use the map below to find CBD retailers and dispensaries who support our work! Continue reading below to learn about some best practices to keep in mind when shopping for CBD online, or nearby at a local retailer.
With the explosive popularity of CBD, consumers are often on the lookout for trustworthy products that offer both quality and safety. While the market offers a variety of options for buying CBD—from local stores to online retailers—knowing how to evaluate these products is essential. This article will walk you through the different places you can buy CBD near you and the key factors to consider when making your choice, from product quality to regulatory concerns.
Where to Buy CBD
Option 1: Buying CBD Online
Shopping for CBD online offers convenience and variety. You can find products from trusted brands that ship nationwide, often with better transparency about the ingredients and sourcing. However, you have to be cautious when making your selections. Look for retailers that provide third-party lab results (Certificates of Analysis) for each product, ensuring you’re getting what the label claims.
Advantages of buying online include access to a broader range of products, from oils and edibles to topicals and capsules. You also have the chance to read customer reviews in detail and compare products across different brands, which can help guide your decision. Online shopping can also give you access to full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products, which contain multiple cannabinoids, not just CBD, potentially offering enhanced benefits due to the “entourage effect.”
Option 2: Buying CBD from a Legal Cannabis Dispensary
If you live in a state with legalized cannabis, dispensaries are another excellent place to purchase CBD. Cannabis dispensaries are regulated, meaning the products they sell have undergone testing for potency and purity, often giving you more confidence in their safety and efficacy.
One of the major benefits of buying from a dispensary is access to knowledgeable staff. These professionals can explain the differences between whole-plant extracts (which contain a range of cannabinoids and terpenes) and CBD isolates (which contain only CBD), helping you choose the best product for your needs. However, dispensary prices can be higher than other retail options, so keep your budget in mind.
Option 3: Buying CBD at a Local Wellness or Supplement Shop
Many local health and wellness stores, including supplement shops, carry CBD products. These shops often focus on natural and holistic wellness, so they may stock high-quality CBD products, including full-spectrum or broad-spectrum options. However, not all products in these shops are regulated or tested, so it’s essential to ask for lab results and research the brand before making a purchase.
A local wellness shop may not have the same stringent testing requirements as a dispensary, but they often cater to a health-conscious crowd, so you’re more likely to find products with clean ingredients and natural formulations. In any case, it would be wise to look up the specific brands and products online to see if they publish lab test information about their products, and to see how other consumers have reviewed them.
Option 4: Buying CBD at a Grocery Store or Gas Station
You’ve probably seen CBD popping up in surprising places, like your local grocery store or even gas stations. While the convenience is undeniable, these options come with a caveat: many of these products are unregulated. CBD sold at grocery stores or gas stations often lacks the testing and quality assurance found in more reputable retail environments. These products may be mislabeled or contain harmful contaminants, like pesticides or heavy metals.
If you’re buying CBD from a less traditional retail environment, it’s essential to do your homework. Check the packaging for clear labeling and lab certificates to verify the product’s quality and ensure it’s free from contaminants. Ideally, stick to products that clearly state they’re made from American-grown hemp, as domestic regulations often ensure higher quality standards.
Key Considerations When Shopping for CBD
Product Reviews and Brand Reputation
One of the most critical factors when buying CBD—whether online or in-store—is checking product reviews and the reputation of the brand. Look for companies that provide detailed information about their sourcing, extraction methods, and third-party lab results. Customer reviews can also give you insight into the product’s effectiveness and any potential side effects.
Whole-Plant Extract vs. Isolated Compounds
When shopping for CBD, you’ll encounter two primary types of products: full-spectrum (or whole-plant) extracts and CBD isolates. Full-spectrum products contain a range of cannabinoids, including a small amount of THC (typically below 0.3% in hemp-derived products). This combination of cannabinoids may provide greater therapeutic benefits due to the entourage effect, where the compounds work synergistically.
On the other hand, CBD isolates contain only CBD, with no other cannabinoids or terpenes. These are often marketed as “pure CBD” and may be a good option for those concerned about THC content or drug testing. However, many experts argue that isolates may not be as effective as full-spectrum products in delivering the full therapeutic potential of CBD.
Lab Certificates and Accurate Labeling
Whether buying CBD from a dispensary, a wellness shop, or even a grocery store, always ask for a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This third-party lab report verifies that the product contains the advertised amount of CBD and THC and is free from harmful contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents. Lab certificates also ensure that products aren’t mislabeled, which is unfortunately common in the unregulated CBD market.
In one study, nearly 70% of CBD products tested had either significantly more or less CBD than indicated on the label. This inconsistency can affect how the product works for you, making it crucial to purchase from companies that prioritize transparency and testing.
Regulatory Oversight: Legalized vs. Unregulated Products
Finally, it’s important to understand the regulatory environment surrounding CBD. Products sold at licensed dispensaries are regulated, meaning they must meet specific safety and quality standards. In contrast, many CBD products sold at gas stations or grocery stores are not subject to the same level of oversight, making them more susceptible to contamination or mislabeling.
In states where cannabis is legal for recreational or medical use, the CBD products available through dispensaries tend to be of higher quality because they must meet state-mandated testing requirements. Conversely, CBD sold in unregulated environments may not meet these standards, so it’s essential to be extra cautious when buying from these sources.
Final Thoughts: Finding Reliable, High-Quality CBD Near You
Finding reliable CBD products, whether nearby or online, requires a bit of research and due diligence. Whether you’re purchasing from a dispensary, wellness shop, or online, always prioritize companies that offer third-party lab results and use clear labeling. Be cautious of unregulated products, especially those sold at convenience stores or gas stations. By considering factors like product reviews, lab certificates, and the type of CBD extract, you can ensure you’re getting a product that’s both safe and effective.