Walking into the world of hemp products can feel a little overwhelming. With so many different products, cannabinoids, potencies, strains, and formats available, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Whether you’re completely new to hemp or simply looking to try something different, understanding a few basics can make choosing a product much easier.
At Peaceful Pines Hemp Farm, we believe that an informed customer is a confident customer. Here’s what to consider when choosing a hemp product.
1. Start With the Type of Product
Hemp products come in a variety of forms, and the best place to start is figuring out which format you’re most interested in.
Some common options include:
Hemp Flower
Hemp flower is the harvested flower of the hemp plant. It can contain naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes and is available in a variety of strains and profiles.
Tinctures & Oils
Tinctures are liquid hemp products that typically contain cannabinoids in an oil-based formula. They’re available in different concentrations and formulations.
Gummies & Edibles
Edibles offer a convenient, pre-portioned way to enjoy hemp products. Gummies are particularly popular because they’re easy to store and simple to incorporate into a routine.
Other Hemp Products
The hemp industry continues to grow, and you’ll find cannabinoids and hemp extracts in everything from capsules and topicals to beverages and other specialty products.
There isn’t necessarily one “best” type of hemp product. Your choice will depend on your personal preferences and what format works best for you.
2. Understand the Cannabinoids
One of the most important things to look at when choosing a hemp product is its cannabinoid profile.
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. Different hemp varieties and products can contain different combinations and concentrations.
You may see cannabinoids such as:
- CBD
- CBG
- THCa
- CBN
- Delta-9 THC
- And other minor cannabinoids
If you’re unfamiliar with a particular cannabinoid, take a few minutes to learn about it before purchasing a product.
It’s also important to remember that cannabinoids aren’t interchangeable. A product containing CBD isn’t the same as one containing THCa or CBG, even if they’re all derived from hemp.
3. Pay Attention to Potency
Once you’ve found a product you’re interested in, take a look at its potency.
Potency can be listed in different ways depending on the product. You might see percentages, milligrams per serving, total milligrams in a package, or other measurements.
Don’t assume that a higher number automatically means a better product.
Instead, look at the product’s labeling and determine exactly what the stated amount represents.
If you’re new to hemp products, choosing something with clearly labeled potency can make it easier to understand what you’re purchasing and make informed decisions about serving sizes.
4. Look for Third-Party Laboratory Testing
One of the best things you can do when shopping for hemp products is check for a Certificate of Analysis, commonly called a COA.
A COA is a laboratory report showing the results of testing performed on a specific product or batch.
Depending on the testing panel, a COA can provide information about:
- Cannabinoid concentrations
- THC levels
- Potency
- Pesticides
- Heavy metals
- Microbial contaminants
- Residual solvents
- Other testing categories
A COA gives you an opportunity to look beyond the product label and see what laboratory testing found.
At Peaceful Pines Hemp Farm, we believe transparency is important. That’s why we make our product testing information available to our customers.
If a hemp company makes laboratory testing difficult to find—or doesn’t provide it at all—don’t be afraid to ask questions.
5. Read the Product Label
Before purchasing any hemp product, take a moment to actually read the label.
Look for information such as:
- Product name
- Cannabinoid content
- Potency
- Serving size, when applicable
- Ingredients
- Batch or lot information
- Manufacturer or brand information
- Testing information
A good label should help you understand what you’re purchasing rather than leave you guessing.
If you can’t determine what’s actually in a product, that’s a good reason to do a little more research before buying it.
6. Consider Where Your Hemp Comes From
Not all hemp products are made the same way.
If sourcing matters to you, find out where the hemp was grown and who is producing the product.
Some companies grow their own hemp, while others purchase hemp or extracts from outside suppliers.
Knowing where your hemp comes from can give you another layer of information about the product you’re considering.
At Peaceful Pines Hemp Farm, we’re proud to grow hemp right here on our farm and to share more about where our products come from.
7. Don’t Choose a Product Based Only on the Name
You may come across product names or strain names that sound appealing, but a name doesn’t tell you everything you need to know.
Two products with similar names can have very different cannabinoid and terpene profiles.
Instead of choosing solely based on the name, look at the actual product information.
Check the:
Cannabinoid profile → Potency → Ingredients → COA → Product details
Those details can tell you much more than a catchy product name ever could.
Still Not Sure Where to Start?
That’s completely normal.
If you’re new to hemp, you don’t need to know everything before making your first purchase. Start by learning the basics, ask questions, and choose products with clear labeling and accessible laboratory testing.
At Peaceful Pines Hemp Farm, we’re always happy to help customers learn more about our products and what makes each one different.
Quality Starts With Knowing What You’re Buying
Choosing a hemp product doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start with the format you prefer, learn about the cannabinoids involved, pay attention to potency, read the label, and—perhaps most importantly—look for reliable third-party laboratory testing.
A little research before you buy can go a long way toward helping you become a more informed hemp consumer.
Explore Peaceful Pines Hemp Farm’s selection of hemp products and check out our available COAs to learn more about what’s in the products you purchase.
Hemp and cannabinoid products should be used responsibly and in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Product information and availability may vary
