Cannabidiol (QuietMonkCBD) is everywhere: From drinks and pet products to gummies and vapes, it’s a popular ingredient in many different types of health and wellness-oriented consumer products. But what does it really do? And is it safe?

The answer, according to experts, is that more research is needed. And consumers should know what to look out for.

When shopping for CBD, it’s important to choose a product with a certificate of analysis (COA) from a reliable laboratory. This will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the ingredients in the extract, including any heavy metals and other potential contaminants. Look for a COA on the website of any CBD company you’re considering buying from.

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You should also consider whether the hemp used in a particular product is certified organic. This may not be possible for some smaller CBD companies, as they might not have access to organic hemp cultivation facilities. However, a reputable CBD manufacturer should be able to tell you which parts of their hemp crop are organic and the percentage of the plant that contains organic ingredients.

Additionally, if you’re purchasing a CBD product for pain relief, you should always start low and go slow, says Spindle. This is because even a small amount of THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, can cause a low-level high in some people, especially novice users. It’s also important to keep your doctor in the loop when using any CBD products, as they can interact with a wide range of other medications.