As market demand for cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp-related products grows, retailers will have to respond by offering more options for consumers. But choosing a CBD vendor can be more challenging than those for typical food, beverage and topical products retailers are used to – for many, CBD products are uncharted territory.
There are ways for a retailer to separate a reputable hemp-CBD product partner from a disreputable one.
Expect transparency. Quite possibly the most important thing for a retailer to look for from a cannabidiol vendor is a straightforward attitude. When a retailer asks for information, a solid manufacturer partner will respond without hesitation.
Ask plenty of questions. Where is the company’s hemp grown? How was the CBD extracted? Can you educate me on the terms and manufacturing process? Any sign that a potential vendor is holding back, is uncooperative or engaging in double-talk is a red flag.
A reputable CBD manufacturer will also have certificates of analysis (COA) from a third-party lab that assure that its products are what the company says they are. Look for testing that adheres to “ISO 17025” standards – a benchmark of high scientific standards.
There’s no dancing around a hemp-CBD product not having independent COAs. All CBD products by a reputable vendor will be certified. Period. If they’re not, find another vendor.
Look for products that feature clear labeling. Most will list on the packaging how much total CBD is in the container, but it should also list how much CBD is in each dose. And if a product contains THC, it must be less than 0.3% to be within the legal federal allowance.
Again, ask plenty of questions. The best manufacturers will be eager to answer your questions and offer even more information for you and your staff. Many already have pre-printed information to help retail associates educate themselves on their products as well as handouts or other reference for consumers.
A CBD vendor partner should be just that – a partner. If you aren’t confident in your interaction, look to another company.
