If you’ve ever shopped around for CBD products before, you’ll know how consumers are faced with a wide range of options — and an equally wide range of prices.

Is it worth paying for sustainable sourced CBD? Is it worth shelling out more for a brand of CBD that has been lab tested?

To shed light on whether it’s ever worth paying more for CBD, we spoke with Tony Spencer, CEO and founder of Spruce, a family-owned online CBD store offering creams, gummies, and oils.

Factors Influencing CBD Prices

1. Quality and Purity

The quality and purity of CBD products play a significant role in their pricing.

"High-quality CBD products often come with higher costs due to superior cultivation and extraction processes," explains Spencer. "At Spruce, we source our heirloom strain of hemp that was first introduced to the U.S. in the War of 1812."

Premium CBD is typically derived from organically grown hemp and undergoes rigorous third-party testing to ensure purity and potency.

Spencer adds, "We invest heavily in third-party lab testing for every batch of our products. This ensures that our customers receive CBD that's free from pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants."

2. Extraction Methods

The method used to extract CBD from hemp can significantly impact both its quality and price.

"CO2 extraction, though more expensive, preserves the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a more effective product," Spencer explains. "This method allows us to produce a cleaner, purer CBD oil without the use of harmful solvents."

Other methods, such as ethanol extraction, may be cheaper but can leave trace amounts of solvents in the final product or strip away beneficial compounds.

3. Concentration and Potency

Higher potency products generally cost more but may offer better value over time.

According to Spencer, "a concentrated CBD oil may have a higher upfront cost but could provide more doses per bottle. For example, a 2400mg bottle of CBD oil might seem expensive at first glance, but it can last much longer than lower concentration alternatives."

It's important for consumers to consider the cost per milligram of CBD rather than just the sticker price.

"Always check the CBD content and calculate the price per milligram to compare products effectively."

4. Added Ingredients

Luxury CBD products often include additional beneficial ingredients such as vitamins, essential oils, and other natural extracts.

"These added components can enhance the overall effects of the product but also increase the price," says Spencer. "For instance, a CBD balm that includes natural ingredients like arnica and menthol, which complement CBD's effects for pain relief."

Benefits of Paying More for CBD

1. Enhanced Efficacy

Premium CBD products are often more effective due to higher quality ingredients and better manufacturing processes.

"You're likely to experience more consistent and pronounced benefits from a higher-end product," Spencer advises. "We frequently hear from customers who've tried cheaper alternatives before finding relief with our products."

The entourage effect, where multiple cannabis compounds work together synergistically, is more likely to occur in full-spectrum, high-quality CBD products.

2. Safety and Transparency

Paying more usually means greater transparency regarding the product's origins and contents.

"Look for brands that offer detailed lab reports and have strong reputations for quality,” recommends Spencer. “At Spruce, we provide comprehensive certificates of analysis for every product, showing not just CBD content but also the presence of other cannabinoids and the absence of contaminants."

This level of transparency is crucial in an industry that's still largely unregulated. It ensures that consumers know exactly what they're putting into their bodies.

3. Better User Experience

Luxury CBD products often provide a more enjoyable user experience through superior taste, texture, and packaging.

"These factors can make a significant difference in your overall satisfaction and willingness to continue using CBD," Spencer points out.

4. Sustainable and Ethical Practices

Many premium CBD brands prioritize sustainable and ethical practices, which can increase costs but provide value beyond the product itself.

“Look for a brand that works closely with their farm partners to ensure sustainable farming practices and that uses eco-friendly packaging wherever possible."

How to Evaluate CBD Value

When considering whether to invest in premium CBD, Spencer recommends asking the following questions:

1. Does the company provide third-party lab results?
2. What extraction method do they use?
3. Where and how is their hemp sourced?
4. What is the concentration of CBD, and how does it compare in price per milligram?
5. Does the company have positive customer reviews and a good reputation?

"Answering these questions can help you determine if a higher-priced CBD product is likely to provide good value," says Spencer.

Conclusion

Buying high-quality CBD products can indeed be worth the extra cost, especially for those seeking the most effective and reliable benefits.

"Ultimately, the value of premium CBD lies in its ability to deliver consistent, safe, and potent results," concludes Tony Spencer.