Best CBD Shops in Athens, GA

How to Shop for CBD in Athens, GA Tips on Choosing Safe and Effective Products

Choosing safe, effective CBD products is possible if you know what to look for. If you prefer to shop in-store, there are some simple signs to look for that can help determine whether the retailer is reliable, including:

• Licensing: Retailers aren't required to hold licenses to sell CBD products in Georgia. However, licensing is necessary to cultivate or process hemp, which CBD is extracted from. If the retailer sells its own manufactured products, confirm they have the appropriate licenses.
• Helpful Staff: The best CBD stores have positive, experienced staff ready to help. They should provide information about products readily when asked and also assist you in choosing products if you're unsure. If the staff isn't willing to do so, you may be better off shopping elsewhere.
• Refund Policies: Typically, return policies or satisfaction guarantees show confidence in the quality of products. 
• Clean Store: The store's interior should be clean and well-maintained. 
• Range of Products: CBD retailers often stock a wide range of products. While a limited selection isn't necessarily concerning, it can affect whether the store can help you with your specific needs.

Ultimately, you should feel safe, comfortable and confident in the brick-and-mortar store you shop in. Trust your instincts and keep an eye out for the above signs to help guide your choices.

After you've chosen a retail location, you still have some serious considerations to make about the CBD products you choose. Consider the way you want to consume the CBD—common options include topical creams, tinctures, vapes, edibles like gummies or chocolate, patches, capsules and oils. 

Before you grab a product, look for signs it's safe, reliable and effective. These include:

• Detailed Labels: Labeling for high-quality CBD products typically includes a wealth of information, including information about the manufacturer, active and inactive ingredients, lot and batch numbers, production dates, expiration dates, dosing information and appropriate warnings. They also typically include a way to look up lab results about that particular batch and product.
• Professional Packaging: All packaging should be professionally sealed to prevent tampering or contamination. Ensure the packaging is undamaged and clean before buying.
   
• Grown Organically in the US: Opt for products made from US-grown hemp material. The US has strict agricultural standards surrounding farming hemp, helping protect you from contaminants. Choosing organic also protects you from dangerous chemicals that could taint the product.
• Third-Party Testing: High-quality CBD products undergo rigorous third-party lab testing. They also provide a way to see the results for the specific batch you're considering, typically through a scannable QR code. This provides proof of product purity, strength and ingredients. If a product doesn't offer test results, it's an obvious sign that you should pass on it and choose something else. 

Do you want a product that's THC-free or are trace amounts acceptable to you? CBD isolate is the purest form, containing only CBD. Full-spectrum CBD contains all parts of the cannabis plant, with less than 0.3% THC. Broad-spectrum CBD also contains all components of the cannabis plant, but typically in lower amounts. Keep in mind that there may be trace amounts of THC in broad-spectrum products. If you're ever unsure about the products, what they contain or how to read labels, don't hesitate to ask the staff. Remember, they're there to help you.