As the hemp industry expands, an increasing number of hemp products are hitting store shelves nationwide. Our growing understanding of this remarkable plant has led to a greater variety of products. However, for many shoppers, even the experienced ones, finding a high-quality product that meets their needs can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Fortunately, there are strategies to help shoppers locate what they’re looking for while reducing the risk of selecting a subpar product. Here are a few tips for finding a quality hemp product:
Does the Product Have a COA?
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is the set of testing results from a certified third-party laboratory. COAs provide crucial information about hemp-based products, including:
- THC potency
- Cannabinoids present in the product
- Any contaminants found within the product
- When the product was made and/or tested
- The presence of any pesticides, herbicides, molds, etc. within the product
By law, every hemp product must be accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This not only ensures quality control but also confirms the product’s compliance with federal and state regulations.
Read the Reviews
Reading reviews on a product you’re considering can save you both time and money in the long run. Brands that prioritize honesty and transparency welcome customer feedback about their products. As a result, new shoppers gain valuable insights into what their own experiences with these products might be like.
Similar to COA’s reviews can hold a wealth of information. Some of this information can include;
- How the individual felt after using a product
- Any side effects an individual felt from a product, whether they be good or bad.
- What an individual liked or disliked about a product.
What Educational Information Does the Brand Provide?
A brand might offer the best products on the market, but if customers don’t know how to use them, they may miss out on the full experience. That’s why investing in customer education and information is essential for any quality brand.
The methods brands use to promote education depend on various factors, such as their target audience, product types, and business model. However, some of the most common sources of informational and educational content include:
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
- A blog on the brand’s website
- YouTube videos
- Podcasts
What Contact Information Does the Brand Provide?
Trustworthy and transparent brands want to make sure their customers can get in touch with them if they have any questions or concerns. This helps maintain honesty and establishes a connection between the consumer and the brand.
Some of the most popular ways brands provide contact information include;
- Emails
- Phone numbers
- Live Chat
Contact information types can vary from brand to brand, similar to educational content. However, the quality brands want to ensure that their shoppers can contact them easily and quickly.
How do Brands Use AI?
Regardless of your opinion on artificial intelligence, it is here to stay and is actively being utilized. Shoppers should focus on understanding how AI is being applied rather than questioning its presence. Here are a few questions to consider about the use of AI in marketing hemp-based products:
- Is AI being used to enhance the consumer experience or is it being used as a quick replacement for quality content?
- Are brands using visual AI images as a replacement for real photos?
- Do any AI images used violate any copyright laws?
Quality brands will be selective about how they use AI. Vice Versa, fly-by-night brands may use it to appear transparent while still falling short.
The Bottom Line
Shopping for a hemp-based product can be overwhelming, even for seasoned shoppers. However, the tools listed above can simplify the process, saving you time, money, and stress. By applying these quality control methods while shopping for hemp-based products, you ensure a successful experience.