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Josh Hurst is a journalist, critic, copywriter, and essayist. He lives in Knoxville, TN, with his wife and three sons. As a writer for Remedy Review, an independent CBD review site, Josh covers the relationship between cannabis-based products and the human body.
If you’ve ever taken CBD and felt zero effects afterward, you’re not alone. In fact, my first time trying CBD didn’t go over too well. I started my journey with cannabidiol (CBD) a couple years ago when I tried a topical cream to alleviate muscle soreness. I didn’t really notice much difference until I bought a completely different CBD cream that had amazing results. It was at that moment I realized not all CBD products are created equal. Since then, I’ve expanded my knowledge of CBD and tried several other products, including tinctures, gummies, capsules, and much more.
One thing I’ve learned from my experience with CBD is that lab test results are a must. Before I try any product for myself, I want to make sure what I’m putting into my body is a safe product, and I’m sure many other consumers would want the same. That’s why I took the time to learn the ins and outs of CBD product testing to know exactly what I’m looking for when I come across a lab test. These test results, or Certificates of Analysis (COA), are one of the easiest ways to evaluate a CBD company and its products.
A few things to keep in mind when looking at a COA are the date (which should be within the last year), the CBD potency, and test results for the presence of any heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, and other unwanted chemicals. Only with the confidence of knowing that a brand is safe do I then try the products to see how they make me feel. One brand that passed my review of lab tests was Medterra, which is a well-known brand that tests all of its products through accredited third-party testing centers like ProVerde Labs and Green Scientific Labs.
First impressions
I was initially drawn to Medterra because it grows its hemp in Kentucky and helps support American farmers. The company is even a member of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Pilot Program, which means its source crops meet stringent regulatory standards. This commitment to farm-to-shelf oils, edibles, and topicals is what made Medterra a popular player online and one of my reasonings for trying its products.
I wanted to see for myself if Medterra’s CBD extract lived up to the hype. Did the products really work? Would I recommend them to a friend? Below is my in-depth review of the company and what I learned when I tried a few of its top products.
The pros
To begin with, here are a few of the strengths this CBD brand brings to the table.
Strict hemp regulations
As a part of the Industrial Hemp Pilot Program in Kentucky, the agricultural terrain within the state lends itself to creating quality products. Additionally, everything Medterra produces is strictly batch-tested to ensure high levels of quality, which was reassuring to me as I tried the products.
Guaranteed THC-free
Medterra obtains its hemp extracts through a CO2 extraction process and ensures all are non-GMO and completely THC-free. Most of its products are made with pure CBD isolate, which has removed any unwanted plant materials to create simple, streamlined products. I typically go for full-spectrum extracts, but for those who want to avoid THC due to drug testing concerns, these zero-THC products are a great option.
Great shopping experience
Buying from Medterra’s site is pretty straightforward, and there are some nice little perks for repeat shoppers. You get a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of Medterra’s CBD products, and there’s a reward program where you can accrue points and use them for discounts. There’s also a CBD quiz you can take to help you find what products may be best for you!
The cons
Are there any reasons to be skeptical of Medterra, or to think twice before choosing its CBD oils or other product offerings?
No “whole plant” extract options
Some CBD enthusiasts will appreciate the smooth taste and zero-THC composition of Medterra. However, if you’re someone who appreciates a CBD oil that contains many different cannabinoids and terpenes, then you may want to look elsewhere for a full-spectrum CBD product.
Best CBD products from Medterra
There are a lot of products to choose from within the Medterra online shop, and I selected three of the most popular items to review. Below, you’ll find some information about the products as a whole, as well as my thoughts after giving each one a try.
CBD isolate oil
Medterra’s flagship product is its CBD oil tincture, which is big on cannabidiol power but totally absent any THC. In other words, it allows for the medicinal value of CBD to work alone. I was pleasantly surprised by the taste of this oil, which was unflavored and went down smooth. The varying strength options are also a plus, so customers can get 500, 1000, or 3000 milligram strengths per 30 milliliter bottle, and each tincture contains over 99 percent CBD.
To buy: CBD Isolate Oil, starting at $35; medterracbd.com
CBD + melatonin tablets
Do you ever have trouble sleeping at night? I know I do. That’s why I tried these CBD for sleep tablets from Medterra. Each tablet is flavored with spearmint and combines 25 milligrams of CBD with 10 milligrams of melatonin. (Melatonin is the body’s naturally occurring hormone that regulates sleep; some of us need a little supplemental boost to help us get a good night’s rest, and these capsules provide it.) After taking a tablet several evenings in a row, I definitely slept a little sounder. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t wake up groggy either, which can sometimes happen after I take melatonin. I also liked how the tablet dissolved under my tongue with a nice minty taste.
To buy: CBD + Melatonin Sleep Tablets, $50; medterracbd.com
CBD pain cream
Medterra offers a few topicals, including this CBD cream that’s specifically made to ease stiff necks, sore backs, and the joint pain that comes from arthritis and similar maladies. I used this topical to alleviate my muscle soreness after working out and really enjoyed the cooling sensation it gave off. With natural ingredients like peppermint oil and aloe, this fast-acting cream is available in 500 and 1000 milligram CBD concentrations, and each 1.7-ounce bottle contains 50 milliliters of soothing cream.
To buy: CBD Pain Cream, $35; medterracbd.com
Still want to know more? Read the answers to these FAQs about Medterra
Where can I find lab test results for Medterra products?
All of Medterra’s products are batch-tested by third-party labs, and the company is great about providing those test results with full transparency. You can obtain a certificate of analysis for any given Medterra product and learn more about its potency and quality on the company’s website.
What other kinds of products does Medterra offer?
The brand also offers some CBD gummies, but these edibles are apparently in high demand and hard to keep in stock as they were all sold out when I was shopping for products to review (I was especially bummed about this, given the glowing reviews for these gummies).
Will Medterra products make me high?
Although Medterra offers different types of CBD extracts within its products, none of them contain THC and therefore do not offer intoxicating effects. You can use them for joint support or to help you stay alert and not have to worry about feeling “high.”
I like to recommend these THC-free products to older family members and friends who have heard about CBD on the news but are turned off by THC. This gives them a way to see if CBD works for them while avoiding the chemical associated with marijuana.
Will any product from Medterra affect a drug test?
Most drug tests only check for THC, which isn’t found in any of Medterra’s products. As such, it’s very unlikely that these products would ever cause any problem with workplace drug testing.
Main takeaways
Medterra offers a range of all-natural, rigorously tested CBD products for an affordable price. I think this brand is best suited for people who want something that’s THC-free but still want a lot of choices in terms of application style, potency, and flavor. While I tend to prefer full-spectrum oils, for many CBD shoppers, Medterra offers a quality product at an affordable price.
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