As the hemp industry continues its expansion, an increasing array of hemp-based products are flooding the shelves of stores across the country. With each discovery about the versatility of this remarkable plant, the diversity of available products expands. Yet, for both seasoned and novice shoppers alike, identifying a high-quality product amidst the abundance can seem akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.
Fortunately, there are strategies available to help shoppers navigate this sea of options while reducing the likelihood of selecting an inferior product. Below are just a few methods shoppers can employ to find a product that meets their standards:
Does the Product Have a COA?
A certificate of Analysis, or COA for short, is the third party testing results from a certified laboratory. COAs contain important information about hemp-based products, such as;
- 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 should be tied to a COA. Not only does this serve as a quality control measure, but also verifies the product falls within federal and state guidelines.
Read the Reviews
Taking time to read the reviews on a product you are considering will save you time and money in the long run. Brands that value honesty and transparency want to hear what their customers think about their products. In turn, new shoppers get an inside look at how their experience with the same products could be.
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 could have the best products available on the market, but if their customers do not know how to use the products, then they may not have the experience they deserve. This is why investing in information and education is a key aspect of any quality brand.
The way that brands promote education can vary on a variety of different factors including audience, products, and business model. However, some of the most common places to find informational and educational content;
- 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?
No matter how you feel about artificial intelligence, it is here to stay and it is being used. What shoppers need to look for is how AI is being used rather than if it is being used. A few questions to consider regarding the use of AI in hemp-based product marketing are;
- 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
Finding the right hemp-based product may seem overwhelming, especially for seasoned shoppers. Yet, with tools like those mentioned earlier, you can simplify the process, saving time, money, and your peace of mind. Employing these quality control techniques while shopping for hemp-based goods lays a strong foundation for success.