Why is CBD so expensive? The factors behind the price
If you're intrigued by CBD and its many potential wellness benefits, you're not alone. CBD has gained attention — and for good reason. This popular cannabinoid offers a range of benefits, from the potential to ease tension, support relaxation, and promote healthy sleep patterns.
If you’ve looked into different CBD products available, the price of some might leave you with questions. Why is CBD often more expensive compared to other wellness products? And is it really worth the investment? We certainly think so, but we don’t want you to just take our word without all of the information.
Understanding the factors behind the price can help you make an informed decision about what you're buying. Let's explore the key reasons why premium CBD comes with a higher price tag.
What is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids found abundantly in the hemp plant. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors responsible for maintaining balance across various bodily functions, including mood, stress, sleep, and discomfort.*
Unlike THC, which is psychoactive and produces a high, CBD does not bind directly with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and body. Instead, it works indirectly to support the ECS in promoting overall wellness.
CBD may help soothe feelings of tension, support emotional wellness, and encourage relaxation.* Many people also turn to CBD for sleep support, as it can help ease occasional disturbances and improve sleep quality.* CBD is also well-regarded for its potential to support a healthy stress response, helping users feel balanced throughout the day.
With its wide range of potential benefits, it's no surprise that CBD has become a popular — albeit expensive — addition to wellness routines.
What factors influence the cost of CBD?
Several factors can influence the price of CBD, ranging from how the hemp is grown to the extraction method used to obtain the cannabinoids.
Let’s take a look at a few of the most significant contributors to the cost of premium CBD products.
Sourcing and farming practices
The journey of CBD starts with hemp, and the quality of hemp matters. Reputable brands partner with certified farms that prioritize ethical and sustainable farming practices. These farms adhere to strict standards, using clean, non-toxic soil and avoiding harmful pesticides.
Organically grown hemp is more expensive to cultivate, but it ensures a cleaner, higher-quality end product.
At Sunmed, we only source our industrial hemp from reputable, U.S. farms that meet all legal requirements for CBD at the federal level. This commitment to clean farming practices ensures the CBD you consume is free from contaminants and rich in the beneficial compounds you’re looking for.
While ethically sourced hemp can raise the price of the final product, it’s a crucial step in delivering a safe and effective CBD experience.
Extraction and filtration methods
How CBD is extracted plays a significant role in its cost. The method used to extract CBD and other cannabinoids from the hemp plant can impact the quality and safety of the final product.
The best extraction methods will maintain the quality of all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids while also avoiding chemical reactions and filtering out any unwanted materials like waxes or heavy metals.
There are two main extraction methods that brands use: the ethanol extraction method or the supercritical CO2 extraction method. Supercritical CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard for extracting cannabinoids because it avoids the use of harmful solvents, resulting in a purer, cleaner product.
While more expensive, CO2 extraction helps preserve the beneficial terpenes and cannabinoids that contribute to a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum experience.
Compared to cheaper extraction techniques, CO2 supercritical extraction produces a more potent and effective CBD product, keeping all the desired plant parts intact while filtering out the rest. This meticulous process contributes to the higher price, but it also ensures you're getting a product that is safe, natural, and potent.
Added ingredients and formulations
Beyond cannabinoids, many CBD products — like gummies or topicals — include additional ingredients to enhance the effects, taste, or overall experience. The quality of these ingredients directly affects the cost.
While some companies use artificial sweeteners or cheap alternatives, we commit to using clean and natural ingredients that work synergistically with CBD, amplifying its benefits. Products free from artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers are more costly but offer a superior wellness experience.
High-quality formulations can include botanicals, vitamins, or flavorings designed to enhance the effects of cannabinoids. For instance, CBD creams may include other nourishing and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or arnica flower.
At Sunmed, we prioritize natural ingredients in every product, from our sour apple CBD gummies to our pineapple orange energy CBD seltzers.
Third-party testing and quality assurance
Third-party lab testing is essential for ensuring the purity, potency, and safety of CBD products.
Reputable brands like Sunmed use independent labs to verify that products are free from harmful contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, or residual solvents. These tests confirm the absence of unwanted substances and verify that the cannabinoid content matches the label, ensuring accurate dosing for wellness benefits.
Offering this level of transparency and safety adds to the cost but ensures that consumers can trust the quality of their products. At Sunmed, every batch undergoes rigorous third-party testing to guarantee consistency, quality, and safety.
Compliance with legal and safety regulations
CBD products must adhere to various federal, state, and local regulations, which influence the final price. Manufacturers must invest in certifications, licenses, and safety standards to legally produce and sell CBD.
Compliance with the regulations laid out in the 2018 Farm Bill ensures that the production process is safe, consistent, and of the highest quality. These strict standards help protect consumers and guarantee that products are made in clean, controlled environments.
Meeting these regulations often increases costs, but it ensures that consumers receive safe, legally compliant CBD products.
Research, development, and innovation
The cost of premium CBD products is also influenced by research and innovation.
Leading brands invest in developing new formulations, improving existing ones, and rigorously testing product effectiveness. This ongoing research ensures that products meet specific wellness needs, whether it’s supporting sleep quality, easing muscle tension, or providing sustained energy.*
At Sunmed, we are dedicated to creating trusted products that utilize CBD, along with other beneficial minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and botanicals, to cater to a variety of preferences and needs. Investment in research and development adds to the price, but it guarantees that consumers will receive effective, science-backed products.
The bottom line
The price of premium CBD reflects the effort and care that goes into creating high-quality products.
From ethical sourcing and superior extraction methods to third-party testing, clean ingredients, and compliance with legal standards, each factor plays a role in determining the cost. Investing in premium CBD is often worth it, as these products provide greater transparency, safety, and wellness benefits.
When choosing CBD, it's important to consider what goes into ensuring a superior product. We invite you to explore Sunmed's full range of high-quality, third-party-tested CBD products to experience the difference that quality, science-backed CBD can make in supporting your wellness journey.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious | Harvard Health
Endocannabinoid Binding to the Cannabinoid Receptors: What Is Known and What Remains Unknown | PMC
Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol | PMC