Populum Review
Medically reviewed by |Written by |Last Updated:
- Leafreport's mission is to provide accurate, objective, and valuable content for CBD, which is why we're transparent about our review process and how we rate products and brands. We may receive compensation. Here’s how we make money.
- Our review is consumer-focused only and we do not check or take a stand regarding medical effects.
- Statements regarding CBD products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
- Please advise your physician prior to each use of CBD.
The Bottom Line
The smartly marketed and designed Populum is a growing CBD brand with plenty of potential in the market. Through innovative practices such as printing out and including test results in every shipment, the brand sets itself apart as a proactive leader. However, they fail to meet their own ideals. Not only were reports for different products included in the package, but also outdated tests were given as well. All of these were honest mistakes, but that doesn’t undo the messy original presentation that was given by the company. Luckily all of the products are trustworthy, safe, and well made, but that’s no excuse for providing inaccurate data.
Reaching out to customer support was easy enough, although a secondary email had to be used due to the first being blocked by their spam filter. Once in contact, the friendly and attentive staff tracked down the order and provided corrected labs for all of the products, along with instructions on how to read them. These labs revealed acceptable variances for the products across the board, and safe levels of pesticides, metal, microbial life, and other contaminants.
Quality wise, most of their products are excellent in terms of texture, smell, and taste. Their leading CBD Oil is orange flavored and stands out as one of the tastiest tinctures available within the industry today. Yet other products, like their capsules, can’t boast the same. They’re high quality in terms of safety and texture but lack a defining taste.
Run out of Arizona and relying on hemp processed in Colorado, Populum is an American company and only ships within the United States. Until federal regulations change, those interested in this brand outside of the States will likely just have to wait.
For those inside the States, be prepared to pay top dollar for this trendy brand. From $.45 to $.15 per mg of CBD, they’re among the most expensive brands in the industry, however, the products test consistently, and some are top of the line. Their CBD Hemp Oil is truly noteworthy for those interested in a tincture you can take by itself. Otherwise, their selection is limited. A handful of products are intelligently curated, including the wonderfully cooling Cool Therapy Rub, but there’s little else. Two pet products and four products for humans make up the entire Populum inventory. However, their wacky and fun designs and careful extraction methods provide true value behind the brand.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|
|
Populum Specs
| 📍Hemp Source: | United States |
| 🥽Extract Method: | Ethanol |
| ✈️Shipping: | United States |
| ⮐Money Back Guarantee: |  |
| 🎖Military Veteran Discount: | |
| 🏷Coupons: | Populum Coupons and Sales |
| 🚩Established: | 2016 |
Methodology
Data Collection and Rating
In our review process, we receive CBD products directly from the brand to personally review ourselves, so we can give you an accurate idea of the packaging, potency, taste, smell, feel, and overall experience of each product. We also discuss the company’s shipping and returns policy.
Another important step we take is reviewing each individual product for details such as the certificate of analysis to assess the CBD level and CBD variance, THC level, and contaminants.
We take all factors into account and give each CBD brand and each CBD product a score for each parameter.
All of the information we collect is generated into a concise, easy to read review and put into our extensive database. Keep in mind, our reviews are never intended to substitute or act as medical advice.
Product DataBase
Our database collects key information for each product, including CBD product prices, potencies, third-party lab test results, flavors, additional ingredients, hemp quality, extract types, product variety, and more.
We then use all of this combined data to give each brand and product a standardized rating out of five points.
Brand Review Process
There are many factors we consider when we review the quality, integrity and products of a CBD brand. We rate each brand on several factors including:
- Transparency & accuracy. It is important that a CBD brand is forthcoming with who makes up their team, their mission, manufacturing process, and lab reports. Also, we look for the accuracy of the CBD and THC levels in the products’ lab reports.
- Hemp quality. Hemp quality can be a deciding factor between a good CBD brand and a great CBD brand. We look for organic and sustainable farming methods with attention to detail in each manufacturing step.
- The variety of products they offer. We like to see several CBD product types and flavors.
- Customer service. It is essential that each CBD company has multiple ways to connect to customer service to ask questions. We look for speedy and complete responses.
- Price and discounts. Competitive pricing is an important aspect of being a top-rated CBD brand. We also look for discount options and ways to save on your order.
Market Reports
Another way Leafreport stands out from other CBD review websites is our evidence-based market reports. For each one, we purchase different types of CBD products and send them for independent lab testing to check whether their levels of CBD and other cannabinoids match the label.
Information Updates
Writers and editors conduct our reviews and our database on an annual basis but continually make updates throughout the year. We maintain frequent contact with brands and highlight any changes in offerings.
The Review Team
Our review team is made up of a wide chain of qualified CBD review writers, some with medical degrees, some with statistics backgrounds, others with ample experience in the CBD arena. Each and every one of our CBD reviews are approved by our medical reviewer before being published on our website to ensure all information is accurate.
Conflicts of Interest
While Leafreport does have partnerships with many of the reviewed brands, we manage potential conflicts of interest by maintaining a wall between our content and business operations. This wall is designed to prevent our writers and the review process from being influenced or impacted by our business partnerships. This way, all reviews can provide an unbiased review that serves the interests of our users.
About the Company
Populum is a four year old company with an ever growing experience poised to be a leader within the market. With forward thinking practices and a reliance on clean products, it’s a brand that continues to gain relevancy.
Transparency
With printed out physical lab reports for each product sent in each box, Populum puts an honest foot forward. However, this practice is made less impressive as these tests do not include lot or batch numbers. Even so, there are lot numbers on the bottom of each product. While each test comes with a QR code, UID code, and a complete rundown of all of the active ingredients and printed test results for the potential presence of common pathogens and hazardous material, a lack of accurate labeling means it’s problematic to rely on these results.
Otherwise, the labels are conveniently readable and include simple directions for those unfamiliar with CBD products. They break down the products by serving, including the CBD and other cannabinoids present. Additionally, they also report terpene concentrations. Coming from the term Ad Populum, or “for the people”, Populum explains their ethos sufficiently and pride themselves on their full spectrum formulation methodology. Videos and blog posts further explain CBD and its products effectively by way of an attractively designed website. Populum lists their Arizona address along with several contact channels and encourages customers to reach out. Additional topics, such as shipping and returns are also addressed, and Populum offers a standard 30 day trial period for new customers.
Accuracy
Unfortunately, it is difficult to validate the test results of Populum’s products because the lab reports have to be traced back through their UID numbers to which lots were analyzed within that order. The best way to do so is to directly reach out to their customer service, which is available and responsive.
Their 500mg CBD oil advertises 17mg of CBD per serving, and it tests as containing 17.5mg of CBD per serving. At a 2.9% variance, this is well within the acceptable variance of 10%. Their 750mg capsules were shown to contain 26.66mg of CBD while they advertise 25mg per serving, which represents a 6.4% difference. Once provided with the relevant labs, Populum proves they have a consistent track record when it comes to providing appropriately labeled products.
Additionally, all of their products pass the tests for pathogens, heavy metals, and other contaminants. Even their pet products are extensively tested and completely pass.
Reputation
Featuring in Forbes twice already, the 2016 founded company has made a name for itself. With a lightweight aesthetic and a charismatic ethos, it’s unsurprising to see that Populum is a well regarded brand. In fact, according to their website, the brand boasts that “Populum offers the #1 rated high quality CBD oil.” While it may be difficult to find the true #1, the brand does present itself confidently, and respectfully.
Leafreport’s market reports score
Pricing report – Populum was listed in «C» price rank (Pricey grade) on our 2021 pricing report. In this report, we checked the prices of the 137 brands in the industry and compared for each category the cheapest and most expensive products.
Manufacturing Process
All of Populum’s hemp is grown and processed in Colorado. Their process for isolation starts with food grade ethanol extraction and then uses fractional distillation. The resulting oil is stripped of all waxes, lipids, and chlorophyll. Such an oil is a truly full spectrum product with both phytocannabinoids and terpenes. However, more information about their Colorado partners is not given, and there is no USDA organic label or other such stamps of quality. According to lab results though, the products are clean, and thus from trustworthy hemp.
As discussed, receiving the accurate tests from Populum can be difficult as there are no clearly listed batch numbers or QR codes on the products themselves. Instead, consumers must rely on the papers provided by the company. One test given to Leafreport was from 4/10/2020, although the relevant tests were actually done on 9/05/2020. Before these can be taken at face value, it’s important to verify the lot numbers on the products via the third party tests themselves or to contact customer support.
Populum Tinctures Overview
Ranging in potency from 250mg to 500mg and finally to 1000mg per 30ml bottle, the deliciously floral orange flavored Populum tincture has many fans. Reviews hosted by the site show fans raving over the taste. Although this brand does not offer a tremendous variety of tinctures, this one alone is a strong product. However, an entry cost of $.24 per mg of CBD is steep.
Product | CBD Amount | Potency | Price | Price mg/CBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1000 mg | 33.33 mg/ml | $179 | $0.18 | |
250 mg | 8.33 mg/ml | $59 | $0.24 | |
500 mg | 16.67 mg/ml | $99 | $0.2 |
Learn more by reading our Best CBD Oil buying guide.
Populum Softgels Overview
With a 450 mg and a 750 mg option, the Populum softgels range from 15mg to 25mg of full spectrum hemp extract. Now a vegan product, these are an easy recommendation for many due to their relatively lack of taste.
Product | CBD Amount | Potency | Price | Price mg/CBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
450 mg | 15 mg/unit | $79 | $0.18 | |
750 mg | 25 mg/unit | $109 | $0.15 |
Learn more by reading our Best CBD Softgels buying guide.
Populum Topicals Overview
With a smell that piques the nose, the Cold Therapy Hemp Rub combines aloe vera, arnica, and chamomile to create a striking and soothing lotion. With only one option at $45, this animal free product packs 100mg of CBD. The $75 Lavender and CBD face oil pacts 250mg of CBD.
Product | CBD Amount | Potency | Price | Price mg/CBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
100 mg | 1.11 mg/ml | $45 | $0.45 | |
250 mg | 8.33 mg/ml | $79 | $0.32 |
Learn more by reading our Best CBD Creams buying guide.
Populum Pets Overview
Ranging from 100mg to 250mg a bottle, Populum’s pet tinctures can be measured out to the appropriate dose for your furry buddy. Additionally, their 3mg Salmon Apple treats provide a restrained dose of CBD that will not be overwhelming for most pets. Both are well crafted products, as safe for animals as they are for humans.
Product | CBD Amount | Potency | Price | Price mg/CBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
100 mg | 3.33 mg/ml | $32 | $0.32 | |
250 mg | 8.33 mg/ml | $54 | $0.22 |
Product | CBD Amount | Potency | Price | Price mg/CBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
200 mg | 2.86 mg/unit | $49 | $0.25 |
Learn more by reading our Best CBD Oil for Pets buying guide.
Populum Discounts, Coupons, and Bundles
There’s almost a bundle for any combination of Populum products, so for those interested in picking up a few of them, those will be perfect. They range from $90 to $300 and save noticeable amounts of money.
Additionally, they offer a 25% discount for military veterans and the same discount for those who have rescued or foster pets. The company aims to promote an ethical attitude. They also offer 20% off any product set up for recurring monthly purchases.
Buying Experience
Purchasing from Populum is an absolute breeze. All of the products are within the shop option, and the bundes are conveniently located beneath that. Another option is to subscribe and save 20% on regular purchases. Once your cart is full, checking out is simple. Afterward, a discrete and tasteful cardboard box is quickly dispatched, only displaying its contents through tape securing the package. In addition to trial periods and helping out those who serve the community, Populum has a friendly and active staff, easy to get in touch with via email. They get back to customers within a brief time frame, usually under a day.
One email address could not get through to the company, so a plain Gmail was used, and that address received an immediate reply from the company. An aggressive spam filter may block out messages from unique email addresses. Once through, the customer support is incredibly willing to address any inquiry and supply information within a day.
Products Reviewed
500 mg Full Spectrum Hemp Oil review
Immediately after shaking and opening the full spectrum hemp oil from Populum, a wave of orange scent blasts the senses. The yellowish orangish liquid doesn’t fail to live up to expectations of great flavor and packs a surprisingly sweet taste. It’s almost like a mixer for something else. The smooth texture of the tincture makes it easy to get down. Other than the hemp extract, ingredients include grapeseed oil, hemp seed oil, virgin coconut oil, orange oil, and stevia extract. The dropper is graduated and easy to use, but the top is simple to screw off, and not childproof. This flagship product tested at a 2.9% variance, and ir was reasonably free of any pathogens, heavy metals, or other contaminants.
100 mg Cold Therapy Hemp Rub review
Populum’s full spectrum Cold Therapy Hemp Rub is a light and cooling topical which smoothly rubbed into the skin . Made with water, isopropyl alcohol, aloe extract, propylene glycol, menthol, dimethyl isosorbide, hemp oil extract, carbomer, chamomile, and more, this delicate rub is effective. It deeply penetrates the skin, leaving a lasting cooling sensation. Powerfully potent with the smell of menthol, this lotion should not be used more than four times a day. With a 3.9% variation from the label in CBD content, this is an accurately marketed product. It proved to be clean and free from heavy metals, pesticides, and pathogens. However, at $.45 per mg of CBD, this product is incredibly overpriced, but the soothing menthol and other ingredients may make it worth the high price for some consumers.
750 mg Help Oil Softgel Capsules review
Soft to the touch and easy enough to swallow, the hemp oil softgel capsules are at least inoffensive. Still, the taste doesn’t live up to the tincture. The recommended dose is one pill a day, or as needed. Other than the full spectrum hemp extract, there are few other ingredients, mostly water, and oil. With a 6.4% variation from the label, these capsules are still acceptable, and lab tests reveal the softgels are also free from heavy metals, pesticides, microbial life, and other contaminants. At $.15 per mg, these are fairly priced, albeit on the higher end of typical prices in the industry.
250 mg Zen Pets Hemp Oil review
Populum’s pet tincture immediately differs from its human line because it lacks any of the floral flavorings. Instead, the yellow green liquid smells of dirt and exhibits earthy accents. Other than the full spectrum hemp extract, it only includes grapeseed oil, hemp seed oil, and coconut oil. Still, the dropper makes it easy to measure out, and it comes with a list of recommended dosages for pets based on weight. The tincture is meant to either be dropped directly in the mouth or into a pet’s meal. With a 5.5% variation in CBD content from the label, testing at 7.57mg per serving, this product is a little less potent than labeled. Still, it’s acceptably labelled and free from mycotoxins and solvents. Test results for heavy metals and pesticides were not provided. At $.22 per mg of CBD, this is priced a little more than it could be, but maybe your pet deserves a little treat.
Zen Pet Hemp CBD Chews review
At 3mg a chew, these dog treats are an ideal CBD product for pets. Its low dosage means that it won’t overwhelm small buddies, while other pets can enjoy a few. Both cats and dogs will enjoy the salmon apple recipe, which smells of fish and fruit. Of course, the treats are full spectrum, and built to please. At 3.15mg per chew, they have a 4.9% variation from the label, but are acceptably accurate. Perhaps you’ll want to break them in half for smaller animals. Still, they’re free from mycotoxins, and solvents, Additional tests were not provided. At $.25 per mg, they’re expensive, but an excellent treat for every sort of animal buddy, from cat to doberman.
