How to Select the Best CBD Products for You
CBD has been filling the shelves and people’s wish lists for a while now. Despite the former skepticism surrounding its effect, the CBD market is quite big as there’s a lot of demand now. People have the opportunity to try out different types of CBD products, but also various kinds of CBD.
Being new to CBD can be a bit overwhelming as you’re trying to pick a good product that suits your needs. There’s a lot to take into consideration, and you don’t want to mess it up. It’s even more important if you are taking medication for various health issues and do not want your CBD to interact with it.
So, how do you choose the best CBD products for you? Let’s take a look at some important factors.
Consider the Source of the CBD
One of the most important aspects you should consider when choosing your CBD product is the hemp source. Most of the time, products you see in the United States are made using U.S.-grown hemp. In fact, the hemp used to make CBD products generally comes from states like Kentucky, Oregon, or Colorado.
If the hemp is not from the United States, it comes from European hemp from countries like Italy, Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and the UK. These countries have been cultivating hemp for a very long time, so hemp imported from these locations is high-quality as well. [1]
Sometimes, it’s harder to trust products made using overseas-grown hemp, mainly because it’s not that easy to check the laws and testing procedures of these countries. However, in the case of European-based hemp, there are very strict standards and guidelines ensuring the plant is safe and offers the expected quality.
Before you buy a CBD product, you should check its label to find out where the hemp was grown. If you do not see anything about it on the label, access the company’s platform, look for it there, or reach out to the seller. If you are buying the products from a dispensary, you can ask the staff if they have any information regarding the source of the hemp.
Choose the Right CBD Type
When you are looking for CBD products, you’ll notice that they are all listed differently. They are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate. Now, all of these are CBD, but they will offer different effects and contain different ingredients. Choosing the right one will ensure you have the experience you wish for.
Full-spectrum CBD contains multiple compounds such as aromatic terpenes, flavonoids, cannabinoids, THC, and some other hemp compounds. Although there is THC in this type of CBD, it’s only in small amounts, being only under 0.3% as the law enforces. [2]
Full-spectrum CBD can create what is known as “the entourage effect”. Basically, there is a theory saying that when you combine multiple types of cannabinoids, the therapeutic effects you wish to achieve are amplified.[3]
Broad-spectrum CBD also contains multiple cannabinoids and compounds from hemp. However, unlike full-spectrum CBD, it contains no THC most of the time. What you get with broad-spectrum CBD is usually CBN, CBC, limonene, pinene, and myrcene.
Then, we have CBD isolate, which is pure CBD with no THC or other compounds in it. When someone doesn’t want to use anything else than CBD, this is the safest and most suitable method. This way, people can rest assured they will experience the CBD’s effectiveness, without having to worry about other compounds interfering with it. At the same time, the entourage effect will not be present in this case.
When you want to choose a CBD product, make sure you look into the type of CBD first. Do you want something free of THC or other cannabinoids? Go for CBD isolate. Do you want something that has CBD but also other compounds? Go for full-spectrum if you’re interested in more hemp cannabinoids with a drop of THC, or broad-spectrum if you want this minus the THC.
Pick a CBD Product that Suits You
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to CBD products you can buy. Manufacturers always make sure they offer a large selection of CBD items for people who love this compound. Besides, since this substance is so popular, it only makes sense the options are numerous.
Most of the time, the effects you obtain from different types of products will be the same, yet you may prefer a particular method of using CBD. It all comes down to what is more convenient and what suits you the most.
– CBD Edibles
Edibles make it easy for anyone to use CBD, mainly because they will make you feel like you’re enjoying a typical snack while delivering the amazing effects of the hemp-derived ingredient. Plus, they are easy to take anywhere you go, which gives them an extra advantage.
CBD edibles can come in various forms, like gummies, chocolate, or teas. Gummies are the most common ones, so you’ll have no problem finding them in most CBD shops.
– CBD Oils and Tinctures
Another very common way to consume CBD is through CBD oils and tinctures. They are extremely easy to add to your routine, and they can be used in different ways.
For instance, some people love adding them to recipes or drinks. Therefore, this is effortless and will not require remembering to take the oil at specific times. You just add some drops to your salads, foods, or beverages and enjoy the effects.
At the same time, the oils can be used sublingually, which is typically a more effective option. This way, it is easier for CBD oil to be absorbed into the bloodstream, and you’ll enjoy the benefits much faster. Most oils and tinctures come with a dropper that allows you to add one or more drops under your tongue. [4]
Some tinctures also come in spray form, which you can simply spritz under the tongue. It’ll provide the same effects. [5]
– CBD Topicals
You can also find CBD in a cream or lotion form. CBD topicals are extremely common and can be easily found in various shops, even physical ones. They can be used for different skin conditions, but also for pain. The amount it takes for the effects to kick in is different for anyone: some experience the effects sooner, whereas for others it’ll take longer.
– CBD Bath Bombs
You can also get CBD bath bombs. They can make your bath more fun and relaxing. So, if you love relaxing in your bathtub at the end of a busy work week, you might want to look into these special CBD bath bombs.
– CBD Capsules
If you want to take CBD orally but not in edible form, you can always take it just like medicine. CBD capsules and tablets are available in many CBD shops, and you can simply take them just like you’d take your medication or vitamins. The best thing about capsules is that they have specific dosages, so it’s easy to take certain amounts without worrying about an overdose.
While effective, capsules may take longer to kick in, as they have to pass through your digestive system first. It may take up to 2 hours until you notice any effect.
– CBD Patches
Similar to CBD topicals, patches are applied to your skin. Although they are not that commonly used, they are very effective, as they can penetrate your skin layers and get straight to the problematic area.
Patches can release CBD very slowly into your skin, which ensures more long-lasting effects compared to other methods.
It’s a less discreet way of using CBD, though. So, you have to be wary of that before settling for this method. Your patches must be placed near your veins. This means that if you don’t want someone else to know about your CBD use, you need to find another method. [6]
Go for the Right Strength
Not all CBD products are the same. Some are stronger and meant for more experienced users or just people who want more intense effects. Others contain lower CBD doses. When you’re browsing a list of CBD products for the first time, this can be pretty confusing and overwhelming, as you might not know which strength would suit you.
CBD products can contain 10mg of CBD per serving, as well as 15mg, 20mg, 25mg, and even more. Depending on which dosage you go for, you can achieve different effects from your product.
The best thing to do when determining the right strength is to opt for a less potent product in the beginning. This gives you more time to adjust to the effects of the cannabinoid and find out how much you can handle. Over time, as you become accustomed to that specific strength, you can slowly increase your daily dose until you reach the effect you desire. [7]
Think About Why You Want to Start Using CBD
Thinking about why you want to use CBD is one of the first things you should do before getting the products. Some people do it because they want to get help for their stress and anxiety. Others do it because they want to experience the alleged health benefits of the cannabinoid, such as pain relief, or relief for certain types of epilepsy or multiple sclerosis. According to a survey, 60% of adults in the U.S. have tried CBD and think it has medicinal advantages. [8]
Knowing why you want to start using CBD will help you decide if this is the best option for you. At the same time, it will ensure you choose the best product type that suits your needs.
Don’t Fall for Scams
There are too many CBD brands that make promises that are just good to be true. Of course, CBD may have some benefits as some studies point in that direction, but not all of them have been confirmed. Unfortunately, some companies will do their best to sell their products – even if that means endangering your life.
If a firm makes dramatic health claims, stay away from it. The FDA has not approved any CBD products apart from the Epidiolex prescription CBD medicine.
Check Out Third-Party Lab Testing Results
Before spending money on any CBD product, you should ask for third-party lab testing results or a certificate of analysis. Most reputable CBD brands will already have these available without you having to ask for them. So, that should not be an issue if you go for one of the reputable CBD companies.
A certificate of analysis is a quality control form that tells you if the manufacturer’s products conform to the requirements of the customers. In other words, it will reveal if the product has the CBD amounts claimed by the manufacturer. [9]
Unfortunately, there are still brands that do not have COAs available for their items. You should stay away from them, as it would be risky to consume these products. They might contain heavy metals, residual solvents, pesticides, and other contaminants.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best CBD products will ensure that you stay safe, but also that you experience the best effects. There are multiple CBD products to pick from, such as edibles, oils, capsules, topicals, and patches. There are also different types of CBD, like CBD isolate, broad-spectrum and full-spectrum. Make sure you take your time choosing your product, so you do not end up with unpleasant surprises later.
Sources:
2. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
3. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects
5. How to Take CBD Oil Under Your Tongue
6. What are CBD patches for pain?
7. CBD Dosage: How Much Should You Take?
8. Survey: 64% Of U.S. Adults Think CBD Is Safer Than Alcohol, Despite Legality Concerns
9. Why You Need Certificates of Analysis and How to Manage Them
