WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN CBD CREAM

What is CBD? How effective is CBD cream? What should an individual look for when purchasing CBD cream? Is our CBD cream effective? This article explains CBD cream and what an individual looks for in a CBD cream product.

Introduction

CBD is the short form of cannabidiol, a plant extract from cannabis sativa. It is a pure extract as it contains no other compounds. CBD can be extracted from either hemp plant or marijuana as one extract is legal while the other is illegal. This difference occurs due to the composition of the compound composition, such as the level of THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. With the signing of the Farm Bill in 2018, CBD was legally accepted as a normal product and was mainly used as a recreational product. All CBD products were to contain no more than 0.3% THC to be legally used. Also, CBD could be infused in topical products such as lotions, salves, and balms. In the market, many CBD cream products come with different CBD compositions and levels.

Formulations Of CBD Cream

Some known types of CBD cream in the market are Full spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and isolate CBD. The difference comes from the potency level and the compound composition within the CBD cream products.

Full-spectrum CBD

This type of CBD cream contains all the compounds from the cannabis plant, which include; terpenes, flavonoids, and THC. With the many compounds, this type of CBD contains some therapeutic properties that benefit individuals. The presence of THC makes individuals feel high when using this type of CBD. The compounds give the product a grassy smell accompanied by an earthy taste.

Broad Spectrum CBD

It is like full-spectrum CBD, but it does not contain THC within it. But all the other compounds are available. With the many compounds, an individual can feel the entourage effect when consuming nay product of broad-spectrum. It does not give an individual a high feeling because it does not contain THC.

CBD Isolate

It is the purest form of CBD as it contains no other compound besides cannabidiol. The other compounds are extracted and isolated away during the extraction process. Also, this type of CBD cream is odorless and flavorless. It does not make an individual feel high or feel the entourage effect.

What To Look For In CBD Cream

There are many things to consider when looking for a better, quality CBD cream. Individuals should consider the product's price, potency level, side effects, sources, and ingredients used in manufacturing the product.

Potency

Individuals should consider the potency of the product when shopping. Individuals should prioritize potent products since CBD does not pass through the skin easily. The CBD potency level is how powerful and how long the product will be effective after being used. With creams, the potency level needs to be between 3 mg to 8 mg. Also, very low potency products are least effective, while high potency products are more effective as they are beneficial when used.

Source Of CBD

Knowing the source of CBD is important as it enables consumers to know the extraction method used. Individuals should be keen on which extraction method to prefer with the three-extraction method, including isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum extraction. Individuals should know which works best for them to avoid any side effects.

Ingredients

A CBD cream with natural ingredients is the best to use because an individual can fully benefit from the ingredients without the heavy metals and pesticides. Avoid ingredients that irritate the skin when used as ich healthy and nutritious products should be considered.

Product’s Price

Consumers should research the product's price before making purchases. Slightly expensive products are better than cheaper ones because they count more benefits. Individuals should buy affordable products that are accommodatable financially. Expensive products tend to have more ingredients and benefits than low-priced products.

Third-Party Test

The FDA does not guarantee the quality and safety of CBD products as they are concerned with protecting the public's health. Before purchasing CBD cream products, confirm the product's code and if it has passed the contamination test. Look at the amount of CBD and THC contained within the product. Also, look at other customers' feedback about the product.

Side Effects And Precautions

Most topically applied CBD products are safe. Individuals should be keen on the carrier oil used because some oils can melt and affect the skin before CBD is affected in the body. Topical CBD should not be applied to open wounds and cracks on the skin. Some of the side effects of using CBD creams are;

• Fatigue
• Dry skin
• Dry lips
• Drowsiness
• Sleep loss

CBD Cream Benefits

CBD cream has some health benefits when used. It is because of how it associates with an individual's body and the compounds it contains. Baswan et al. (2020) noted that  using CBD cream on the skin can help deal with several skin conditions. The topical application of CBD cream is seen to help in treating acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Atalay et al. (2020) explained that CBD cream has a long-lasting therapeutic effect and is helpful on inflammations related to arthritis. Glare et al. (2022) stated that individuals with peripheral neuropathy could benefit from CBD cream as it reduces pain when applied to the nerve endings on hands and legs.

Are CBD creams legal?

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp growing in the United States. But individuals should confirm with their state government to know the CBD status of their respective states. Some states are yet to legalize CBD usage; thus, possessing CBD in such states is illegal. Mead (2017) explained that all the products from CBD should contain no more than 0.3% THC level as to be considered legal.

Conclusion

With topical application of CBD, it cannot get into the bloodstream. Also, some CBD creams can be able to skin conditions like eczema and acne while relieving pain at the same time. Individuals should consider the potential of the product when looking for therapeutic benefits. Look for CBD cream products with a high potency level for a better and more powerful experience. CBD is safe when used as it interacts with the ECS receptors on the skin, making individuals experience localized effects.

References

Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2020). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) for skin health and disorders. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 13, 927.

Glare, P., Aubrey, K., Gulati, A., Lee, Y. C., Moryl, N., & Overton, S. (2022). Pharmacologic Management of Persistent Pain in Cancer Survivors. Drugs, 1-17.

Mead, A. (2017). The legal status of cannabis (marijuana) and cannabidiol (CBD) under US law. Epilepsy & Behavior, 70, 288-291.