How to Choose the CBD Product That’s Right for You

User preference and purpose is the main reason to choose the best CBD product for you. However, there are other factors to consider before purchasing a CBD product. The article highlights the tips which will help you choose the right CBD products, namely, knowing the various CBD products available, going for a product that suits your lifestyle, deciding on the CBD extract, choosing the right CBD concentration, checking THC content in the product, and knowing the CBD source.

CBD is an active, healthy chemical product derived from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, especially the hemp plant. The hemp plant has a higher concentration of CBD and a lower concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which causes a ‘high’ sensation in its users. Furthermore, CBD is non-psychoactive; therefore, it is not associated with highness; instead, it portrays various health properties such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. CBD also helps cancer treatment, reduces anxiety and depression, and improves cardiovascular health. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not regulated CBD production; therefore, it is easy to find poor quality or contaminated CBD products. It is important to understand factors such as CBD source or THC level to choose the best CBD product with higher CBD concentration and no chemical contamination.

How to Choose the Right CBD Products for Your Body

Knowing the Various CBD Products Available

Corroon et al. (2018) suggested that a wide range of CBD products is in the market, ranging from vapes, oils, and edibles to creams. The difference between these products is how they are delivered and affect your body; therefore, their bioavailability differs. It also depends on your preferences. Some will prefer oils since they are the most popular form, while others edibles since they are more familiar to them, and gummies are delicious and chewy. It is also important to know what purpose the CBD will serve. Suppose you are facing pain or skin conditions like acne in a specific area. In that case, you should go for a CBD topical such as CBD lotion or cream to alleviate inflammatory conditions. If you want fast-acting effects, the CBD vape is the better choice. For a consistent supply of CBD, you should choose CBD edible or capsules since they are easier to dose.

Go for a Product That Suits Your Lifestyle

When choosing a CBD product, you must know how to incorporate it into your daily routine. Each CBD product has its pros and cons. Some of them are easy to dose on, making them a perfect choice if you are on the go, while others require more time. If you use CBD every morning or evening, you should go for CBD tinctures since you can easily administer and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct heat. On the other hand, if you want to consume CBD on the go, then CBD edibles are a great choice; like gummies, you can also take CBD capsules. This is because these CBD forms are discreet and pre-dosed, meaning you do not have to measure their dosage before consuming them.

Also, if you want to feel relaxed after a long day, try the CBD bath bombs in a warm bath, take a calming CBD tea, or, even better, light up scented CBD candles. For skincare enthusiasts, you are not left behind; there are various CBD skin care products such as facemasks, lip balms, and serums that improve your skin health.

Decide on the CBD Extract

De Assis et al. (2021) showed three formulations of CBD extracts; full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.

CBD isolate, also known as pure CBD, is the purest CBD extract since it only has CBD oil. This CBD extract is a perfect choice for individuals who want to experience the effects of CBD solely and not any other compound like THC. You also get the maximum benefits of CBD oil since it has not been interfered with by other compounds.

Broad spectrum CBD: The broad-spectrum CBD extract has all the other cannabinoids except THC. It is an efficient choice for individuals who want to acquire the benefits of the other cannabinoids but are sensitive to THC. If you have an upcoming drug test, taking the broad-spectrum CBD is more advisable since it will not show on the drug test because of the absence of THC.

Full spectrum: The full spectrum CBD extract has all the other cannabinoids, including THC. However, its THC amounts are less than 0.3 percent meaning it is safe and legal for use. Furthermore, the full spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD exhibit the entourage effect, a phenomenon that describes how all compounds work harmoniously with CBD to increase its therapeutic effects, thus affecting the body positively.

Chose the Right CBD Concentration

Freeman et al. (2021) explained that different CBD products have different concentrations. Some contain a higher level of CBD than others, so you can not miss out on what you desire. For newbies, you should begin with a lower CBD dose, then increase your way up gradually until you get your desired effects. When it comes to CBD products, what works is the trial-and-error method. You do this by monitoring your CBD doses by seeing how they affect you. This will help you adjust the doses until you find one that suits you the best. Once you get your desired strength, please choose a product that meets it.

Check the Amount of THC in the Product

Many hemp products do not have more than 0.3 percent of THC. This amount of THC cannot make you intoxicated, and it is legal in many states too. However, since the FDA has not approved hemp products, there are various CBD products on the market, making it hard for an individual to discover a reliable product. Therefore, before buying your CBD product, you should ask for third-party lab test results showing that the product meets its specification. It helps you confirm whether the concentration shown on the product label is correct. Also, you should purchase CBD products from a reliable brand since you are assured of getting high-quality products.

Know the CBD Source

It is important to check the hemp source for your CBD products. Zheljazkov et al. (2021) explained that US-grown hemp is a better choice since the hemp plants are cultivated organically. Also, the USA has strict guidelines ad regulations on hemp farmers, so you are assured of getting a high-quality product.

Confirming the Extraction Method

Knowing the extraction methods used to obtain the CBD product is also important. Various companies use various extraction methods. You should opt for hemp sourced through CO2 extraction since the solvent dissolves the CBD molecules. Furthermore, this extraction method pulls out a larger amount of other cannabinoids leaving a higher CBD concentration. Also, it does not add other chemicals. If you choose a product extracted in another way, ensure you are aware of the ingredients used during the process since they could be harmful or less effective.

Conclusion

Since the FDA does not yet approve CBD products, choosing the right products for you becomes more confusing. However, it should not be that hard. There are various factors to consider that will help you know whether the product is right for you or not. They include; the CBD source, THC and CBD concentration, CBD extract, and the various CBD products available. While purchasing CBD products, check the hemp source, the extraction methods, and whether the product has undergone intensive independent third-party testing. So, the next time you shop for CBD products, ensure you follow the naming guidelines to make work easier. 

References

Corroon, J., & Phillips, J. A. (2018). A cross-sectional study of cannabidiol users. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 152-161.

de Assis, P. M., Ferrarini, E. G., Baldasso, G. M., Paes, R. S., Gouvêa, M. C., Segundo, C. E. N., ... & Raposo, N. R. B. (2021). Broad-spectrum Cannabis oil alleviates behavioral symptoms associated with stress-related anxiety and depression in mice. Pharmaceutical Sciences, 28(2), 239-250.

Freeman, T. P., Craft, S., Wilson, J., Stylianou, S., ElSohly, M., Di Forti, M., & Lynskey, M. T. (2021). Changes in delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations in cannabis over time: systematic review and meta‐analysis. Addiction, 116(5), 1000-1010.

Zheljazkov, V. D., & Maggi, F. (2021). Valorization of CBD-hemp through distillation to provide essential oil and improved cannabinoids profile. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-11.