How to Choose CBD Products Right for You

The popularity of CBD has continued to shoot up regardless of the limited information about the cannabinoid and the CBD industry as in other industries. If you are new to CBD, you might wonder how to choose the right CBD products. This article will delve into a few things to check out when choosing the right CBD products for you. Keep reading to learn more.

You probably have heard much about cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabis-derived component. This ingredient is gaining popularity as it is popping in almost every product, from tinctures and vapes to topicals and edibles. However, there is still much more about CBD, and even though you are interested in giving it a try, knowing where to begin can be tricky. There are thousands of CBD products available in the market today. However, determining which one is good for you is entirely your choice. Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet set regulations concerning cannabis products, many CBD brands are flooding their products into the market, most of them being of poor quality and standards. Some CBD products are mislabeled, with a significantly less amount of CBD than stated. Others contain contaminants that may be toxic to your health. You must choose the right product to avoid falling victim to some sketchy vendors.

Understanding CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains over one hundred and fifty compounds known as cannabinoids. Among these compounds, CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the most popular cannabinoids. CBD is particularly derived from the type of cannabis known as hemp. Hemp is a term used to describe cannabis with very low levels of THC, usually less than 0.3%. THC is derived from marijuana. Marijuana is also a type of cannabis with very high levels of THC, usually more than 0.3%. CBD from hemp is considered safe and legal because of the lower THC levels. THC is the compound responsible for the intoxicating effects that cannabis is widely associated with. Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating. That is why many people are beginning to embrace CBD products because it provides the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without any intoxicating effect.  

Types of CBD

Manufacturers of CBD products use different methods of extracting CBD from the cannabis plant. As a result, there are three main types of CBD with varying compounds and concentrations. They include;

Full-spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD contains all components of the cannabis plant, including terpenes, flavonoids, THC (less than 0.3%), and other cannabinoids.

Broad-spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD contains most compounds of the cannabis plant but with trace amounts of THC.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. Isolates neither contain THC nor any cannabinoid, including terpenes.

Cather Jennifer & Christian (2020) revealed that full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD might produce positive clinical responses compared to CBD isolate. This might be attributed to a phenomenon known as the "entourage effect," where several components of the cannabis plant combine to produce a clinical response. CBD can be good for those who don't want to consume cannabis' active ingredient (THC) and other components of the cannabis plant.

How to Choose the Right CBD Product

Decide Why You Want to Use CBD

You cannot buy a product without a prior reason as to why you need that product. Likewise, it would help to consider why you might need to use CBD. For years, CBD has been touted for many potential health benefits. Some preliminary studies indicate that it might help with pain management, anxiety and depression, multiple sclerosis, and even some specific types of epilepsy. Williams & Diane (2021) added that CBD is a potential treatment for various health issues such as epilepsy, anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, and skin conditions, among other health conditions.

Decide What Form You Want to Use CBD

CBD products are available in different forms, including topicals, tinctures, edibles, vapes, oils, and capsules. Each form has its unique way of delivering effects to the body. According to Liu (2019), CBD can be consumed through four main methods. They include oral ingesting, topical application, sublingual delivery, and vapor inhalation. For example, topicals may be effective for skin disorders, while vapes may be effective for anxiety relief. Either way, choose a product that is easy to use, delivers the desired effects quickly, and gives you a smooth CBD experience.

Consider the THC Content

This is vital, especially if you do not want to experience head-high effects caused by the THC ingredient. For example, if you want a CBD product with very little THC that cannot get you high, consider those made from hemp plants. Some studies also indicate that CBD may work well combined with THC. Finding a CBD product with more than 0.3% THC may be tricky, considering that not all states have legalized the use of cannabis-based products. Many people are more sensitive to psychoactive ingredients' effects. It is better to purchase CBD from hemp to avoid such effects while using the product.

Ask for Third-Party Test Results

This can be confirmed through the product's certificate of analysis (COA). Wakshlag et al. (2020) clarified that the COA indicates how a product was tested by examining the concentration of CBD and THC. It also indicates the presence of other contaminants in the product.

Conclusion

Choosing a CBD product for the first time can be tricky. Considering that the CBD market is still unregulated, many mislabeled CBD products may harm your health. With that in mind, there are things to look out for when choosing a CBD product. From the above discussion, you must decide why you need CBD before choosing a CBD product. Besides, ensure you ask for third-party test results before purchasing any CBD product. Your choice of CBD product will also depend on the form of CBD you want or the method of consumption you will use. Either way, make sure you choose a product that quickly delivers the desired effects and still gives you a smooth CBD experience. Learn more about is cbd a drug?

References                                   

Cather, J. C., & Cather, J. C. (2020). Cannabidiol Primer For Healthcare Professionals. Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center), 33(3), 376.

Liu, T. (2019). What Is CBD Oil? Learn The Facts: Uses, Benefits, And Side Effects.

Wakshlag, J. J., Cital, S., Eaton, S. J., Prussin, R., & Hudalla, C. (2020). Cannabinoid, Terpene, And Heavy Metal Analysis Of 29 Over-The-Counter Commercial Veterinary Hemp Supplements. Veterinary Medicine: Research And Reports, 11, 45.

Williams, C., & Nutbrown, D. L. (2021). A Review Of Research Into The Health Benefits Of Cannabidiol (CBD). The Neighborhood Academy: Pittsburgh, PA, USA.