When you’re first looking into trying CBD products, it can be hard to know where to start. CBD was legalised in most places in the USA when a new farm bill was passed which allows CBD which is extracted from hemp plants. Hemp plants are scientifically the same plant as cannabis plants except they contain less than 0.3% THC, the chemical which gives the ‘high’ feeling. However, CBD products are not regulated by the FDA so it’s important to know how to navigate the market to find quality and safe products.
CBD Derivates
The CBD industry is a growing market and there are new products emerging all the time. There are classic products like CBD capsules and pills, or more ‘trendy’ products with other ways of ingesting CBD, such as lip balms! What you choose depends on what you’re using CBD for, but it’s also largely just down to personal preference.
Edibles
CBD can be incorporated into a variety of foods and drinks, such as chocolate and even wine, although you can use CBD oil to add to your own meals and beverages too. There are a variety of Delta 9 gummies for sale in different flavours (like orange and watermelon) which can be a far more enjoyable way of consuming CBD than things like pills. Some of these are specially made for different purposes, such as helping with sleep, so you can pick a product you think might benefit you most.
Topicals
These are things such as lotions and creams, which are great for targeting specific areas. If you have an ache somewhere, you can rub in a lotion containing CBD for quick pain relief. It is also effective for some skin conditions, such as rashes and eczema, because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Lip balms can help heal lips, lubricants can help with muscle relaxation, and join lotions can help with pain associated with arthritis.
Patches
These release CBD into the bloodstream slowly overtime, which can be tremendously effective for treating chronic pain. Some patches can last up to 72 hours, and can be more consistent than things like topicals where the dosage amount is hard to judge.
Staying Safe and Finding Quality
Speak To A Doctor
If you’re thinking of using CBD as a supplement then it’s best to speak to your doctor, especially if you’re on any other medication because CBD may interact with it and alter its effectiveness. A medical professional can advise you best and can talk about the potential benefits vs risks. It can be a good idea to keep a diary of the impacts CBD has on you, to help you easily identify any side effects you are experiencing, such as loss of appetite, digestive issues and drowsiness.
Research The Brand
Because the FDA does not monitor CBD products, there can be misinformation on bottles and websites. For example, a study on 40 products from 21 different brands showed that only 25% of edible products had the correct amount of CBD labelled. It’s therefore vital to research the brand and company to check for the following.
- Where are the plants grown? Did the CBD come from a state-licensed dispensary? These products are more likely to go through a form of quality control to ensure consumer protection. This includes soil quality, which is important to consider because the plants can absorb harmful chemicals that might be passed on to the consumer (such as heavy metals and pesticides).
- How much CBD does it contain? And how much THC does it contain? THC is the chemical that makes you feel high and it is common to have trace amounts (less than 0.3%) in CBD products, but not enough to get you high. But THC products can have up to 30%, but also can have a high level of CBD, so be careful which ones you’re looking at. Remember to check if THC is legal where you live (even if you know CBD is), if that’s what you’re going for, because the law can vary.
Start With Low Dosage
It’s best to start low and work your way up depending on how the product affects you. Be mindful of what the dosage is on the bottle because it can vary depending on the form of the product.
Overall, there are many good quality CBD products out there for you to experiment with, but it’s important to take precautions as you would any other supplement or drug, such as starting with a low dosage. Also, consider speaking to a doctor and also do your own research to find a reputable brand with third-party quality control.