Cannabis-based products like cannabidiol (CBD) are becoming increasingly popular for their potential therapeutic effects, but how do you know which product is right for you?
Whether you choose to incorporate CBD into your daily life by smoking, vaping, or taking an oil tincture – there are a few steps to follow to find the best CBD product for your needs.
The first step is deciding on the form of CBD that fits best with your lifestyle. There are numerous ways to take CBD, including pre-rolled hemp flower joints and vapes, oil tinctures under the tongue, edibles and beverages, topical creams, ointments and balms.
The method of taking CBD can influence how quickly you feel its effects and how long they last since some forms set in faster than others. Smoking or vaping CBD is considered one of the fastest methods as you can feel the effects within a few minutes, with peak effects felt after 30 minutes.
However, it's important to note that hemp joints and vapes can cause a very relaxed feeling that borders on a 'high' in some individuals, especially if they're new to using cannabis or highly sensitive to THC.
On the other hand, CBD oil takes longer to set in, but the effects last longer than smoking or vaping. By putting CBD oil under your tongue, it results in a slower onset, leading to long-lasting effects suitable for those seeking extended relief.
For individuals who prefer edibles, the effects may take longer to set in (30 minutes to 2 hours), and they may last up to 12 hours. It's important to take edibles with a meal to enable a maximum absorption rate of around 5%.
Additionally, people who want to ease pain or inflammation may consider using topical CBD as it is absorbed only at the skin site and not by the entire body. Ultimately, the best CBD product for you will depend on your specific preferences and the condition or symptoms you want to treat.
In addition to the way you take CBD it’s essential to understand its formulation. Full spectrum CBD contains cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant along with small concentrations of THC that produces what’s known as an ‘entourage effect’ - when multiple cannabinoids work together providing greater therapeutic benefit.
Broad spectrum removes THC but keeps other compounds found in cannabis. Isolates on the other hand, are the purest form of CBD without any additional cannabinoids or terpenes. If you are sensitive to any of these compounds it’s important to choose the formulation that is right for you.
When shopping for high-quality CBD it’s also pertinent to check labeling; this should include information such as the name and address of the manufacturer/distributor, cannabinoid content and net quantity (weight), production date, expiration date alongside instructions on usage and storage.
To ensure safety always look for third party lab testing results before purchasing any product. You may also want to inspect the label for any other ingredients such as non-cannabis additives. Labels may also include a suggested serving size or dosing information. Failure to contain this information may indicate that the CBD product is not legitimate.
In addition, all reputable CBD companies will provide a Certificate of Analysis or CoA for their products. You can find CoA’s for Natural Remedies products online by clicking on the item description. For an example check out this Hemp Pre-Roll and accompanying CoA.
The last thing to consider when shopping for CBD products is what dosage you require. When it comes to determining the exact dose of CBD that suits your body, many factors come into play, including how you take it, your body chemistry, and the condition or symptom that you're treating.
Scientists are still studying how different doses of CBD affect people. However, some general guidelines have emerged from preliminary research. Studies have found that doses ranging from 300 to 600 mg per day may help alleviate anxiety. For pain relief, the maximum recommended daily dose is 40 mg. A dose of 20mg/kg/day can help reduce seizures in people with epilepsy.
Certain CBD products, like gummies and pills, may display the amount of a single serving on the packaging, while CBD oil products display the total CBD content per bottle. It's crucial to consult your healthcare provider when determining the right dose for you, start with a low dose, and slowly increase it over time.
Consider keeping a daily journal to track the effects of the dose on your body. Additionally, taking CBD with food may increase its absorption rate. The effects of CBD are subtle for many individuals, making it more like taking a supplement than a medication. Ultimately, finding the right therapeutic dose of CBD is a complex process, but with the help of a healthcare provider and careful experimentation, it's possible to determine the perfect dose for you.
To conclude, it is important to note that the abundance of CBD products available does not necessarily guarantee their quality. While the FDA does not regulate CBD products, there are ways to ensure that you are purchasing high-quality products that match their descriptions. By following the above guidelines, you can find CBD products that you can trust and rely on.
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Source:Best CBD: How to Identify the Best-Quality CBD - GoodRx