CBD has a lot of potential benefits; from relieving pain and easing seizure symptoms to aiding sleep and relaxation, there is a wide range of therapeutic effects that this cannabinoid can bestow upon us.
As Cannabidiol (CBD) is a relatively new substance on the health scene, much information is not yet known about its full range of benefits, ideal dosage as well as its interaction with other drugs.
Currently, there are numerous CBD products, CBD Cream, and Topical Ointments on offer, with each item touting itself as the best and most efficient product on the market. It can be easy to get overwhelmed as a newbie, especially as there is no official guideline to help you make a decision about the best CBD oil for you.
Listed below are seven tips that can help you sift through the abundance of CBD oils and choose one that will best suit your situation;
Determine Your Therapeutic Goals
Firstly, you need to determine the main reason why you wish to add CBD to your daily routine. It could be for recreational purposes such as relieving stress or achieving total calmness and relaxation.
You can also use CBD oil for medicinal purposes such as the treatment of symptoms associated with acute and chronic systemic diseases such as arthritis or neurological disorders like epilepsy.
Having a clear vision of your intended goals for using CBD will aid you in selecting the product that will produce the best result for you.
Research The Company’s Raw Materials
Legally, all producers of CBD-based products are expected to use only the industrial hemp plant, a variation of the cannabis Sativa plant that contains less than 0.3% of THC.
Hemp can be described as a natural cleaning agent; it absorbs harmful chemicals and toxins from the soil where it is planted. Hence, some farmers use it to purify their land before growing food products.
CBD extracted from hemp grown in contaminated soil can cause severe effects on users as the toxins and chemicals would be present in the end products.
Always ensure to patronize stores whose raw materials are sourced from locations where hemp is grown to the utmost clean standards.
No Tests, No Purchase
Presently, recognised bodies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not certified CBD, and as such, there is no industry standard to uphold.
However, individual manufacturers can prove the quality of their products through a series of tests conducted by an independent and certified laboratory. The laboratory then produces a Certificate of Analysis (COA) which should have columns that show the following;
- Cannabinoid content
- Terpene content
- Pesticides, microbials, mycotoxins, and heavy metals present in the product
- Residual solvents
Companies that do not have or are unwilling to provide a credible COA for their CBD goods are not to be trusted. Their products can either be low-quality, contain less or more CBD and THC than advertised, or contain compounds that can cause harm to the user.
Take Note of The Strength
CBD oils come in different strengths and potency. The most popular concentrations include 300mg, 500mg, 600mg and 1000mg.
It should be noted that the potency of CBD oil is also dependent on the size of the bottle or the quantity that a bottle contains. For instance, a 30ml bottle of 500mg CBD oil will be more concentrated than a 50ml bottle of 500mg CBD oil.
Low-strength CBD oils are ideal for mild systemic issues and recreational use. In contrast, medium to high strength can be used for more severe complaints like neuropathic pain, chronic inflammation, and seizure disorders.
Use The Correct Formula
You can get CBD oil in full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate forms. Each of these variations has different constituents and efficacies.
Full spectrum CBD oil is made with all the components of the hemp plant, including THC. It can be a more effective form of CBD oil as all the compounds will work together to enhance the effect of CBD.
Broad spectrum oils can also elicit similar results; however, the absence of THC might cause a slight reduction in its efficacy. Isolates contain only CBD compounds in their pure form.
Choose The Best Route
Nowadays, CBD products are not limited to just oils or tinctures. You can get your daily dose of CBD through drinks, edibles, topicals, vapor, or food.
CBD oils and tinctures are administered sublingually, thereby allowing them to reach the bloodstream rapidly. Capsules, beverages, and edibles also deliver CBD internally. You can choose these routes if your ailments are best treated through internal means.
Topicals like balms, lotions, and creams would be better suited for pain localized in a particular area or joint.
CBD vapors are taken directly into the lungs and can be ideal for people who want to feel the effects of CBD instantly.
Watch Out For The Label
Like every other product, the label of CBD oil should tell you important information about the contents of the bottle. Avoid products with obscure or vague words on the labels that do not give clear instructions about the contents of the package.
Ideally, the label should feature;
- Name of the product
- Cannabinoid content
- Net quantity in terms of weight, ml, and concentration
- Batch number
- A list of ingredients
- Nutritional information
- Instructions for use
Make sure that the data featured on the label directly corresponds to the results of the COA. A product label that does not contain the ingredients used and other additives should be a red flag.
In conclusion, CBD can serve a wide range of therapeutic purposes when you use the right product for your situation. You need to take precautions and conduct adequate research before you buy any CBD-infused products.
Do not patronize businesses that cannot provide COAs from certified laboratories. Beware of stores that do not fully disclose their production practices or have discrepancies between their labels and test results.
Choose CBD oils with concentrations that match the severity of your symptoms. It is important to start using CBD at a low dose initially and then increase it gradually until you get the desired result.