Perhaps you are new to CBD and are wondering where to shop. Searching online will bring up a wealth of results, with most manufacturers selling their CBD products online. As CBD is theoretically legal in all 50 states, producers are able to easily sell online and ship across state lines. It is this that has made the CBD industry so accessible and perhaps so popular.
But did you know that the CBD industry is not regulated? There is no governing body keeping an eye on CBD products, and so manufacturers could sell scam products, or even sell ones containing harmful chemicals. Sadly, this means that the consumer needs to be aware of certain things when shopping for CBD.
It is good to know that plenty of transparent, honest manufacturers out there are pioneering for a better future in CBD. Many, like us, have blogs on their site to educate the public about CBD and all it has to offer. These informative articles are key to making sure consumers stay safe and aware.
In this guide, we will be telling you the top 5 things you need to know before making your first CBD purchase. Read on to find out more…
1. CBD IS SAFE, NON-PSYCHOACTIVE, AND HEALTHY
If you weren’t already convinced about CBD already, that’s what this section is for. Cannabidiol, more often called CBD, is a compound that comes from the Cannabis sativa L plant. It is so popular nowadays because it is thought to be very beneficial for our health.
We all have something called an endocannabinoid system, which works to maintain homeostasis and keep our bodies regulated. It’s important to keep the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in check, because it regulates a whole manner of functions like sleep, temperature, appetite, pain, and immune response.
When the endocannabinoid system isn’t working, we can actually encourage it by introducing external cannabinoids found in plants. CBD, for example, can influence us to produce more endocannabinoids – beneficial compounds while keep the ECS working. As a result, CBD can help us to regulate certain functions in the body.
Research into CBD and its abilities is ongoing, but it is thought to be a potential treatment for the symptoms of a range of conditions. This ranges from mood disorders like depression, to chronic pain and even more severe conditions. It could even be beneficial for maintaining our general health and just staying on top of things.
While this might all seem a bit impossible, it’s really worth giving CBD a shot if you’re tired of traditional medications. According to a report from the World Health Organisation, CBD is non-toxic, non-addictive, and generally well tolerated in humans. There are very few side effects to CBD, so if you are taking a CBD product that makes you feel unwell, it’s probably tainted and you should avoid it immediately.
Since CBD is safe and has the potential to boost our health, there’s really no reason not to try it!
2. ALL CBD PRODUCTS WORK DIFFERENTLY
When shopping around for CBD, you might notice that there are tons of different products. While all of them will give you a dose of CBD in some way or another, each product has its advantages and drawbacks.
The OG in CBD oil consumption are CBD oils and tinctures. These are pretty much the same thing, and companies will use these terms interchangeably. With a CBD oil, all you need to do is place a few drops of oil under your tongue and hold it there for up to 90 seconds before swallowing. The CBD and other cannabinoids are absorbed into your bloodstream via the capillaries in your mouth, allowing them to act quickly on the ECS. CBD oils are ideal for fast-acting relief.
CBD capsules are also a popular option. Since a lot of people don’t enjoy CBD oils and their raw, earthy taste, capsules provide a way around this. You take them just like you would any normal pill, swallowing one with a glass of water. Capsules are quick, easy, convenient and discrete, and they even give you a pre-measured dose of CBD.
Edibles are quite similar to capsules in that they are broken down in the same way. Through the digestive system, CBD takes longer to kick in. However, since the CBD is released more slowly, it does mean that you may be able to keep symptoms at bay for longer. Edibles like gummies are a delicious way to get your CBD.
Nowadays, vaping CBD is an extremely popular option. Various flavors of vape cartridges are available that contain CBD, providing yet again a delicious way to consume CBD. If you already vape, it is also quick and easy for you to slot into your routine. Furthermore, this method offers a high rate of bioavailability in which your body can make use of the CBD quickly and effectively. However, you should be aware that vaping may not be the healthiest option for you in the long-term.
There are also CBD topicals that you can buy, including moisturizers, creams and balms. These are infused with cannabidiol to make a great skin treatment. If you suffer from chronic pains, topicals are ideal because you can apply them directly to the affected area for fast, effective relief.
3. CBD OIL AND HEMP SEED OIL ARE DIFFERENT THINGS
Another thing to note about CBD products is that you might become easily fooled by hemp seed oil. Unless you are buying cannabis THC oil, which may be psychoactive, CBD oil is made from hemp. Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant which contains very low levels of the psychoactive THC compound, meaning that manufacturers can be confident their product will be legal in all 50 states.
However, the hemp plant has uses other than cannabinoids. While CBD and other cannabinoids can be found in the leaves and flowers, the stalks can be used for textiles and the seeds are used for nutrition.
Hemp seeds are a superfood, containing plenty of nutrients and proteins that make an extremely healthy addition to any diet. As a result, nutrition companies sell hemp seed oil as a cooking oil and as a food supplement that people can eat. This contains very little, if any, CBD, though.
When buying CBD oil, make sure that the label explicitly states the CBD content. It can get confusing because the CBD may be suspended in a hemp seed oil, but as long as it says ‘CBD’ on the label then you should be on the right track.
4. YOU SHOULD ONLY BUY FROM COMPANIES WITH THIRD PARTY LAB REPORTS
With the CBD industry being unregulated, it is important to know that you are buying from a reputable source. It can seem hard to tell which companies are trustworthy, other than looking at how professional their website is and searching for honest reviews.
The best, most reliable way to check a company’s reliability is by looking for third-party lab reports. Reputable CBD manufacturers will have their product batches tested to prove that they are what they say they are. A third-party lab is used to ensure that there is no bias.
Usually, lab reports will detail what cannabinoids are in the final product, as well as in what amounts. They will also tell you whether any chemicals such as those from fertilizers can be found in the product. By checking for lab reports, you know that you are buying from a reputable company.
Some companies post their lab reports directly onto their site, but some request that you e-mail the company to ask for them.
5. CO2 EXTRACTION IS THE SAFEST EXTRACTION METHOD
Another detail to look out for is how the CBD was extracted from the hemp plant. There are many ways to draw cannabinoids out of hemp, including using olive oil! However, this creates extremely low yields and isn’t profitable for the company.
As a result, most companies use other techniques such as dry ice or solvents. When solvents are used, it calls the safety of the product into question. While most companies who use solvent extraction will take measures to remove as much of the harmful product as possible, it is not the safest extraction method around.
Instead, opt for a company that uses CO2 extraction. This method involves using carbon dioxide at a certain temperature and pressure, so that it acts as a non-toxic solvent. It is a very efficient method, but it also ensures that the final product will be 100% safe.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON CBD SHOPPING
If you are planning on buying CBD in the near future, it is a good idea to keep all of these five tips in mind. Ensure that you are buying the right product for you, and ensure that you are obtaining it from a reputable, trustworthy company. You can check for this by looking at the manufacturer’s extraction methods and whether they provide third-party lab reports.
A final note is that, if you are taking CBD for the first time, make sure you start at the lowest dose possible. Work your way up until you find the minimum effective dose, at which point you will start to notice the benefits. As long as you are aware of the nature of the CBD industry, you are on the right track!
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