CBD or cannabidiol is a cannabis product that has grabbed a lot of interest in its assumed therapeutic benefits. It is one of more than 100 different types of chemical compounds that occur naturally in the cannabis plant and the second most abundant after THC.
If you are contemplating buying a CBD product for the first time, we will help you make a more informed decision. Read on to understand CBD’s different forms, product costs, labeling, and all the essential factors to pay attention to during purchase.
It is important to note, however, that not all CBD products derived from the same plant. According to NY medical marijuana doctors THC Physicians, CBD can be derived from either the hemp plant or the marijuana plant. The compound is the same from both plants, but one is widely available online and the other only through recreational or medical marijuana dispensaries. Hemp-derived CBD is the most commonly available type, and marijuana-derived CBD products generally contain high concentrations THC, making them illegal depending on your location.
Finding a reputable CBD supplier
Before buying a CBD product, you need to confirm that you are getting it from a reliable source like greenpassion.ch. The CBD market has been snowballing over the past few years, and illegitimate suppliers have emerged, making it difficult to identify reputable stores such Botanicam.com. Use these features to identify a legitimate CBD seller:
1. Their CBD sourcing
Where does the seller get their hemp from? Cannabis plants are bio accumulators, meaning, besides minerals and other vital elements, they absorb heavy metals and contaminants as well. The best hemp is grown without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.
Many reputable product manufacturers get their hemp from European farmers, who are known for their high-quality yield.
2. Extraction method
There are many ways of extracting CBD from cannabis. The CO₂ method, where the plant material is subjected to a combination of low temperature and high pressure, yields the highest quality of CBD. The process bypasses the use of certain chemicals, which may remain the extract. It sure is a complicated method, but it produces the purest form of CBD.
3. Testing
Hemp products must be tested regularly to measure potency and the presence of impurities. Tests help ensure that the product is exactly what it is described as on the label. They also test for the amount of THC to ensure the 0.3 percent legal limit is not exceeded.
Ask for a certificate of analysis (COA) every time you buy from a new seller to check their testing frequency.
Buying Criteria
The CBD market has plenty of products to offer. You may be asking yourself, “What filter-down criterion should I follow to find the right product?” Here are some of the more essential factors to consider:
- Concentration: Knowing how much CBD is in tablets, gummies, or tinctures is important when devising a dosage. CBD content is often provided on the label, but you can ask your supplier for clarification if there are things you don’t understand.
- Price: CBD product prices are dictated by factors such as concentration, presence of other cannabinoids, and extraction method. The standard CBD concentration spectrum ranges from 250mg to 3000mg per 30ml of liquid.
- Taste: Taste is subjective, but it is crucial. CBD doesn’t have the best of tastes, but many manufacturers mix their products with different substances to give them flavors such as vanilla, strawberry, blood orange, and mint. Take your time to find a flavor you like. After all, it is very unlikely that this will have a sway on the product’s cost.
- Ease of use: How do you prefer taking your CBD? And what do you need it for? CBD can be applied topically, ingested sublingually, eaten as part of the food, or infused in beauty products. If you want to relieve joint pain, then you would need topical oil. If it’s an anxiety remedy you are looking for, orally ingested CBD would undoubtedly work better than beauty products and other topicals. The bottom line is to understand the products available to you relative to your needs.
Types of CBD products
CBD classification is based mainly on the method of consumption. Buy a product that gives you convenience and suits your preferred method of administration. Common CBD products include:
1. CBD tinctures
A CBD tincture is a liquid oil supplement that has no oil base. Tinctures are consumed sublingually and administered using a spray top or dropper. They make for arguably the most discreet method of administration and deliver effects faster than most other CBD forms.
2. Capsules
Unlike tinctures, capsules are meant to be swallowed. They offer a hassle-free administration technique and can be used anywhere as they take the form of regular tablets.
The biggest downside to them is that they follow the digestive tract to reach the bloodstream, meaning you have to wait relatively long to experience results. Also, only a small amount of the CBD is absorbed, so it is a pretty wasteful method of consumption.
3. Vape oil concentrates
These are liquids that are vaporized and inhaled using a vape pen. You can obtain your vape oil concentrates as a standalone liquid or in pre-filled pens.
Vaping offers near-instantaneous results as the vapor travels straight to the alveoli and enters the circulatory system together with oxygen.
4. CBD edibles
CBD edibles include gummies, chocolate, and candy infused with cannabidiol as provided by CBD Nationwide. They offer great convenience thanks mainly to their discreetness, but users may wait up to an hour to feel effects.
5. CBD-infused beauty products
CBD may also take the form of lotion, lip balm, salve, and other beauty products. Most beauty infusions are applied topically and are excellent for muscle soreness, joint pain, and external localized concerns. When CBD is applied topically, it doesn’t enter the bloodstream. Instead, it acts on the endocannabinoid receptors on the skin to produce effects.
Each of the CBD forms above can be helpful, depending on the concern you are targeting and your consumption preferences. Tinctures and e-cigarettes may be quicker, but they are not convenient to use, especially at work and in public places. If you work from home, they are arguably the two best options you have. If you have to go out each day, you will need more inconspicuous products such as edibles.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this guide preps you up for your next CBD shopping trip. CBD doesn’t have many side effects, but it is best that you know what you are taking to avoid making regrettable decisions.