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How To Choose the Right CBD for You

There are many CBD-infused products currently on the market. You can find CBD products that may help with pain, anxiety, sleep, and other conditions or symptoms*. While CBD suppliers increase in number and popularity, many consumers still seem unsure of the products and their efficacy.

There are limited means for deciding if CBD is right for you. In most situations, it depends on the person, the desired effects, and professional medical opinions. To help determine whether CBD is a good option for your needs, you should understand a few things about the substance and learn how to pick quality products.

 

General CBD Information

In pursuing organic pain relief, many consumers turn to CBD or cannabidiol*. Cannabidiol is a chemical compound in the cannabis plant. As it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, it is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not make you feel “high.”

CBD is a derivative of either marijuana or hemp, which are cannabis cousins. Hemp CBD products are likely legal in all 50 states, but you should check local laws for the legality of marijuana CBD products.

CBD Extract

When selecting a CBD product, you want to choose an option with the right blend for the desired effect. There are three extracts or formulas to consider:

1. Full-spectrum
2. Broad-spectrum
3. CBD isolate

Full-spectrum formulas include more than cannabidiol. Products with this CBD extract will consist of other cannabinoids and terpenes. They will also have small, permissible amounts of THC.

Broad-spectrum CBD contains all chemicals from the cannabis plant except THC. Consumers generally use such products because they believe there is a benefit to combining different cannabinoids.

CBD isolate, as the name implies, is the isolated form of cannabidiol. It does not contain other cannabinoids or terpenes and is the purest form of CBD.

 

Potential Benefits of CBD

Whether selecting the best CBD for anxiety or pain relief, consumers will notice the various claims on CBD products*. Most claims still need more research to prove validity, but some of them hold promise.

While many manufacturers claim CBD products can help support inflammation therapies, chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia, the existing research only strongly supports it for pain medication and seizure treatment*. 

However, CBD affects the endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain, mood, memory, and other cognitive and physiological functions, suggesting the product’s potential for mental and physical health*.

Ultimately, CBD can help ease chronic pain symptoms and may relieve other physical and mental symptoms, such as anxiety*. However, the limitations of existing research make conclusive claims impossible at the moment.

 

Identifying High-Quality Products

The quality of the product matters, especially when discussing effectiveness. If you are based in the US, opt for domestically grown products over imported ones. Products produced in the country must meet USDA quality-control standards.

Whenever possible, choose USDA organic products to limit exposure to toxins. Cannabis absorbs toxins from pesticides and fertilizers. CBD also sticks to plastic, so it is best to buy CBD in glass packaging.

Product Legitimacy

Besides purchasing USDA-approved products, you want to ensure legitimacy by purchasing from licensed sellers. If possible, also buy products with a third-party certificate of analysis.

Licensed dispensaries and online distributors provide information about manufacturing and growing practices.

A CoA is proof of the safety, content, and purity of cannabinoid content. When the certificate verifies company claims and practices, the consumer can rest assured that they receive a quality product.

Lab Testing

All reputable companies obtain a third-party certificate of analysis to prove the safety and dependability of their product. CoA companies also ensure products have proper labels, helping consumers determine legitimacy.

A proper label provides the necessary information for the consumer. A typical CBD label for a legitimate product will contain:

• Name and address of distributor or manufacturer
• Ingredients, including additives
• Cannabinoid content
• Lot, batch, and control number
• Weight or net quantity
• Production and expiration dates
• Serving size and dosing instruction
• Warnings

 

Determining Potency and Need

The most popular potencies of CBD currently on the market are 300 mg, 600 mg, and 1000 mg. You can find 2000 and 4000 mg options, but that might be overkill.

The potencies come in 15, 30, 50, or 60 mL bottles. The strength depends on the potency and the size of the bottle. Typically, the serving and bottle size play a role in the strength of the CBD. For example, 600 mg of CBD in a 30 mL bottle equates to 20% strength, whereas the same potency of CBD in a 15 mL bottle is 40% strength.

Most manufacturers recommend starting with lower strengths if you have no experience using CBD products. 

Before you buy any product, talk to a healthcare professional, preferably your primary care physician. Your doctor is the most qualified person to ask about medication conflicts or health concerns.

 

Choosing the Best Product for Your Needs

CBD products come in various forms, from CBD drinks to edibles and everything in between. The product you choose often depends on how fast you want to feel the effects. For instance, vaping or smoking is usually the fastest method, with many users claiming to feel the effects within minutes, reaching peak effectiveness after 30 minutes.

CBD oil is slower than smoking or vaping, but the effects last longer. Edibles also provide slower results, but most consumers experience the longest-lasting effects with them.

Topical options absorb only at the skin site, meaning you will not feel full-body effects. Without the whole body experience, many consumers share mixed reviews with topical therapies.

The “right” product depends on your specific needs and tolerances. Because everyone is different, you should talk to your doctor and a CBD professional to determine the best product.

As new laws take effect and the regulatory market changes, CBD manufacturers and producers will evolve their products. The curious consumer will need to look to medical and industry professionals to learn more about the effects of specific products and potencies. 

Always consult a doctor before using CBD products or any other related hemp products. 

 

Get Your CBD Today

Healthy Living offers a wide selection of organic products that include CBD, as well as healthy foods and drinks. Visit us online or at any one of our three store locations!

For more information about CBD products or other lifestyle advice, check out the Healthy Living blog.

 

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Consult a medical professional before taking CBD or other related products.

Written in partnership with Upstate Elevator.