CBD | CANNABIS

Guide to Buying the Right CBD Products for You

Clear and straightforward — what this tiny molecule can do for your whole body.

Welcome to this handy guide to help you learn how to choose the best CBD products for your needs. Read on to get a good overview of CBD products and ingredients, plus make some sense of the different forms and strengths. So you’ll know what to buy!

Written by a professional CBD writer. No affiliate links included — just helpful advice.

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∘ CBD | CANNABIS · What Are the Different Cannabinoids? ∘ Types of cannabinoids you might see in a CBD compound: ∘ TYPES of CBD Product Formulas · CBD Oil Forms · Guide to Buying CBD Oils ∘ Quality ∘ Form ∘ Strength

We’ll begin with a quick run-down of some of what you need to understand when choosing CBD products.

What Are the Different Cannabinoids?

It helps to know a little of the terminology. I’ll keep this brief, just to clear up any misconceptions before we get into the types of CBD products and how you can distinguish what from what.

First, understand this:

CBD is a blanket term, but it refers to a particular molecule that comes from the cannabis plant.

Not marijuana, cannabis.

They’re similar but marijuana plants have much higher THC content in them. That’s the part that gets you high. If you see the term hemp, it refers to low-THC cannabis plants, called industrial hemp or industrialized hemp. It’s used to make rope, clothing, and yes, CBD products. And yes, it’s all still cannabis.

Clear as mud, right?

Secondly, understand this:

CBD products are legal in the US as long as they are made from hemp and not marijuana.

To make things more confusing, some states have their own laws on cannabis and they may differ from federal law, mandated by the 2018 Farm Bill. You need to check it in the state in which you live, or through which you drive or travel.

THC is still considered a Schedule 1 substance (and lawmakers are trying to change that). It is regulated by the amount of THC that’s allowed in any CBD product (0.3% by dry weight of the final product at the max). You can get CBD without the THC in it to avoid this concern.

Thirdly, understand this:

Cannabis plants have over 115 different tiny molecular components called cannabinoids. They each are a little different but the health and wellness properties of each are what makes CBD so popular. Most CBD formulations contain CBD + a combination of other cannabinoids.

Note: Science is desperately trying to catch up with reputable studies that prove the benefits of CBD for your health and overall wellness. Many studies are ongoing and most focus on high-dose CBD. Only one CBD product is FDA-approved and that is Epidiolex “for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, in patients two years of age and older.”

Read More: What Are the Benefits of CBD?

Now, let’s take a look at some of the important cannabis compounds you may find in a CBD oil product.

Types of cannabinoids you might see in a CBD compound:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — The only psychoactive cannabinoid. In CBD products, the amount is so low that it’s likely not going to make you feel high unless you’re super sensitive to THC. Yes, this in your formula can make you fail a drug test for marijuana. But if you need extra relaxation, THC helps. Formulas that contain THC are called full spectrum CBD products.
• Cannabidiol (CBD) — The most abundant and widely popular component of cannabis. It’s not-high-producing but helps people to feel more relaxed. Many users tout a wide range of benefits from relaxation, mood regulation, improved sleep, pain relief, cognitive improvements, and improved mood. CBD products without THC are called broad spectrum CBD products.

Note: In order for a CBD product to be called THC-free, there must be nondetectable levels of THC in the product when the company does lab testing and analysis following production. That being said, you can still fail a drug test, even with a broad spectrum CBD product — if it is a very sensitive drug test that scans for all parts of cannabis and not just for THC, specifically. Most reputable companies test their batches in-house but also with third-party (preferably ISO-certified) laboratories.

• Other lesser know cannabinoids that are often found in CBD formulas are Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabinol (CBN). (These are the two most commonly used.)
• Terpenes and flavonoids — These are the molecules that give cannabis plants their distinct flavor and scent. These can vary from cannabis strain to cannabis strain. These are often included in CBD products to include a wider plant profile, which is thought to increase the health benefits and contribute to the entourage effect.

TYPES of CBD Product Formulas

CBD Isolate — This means that the CBD has been completely isolated from THC and there won’t be any trace amounts of THC in the final product. It’s a more complicated extraction process and therefore CBD isolate products are harder to find and far more expensive.

Full Spectrum CBD — As mentioned above, the wider plant profile, including THC, is called full spectrum. Taking a full spectrum product means that you get a more well-rounded CBD experience, and often feel more calm. If you are sensitive to THC, or if your doctor thinks you shouldn’t take THC, then stick with broad spectrum products or go with the more pricey CBD isolate.

Broad Spectrum CBD — Broad spectrum CBD products contain all the same goodies as full spectrum — CBD, often CBG and CBN or other minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids — but not the THC. THC is not selected in extraction but tiny amounts of THC may be present in the final product. Like trace amounts.

Now that you understand some of the components of CBD products, and the different types of CBD formulas, now let’s talk about how we get CBD oils into a product that we can consume (oral CBD products) or use on our skin (topical CBD products).

CBD Oil Forms

CBD molecules are very tiny. So, to get it into our bodies or onto our skin it is put into a carrier oil or cream. For oral CBD products, this is usually MCT oil.

CBD Topicals — CBD topical products pack CBD into skin creams and lotions which you apply directly to the skin for targeted relief and to moisturize the skin. You can find CBD in skin care products, hair care products, and partnered with pain-relieving ingredients for pain creams. (This one is my FAVORITE.)

CBD Tinctures — This is where most people first start with CBD. CBD oils in a carrier oil, like MCT oil, are packaged into glass bottles with a handy dropper. You measure the oils with the dropper, place the drops under your tongue, hold for 30 seconds, then swallow. The “hold 30 seconds” thing is to allow for sublingual absorption of CBD through the thin layer of skin under the tongue.

CBD Capsules — CBD oils can be encapsulated into easy-to-take capsules. This is a great option for folks who don’t want the hassle of measuring out tincture drops.

CBD Gummies — CBD oils can also be packaged in a tasty gummy form. These will contain sugars and sometimes fruit juices, as well as other ingredients. Check the label for more information. Also check to see if you are purchasing a CBD-specific product or something like a Delta 9 gummy, which is more for the THC content. THC-specific gummies are more intoxicating. And, it goes without saying — keep your gummies out of the reach of children and pets.

CBD vape cartridges — Some companies also offer vaping cartridges of CBD oils. Make sure you know what you are buying — some, like the gummies, are THC-specific and can pack a punch. Vaping CBD puts the molecules in your system faster than if you consume a product that must be metabolized. *Use with caution. There have been cases of illness and lung injury (mostly from counterfeit and tampered-with products.)

THC gummies or Delta 9 gummies / Delta 8 gummies — As mentioned before, some gummies are more THC-related. But I need to mention these specifically because there’s a big difference between the “deltas.” THC occurs in cannabis as the plant naturally dries, producing the “regular” form of THC, which is called Delta 9 THC. This naturally-occurring THC is notable by the double carbon bond located at the 9th chain.

However, in the lab, heat and other processes can be applied to the cannabinoids which “forces” more THC to form, often producing a weaker version of THC. The double carbon bond is located at the 8th chain, thus creating Delta 8, which some think of as a synthetic form of the regular Delta 9 THC. Delta 8 is outlawed in some states for this reason.

(Think of Delta 8 as a watered-down version of Delta 9. And if you have to take and use more products to get the same results…companies make more money selling more products, right? Well-played.)

Guide to Buying CBD Oils

You really do get what you pay for, in most cases. So you need to be wary of where you buy your CBD products.

You can find CBD products in lots of places:

• Road-side vendors
• Gas stations
• Grocery stores
• Flea markets
• Direct sales
• Mail-order companies
• Brick-and-mortar stores

I recommend you go with a reputable company that has a website. Look for transparency about the products and clear communication lines for you to ask questions. Look for Certificates of Analyses on the products and for product standards you can trust.

Quality

• Quality hemp grown in the USA, which must adhere to more stringent growing and harvesting standards
• Look for organic hemp
• Testing standards: In-house is ok as long as they are also using independent, third-party ISO-certified labs
• Transparency: Posted ingredients and testing documents like Certificates of Analyses for all products

Form

Choose the form that’s right for you. You may want to use topical CBD only at first, and that’s ok. Rub down your bum knee with a CBD cream and learn how your skin responds to the product.

Many people prefer to use both topical and oral CBD products. If so, choose a product form you will enjoy using. If can’t help you if you hate using it and avoid doing so.

Decide if you want to start out with the broad spectrum CBD first, and then later transition to full spectrum with the THC. Or, if you’re sure you want the THC included, then opt for full spectrum. But whichever you chose, start on a low strength so your body can get used to the products.

Possible Sife Effects

• Tummy upset
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness

Symptoms usually diminish once your body gets used to the oils.

There are myriad ways to plan out your CBD regimen. Here’s my regimen, if it helps you:

Note: I’ve been on CBD for 4 years. I have ADHD and high energy — and I am THC-sensitive. So, this is how I take my CBD.

1. One 1500 mg CBD BROAD SPECTRUM CAPSULE in the morning with a glass of water
2. One 1 mg DELTA 9 THC micro dosing capsule during the day— only if I have high anxiety or high pain (It does not make me sleepy, but it may do that to you. Every individual is a little different.)
3. One 1500 mg FULL SPECTRUM CAPSULE at night with a glass of water. I use the kind with THC at night because I am a chronic insomniac. I also take one 500 mg BROAD SPECTRUM SLEEP-AID CBD PM which contains melatonin to help me fall asleep.

Strength

DO NOT SKIP THIS SECTION. CBD strength and dosing is important to understand, especially if you’ve tried CBD and it didn’t work for you. You may find out what you need to do differently…

About the strength, note that I said I take 1500 mg capsules…this refers to the strength of the product and not the amount of actual CBD per serving/dose. Since I’m using capsules, that’s easy to figure out. One capsule of 1500 mg has 50 mg of CBD per capsule.

Note: What’s more important than the strength of CBD product you take is the number of milligrams of CBD per serving. Using the following formula, you can toggle between different CBD strengths and navigate different products. Always know how many CBD milligrams you take at each dose.

The formula for the amount of CBD per serving:

# strength PER BOTTLE ÷ # servings per bottle = the # mg of CBD per serving

Then: Multiply this number by the # servings you take at one time (This could be .5 or 1 or 1.5, etc.)

I take one 1500 mg capsule and there are 30 capsules in the bottle. 1500 ÷ 30 is 50 mg per capsule. If I take one at a time, then that’s 50 mg of CBD. If I take 2, then 100 mg, and so forth.

Or I could decide that 50 mg in the evenings isn’t enough…I could use a CBD oil tincture, measured, to provide me the extra 10–20 mg of CBD I want to take in the evenings.

Or, take a gummy that provides the right amount of CBD per serving I am after.

There are many ways you can devise the perfect CBD regimen for yourself, but it takes a little time to figure out. It’s worth the time.

Using your CBD products intentionally like this, and at regular intervals, will provide you with the most beneficial CBD experience.

Helpful tip: Use CBD at starter/low doses to begin, less than one recommended serving, then work your way up over time to the dose that’s most helpful to you. If you get to a full serving and take that for a while and feel you need more, move up to the next CBD strength.

Here’s more on how to take your CBD properly for the best experience:

Thanks for reading — I hope this information helps you!

CBD writer, Christina M Ward, 3 1/2 years as a professional CBD and cannabis writer for 3+ international CBD/Cannabis derivative brands

My recommendations:

• Asé Pure Naturals Muscle Gel Roll-on
• cbdMD Broad Spectrum Capsules and Full Spectrum Capsules
• Asé Pure Naturals makes my favorite CBD oil tinctures
• VEGAMOUR makes my favorite hair products with CBD