Cannabidiol (CBD) products have become popular in recent years, thanks to their medicinal properties. While there remains little research into the effectiveness of CBD products for ailments like anxiety disorders, pain, cancers, insomnia, and more, what research there is indicates that CBD has potent medicinal effects.
There’s even an FDA-approved CBD medication used for the treatment of seizures caused by two severe forms of epilepsy, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, as well as seizures caused by tuberous sclerosis complex.
But most CBD products on the market, while federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, aren’t regulated by the FDA. That means it’s up to you as the consumer to choose a quality product. And quality may not be the only factor to consider – depending on where and how you want to use CBD, you may want a discreet product like a sublingual oil or a CBD edible, so you can use it anywhere as needed.
Let’s take a closer look at the cannabinoid compounds found in CBD products, the types of products available, and how you can verify their quality.
Understand the Types of Cannabinoids Used in CBD Products
CBD isn’t the only cannabinoid present in hemp and marijuana products, including CBD products. You’ve probably heard of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a cannabinoid found in marijuana and which creates euphoric feelings of intoxication. Some, but not all, CBD products contain trace amounts of THC – products containing 0.3 percent THC derived from hemp are legal under the Farm Bill.
CBD products containing trace amounts of THC may create a euphoric effect similar to that created by marijuana, which remains federally illegal. They may also cause you to fail a drug test.
However, not all CBD products contain THC. There are three main types of CBD products available on the market: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum products contain all of the cannabinoid compounds found in hemp, including trace amounts of THC under 0.3 percent. Broad-spectrum products contain every cannabinoid compound except THC. And CBD isolate products contain just CBD.
Which is best for you? Some people like to use CBD isolate products because they find that just CBD is sufficient to treat their anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, or other symptoms. If you want to find out how much CBD alone can help you, you may want to start with a CBD isolate product.
However, you should know about something called the entourage effect. According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science, CBD alone may not be as effective as the full combination of cannabinoids found in hemp and marijuana. That’s why many people find that full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products are more beneficial.
Verify the Quality of the Product
Because CBD products aren’t regulated by the FDA, you have to do your own research to make sure that a specific product is high quality. A reputable manufacturer of CBD products will provide a certificate of analysis (COA) from an independent, accredited third-party lab. Make sure the lab is accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Read the COA to make sure the product is as potent as the manufacturer claims by checking the amount of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids present in the product. You should also make sure that it tests negative for the presence of contaminants like microbes, mold, and heavy metals.
Choose the Right Type of CBD Product for Your Needs
CBD products are available in the form of candy-like edibles, capsules, oils and tinctures, vape juices, and topical creams and ointments. The right product for you will depend on how you plan to use the CBD and where you plan to use it. If you want to use CBD for anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain, for example, you may want to choose an oral delivery method like edible gummies, capsules, or oils and tinctures that can be administered by placing them under the tongue. These products are discreet enough that you can use them anywhere, even at work.
However, if discretion is not a consideration, you may want to use CBD vape juices. You will feel the effects of your CBD product much sooner if you inhale vape juice, whereas it can take 45 minutes to an hour to feel the effects of an ingested CBD product. Furthermore, if you want to use CBD to treat joint pain or muscle pain, you may want to go with a topical cream or ointment that can be applied directly to the painful area.
Could CBD be right for you? Shop carefully for a high-quality product, and you’ll experience relief from your symptoms and a higher quality of life.
