You’ve probably heard about CBD and its counterpart THC by now. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the hemp plant, which belong to the genus cannabis. CBD is one of more than a hundred cannabinoids and compounds found in these flowering plants. THC used to be the more popular of the two and gain a reputation that was not favorable. Its popularity and reputation are based on its psychoactive effects. In other words, its ability to get you “high”. CBD however, does not share this psychoactive characteristic and earned its federal legal status across the US by way of its medicinal benefits. To be considered legal, CBD has to come from industrial hemp and not contain more that 0.3% THC by weight. CBD has become people’s preferred supplement to manage various disorders. As a result, CBD products and brands have skyrocketed. With this increase in CBD companies and products, it is imperative to note that not all CBD is of superior quality. This article will highlight things to consider when determining the right CBD product for you.
- Source of Hemp
Location is definitely key. You should always do your “homework” and find out the origin of the hemp used by your preferred company. We highly recommend that consumers only use CBD products that are grown domestically in the US, using organic farming practices. More often that not, hemp grown outside of the US is farmed on land that is contaminated with synthetic fertilizers, heavy metals and pesticides. In these instances, the hemp plant absorbs all of these harmful agents and then they are passed on to the consumer in the form of a CBD product.
- Third Party Testing
It is imperative that CBD products have certified Third Party Laboratory Testing. These tests can determine how potent and pure the products are and also give assurance about the authenticity of the product. It is important to know that the product label accurately describes what is in the product. Also, an accredited International Organization for Standardization (ISO) laboratory should be the testing site and the test dates should fall within an eighteen month “window”.
- Type of CBD
You’ve probably notice that CBD products are labeled as Broad Spectrum, Full Spectrum or Isolate. These terms are used to define which type of CBD is in the product. Each one has important factors to consider as they all have unique benefits to offer. Isolate is CBD in its purest form. This might sound good but isolate deprives you of the benefits that the other compounds in the hemp plant provide. Full Spectrum has all of the naturally occurring compound of the plant including its psychoactive compound THC. These compounds together render what is called the “entourage effect”. Broad Spectrum is simply Full Spectrum CBD without THC. You are able to experience the benefits of the “entourage effect” without the psychoactive effects or failed drug test.
- Product Type
CBD is used to manage various ailments from inflammation, to anxiety, to insomnia. The list goes on. However, it has gotten a lot of attention as a natural way to manage mild to chronic pain. As you begin your journey to find your CBD product, you should know what is your intended use.
The ideal CBD consumption method would depend on what your goals are. Oral consumption would lead to CBD products such as oils and gummy bears or soft gel capsules. On the other hand, when it comes to joint pain, achy muscles or external issues related to pain and inflammation, we would recommend a CBD topical solution such as a CBD Stick or CBD Massage Oil.
Let us not forget about our four-legged friends. CBD can also be beneficial to them. Yes, dogs, cats, and horses all have an endocannabinoid system which can be thrown out of balance just like humans. Keeping in mind how delicate and sensitive their systems are, we recommend that you administer CBD pet products like oil tinctures or CBD treats for dogs to help give your pets the relief they need.
CBD does not have a one-size fits all scale. With that being said, we recommend that you try the various options available. In addition to using the above points mentioned to help you choose the right fit, look for brands that make a conscious effort to be informative and transparent. Hopefully this article is of assistance in helping you get started in finding your fit in the CBD marketplace.
