We can all agree that finding the right CBD product can sometimes be daunting due to the many options available. The popularity and use of cannabidiol continue to surge thanks to the growing research and interest in its potential benefits. Today, CBD comes in many forms, including pills, creams, and edibles.
Therefore, when shopping for CBD, you want to ensure you find the right product. However, the industry is large, valued at around USD 6.4 billion, and still growing.
Here are some factors and tips to help you shop for CBD products. Click here to explore our extensive CBD product catalog.
1. Decide Why You Want to Use CBD
Of course, before buying CBD, you must decide why you want to take it and what you hope to achieve. CBD has been linked to various potential benefits. Some of the conditions believed to be treated by CBD include;
- Pain
- Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema
- Anxiety and depression
- Insomnia
- Seizures
While more research is still needed to solidify these claims, some CBD users have reported positive results after using CBD products.
Back to finding the right CBD product: you want to get a product specifically for the effects or benefits you wish to achieve. If it’s a pain relief, get a CBD product for pain relief; if it’s anxiety and depression, do the same.
Defining your objectives and goals will help you narrow down the product options and dosage that may suit you best.
2. Choose the Right Form
Do you want to smoke CBD, apply it to your skin, or eat it as food? The good thing is that all these options (and more) are available. However, it’s important to find what works for you best.
Remember, how you choose to take CBD affects the absorption rate and dosing.
CBD comes in multiple forms. This includes;
- Tinctures and oils: These are administered sublingually (under the tongue). CBD tinctures and oils offer quick absorption and precise dosing control.
- CBD capsules and edibles: These are taken orally and can be incorporated into your diet. While they are discreet and convenient, CBD edibles and capsules often have a slower onset because they must go through digestion.
- CBD Vaping: For rapid effects, consider CBD e-liquids, which can be inhaled. However, this form is not for everyone.
- CBD Topicals: They include balms, creams, and lotions designed to be applied directly to the skin. CBD topicals are ideal for localized relief.
Now that you understand how to take CBD, choose a delivery method that aligns with your preferences and desired effects. This will help you narrow down your options even further. For instance, consider edibles and capsules if you want to incorporate CBD into your diet.
Note that each delivery method has pros and cons. For instance, while edibles take long to produce desired effects, they usually last longer.
3. Check for Quality
When it comes to CBD products, quality should be a priority. Remember, these products come from different manufacturers. Some just want to make more products and sales for profit, while others want the product to help you.
But what makes a quality CBD product? And how do you tell that a product meets all the quality standards? Here are a few pointers;
Source of Hemp
CBD comes from the Hemp plant. However, it’s important to consider the type of hemp the CBD is derived from. You want a product made from organically grown hemp. Remember, hemp is a bioaccumulator, meaning it can absorb toxins from the soil. Organic hemp is less likely to contain harmful substances.
Extraction method
CBD is extracted from the hemp plant using various methods. Each extraction method has pros and cons. Therefore, you want to ensure you choose an extraction method that doesn’t damage the product’s quality and properties.
For instance, CO2 extraction is the most common and effective method for extracting CBD from hemp. The technique protects the cannabinoids through temperature control, ensuring the quality of CBD products. Hydrocarbon solvent extraction is the cheapest but also the riskiest method. It involves using potentially harmful solvents like propane, which must be removed from the final CBD product before consumption.
Third-party testing
Always check for third-party lab test results when shopping for CBD products. A brand that doesn’t offer these results should be a red flag; most reputable brands, like Moon Mother Hemp, allow for third-party lab testing.
Third-party lab testing verifies the cannabinoid content in the product and ensures they are free from contaminants. The tests also confirm the purity and safety of CBD products.
Therefore, you must ensure that the CBD product you intend to buy comes with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
4. Verify the Product’s Legitimacy
A good number of people don’t read the entire product label, right? They only read the brand or product names and check for expiry dates.
However, you should know that the contents on the product label can help you verify its legitimacy. This is why manufacturers include all that information in the first place.
Generally, a CBD product label should contain the following information;
- Manufacturer’s name and address
- Cannabinoid content
- Net quantity (weight)
- Production and expiration dates
- Ingredients (including non-cannabis additives)
- Instructions on how to use and store the product
- Dosing information
- Warnings/contradictions
A CBD product may be illegitimate if the label doesn’t contain all the above essential information.
5. Read Reviews and Testimonies
All the above factors may not help you find your ideal CBD product. However, hearing from someone who has actually used the product and experienced the results may. This explains why product reviews and testimonials are essential.
Many reputable brands allow customers to leave comments and testimonies about their experiences with different CBD products. This information can help you find the right CBD product to suit your unique needs. Also, feel free to ask for recommendations from family, friends, or CBD experts.
Conclusion
Finding the right CBD product can be daunting due to the overwhelming choices available. Therefore, when shopping for CBD products, take your time to understand your needs and the different forms and uses of CBD. Also, check the product label and ensure you buy your products from reputable brands.