Much has been made recently about the impact CBD has on people’s daily lives. Once a relatively unknown molecule, CBD is now part of mainstream conversations focused on wellness and has become a supplement of choice for athletes, entertainers, top-performers, wellness experts, and more. While the widespread acceptance of CBD is fantastic, it leaves potential consumers with one big question:“How do I sort through the noise and find the best CBD product for me?”
It can be overwhelming, but it’s far from impossible. Here’s what you need to know to find the best cannabidiol blend for you and your needs.
First Things First: What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is one of the many complex chemical compounds (known as cannabinoids) found in any of the Cannabis plant varieties. Currently, scientists estimate that there are well over one hundred distinct cannabinoids, with CBD and THC being two of the best-known.
CBD is a naturally-occurring substance. Today, manufacturers use it in a variety of formats, including oils, edibles, and tinctures. Unlike delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another well-known cannabinoid, CBD is not psychoactive, which means it won’t get you “high.”
Today, THC remains a restricted substance, and CBD blends don’t typically contain more than a trace amount of THC.
Not all CBD is Created Equal
Today, there are thousands of CBD products on the market. While this makes for great selection, it can also make it challenging to find high-quality, reputable CBD blends. Part of this difficulty is due to the climate of the industry.
Right now, CBD production is mostly unregulated, and the industry remains fast-paced and competitive. The pressure to beat out competitors and produce as much CBD oil as possible, as quickly as possible, is real. And it leads many CBD companies to cut corners and create blends that don’t prioritize quality or purity.
To avoid these, and make the best choice, it’s essential to learn how to identify high-quality CBD infused products. Here are a few questions you’ll want to ask before you make a purchase:
- What company is behind the product?
- Where is it being made?
- How and where was the hemp grown?
- What type of CBD is used (Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum or Isolate)?
- What other ingredients are included in the products?
- Does this brand offer any third-party lab results?
- Does the brand promote transparency and communication?
Additionally, it’s smart to buy direct from the CBD producer or via a trusted third party like a spa, fitness center or boutique specializing in wellness products. Shopping online at marketplaces like Amazon can leave consumers confused by all the different offerings, many of which may be priced attractively but are very much inferior in terms of quality or may not even contain what they say they do.
Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs Isolate
One of the first decisions you’ll have to make when you start shopping for CBD is whether you want it in a full spectrum, broad-spectrum, or an isolate form. The main differences are as follows:
Full-Spectrum
Full-spectrum CBD oil derived from hemp is created via a process involving CO2 extraction and or other forms of liquid solvent extraction. Following this extraction process, the oil is further distilled and refined to remove unwanted materials. The end result is an oil that contains the full assortment of cannabinoids and terpenes associated with the hemp plant. Advocates of full-spectrum products believe that cannabinoids and terpenes are most effective when they work in tandem with one another. This is also referred to as the entourage effect.
Broad-Spectrum
Broad-spectrum CBD results from taking full-spectrum CBD oil through one more process of refinement to remove any trace amounts of THC which may be found in full-spectrum products. This is an important consideration if you are a customer who wants to avoid THC in your system. It should be noted that broad-spectrum users will still have access to all the other cannabinoids and terpenes. It is just THC that is removed.
Isolates
CBD Isolate is made from a continued refinement of CBD oil that involves a winterization process and the removal of everything except CBD from the oil. CBD Isolates typically come in the form of a wax or powder and is tasteless and which makes it popular with people who like to include CBD in things without impacting flavor.
What About Strength?
While CBD is non-toxic, non-psychoactive, and safe, it’s still essential to choose the right strength when you purchase your item of choice.
Right now, experts recommend that people new to CBD start with a low dose. If you experience no adverse side effects (typically limited to dizziness, stomachaches, and diarrhea), you can increase the dose gradually until you find a serving that works for you.
If you’d like to play with your dosage, start by using a CBD oil. Oils give the consumer the most control over potency and dosage.
Choosing the Best Consumption Method
When it comes to CBD, there are several ways in which people consume the product. Here are some of the most popular:
Ingestibles
CBD Ingestibles include tinctures, capsules, gummies, beverages, and powders. Each of these offerings can be found in various strengths and flavors. Tinctures are typically sold in small dropper bottle containers and will combine CBD with different types of carrier oils and other extracts and flavorings. They are very popular with people struggling with stress, chronic fatigue, and ongoing sleep issues. Edibles such as capsules and gummies provide long-term, holistic effects since the body breaks the CBD within the edible down slowly. Consuming an edible may mean it will take longer to feel the results of the CBD. Water-based Supplements, Drinks, and Powders are popular choices amongst athletes and people looking for faster delivery and an edge in performance.
Inhalation
Some enthusiasts love the convenience of consuming CBD via vape pens or other devices that allow them to inhale CBD. Inhalation is by far the fastest-acting method for receiving CBD. When you inhale CBD, the compound enters the bloodstream directly. The effects, while immediate, don’t last as long. The other consideration, of course, is that it’s smoking.
Topical
Topicals include balms, cremes, salves, and roll-ons. As the name implies, these products are applied topically to the skin and are used by people seeking localized relief from joint and muscle pain. Like Ingestibles, Topicals come in various strengths and scents.
Conclusion: Finding the Right CBD Solution for You
Whether you’re an athlete, someone who plays recreational sports, or just someone who wants to support your overall wellness, CBD presents an exciting opportunity. And now that you know how to choose a CBD product, it’s time to select the right one for you.
Here at Remedy+, we specialize in producing premium hemp-based CBD products for high functioning, active professionals looking for an edge in performance and recovery. Whether you’re interested in our DROPS, SHOTS or CAPS, we guarantee purity, quality, and safety.
Our proprietary blends of broad-spectrum CBD, premium organic essential oils and other performance-driven ingredients are produced in small batches, with a high level of quality and oversight, so you can feel comfortable integrating our items into your daily life. Ready to experience the #remedyadvantage for yourself? Learn more about us or shop our selection now.
