A lot of people are turning to CBD as a possible cure-all. But if you’re not sure how to go about shopping for CBD products, it can be confusing.
We’ve put together this guide to help you figure out which CBD oil benefits products are worth your money. We’ll give you recommendations on what to buy, where to buy them, and whether or not they contain any THC (the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana).
What is CBD?
There are a couple different kinds of CBD products out there, but the two most common types are oils and gummies. Oils typically come in tincture form, which is a liquid form that you can ingest orally. Gummies are candies with CBD in them. You can eat these directly, or drink them like a sugar substitute. Both of these forms work by increasing your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), or the natural chemicals that keep us feeling good. This helps with everything from anxiety to pain management to inflammation.
Oils
Because CBD is found in oil form, you can infuse just about anything with it. The most popular thing to do is take CBD orally — either in the form of tinctures or capsules. It can also be applied topically, such as for muscle pain or arthritis. You can even consume pure CBD without any other ingredients at all; it’s been proven effective for everything from treating acne to easing cancer symptoms.
If you want to use CBD for pain relief, look for something that has been tested for its ability to ease pain. According to the National Institute of Health, “[T]he scientific evidence does not support the idea that cannabis smoke or vapor, whole plant extract, or purified cannabinoids provide analgesic effects beyond those produced by administration of pharmaceutical grade delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.” So, if you’re looking for an oil or capsule to treat pain, make sure you check their labels to see whether they carry FDA approval. Some brands will claim to have clinical studies showing their effectiveness, but make sure to read through the fine print to find out who conducted the studies and what the results were. Look for things like “clinicaltrials.gov” or “randomized controlled trials” when searching for the name of a company so you know they’ve taken part in legitimate research.
Gummies
You can get CBD gummies in a few different ways. You can order them online and have them shipped to your house, or you can stop into a dispensary and pick up some yourself. If you’re going to buy them online, make sure you choose a reputable brand. Some companies sell cheap products that don’t actually contain CBD, while others might not include a dosage amount. Make sure to look at the packaging to find out what the product contains, and if it says “full spectrum,” it should have no THC present.
Where to buy CBD
The easiest way to buy CBD products would be to visit a store that sells medical marijuana. Many states have legalized medical weed, so you may be able to walk right into a dispensary and purchase CBD there. However, many dispensaries only offer oils and capsules, so you won’t be getting gummy drops. You’re better off finding a place that offers both CBD and THC products, especially if you live in a state where medical pot is legal.
If you don’t live near a dispensary, you still have options. Many places now sell CBD products over the internet, including Amazon, eBay, and even Instagram. Just remember that no matter where you buy them, you need to be careful about the quality of the product you end up purchasing. There are a lot of scams online, so watch out for things like “buy 10 bottles get 1 free” deals and “free shipping” promotions. If you’re worried, you can always call customer service before making a purchase to ask questions about a product’s legitimacy.
Is CBD safe?
Yes, CBD is completely safe to use. Even though it’s derived from the hemp plant, it doesn’t have any of the same psychoactive properties as THC. That means it won’t make you feel high no matter how much you consume.
When used correctly, CBD is one of the safest substances you could possibly consume. People who suffer from chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, or depression tend to turn to CBD as a solution. It works great for those conditions because it has anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it reduces swelling and pain. As long as you only buy 100% pure CBD products, you shouldn’t experience any negative side effects. In fact, there are countless reports of CBD helping people sleep better, reduce anxiety, and manage pain.
Of course, you do need to pay attention to the type of CBD product you buy. While CBD can be beneficial, it can also interact with certain medications. Be aware of interactions when you’re choosing a product. For instance, if you’re using CBD to treat sleep issues, you’ll probably want to avoid products that contain melatonin, since melatonin interacts with CBD. Similarly, if you’re taking painkillers, it’s best to stay away from CBD products that also contain acetaminophen, since those can cause liver damage.
Which products are best?
As we mentioned earlier, CBD comes in two basic forms: oils and gummies. Each one has its own benefits, and each one has its own drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of which ones are ideal for various situations.
For general wellness purposes:
- Gummies
- Oil drops
For treating chronic pain:
- Gummies
- Vape liquids
- Edibles
For reducing anxiety:
- Vape liquids
- Edibles
- Topical gummies
For managing mood disorders:
- Vaporizers
- Vape liquids
- Edibles
And here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of each type of CBD product:
Oils
Pros: These are easy to administer, and you can simply drop one under your tongue each time you need to take it. They also last longer than gummies, which is helpful if you have a busy schedule. The main downside is that they taste terrible. You really just need to suck down the flavor, but it can be difficult to convince yourself to do that.
Gummies
Pros: One of the major advantages of gummies is that you can chew them instead of swallowing them. Chewing releases the CBD quicker, which makes it easier to deal with a particular condition. Chewable CBD gummies are also safer than regular gummies, though. Since they’re made from gelatin, they’re less likely to absorb too much water and potentially lead to gastrointestinal distress.
Vapes
Pros: Vaping is another way to administer CBD. This method produces a cleaner hit than smoking, meaning you won’t inhale anything harmful. The biggest drawback to vaping is that they cost a lot more than smoking. And the nicotine content tends to be higher, too.
Edibles
Pros: Edibles are the least expensive option for CBD products. Depending on the formulation you choose, edibles can be even cheaper than gummies or vape liquids. They’re also very discreet, so you can consume them anywhere you please. Finally, you can customize the dose depending on how strong you want it to be.
Which products are best?
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which product is best for your situation. As we explained above, CBD comes in several forms, so you don’t have to stick to one kind of product. If you suffer from anxiety or depression, you can try a CBD gummy or vape liquid. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, you can take a CBD oil drop or a CBD edible. And if you’re trying to relax after a stressful day, you can take a CBD vape. You can mix and match between different products until you find exactly what works for you.
