Understanding CBD
As research surrounding CBD continues to forge on, scientists are finding more and more ways to implement CBD into health and wellness products. In case you didn’t know, Cannabidiol (CBD) is found in the cannabis plant. The compound, unlike its close relative tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is non-intoxicating and will not cause you to feel high if consumed.
Continuing research surrounding CBD suggests that, although it is not currently regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), that CBD can be used for numerous health ailments. One finding, in particular, suggests that CBD can help to manage symptoms of epilepsy. This finding opened the door for the first FDA-approved CBD drug called Epidiolex. This drug is known for its aid in managing seizures and in some cases, stopping them altogether.
Some studies have suggested that CBD has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can protect nerves from damage. In addition, researchers are working hard to determine if CBD can help with conditions like anxiety and chronic pain.
It’s important to note, CBD has a variety of uses! Some CBD has more bioavailability than others, which just means that they are more readily absorbed by the body. Follow this guide to determine which method of CBD consumption is best for you.
What to Look For
Ingredients and quality are everything when it comes to CBD. With the recent spark in popularity, it seems like everyone is launching a CBD brand—which isn’t always a good thing. You should be equipped with knowledge on what to look for when it comes to CBD to avoid wasting your money or potentially consuming products that are not what they claim to be. When shopping around, here’s a few things you should be looking for.
- Full or Broad-Spectrum: In order to get the full scope of benefits from your CBD products, look for products that are full or broad-spectrum oil. On that note, you’ll want to avoid products that are distillate or isolate. Full-spectrum oils contain all cannabinoids that are in the cannabis plant including CBD and THC. On the contrary, broad-spectrum oils contain most cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant but do not contain THC. You should note, full and broad-spectrum products are typically less processed which helps to preserve the powerful properties of the cannabis including terpenes.
- Lab-tested: You should always buy CBD products that are lab-tested by a third party. Because CBD isn’t yet regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, lab testing helps to ensure that what you are buying is what the company claims it is. This will help you to better know what you are putting in your body and help you to buy with confidence. Pro tip: If a company doesn’t share their lab results, don’t purchase from them! As a consumer, you deserve to know what you are buying, so look for companies that share this information with you.
- U.S. Grown: It’s best that you look for products that are sourced from organic, U.S. grown cannabis. In the United States, cannabis is agriculturally regulated and cannot contain more than 0.3% THC. Additionally, when you use products that are organic, you can rest assured that you aren’t consuming any additives that may be harmful to your body, such as chemicals and pesticides.
Different Methods
As we mentioned previously, the bioavailability of CBD products depends on the method in which you use them. To determine which method is best for you, consider the following options.
Topical CBD Products
Topical products are exactly what you would imagine—products that contain CBD that can be applied directly to your skin. Many people enjoy topical CBD products when they are first starting out because they are simple, have easy to follow dosages, and come in a variety of different wellness products.
Some of those products include:
- Lip Balm
- Body Lotion
- Hand Cream
- Bath Salts
- Muscle Salve
- Essential Oil
- & more!
Topical products provide relief for localized pain, discomfort, and skin conditions. They provide concentrated relief to the area in which you apply it. Because of the permeability of your skin, it can take more CBD to penetrate the sublingual tissue. For this reason, if you want your topical CBD products to be effective, you should look for products with high amounts of CBD and apply it generously to the area it is needed.
Edible CBD Products
Ingestible (or edible) products are a fan favorite when it comes to CBD. Many users chose this consumption method because it is simple, discreet, and there are so many options. Despite what they sound like and what you may be familiar with when it comes to edibles, these products don’t have any unwanted “marijuana” flavor and often have some sort of fruit or mint flavor instead.
Some popular edible products include:
- Gummies
- Tincture Oils
- Capsules
- Truffles
- Mints
- Lollipops
- & more!
Other Products
Other ways that you can implement CBD into your wellness routine is by sublingual products and vaping or smoking. Sublingual CBD products are designed to be absorbed underneath your tongue. These include sprays, lozenges, and more. By allowing the CBD to absorb under your tongue, you are more likely to feel the effects quicker as the product doesn’t have to travel through the digestive tract. Additionally, vaping or smoking allow CBD to go directly to your bloodstream, enabling you to feel the effects extremely quickly. However, there are additional risks associated with smoking, and researchers are still determining if this method is safe.
Ask Your Doctor
As always, it’s best to ask your doctor before implementing any new supplements. While CBD is generally considered safe, ongoing research is still needed in order to determine how CBD interacts with prescription medications. Therefore, it’s best to consult your physician before trying anything new.
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