After the legalization of Hemp in the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD popularity skyrocketed. This led to pharmacies, spas, and even online retailers stocking CBD and other CBD-infused products.
Do you want to buy CBD to help with pain, insomnia, or anxiety? It’s tempting to step into any retail shop and pick any CBD products. But, since the FDA does not regulate the CBD industry, there is a probability that some people are selling CBD products that are fake or tainted with chemicals. Therefore, you must understand what to look for when shopping for CBD products.
Understanding CBD If you are looking for CBD in the UK, CBD sprays UK
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in Hemp and cannabis. It is the most sought-after cannabinoid as it has plenty of benefits for users. CBD interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system and results in varying effects. Some of the CBD benefits include:● Anti-inflammatory● Analgesic● Sedative● Anti-anxiety● Antipsychotic
Although there is little research supporting the medical benefits of Cannabidiol, patient reviews show that CBD has been a source of relief from a wide range of ailments. And the fact that there are very few side effects makes it tolerable for most people. Unlike prescription drugs that can lead to drug dependence or abuse, CBD is non-addictive. If you are looking for premium quality CBD products in the UK, CBD sprays UK have a vast range of premium CBD products that provide patients with much-needed relief.
Factors to Consider When Shopping for CBD Products
When shopping for CBD products, you must practice caution to avoid buying fake or tainted CBD products. And the fact that the CBD industry is not regulated makes it easier for counterfeit CBD products to penetrate the market. Therefore, the factors below will help you identify reliable CBD products.1. Types of CBD
When shopping for CBD products, you must determine the type of CBD that will best meet your needs. The three kinds of Cannabidiol include:
Full-spectrum: CBD products contain all the naturally occurring compounds in hemp or cannabis, including THC. The best part about CBD derived from the hemp plant is that the THC levels are consistently below 0.03%. Therefore, there are low chances of you getting high.
Broad-spectrum: It contains all the compounds found in the hemp plant, except THC. These compounds include terpenes, CBG, and CBC. Thus best for people who don’t want the psychoactive effects of THC.
CBD isolate: This is the purest form of CBD as there are no other cannabinoids found in it. However, research shows that it may not be as effective as the other two types of CBD due to the absence of other compounds.2. Certificate of analysis
Every CBD product must have a certificate of analysis (COA). It is commonly found on the company’s website. But if you can’t find it, you can request a copy to be sent to your email.
If a company has a COA, it must contain three test results:
Cannabinoid analysis: this indicates the numbers and concentration of the compounds found in the products.
Heavy-metal analysis: this test indicates the heavy metal levels found in the products. Please note that exposure to heavy metals can be detrimental to your health. Therefore, you should steer clear of any products that contain anything above 0.001mg of any metal.
Pesticide analysis: this test indicates the number of substances used to protect plants, such as pesticides, found in the product. Exposure to these substances is harmful to your health as it compromises your immunity, hormonal imbalance, cancer, liver toxicity, and congenital disabilities in pregnant mothers.
If you request and the company doesn’t send it, showing that the company is not transparent in its processes. Therefore, it would be wise to assume that its products are not tested for safety and validity. Or that they received unfavorable results and thus did not want to publish.3. Potency
How potent is the CBD product? Patients should always consider the potency of the CBD products, which is indicated on the product’s labeling in milligrams.
No one dosage fits all since our metabolism and tolerance scale vary; therefore, it’s advisable to start with a lower dosage and increase slowly until you get the effect you want.4. Cannabinoids and terpenes
Hemp and cannabis plants contain many cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabinoids strengthen the effects of CBD products. Thus, patients are asked to choose the type of CBD product they want depending on their needs, from full-spectrum and broad-spectrum to CBD isolate.
Terpenes also play a crucial role in determining the scent and its effects. Different terpenes have varying results, so educate yourself about the function of each terpene and choose accordingly. For instance, limonene is associated with the lemon scent, and it’s shown to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.5. Third-party testing results
Companies that use a third-party laboratory to test the quality and validity of their products assure customers of their transparency. In addition to requesting a COA, you should check if their results are from a third-party lab that is unbiased, trustworthy, and accurate in their tests.6. Source of CBD products
Before you buy any CBD product, you must ascertain where it’s sourced. These include:
Organic CBD: It is sourced from organic hemp, free of chemicals such as pesticides. Keep in mind that any company selling Organic CBD products must have obtained a certificate from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). If you want to know about CBD products made from organic hemp, check the USDA website.
Non-GMO CBD: It is sourced from hemp plants that are grown without the help of genetically modified interventions. Although many companies selling CBD products claim that their products are non-GMO, it’s better to ask for more information to get a verification.
Vegan CBD: Vegan CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, but animal products are not used to remove or infuse the products during extraction. However, it’s tricky to get edibles that don’t contain animal products, such as dairy or gelatin traces.
Gluten-free CBD: Also, gluten-free is a common term; it’s not a guarantee to get CBD products that don’t contain gluten, as hemp could be cultivated together with gluten crops. However, pills, topical, and tinctures are highly likely to be gluten-free. On the other hand, it is hard to find gluten-free edibles. Therefore, if you want gluten-free CBD products, check the product labeling.7. The forms of CBD products
CBD is available in various forms, and patients should always identify the most effective structure for their needs. These include:● Oils and tinctures: This is the most common form of CBD. CBD oils are extracted using alcohol or food-based oil. You can take it by placing a few drops under your tongue or infusing it with your food or drinks.● Edibles: It’s a safe mode of consuming CBD and is available in the form of gummies. You can also opt to bake cookies with CBD. ● Topicals: they are available in the form of a balm or cream. They are suitable for external application to soothe a joint ache or headache. And the best part is that the effects are almost immediate.● Vape: They are trendy and best for people seeking fast relief. However, vaping is not suitable for persons with respiratory issues.8. Other ingredients
It’s always wise to check what other ingredients, such as flavors, and preservatives, are included in the CBD products.
Now that you know what to look for in CBD products ask yourself the following questions to ensure that the CBD product you buy best meets your needs.● Why do you want to use CBD, and in which form
CBD is popular among patients for its therapeutic properties. It can be to manage pain, anxiety, or multiple sclerosis. If the pain is on the outside, like joints or a sprain, topical or CBD sprays would be ideal as they start working immediately. While sublingual consumption, such as pills, edibles, oral drops, or CBD oils, is best for internal problems, they will take about one or two hours.● What are the levels of THC?
CBD extracted from hemp has low levels of THC, making it non-psychoactive. However, CBD extracted from cannabis has high levels of THC. So you should check to ensure that the product will not leave you high. However, it’s said that CBD combined with low levels of THC works best in relieving patients of their symptoms; this is due to the entourage effect.
Cannabidiol is generally safe, with its typical side effects being fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite and weight. However, before consuming it to treat a medical condition, it’s advisable to talk with your physician as it may interact with your current medication.
Yes, CBD is a gem, but if you are not careful, you may end up with a fake or tainted product on your medicine shelf. The most crucial factor to look for when shopping for CBD products is the third-party testing results, as it’s where you learn whether the product is safe for consumption or not. Identify the best form of CBD and pace yourself till you arrive at your ideal dosage.
