Are you here after hearing the numerous benefits of CBD or Cannabidiol? Do you want to learn more about this chemical compound and how it is used in various products so that you can know which one you should use? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place! Here’s a comprehensive CBD guide for you.
What is CBD?
The cannabinoid is one of the 60+ active compounds found in the cannabis plant (aka hemp). Unlike marijuana which is also obtained from a different species of the same plant, it is not psychoactive— meaning it will not make you euphoric or ‘high’. This is because tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for giving that euphoric feeling is found in very low amounts in the CBD strains of hemp.
CBD and THC work by enhancing and aiding the function of the endocannabinoid system that is responsible for homeostasis in our body. New applications are coming up as a result of the ongoing research on CBD. All this has led to an upsurge in the demand for CBD products in the market. All the CBD products fall under one of the 3 types of CBD concentrates:
- Full-spectrum CBD- contains all the naturally occurring active compounds present in cannabis, including THC (<0.3%). CBD and THC work together to give an entourage (synergistic) effect that enhances both their powers.
- Broad-spectrum CBD- contains all the active compounds of the cannabis plant except for THC.
- CBD isolate- contains only CBD and no other compounds. A highly concentrated form of CBD.
CBD Products
There are several ways to take CBD- oils, tinctures, creams, lotions, salves, pills, gummies, vape oil, etc. Seeing so many products can leave you confused about choosing one for yourself. So, here is some information about the most common and prevalent CBD products.
CBD Oils and Tinctures
Cannabis plant extracts are diluted with the help of either a carrier oil (e.g., purified coconut oil, olive oil, hemp seed oil, etc) or an ethyl/ isopropyl alcohol which elevates the bioavailability of CBD. They are incredibly versatile and you may consume them in many ways. You can mix them with your food and beverages, massage them on your scalp, mix with any cream/ lotion, spray the liquid into your mouth, or rub on your skin. But CBD tinctures are best taken sublingually, that is, beneath the tongue. They come in various potencies which takes us to the question of how to choose CBD oil? Generally, CBD tincture 1000 mg is a good place to start because it is not too much but enough to show effect. The dose can be increased and a dose of CBD Tincture 2500 mg can be taken after some time if you feel the former dose is insufficient. However, people experiencing symptoms intensely or having a high CBD tolerance are recommended to take the highest dose i.e., CBD tincture 5000 mg. Though one can randomly buy and consume any oil available in the market, choosing CBD oil strength concerning your problem and tolerance capacity is ideal. An added benefit of using tinctures/ oil is that their packaging is very compact and discreet.
Now that you know how to choose a perfect dose for yourself, the last question you will have is what CBD oil should I buy. We will recommend you to buy those oils or tinctures that are lab-tested for purity and potency and are made from organic high-quality hemp only.
CBD Creams, Lotions, and Salves
They use beeswax or some other natural oil/ wax as the base and therefore are good for the skin. The main difference is in their consistencies. The lotion is mostly fluid, the cream is less, and the salve is made almost without any water. All of them are to be applied topically to the affected area. CBD creams and salves are available in various concentrations like CBD cream 2000 mg and CBD cream 4000 mg.
CBD Gummies
If you are looking for a sweet and delicious way to consume CBD, look no further! These chewable gummies come in a variety of flavors that make them more palatable. You may buy gummy jars that come in different concentrations, depending on your need. For example, if you are trying it for the first time, you may want to buy lower doses like CBD gummies 400 mg and CBD gummies 500 mg. And if you are looking for a higher concentration, you can go for higher doses like CBD gummies 1000 mg and CBD gummies 2500 mg. Also, you can easily refill your jars using the gummy pouches or packets available in the market. They take about 2 hours for showing full effect but the effect lasts longer (5-7 hours). Keep them in your mouth for some time before swallowing them. It is one of the best ways to consume CBD for starters.
CBD Vape Oil
Vaping or inhaling the smoke of CBD is one of the fastest ways of consuming CBD. Although these oils are edible, they are designed for vaping purposes and come in different flavors. You need a vape pen, vape pod, or e-cigarette to vape. You can also use vape juice to refill CBD cartridges. Vape oils (aka e-liquids) come in various concentrations making it easy for you to choose the right dose. It is advisable to vape before going to sleep.
Now, you must be thinking, which CBD is right for me? Well, you need to know the optimum strength of CBD that you require as per your need. You also need to choose which form is most comfortable for you. Your CBD tolerance capacity, the type and intensity of the problem, and need for discretion also decide how much and which type of CBD is apt for you. Edibles are the most discreet while vape oil is the least. Creams and salves work in a localized manner while oils and tinctures are apt for whole-body effect, and are also more versatile. Tinctures and oils are best for long-term use. Vaping is best for instant relief and they’re generally required in a lesser amount than other products.
Bioavailability is another important factor – if you want your CBD fast, consume it in the form of either tincture/ oil or vape. Gummies take more time to get absorbed because they need to be digested first, however, they last for a longer time.
CBD Products Pricing
Though the prices vary from brand to brand, CBD formulations are usually expensive – the higher the quality and quantity of CBD, the more the price. Factors that affect the costs are:
- Laboratory testing or third-party testing
- Hemp quality (organic, industrial, and non-GMO varieties are expensive)
- Added ingredients like essences, flavors, and nutrients.
- CBD type (full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate)
- Branding and markup
Generally, one mL of CBD costs about $0.05- $0.20 but there may be products that cost either less or more than this range. Remember though that you need a little amount of most CBD products to get the desired results, so they usually last long.
CBD Dosage
No matter which CBD product you are using and for what purpose, it is very important to take the correct dose. Now, there is no single dose (as we have already said earlier) that will serve all, so you will need to start with a lower dose and work your way upwards till you find the correct dose for yourself. Your body weight, medical condition, the metabolism rate of your body, and CBD concentration of a product determine how much of it you’ll need. Starting with a low dose is good because it helps you keep an eye on the reaction your body shows to any new product. Below is a list of doses for various CBD formulations:
- The standard dose for CBD gummies 1000 mg is one gummy a day (contains about 16.7 mg CBD). Later, you may increase the dosage to 2-3 gummies per day based on your need.
- CBD tincture or oil is extremely potent. So, you should begin with 10 to 20 mg CBD a day (about 2 to 4 drops of 1000 mg formulation). Increase the dose as per your requirement.
- Suggesting a dosage for CBD topicals (creams and salves) is trickier, one may begin with a 1000 mg salve or a CBD cream 2000 mg. Take a small amount and gently rub on the affected area until it gets completely absorbed. You’ll know if it’s working with the next 2 hours, if not then apply some more. You have to reapply the cream every 6-7 hours to get the best results.
- You need only 1 to 2 ml of 1000 mg vape oil to get 10 to 20 mg CBD which is the ideal starting dose. You may gradually increase it to 2000 mg and above if you don’t achieve significant results.
Take care to not consume too much of any CBD product as it can cause certain side effects. All these products are not to be used as a complement to any prescription or OTC medicine you’re taking for any health issue. Don’t use them as a substitute and consult your physician before using any CBD product.
Conclusion
You can consume CBD any way you wish to. This CBD buying guide is just to make you familiar with some basic knowledge about the various CBD products (or forms) available in the product. Hope it has helped you make an informed choice. Keep experimenting till you find the perfect product for you!
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6161644/
