The CBD industry seems to have sprung up almost overnight. That’s good news for consumers who prefer to use natural products since CBD is an incredibly versatile compound, but the proliferation of products on the market coupled with a distinct lack of regulation has also created a lot of confusion. Don’t just jump on board with whatever product happens to be trending at the moment.
Read on to find out how to decide which of them will be the best fit
Tailor Form to Function
CBD comes in all kinds of different forms ranging from oils to gummies to skincare products, and more. Choosing the right one requires considering intended applications. For those who want immediate relief from anxiety, muscle cramps, or any of the countless other conditions proven to respond to CBD, a drop of oil under the tongue may be the best bet. Those who want to treat acne or other forms of topical inflammation are better off purchasing a cream or salve. Other consumers prefer edibles, even though they take longer to be absorbed. There are plenty of options from Veritas Farms, so it’s easy to find the right one once buyers know what they are looking for.
Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate Products
CBD isolates contain only CBD, while full-spectrum products also have a wide range of other cannabinoids. As a general rule, full-spectrum products are more effective. This is thanks to what’s known as the entourage effect. Full-spectrum hemp-extracted CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, a restricted substance, but cannot be sold in most places if they have more than 0.3% concentrations. However, those who are subjected to frequent, extremely sensitive drug tests may want to consider broad-spectrum or isolate products as a precaution.
Good Growing Practices
If possible, find CBD products derived from sustainably harvested hemp. This isn’t just an environmental concern. Farms that grow organically using sustainable methods that don’t damage soil microbiomes also produce healthier plants and better products free from potential contaminants. This makes understanding the manufacturer’s growing practices essential to finding a product that will also be both safe and effective.
Review Test Results
Reputable manufacturers will be willing to produce a certificate of analysis (COA) upon request. This document will indicate what tests were performed to check CBD and THC levels and look for contaminants and will offer information about the results of these tests. Not all manufacturers perform third-party testing, but those that don’t should be avoided.
Consider Dosing
Different products contain different amounts of CBD, which impacts dosing. Those who are trying CBD for the first time should look for products with relatively small concentrations of CBD, while enthusiastic users tend to prefer heavier concentrations. Either way, it’s important to buy from manufacturers that offer detailed information about how much CBD is in each dose. This makes it much easier to get the dose right the first time instead of having to experiment endlessly.
The Bottom Line
Not all CBD products are created equal. Consumers who want to guarantee quality should look for manufacturers that use organically grown, non-GMO hemp and test their products for purity. Beyond that, choices about strength, methods of administration, and full-spectrum vs isolate products are all personal decisions that should be made based on each consumer’s unique needs.
