Cannabidiol (CBD) has grown increasing popularity in recent years as a result of increased research and interest in the potential health advantages of this compound. However, the sheer number of items available on the market may be overwhelming for many people who are interested in giving it a try.
There are various variables to consider when purchasing CBD, including the sort of CBD product to be purchased, its potency, and the source or manufacturer from whom it will be purchased.
People who are interested in trying CBD products should be informed that it may interfere with certain prescription drugs. Anyone who is unsure about CBD and its effects should consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Continue reading to learn more about the factors to consider while purchasing for CBD.
Is Cannabidiol (CBD) legal? CBD products derived from hemp that contain less than 0.3 percent THC are allowed under federal law, but they are still banned under several state regulations. CBD-derived products manufactured from cannabis, on the other hand, are prohibited under federal law but allowed under some state regulations. When travelling, especially in foreign countries, always sure to check local legislation. It’s also important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be labelled incorrectly.
CBD
Cbd is one of more than 120 chemicals, known as cannabinoids, that are found only in the cannabis plant. CBD is often the second most common cannabinoid after tetrahydrocannabinol in cannabis plants, according to research (THC).
Cannabinoids interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system in a variety of ways, which can result in a variety of distinct impacts on the body.
According to Cancers, CBD may contain the following elements:
- anti-inflammatory
- anticonvulsive
- analgesic (pain)
- anxiolytic (anti-anxiety)
- sedative
- antipsychotic
The scientific investigation of the alleged medical benefits of CBD is in various levels of completion. Anecdotal data, on the other hand, indicates that people who have used CBD have experienced alleviation from a range of ailments.
According to a study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, over 62 percent of CBD consumers utilized the substance to treat medical problems. Depression, anxiety, and discomfort were the most often reported among these symptoms.
The possibility that CBD contains a wide range of therapeutic characteristics means that it has the potential to be a significant medicinal compound.
There appear to be very few negative side effects, and the majority of people seem to tolerate it rather well. CBD does not lead to addiction or dependency if it is not combined with other potentially addictive compounds, as is commonly done.
Cannabinoids and terpenes
Additionally, the cannabis plant includes a wide range of other substances, such as terpenes, that are beneficial.
Terpenes are found in a wide variety of plants, and they are often responsible for a plant’s distinctive aroma. Terpenes can be found in variable concentrations in cannabis products, depending on the strain.
Even while scientists are still learning more about the functions of certain cannabis chemicals, they believe that terpenes may have medicinal effects of their own. This, however, is dependent on the type of terpene present and the strength of the compound.
According to a study published in the journal Chemico-Biological Interactions, limonene, one of the more prevalent terpenes in nature and the compound responsible for the fresh aroma of lemon, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and other health advantages in animal studies.
The ‘entourage effect’
The so-called “entourage effect” proposes that the presence of several components from the cannabis plant and its extracts helps to increase the health advantages of the plant’s compounds.
According to a study published in Frontiers in Plant Science, there is some current evidence supporting the so-called “entourage effect.”
As a result, when purchasing CBD oil, for example, some people may want to choose a product that contains some of these additional components in addition to CBD.
What is a COA?
When choosing a CBD product, a certificate of analysis, also known as a COA, is one of the most crucial considerations to keep in mind. To put it simply, it is a sort of quality control that determines whether or not a product includes the amounts of CBD that the company says or advertises.
A certificate of authenticity (COA) should be obtained from a third-party source rather than the maker or brand in order to assure accurate and unbiased results. A third-party certificate of authenticity will often have a few different components.
One component would often include information on how much CBD, THC, and other, less prevalent cannabinoids, such as CBN or CBC, are present in the product, as well as how much of each is present. These readings provide information about a product’s efficacy.
Another segment will be devoted to potential pollutants such as pesticides or bacteria that may be present in the product.
A separate section will detail any potential contamination by heavy metals or chemicals, such as residual solvents, that may have occurred.
CBD firm websites should also make a Certificate of Analysis (COA) available so that potential purchasers can inspect the product before making a purchase.
It is also critical that the certificate of authenticity be issued by a reputable laboratory. In the event that it is possible, look for authorized labs that have adhered to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards.
Potency guide
Additionally, the potency of a CBD product is a crucial thing to consider, as it can differ significantly depending on the individual’s requirements.
Dosages for CBD products are often displayed in milligrams (mg). It is vital to remember, however, that there has been very little human research to determine appropriate dose for specific medical conditions.
It is preferable to begin with smaller doses and gradually raise them until you reach the lowest effective amount with the fewest negative effects. Once a person has determined the most appropriate dosage for their needs, they should stick with it for the foreseeable future.
According to a person’s metabolism, tolerance levels, and the manner of ingestion, the dose that they require can differ significantly.
Types of CBD
There is a bewildering array of CBD extracts available on the market. The terms listed below are the most often seen.
We would like to point you that CBD and some of the terminology associated with it are not tightly regulated, and some manufacturers use the following phrases interchangeably:
CBD isolate
CBD isolation products are those that contain only CBD derived from the cannabis plant. It is not possible to detect any additional chemicals, such as THC.
Some consumers want to be confident that the CBD product they use is free of THC, which is why they purchase it. A user can measure the effectiveness of CBD by using CBD-only products, which do not contain any other substances or components that can interact with it.
However, as previously said, some study indicates that CBD that is combined with other substances may actually enhance the effects of the CBD itself.
Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD products may also contain additional chemicals and cannabinoids found in the plant, such as CBC, CBN, or terpenes, such as myrcene, limonene, or pinene, in addition to the CBD component itself.
Broad-spectrum CBD does not often contain any THC. Some products, on the other hand, will contain trace amounts of the substance.
Full-spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum products contain the same components as their broad-spectrum counterparts at the same concentration. However, they often contain only trace amounts of THC, typically less than 0.3 percent, as required by federal law. This quantity of THC is insufficient to provide the euphoric feeling that many people associate with marijuana.
Because full-spectrum CBD contains a variety of different substances, including THC, the aforementioned “entourage effect” may be enhanced, resulting in increased effects.
Types of CBD products
Another factor to examine is the type of goods being offered. Some people may prefer one sort of CBD over another, despite the fact that the effects are largely the same. This is dependent on how and when they intend to take the CBD.
Oils and tinctures
CBD oil and tinctures are often made with a glycerin, oil, or alcohol base as their foundation. People can take these extracts on their own, usually by a dropper, or they can include them into their own food and beverages.
CBD oils and tinctures are available in a number of different concentrations and flavors.
Edibles
CBD edibles contain the same extracts as described above, but they are in the form of a food. CBD edibles, such as teas and chocolate, are available in a variety of flavors and forms.
Gummies are a frequent type of CBC food and are available in a variety of flavors. They are available in a variety of intensities and flavors.
Vaporizers
Vaporizers can deliver CBD extracts by inhalation, which can provide immediate relief. Vaping, on the other hand, entails additional risks, including lung damage. Using sublingual extracts, which are administered under the tongue, users may be able to get some of the fast action that vaporizers provide without the risk of lung harm associated with vaping.
Creams and lotions
CBD is also available in topical products such as oils, creams, and lotions. It is possible for some people to experience the effects right away, while others may not notice any affects for several hours.
It may be helpful to experiment with a few different sorts to determine which one delivers the most appropriate relief.
Other spices
Some companies may choose to include additional compounds in their products in order to operate in conjunction with the CBD.
Before purchasing a product, make sure it does not include any other substances. Chemicals, flavoring additives, and other materials that have been added may not be suitable for everyone.
It is also possible that some substances will induce responses in some persons. Before purchasing any CBD product, keep an eye out for potential allergies in the product and look up any unfamiliar ingredient names.
Where to buy
Due to the fact that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD products at this time, it is the buyer’s responsibility to select high-quality items. Check that the product has a certificate of analysis (COA) and that a reputable laboratory has performed third-party testing to ensure the highest quality extracts.
Many internet vendors will supply their consumers with third-party test reports and certificates of authenticity (COAs).
Many big health food stores also have a variety of CBD-based items in their inventory. Reputable companies such as these should also provide third-party lab results.
Avoid purchasing products from manufacturers who are unwilling to disclose information or who label their products in an ambiguous manner on their package.
Risks and side effects
CBD is a naturally occurring chemical. People who use CBD on its own, without taking any other medications, are at low risk of developing health problems.
CBD may interact with a variety of other medications, increasing the likelihood of negative effects. Anyone who takes prescription or over-the-counter drugs on a regular basis should consult with their doctor before using CBD products.
It is also possible that some people will suffer modest adverse effects when using CBD, such as fatigue and an upset stomach.
Because scientists do not yet know whether CBD is safe to use during pregnancy, pregnant women should avoid taking CBD supplements.
Conclusion
The cannabinoid CBD is one of approximately 120 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Because CBD research is still in its early phases, experts are only beginning to learn about the benefits and risks of using this compound.
However, based on the scientific and anecdotal information now available, it appears that CBD may have a variety of health benefits.
If you are considering taking CBD, you should always proceed with caution. You should never substitute CBD for your regular medicine unless you have been advised to do so by a doctor or other healthcare professional.
When searching for CBD, always look for a product that has a Certificate of Analysis (COA), which lists the components that the product contains.
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7226605/
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2661569
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-shop-for-cbd
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043845/
- https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6308289/
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/can.2016.0034
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5345356/- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6334252/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0009279717310487
