5 Things to Consider Before Buying and Using CBD Products
The cannabidiol market is flourishing, with an expected growth rate of about 17% from 2021 to 2030. Since the legalization of hemp-derived products in 2018, CBD has become one of the health industry’s most-sort out products. Today, you can easily buy CBD supplements, topicals, or oils from food stores, pet shops and even Amazon.
While cannabidiol is a hailed drug for relieving chronic pain and curbing anxiety, there are precautions to consider. And given that the FDA has less approval of these products, you might wonder if the hype is worth it.
Before you purchase CBD products, you may want to consider the following five facets.
1. Have an In-depth Understanding of CBD
So what is CBD? To some people, the letters CBD mean getting high, which is false. CBD, cannabidiol, is a compound extracted from hemp and cannabis plants. Unlike delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD cannot make you feel high after eating edibles or vaping.
CBD and THC are compounds found in cannabis plants and interact with the endocannabinoid system. While they may share a lot in common, they have different effects. THC interacts with CB1 receptors in the brain to produce a sense of euphoria. On the other hand, CBD interacts weakly with CB1 receptors, which reduces the psychoactive effects, such as sedation or euphoria.
In some states in the U.S., you can buy CBD for medical or recreational purposes. CBD can help with the following:
- Migraine
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
- Psychosis
- Inflammation
- Acne
- Anxiety
Two of the THC synthetic formulations are approved by Food and Drug Administration. THC can help with the following:
- Nausea
- Pain
- Low appetite
- Anxiety
- Glaucoma
CBD products, which you can click here to buy, are well tolerated, even in large doses. In most cases, the side effects are due to the interaction of CBD with other medications. Some of the side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Confusion
Cannabinoids like CBD and THC are stored in body fats and can show up in drug tests. Most standard drug tests look for THC-related chemicals.
2. Get to Know Different Types of CBD Products
The Cannabidiol world is rapidly growing, and CBD products are all over the marketplace. There are also different types of cannabidiols to use, such as lotions, oils, tinctures, vapes, gummies, and supplements.
CBD edibles are infused with some fat for easy absorption. So when buying pills, tinctures, oils, or gummies, ensure they’re formulated with oil. Lotions and creams are usually applied to the skin for treatment. You may need to check the active ingredient in these products to prevent triggering allergies.
Tinctures and oils are placed beneath the tongue to get absorbed into the bloodstream. They’re the most potent cannabidiol products and work the fastest.
Gummies or capsules are taken orally, meaning they must pass through the digestive system. These products are easy to carry but take longer to work. The amount that gets into your system is likely to decrease. As a result, you may be required to increase the dose and wait longer before getting the desired results.
CBD products are categorized into three groups:
- Broad-spectrum: These products contain several cannabis compounds but have no or little traces of THC. Since there are no traces of THC, broad-spectrum CBD will not give you a sense of euphoria.
- Full-spectrum: Full-spectrum CBD products contain small amounts of THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. But even with these traces, they don’t exceed 0.3%, which is the recommended amount.
- Isolate: If you want the purest form of CBD, then go for an isolate. It only contains cannabidiol and no other cannabis-derived compounds.
3. Learn about CBD-infused drinks and foods
With the legalization of CBD, people are getting creative on how to consume CBD products. Today, you’ll likely come across bars and cafes offering CBD-infused drinks like coffee, tea, and cocktails. Some have brownies and chocolates, all infused with cannabidiol.
FDA claims that CBD or THC cannot be used in human or animal food. However, some states allow cafes and restaurants to sell these products. So, if you’re buying drinks, juices, or food packed with CBD, you might not know where cannabidiol came from. The amount in the drinks or food may be little or too much, enough to impact you.
4. Consider Buying Safe Products
There are several brands out there claiming to sell CBD products. Since cannabidiol is an unregulated industry, you can buy CBD freely from online stores, cafes, and restaurants. So how can you get safe CBD for your use?
Ensure you buy CBD from state-regulated and run dispensaries near you. These stores are likely to be operated by knowledgeable staff. You’ll get more information about CBD products, what suits you the best, and the proper dosage.
When buying cannabidiols, ask for the COA, which basically means that CBD products are tested, analyzed and confirmed to contain the enlisted ingredients. A reliable brand should also offer information about CBD growth history and the extraction method. A website with zero or shady information is a big red flag.
Another red flag is when the CBD product is labeled for health promises. Claims like “prevents inflammation”, treats cold and flu, and reduces soreness are health claims only to be made by FDA-approved products.
5. Consult a Cannabidiol Expert
CBD is a drug, and it can cause side effects. It’s readily available and touted to offer several health benefits. But it’s essential to consult a knowledgeable doctor to guide you on taking cannabidiol. The product might be well-tolerated but can also cause adverse side effects.
Consuming CBD can make you sleepy, especially in high doses. In some worst cases, CBD can cause liver toxicity. Besides, it gets metabolized by the same enzyme that metabolizes other medications. Therefore, the interaction of CBD with other drugs can lead to severe side effects. Talking to your physician near you can save you from a messy experience with CBD products.
Conclusion
CBD products are generally safe to use, but you still need guidance. Consult with dispensary staff and your doctor widely, and read about cannabidiol. Dig deeper to compare what research says versus the actual experience.