Have you heard about CBD? If you’re like many health-conscious individuals, you’ve undoubtedly seen these three letters all over the place lately, and for good reason. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a potential-packed compound derived from the hemp plant which is said to bring all sorts of great benefits, including the ability to help you get a better night’s rest and deal with symptoms of anxiety.
With its rise in popularity and the legalization of hemp growing at a breakneck pace, the market has pretty much exploded. There are tons of different formulas, formats and brands available these days, so how do you know which one is best for you? In this guide, we’ll cover a few of the most important things you need to know before taking CBD.
1. It Won’t Get You High (At Least if You Get the Right Stuff)
There’s a lot of confusion surrounding CBD because of the fact that it’s a close cousin to THC, the compound in marijuana that gives you the intoxicating effect. However, CBD in and of itself will not make you feel high. Make sure you choose a THC-free product containing isolate or full-spectrum CBD. These products are made with CBD that does not contain more than 0.3 percent THC. (Don’t worry — that’s not enough to make you feel high.)
2. Not All Formats Are Right for Everyone
One of the coolest and most convenient things about CBD is that it comes in a huge range of ingestion modalities (AKA ways you can take it). From easy-to-swallow CBD capsules to topical creams to sublingual oils, there are so many different ways to get your daily dose of CBD. But which way is best? It totally depends on you and your unique situation. You might prefer a CBD tincture over capsules because it absorbs into the bloodstream faster and doesn’t require a glass of water. On the other hand, many people enjoy the convenience and discreet appeal of taking CBD in capsule form. Be sure to explore all options!
3. CBD Oil Is a Great Place to Start
So, with the above in mind, the question is: Where is the best place to start with CBD? We think that CBD oil is an excellent starting point for newbies because it’s very easy to take and you can easily adjust dosing so you get the right amount each time. Plus, it’s fast-acting and can be mixed into beverages, smoothies and more. Start with a full dropper each day (that’s usually around 20 milligrams, but be sure to check the packaging on your specific product) and then add a bit more each week.
4. Yes, It’s Legal Under Federal Law
Because of the fact that growing hemp was prohibited for so long in the U.S., many states are still adapting to regulating products derived from the plant. However, it’s important to know that hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3 percent THC — including the aforementioned isolate and full-spectrum CBD products — are legal on the federal level. However, in some states, there are restrictions on the substance in some areas, so it’s important to check with your state’s laws to figure out whether or not possessing CBD is fully legal.
5. It’s Generally Well-Tolerated
Because of the fact that it’s still relatively new and prohibition halted much research, there is still a lot we don’t know about CBD. But we do know that, for the most part, users report that CBD is relatively well-tolerated and brings a mild effect. That’s not to say that you won’t experience any side effects whatsoever, as some people do report mild to moderate cases of fatigue, drowsiness and changes in appetite when taking CBD. Make sure to pay close attention to how your body reacts when starting your first few doses of CBD. Keeping a diary or notes can help.
6. Finding the Right Dose Can Be a Process
Like most supplements, CBD affects each individual differently. The way one person experiences CBD is often completely different than the way another person does, so finding the right serving isn’t always cut and dry. Your weight, tolerance level and genetics can all impact the way CBD interacts with your body. Because of this, finding a dose that suits you is not always fully straightforward. Since CBD is generally well-tolerated in most adults, settling on the perfect amount to take can be a bit of an experimental process and you may have to start slow and increase your serving size incrementally for the best results.
7. Quality Matters When Choosing a Product
Like any product — especially ones you put into your body — quality matters a whole lot with CBD. We always recommend going with an organic CBD grower because you’re much less likely to come across toxins and other additives. We would also recommend purchasing from suppliers that advertise third-party testing, as this can help ensure that the batch does not contain potentially harmful extras such as pesticides, foreign materials or heavy metals.
8. Watch Out for Extra Additives and Allergens
Make sure you go with a supplier that’s transparent about what they use in their products, especially if you have any allergies, food sensitivities or dietary restrictions. Some companies, primarily those who make CBD gummies and other edibles, may mix CBD oil with ingredients that contain gluten, artificial sweeteners, animal products and other additives that may be on your no-no list. Some products are also not kosher and may contain GMOs, so take the time to make sure you’re not consuming anything that may be outside of your diet. Be sure to only purchase from companies that list all ingredients and always thoroughly read through them before consuming the product.
CBD is not unlike any other wellness-booster out there. It can do wonders if you know how, when and why to take it. Following the above tips will help ensure that you get off on the right foot and can enjoy every last benefit of this power-packed compound without any risks or worries.
