10 Things You Should Look at When Choosing Best CBD Oil

CBD oils have grown in popularity over the past few years, so when an finding the right CBD oil in the plethora that are available can be a challenge. There are a few facts to research when weeding through the vast amount of information and products available on the market. Answering the following key questions can help individuals determine how to choose the CBD oil that best suits their needs:

• What symptoms is the CBD oil being used to ease?
• Where was the CBD oil sourced?
• Should the CBD oil be pure or are additives acceptable?
• Is there THC in the CBD oil and will it produce psychoactive effects?
• How bioavailable is the CBD oil?
• What is the extraction method used on the CBD oil?
• Are there a high amount of cannabinoids in the CBD oil?
• Does the company offer third-party testing results?
• Is the CBD oil broad spectrum or is isolate better?

Considering a variety of questions will help people get back to a functional and productive lifestyle when they choose the one that will best help them.

1. What is CBD Oil?

First of all, what exactly is CBD oil? Everyone reacts differently to things put into and onto their body, whether it be a prescription medication or a supplement, so it’s beneficial to know one’s own body and how it reacts to everything from sugar to aspirin. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the chemical components in the Cannabid Sativa plant, also known as hemp or marijuana. CBD is now sold in many retail locations. The problem is that the same product can produce different results when bought from different locations simply due to the natural changes in environment when the plant is being nurtured. This means that trying a small amount before landing on a favorite is a smart idea. While each person reacts differently to CBD oils, each strain has a common thread in what symptoms it will ease when used. Someone who is well-informed will most likely arrive at the best result in a timely manner.

2. Does CBD oil produce psychoactive effects? Will I get high?

CBD oil can be made from either marijuana or hemp, both originating in the cannabis plant. Their chemical makeup and the way that they are used varies —the main difference being the amount of THC found in the end product. CBD oils has a broad range of cannabinoids that fill the void in the endocannabinoid system that all mammals have. THC is the cannabinoid that creates the “high” that is associated with recreational marijuana use, while hemp doesn’t produce enough THC to create that effect. Each country has its own measurement of acceptability of the percentage of THC permitted to be legal. For example, the United States requires CBD oil to not contain more than 0.3% THC and Great Britain allows zero.

3. What method was used to extract the CBD for the oil?

A variety of extraction methods exist to separate the compounds from the matrix of the cannabis plant so that it is usable. The trichomes hold the majority of the cannabinoids, so the methods used to release the oils that contain them are the key to the quality of the CBD oil. Heat extraction uses butane as a catalyst. It causes a chemical reaction that alters the genetic profile of the end result and dilutes it. Finding a company who prefers a natural solvent, like CO2 or food-grade ethanol, ensures that there is no alteration to the cannabinoids necessary for a high-quality CBD oil.

4. How dangerous are additives in CBD oil?

Choosing pure CBD oils and avoiding unnatural substances coincides with the extraction, as well as the way it was grown. Companies that use pesticides and unnatural solvents should be avoided so that those chemicals don’t enter the body. Choosing pure CBD oils over ones with additives is part of a healthy regimen.

5. How bioavailable is the CBD in the product?

Stomach acid breaks down everything that is orally consumed and dilutes the effects of the components. This determines the amount of nutrients available for the body to use, or what is bioavailable. Choosing formulas in supplements, like CBD oils, that increase bioavailability makes it easier for digestion and absorption.

6. Does the company offer third-party CBD oil testing results?

Knowing what is in the product that someone ingests is part of being a responsible consumer, so transparency regarding third party testing is essential in choosing a company for CBD products. Consumers are responsible for determining what quality they are willing to purchase, since the FDA doesn’t have regulations on CBD. Outside testing with a lab that has no direct interest gives the buyers the facts from which they will makes their choice.

7. What symptoms does it help? What are the benefits of CBD?

Marijuana comes from the Cannabis plant, which has been used medicinally for centuries. It was only in the 1900s that is was made illegal and stigmatized. Over the past few years, politicians and medical personnel have recognized the positive results that hundreds of clinical trials have proven as to the safety and effectiveness of CBD oil on a variety of diseases — such as cancer, fibromyalgia, AIDS/HIV, and epilepsy.

8. Broad spectrum CBD oil vs CBD isolate?

Two main CBD products will be found when someone begins to research what is best to solve what ails them — CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD oil. While CBD isolates sound like a better product, they are usually not the highest of quality on the market. The reason is that the cannabinoids and terpenes work better in unison with each other. They create a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. Clinical studies have shown that the combination, or broad-spectrum, of chemicals results in less pain and other symptoms than when used as an isolate.

9. Where is the CBD sourced?

The Farm Bill that was passed in 2018 opened up a plethora of opportunities for farmers across the United States. More states have emerged as prominent growers beyond the three that were the original strongholds. Colorado still produces over half of the products used in the country, with plants being quality control checked for levels of cannabinoids while growing and after harvesting. A buyer wants to avoid states that use pesticides, since hemp has the unique tendency to absorb everything in the soil that keeps it alive. Using all natural CBD products should be a given if someone is concerned for their well-being. Products from other countries are generally not as high in quality.

10. The difference in methods of CBD consumption.

The method of consuming the CBD determines the length and potency of its effects. Inhaling CBD through vaping offer an almost immediate result and will be felt for a few hours, although caution should also be used to avoid any consumption of products made with propylene glycol while vaping. It can transform into formaldehyde when burned at high temperatures. CBD oil taken sublingually, or under the tongue, in drop or spray form takes longer to kick in at 20 to 40 minutes and lasts approximately four to six hours. CBD applied topically in oils, balm, or cream form will be felt in around an hour, lasting up to five hours. CBD taken orally will take effect in 20 minutes to two hours and last four to six hours more. The preference of the user determines what is best for their circumstances.

In conclusion, anyone who is looking for an alternative to prescription medications, while searching for a way to ease debilitating symptoms with which they have lived for years, can find relief by using CBD oil. Without strict government regulations, they must collect information so that they can find the appropriate dosage and product for their situation. Determining the quality of the CBD oil will be found in answering the questions of source, bioavailability, testing transparency, potency, and method of consumption. Users will find that the relief for which they thought they would never find is theirs!

References:

1. https://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/states-with-legal-cannabidiol-cbd/
2. https://mjbizdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Hemp-Report_Top-10-US-States.pdf
3. https://www.history.com/topics/crime/history-of-marijuana