It’s natural to have a flurry of questions anytime you start something new. CBD is no exception. In fact, most people get overwhelmed, confused, and annoyed when they google “What is CBD” or “How to take CBD.” We understand that everyone is at a different level when it comes to this fascinating compound, so we thought it was only fitting to create a beginner’s guide to CBD. This blog will help you navigate some of the base questions and issues most people encounter when trying to figure out what to buy, how to take it, and what type of experience to expect.
So, let’s start with the basics.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for “cannabidiol.” It’s a non-psychoactive compound produced by the hemp plant. The hemp plant has over 100 different types of cannabinoids, with cannabidiol being only one of them. They all possess their own unique skill set and effects for the consumer. CBD is well-known for its calming abilities and overall wellness benefits. It’s because of these positive effects that many people find CBD helpful.
Furthermore, your body has an endocannabinoid system, an extremely important molecular system that your body uses to regulate and perform various critical functions. When you take CBD, it binds to receptors in this system; our bodies were designed to interface with cannabinoids from the very beginning — we even produce them naturally!
Your endocannabinoid system influences some of your body’s most essential functions, like pain, sleep, and mood. The ECS is still being studied as there’s still much to learn with such a complex signaling system having only been discovered a short time ago.
Now that you know a bit about what CBD is, let’s look at the product categories you’ll see when you’re shopping for it.
So Much to Choose From
We talked about consumers getting overwhelmed when shopping for CBD. Most people see a product they think they’d like, but when they go on the company website, they see dozens of other products they want to try — CBD gummies, tinctures, drinks, capsules, bath bombs, skincare products, and more.
So, how do you know which product is best for you?
One of the most interesting things about CBD is how it affects us all in different ways. This happens due to how incredibly different our personal body chemistries are, along with age, weight, metabolisms, and the concentration of our products. Furthermore, different product categories have different bioavailability rates (how long it takes the CBD content to absorb into your bloodstream).
CBD tincture oils have the highest rate since they absorb into the capillaries under the tongue, while you hold the tincture oil there for 60 seconds before swallowing. Edible products, like gummies, drinks, and capsules, take a little longer to absorb into the bloodstream since they have to travel through the digestive system (and lose some of their potency in the process). However, once they kick in, they have a longer-lasting effect.
People tend to start with edible options since they offer lower concentrations and ease of use, with CBD gummies being one of the top choices for CBD newbies and experienced users alike.
CBD topicals are products that are applied on the skin, never entering the bloodstream. Instead, the CBD content travels through multiple layers of skin before reaching the area in need. Some of the most popular topical products are creams, lotions, balms, salves, bath bombs, patches, and sprays. Topicals are ideal when you have a specific area bothering you and you want targeted relief.
How Much CBD Should I Take?
Remember when we said we’re all different, due to those personal factors? Well, those same factors play a significant role in how you feel about your CBD. Your friend may be able to take four CBD gummies at a time, but you’re different, and your body may not respond in the same way.
This is the main reason why you have to start slow and work your way up in concentration. This way, you know the exact amount that works for you — your sweet spot. Just make sure you keep track of your serving amount!
Oh, and this process starts new with different products, because they all work in different ways. We know what you’re thinking, so let’s get to the number-one, most-asked question.
What Should I Expect From CBD?
When you read all those amazing success stories online, it’s hard not to get excited about the effects of CBD. It’s mostly known for producing a wide range of therapeutic benefits, paired with calming vibes that many find pretty irresistible.
There’s so much more we’d love to say about the soothing, calming effects of CBD, but we can’t make any “claims” about the actual benefits of CBD (as instructed by the FDA). Besides, finding out for yourself is the fun part. You can also read customer reviews to see what other folks have experienced.
How to Buy the Best CBD
So, you’re pumped about this whole CBD thing now. You know what it is, you’re prepared to see a wide range of products, but you still need to know how to shop for it. You can run across poor quality in any niche these days — fake CBD in some cases.
How do you avoid this?
Keep these tips handy when you’re shopping:
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- • Always look for companies using organically sourced hemp. Most of the time, you can find this information on the “About Us” page. The Farm Bill of 2018 legalized the agricultural production of hemp (along with other things, like sale and distribution), so there are plenty of hemp farms right here in the states with pristine hemp farming conditions. On the other hand, steer clear of hemp sourced outside the country.
- • Look for products with third-party lab testing, with results readily available to you. Most reputable companies will have this information on the product page, but sometimes you’ll find it in its own section of the website (all the products in one place).
- • Lastly, look to see what the people have to say! Product reviews are an integral part of our society these days — a whopping 90% of consumers check the product reviews before purchasing!
- • To avoid fake CBD, check the product label and make sure you see “cannabidiol” and not “hemp seed oil.” While they may seem the same, they’re drastically different. Hemp seed oil comes from the seed only and has nourishing properties used in an array of beauty products. On the other hand, hemp oil (CBD oil) comes from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the hemp plant. And of course, when in doubt, check the lab report to check the exact amount of cannabinoids!
Ready to Incorporate CBD Into Your Routine? Visit our site and start with our award-winning CBD Gummies! Or, get a great night’s rest with our CBD Sleep Oil Tincture!