Which CBD Oil is Right for You?
There are so many factors that play a role in making an informed decision about which CBD oil is right for you.
Overwhelmed by the cannabidiol (CBD) market? You’re not alone. This sought-after product is flying off store shelves worldwide at an ever-increasing rate. As a result, the market is flooded with every conceivable CBD product. But its popularity has become a double-edged sword, as it also attracts a host of scammers and quacks looking to make a quick buck off an uninformed public. How do you decide which CBD oil is right for you?
Even if you could magically eliminate all untested, ineffective, and unethical products from the CBD market, you’d still be left with what psychologist Barry Schwartz famously called “The Paradox of Choice.” This is because of the approximately 4 million products currently on the market for CBD consumers.
There are pills, patches, creams, oils, tinctures, edibles — if it’s not toxic, someone put CBD in it. And that’s not the only point of confusion. You also have to decide what kind of CBD you want: “full spectrum” or “isolate”? The names are not exactly intuitive. Then there’s the choice between hemp-based CBD and “marijuana”-based CBD.
The only way for CBD consumers to find the right product for their desired results is to do their research. This step-by-step guide will make it easier for you to make the right choice.
Step 1: Why Buy CBD?
If you are considering buying a CBD product, you should first be able to answer why. There is currently research being done on the effectiveness of CBD in treating various conditions, but these studies are not yet complete. In addition, not all types and methods of administration are suitable for every situation. Furthermore, CBD is not the right solution in every case, no matter what the media tells you.
So you need to be very specific about what is most important to you. Are you looking for relief from nerve pain or inflammation? Are you trying to treat insomnia or PTSD-related insomnia? Anxiety or depression? Is it Parkinson’s tremors or MS spasms? The more specific you can be, the better your pharmacist or budtender can point you in the right direction.
Step 2: Should You Buy Isolate or Full Spectrum?
Full spectrum, or “whole plant,” contains all of the medicinal ingredients of the cannabis plant. This includes: cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The interaction of all of these components is believed to produce superior medicinal potency through a process called the “Entourage Effect.”
Isolate CBD is the name given to the purest form of CBD products. The cannabinoid, CBD, is extracted from the plant without other cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids. It comes in powder form or as a hard, rock-like substance.
The generally accepted rule of thumb is that full spectrum has medicinal benefits over an isolate. This is due to the Entourage Effect. However, there may be cases where an isolate is more suitable, such as in pediatrics, where adding THC may be unnecessary. Isolates also allow for increased CBD concentration and precise dosage control, which is important for all patients. Finally, CBD isolate products come in powders that can be mixed into beverages, making for an easy-to-carry option.
Step 3: Is Hemp Oil As Good As 'Cannabis Oil'?
The Cannabis sativa plant split into hemp and what we now call “cannabis/marijuana” (although both are technically “cannabis”) a million years ago when it contracted a virus. The two continued to evolve separately, one for medicinal benefits and the other for industrial use.
Cannabis (marijuana) has been cultivated for hundreds of years for its medicinal properties. A cannabis CBD oil will contain a good concentration of CBD along with the other medicinal components of cannabis.
Hemp is naturally low in THC (typically 0,3%), making it an attractive option for those looking for low THC levels. Unfortunately, the hemp plant is also relatively low in CBD, making up only 3-5% of the total cannabinoid concentration. This means you need a lot of hemp to make CBD products.
Another potential problem is the term “hemp,” as hemp oil and hemp extract are not the same.
Hemp oil/Hemp seed oil: Made from cold pressed hemp seeds. This contains very little cannabinoids and is not worth buying if you are looking for medicinal treatment. If you want to improve your health, take it daily as if it were a vitamin.
Hemp extract oil: Full spectrum oil made from the whole plant. We recommend knowing your producer. Many hemp extract oils on the market contain hemp seed oil (read above) with a little hemp extract mixed in. Some are even mixed with vegetable oil!
Hemp extract: This is the real deal, the full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. The only thing you need to ask is how the product was extracted. You want a well-made oil with no solvents.
Step 4: Check the THC concentration
THC is the other active ingredient in cannabis and is the psychoactive portion. Since it is illegal under federal law (US) and most CBD users intend to use the plant for medicinal purposes only, it is recommended to seek out a CBD isolate product if you are concerned about legality or drug testing.
Step 5: Choose a suitable CBD concentration
This is probably the most important part. CBD oil comes in different strengths and is indicated by the percentage of CBD in the oil (usually from 2% to 20%) or the amount of CBD in milligrams, such as 250 mg or 1000 mg. In both cases, the higher the number, the more potent the product.
As with any new medication, it is always wise to start with a low dose and build up gradually. The good news is that CBD has no known side effects and is safe for all users. However, higher concentrations often cost much more, so it is a waste of money if a lower concentration would do the trick. So consider what fits within your budget.
Other Considerations Before Buying CBD Oil
CBD oil must be extracted from cannabis or hemp plants, and the extraction method matters. The best CBD oils are extracted using a process that uses CO2 (carbon dioxide), but natural oils such as olive or coconut oil can also be used. However, some manufacturers use chemicals such as butane to extract CBD, which can leave unwanted chemical residues in the final product. So always check how the CBD was extracted before purchasing a product. If it isn’t stated on the bottle, don’t buy it.
While the method of administration of CBD can make some difference in its effectiveness, it is likely to be minimal. Rather than worrying too much about this, choose the CBD oil that best fits your lifestyle. There are tinctures that you can drop under the tongue or pills for those who want to dose discreetly, while others opt for fast-acting vape oils that you can use in the privacy of your own home.
The conclusion
The more you know up front, the better your experience will be. Don't be afraid to read labels. Just paying attention to potency and extraction method will go a long way.