Are you thinking of trying cannabidiol (CBD) for the first time? You’re not the only one interested in exploring the best products on the market. In fact, the entire cannabidiol industry could reach $39.99 billion by 2027.
The advent of innovative CBD products has started to spur market demand. Before you start buying cannabis products, however, it helps to have a plan. There are more options available than you might realize.
Not every product will accomplish your needs or goals, either. Before you buy products online, use these 12 simple tips. With these tips, you’ll have an easier time narrowing down your options.
You can find the best products based on your distinct needs. Then, you can start experiencing the potential benefits of using CBD firsthand!
Start your search for the best products made from the cannabis plant. Narrow down your selection using these simple tips today.
1. Consider Your Goals
Before you buy cannabis products to try for the first time, take a moment to consider your distinct needs and goals. Otherwise, you might buy products that fail to meet your needs and expectations. You could waste valuable time and money as a result.
It helps to learn a little more about cannabis and CBD first. Otherwise, you might make false assumptions about what CBD is capable of.
You can now purchase CBD products over the counter, at cannabis-specific dispensaries throughout the country, and online. About 62% of current CBD users report using CBD to treat a medical condition. The top three conditions they reported using CBD for included pain, anxiety, and depression.
About 36% of respondents said CBD treated their medical condition(s) “very well by itself.”
In preclinical studies, CBD had demonstrated potential therapeutic efficiency against:
- Seizure disorders
- Psychotic symptoms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Inflammation
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Neurodegeneration
- Symptoms of multiple sclerosis
- Chronic pain
However, it’s important to note that CBD affects every user a little differently. The benefits you experience can vary based on your overall health, weight, and age. Before you buy products, it’s important to manage your expectations.
CBD works by interacting with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS). Your ECS regulates different bodily functions. These can include:
- Pain
- Sleep
- Immune system response
- Mood
- Metabolism
- Skin and nerve function
- Stress
- Muscle formation
- Appetite and digestion
You can learn more about the potential health benefits CBD might provide before you buy products online. Take a moment to consider why you want to use CBD. Understanding why you want to buy products can help you determine which products you need.
2. Explore Carriers
Understanding why you want to purchase products that feature CBD can help you choose the right carrier. For example, you might want to consider:
- Oils
- Tincture
- Edibles (beverages, chocolates, gummies, cookies, etc.)
- Topicals (lotions, bath bombs, etc.)
- Capsules or pills
- Vape
Nearly 50% of CBD consumers choose gummies, lotions, and oils among their favorite delivery methods.
Before buying cannabis products, take a moment to consider your needs and lifestyle.
For example, are you a busy business professional? Perhaps you feel a little anxiety before giving presentations. Consider using CBD oil or predosed capsules.
Since capsules and pills are predosed, you won’t have to worry about measuring before using CBD. You can also take these products discreetly.
Are you experiencing topical pain around a specific joint? Consider using a soothing CBD topical instead. For example, you can rub CBD lotion against your back for potential pain relief.
CBD oil products use carrier oils like MCT, olive, hemp, and coconut oil. You might consider an oil if you want to adjust your dose as needed.
If you’re interested in bypassing the first-pass metabolism process, consider taking oils and tinctures sublingually. You can hold the oil under your tongue to absorb it into the bloodstream.
Vaping CBD will bypass the first-pass metabolism process as well. You won’t have to wait for your liver to metabolize the product. You could experience results sooner.
Choose cannabis products and a carrier based on your needs and lifestyle. Consider ease of use before you purchase products, too.
3. Check the Type of CBD
Before choosing a CBD product made from the cannabis plant, it’s important to note that there are three different types of CBD. These include:
- CBD isolate
- Full-spectrum CBD
- Broad-spectrum CBD
Make sure to double-check each label before choosing between each product.
CBD isolate products only include CBD. They won’t feature any other phytocannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the phytocannabinoid best known for causing hallucinations and psychoactive effects.
Full-spectrum CBD products do contain THC. They also feature other plant compounds like healthy fatty acids and terpenes. They include other phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, too.
You can learn more about full spectrum cbd here.
Broad-spectrum products contain other plant compounds and phytocannabinoids. They don’t contain THC.
If you want products that don’t contain THC, choose a product that’s labeled broad-spectrum or isolate. Otherwise, the THC might appear on a drug test. If you complete random drugs tests for work, avoid full-spectrum products.
Choosing full-spectrum cannabis products could help you experience the entourage effect. Scientists believe the entourage effect produces a full range of CBD health benefits. However, researchers are still learning more.
4. Research the Brand
If you want to buy the best products available in the cannabis market, make sure to check each brand. Gather as much research about each brand as you can.
First, try to find a long-established brand and business with years of experience in the industry.
Some online stores appear overnight, take your money, and disappear. Finding a brand with a long history can give you peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about these businesses disappearing after you make a purchase.
Consider exploring CBD forums and review websites, too. You can learn from other shoppers who were once in your shoes. They can help you determine which brands to avoid.
5. Review the Label
Make sure to read each product label before you buy products as well.
The FDA has previously issued warnings to companies that marketed unapproved drugs allegedly containing CBD. The FDA even tested the content of cannabinoid content within these products. Some products failed to contain the levels of CBD the manufacturers claimed they did.
Check the label for the term “Cannabis Sativa seed oil.” These products might only contain hemp seed oil, not cannabis. Make sure to do your due diligence.
Otherwise, check the label for the expiration date and the product’s concentration.
Don’t forget to determine if the product is broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, or an isolate.
6. Check for Lab Results
As you check each product label, determine if the product completed third-party testing as well. Check the brand’s website for their third-party label results. If they don’t feature the results on their website, reach out.
Otherwise, you might want to buy products from another brand.
Make sure the third-party lab is accredited, too. Otherwise, you might come across lab results that were fake or doctored. Determine when the report was filed as well.
Make sure the product you’re interested in has a Certificate of Analysis.
Otherwise, you might want to look for products that follow the International Organization for Standardization guidelines.
7. Ignore Outrageous Claims
As you review your options for cannabis products, it’s likely you come across a few medical claims. Always do your due diligence. Don’t assume the claims you read are accurate.
Instead, determine if the website links to any studies that confirm those claims.
If the product claims it’s a “cure-all” or can cure any disease, shop elsewhere.
8. Read Reviews
Remember, you can always learn from shoppers who were once in your position.
Before you purchase products, look online for consumer reviews. Look for any red flags.
It’s normal to find one or two negative comments while you’re online. If you read an abundance of negative reviews, however, shop elsewhere. Instead, choose a company you can rely on.
9. Consider the Source
While you’re on each company’s website, determine if they mention where the cannabis plants they use were sourced from. Otherwise, make sure they’re using a high-quality product.
Determine what suppliers the company works with, too. Experienced suppliers will understand the importance of growing a cannabis plant in the right environment.
10. Read the Ingredients List
As you review each product label, make sure to check the ingredients list as well.
Make sure the product doesn’t contain heavy metals, mold, pesticides, or bacteria. The third-party lab results should indicate what’s within each product.
11. Determine the Concentration
Before you make your final decision, consider how much CBD is within each product or dose. Understanding the concentration can help you determine your dosage.
12. Consider Your Budget
Take the time to gather prices from more than one store. Then, compare your options. If one price seems too good to be true, it likely is.
Make sure to consider the concentration when you compare prices.
Comparing Cannabis Products: 12 Tips for Finding the Best CBD Options for You
Purchasing cannabis products doesn’t have to feel confusing or stressful. Instead, use these 12 tips. With these tips, you can narrow down your options and purchase products with ease.
Start shopping with these tips today.
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