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CBD HEMP BUYING GUIDE

This guide aims to cut through the bulk of the misinformation surrounding CBD, and it’ll start by debunking some of the most common myths about CBD, like whether CBD can get you high. Our goal to empower you to make the best possible decision when it comes to buying CBD supplements.

Typically, if you want to buy cannabidiol (CBD) oil products, you have to dig deep to find accurate and up-to-date information. That’s because, while CBD is increasing in popularity, reliable information is often scattered across the web. What’s more, CBD is one of the most misunderstood dietary substances available today. Many people confuse it with THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Contrary to these common misconceptions, CBD is both legal and completely safe. It contains NO psychoactive elements, so there’s no chance of “getting high.”

You have to know that all CBD products are Not created equal. Just as in any industry―there are low-quality products, high-quality products, and everything in between. The problem in the CBD industry; however, is that knowing how to choose the good products from the bad, isn’t exactly common knowledge.

As a result, consumers are blindly purchasing CBD online based on what’s trending or which brand has the best marketing strategy. Often times, this creates an environment where low-quality products can be disguised as high-quality products. This can lead to wasting money on low-quality products, not getting the benefits you need, and sometimes, even jeopardizing your health due to unsafe ingredients in a product.

1. LEARN THE BASICS

Hemp CBD Oil vs. Marijuana CBD Oil: What’s the Difference?

Did you know that CBD oil can be made from either marijuana or hemp? It’s true. The main difference between the two lies in the levels of THC found in the finished product. CBD products made from industrial hemp (like those available in our online store) must contain less than 0.3 percent THC—meaning there’s no chance of getting high when using it. If CBD oil contains more THC than 0.3 percent, it’s considered a marijuana product, and CBD oil from marijuana has no restrictions on how much THC it can contain. This means the CBD oil from your local dispensary might contain a lot more THC than you would like and could still give you a “high” feeling. If you’re concerned, make sure to check for a low THC count and compare it to the 0.3 percent THC you get from industrial hemp-based products.

Legality, Accessibility, and Chemical Compounds of CBD

Another key difference between hemp- and marijuana-based CBD oils is where you can buy them. Because it contains such a low level of THC, CBD oil from hemp is considered a food supplement and is therefore legal to buy and sell in all 50 states (and in most countries worldwide) without the need for a prescription or medical card. You can buy CBD hemp oil from your local health and wellness shops, medical and recreational dispensaries, and online CBD stores.Marijuana, on the other hand, although now legal in a growing number of US states, is still federally banned as a Schedule 1 drug—and a controlled substance in many other countries around the world—so CBD oil made from marijuana can only be sold in specific state-sponsored dispensaries. Finally, you should also know that CBD found in marijuana is the same exact chemical compound as that found in hemp. Many people are discovering the same benefits of using marijuana with zero chance of getting high or encountering legal risks. That’s why, in this guide, we‘ll exclusively discuss legal CBD oil made from industrial hemp.

How Does CBD Work?

It’s fair to say that the cannabis plant is incredibly complex—and more than a little misunderstood. It contains over 400 chemical entities, of which more than 100 are compounds called cannabinoids. You’ve probably heard of the two best-known cannabinoids: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Cannabis has a longstanding reputation for producing a euphoric “high,” and that comes down to the way THC interacts with the brain. However, CBD is not psychoactive and does not produce a similar high. So how, exactly, does it work? Well, first it’s important to know that we all have a system within our bodies responsible for regulating the response of our immune systems, our sleep patterns, our moods, and how we experience pain and inflammation. It’s called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), and its function is to deal with the cannabinoids naturally produced by our bodies. It does this via two kinds of cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body: CB1 receptors (located in the brain and nervous system) and CB2 receptors (located in the immune system). While THC affects your brain’s endocannabinoid receptors (resulting in the high), CBD does not attach directly to the receptors. Instead, it influences your body into using its own natural supply of cannabinoids more effectively. That is to say, it can inhibit or activate compounds in the ECS, which in turn can impact the amount of pain you feel or limit inflammation in the brain and nervous system. Okay, now that you understand those important differences and how CBD works, let’s jump into the next section.  

2. KNOW THE BENEFITS

Like all supplements, CBD has certain qualities that may be of benefit to you and your circumstances, and others that may have no effect on you whatsoever.

So, how can CBD help you specifically? Let’s examine some of its top benefits and effects to find out.

A. Stress Reduction & Mood Improvement

Studies have shown that CBD can alleviate the physical and mental effects of anxiety, as well as ease the symptoms associated with depression.

The compounds found within cannabis (known as cannabinoids) are very similar to the ones produced naturally by our bodies. These cannabinoids have been observed to relieve the symptoms of various conditions by attaching themselves to particular receptors in the brain, thereby blocking or boosting certain signals. This can help bring calm to an otherwise stressful situation.

For example, an NIH study on social anxiety disorder found that, by giving CBD to patients, they could lower anxiety levels associated with public speaking.

CBD can also potentially help lift your spirits and improve your mood, positively impacting your behavior and reducing psychological issues in conditions related to social interactions and PTSD.

B. Sleep Support

 

Research has suggested that CBD can be effective at reducing sleep difficulties, combating the effects of insomnia, and improving the quality of sleep.

Stress is often the number-one culprit when it comes to sleep disorders. The good new is, for many people, CBD has been observed to help reduce stress, which in turn can help improve sleep quality. Furthermore, according to studies, CBD could also increase the amount an individual sleeps.

What’s more, small servings of CBD can potentially help you feel more alert and less tired during the day, which can mean a healthier and more appropriate sleep pattern at night.

C. Pain & Inflammation Management

 

number of studies suggest that CBD can be used to effectively manage and alleviate chronic pain and inflammation.

As I mentioned earlier, when consumed, the cannabinoids found in CBD attach themselves to certain receptors in your brain and immune system. One such receptor, the CB2 receptor, helps manage pain and inflammation in your immune system. When you use CBD oil for pain, it impacts the way your brain and body respond to the signals they’re sent—ultimately helping to reduce pain and inflammation.

CBD can also potentially help alleviate pain associated with joint injuries sustained while exercising, headaches, and muscle soreness.

D. Skin Care

 

When applied topically, research indicates that CBD oil may reduce the symptoms associated with a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

It can also be used as a long-lasting moisturizer, and may even reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It’s true! The elements found in CBD can help soften, revitalize, and regenerate tired, dry, or inflamed skin.

They also increase the elasticity of the skin and the flow of blood underneath while removing dead skin cells, which could give your skin a more youthful, healthy glow.

3. CHOOSE YOUR BUYING CRITERIA

Hemp-based CBD products come in all shapes and sizes. From tinctures, concentrates, oils, and creams to e-liquids for vaporizers and a myriad of edibles, there’s no shortage of choice.

A. Concentration

Concentration is often the most important characteristic when selecting a CBD product.

After all, you’ll want to know just how much CBD is actually in the product before parting with your hard-earned cash.

Don’t be misled by the “total volume” of oil. The milligrams of CBD are what counts. This is similar to buying fish oil supplements.

Fish oil supplements contain a certain amount of total fish oil and a certain amount of DHA and EPA (the important substances in this supplement). So, if you’re shopping for fish oil, you should be looking for total EPA and DHA quantities per pill, not total fish oil.

Likewise, knowing the total milligrams of CBD rather than the total volume of oil will help you compare products of a similar price to find out which is of better value.

For example, let’s say there is a CBD concentrate with 1000 milligrams of total hemp oil and 100 milligrams of CBD—the concentration would be ten percent CBD.

Fortunately, most manufacturers are phasing this out in favor of just using milligrams of CBD. This makes it easier to know how much you’re getting, so you can stay consistent with your serving sizes.

A Note on Daily Serving Sizes

CBD has maximum efficiency when used consistently, much like a daily multivitamin supplement. This effect is due to the fact that it takes a while for your body to adjust to the chemical compounds found in CBD. Therefore, CBD should be taken consistently for at least seven to ten days to allow its full effects to work properly.

If you’re new to CBD, we recommend using two to three milligrams daily at first. Depending on your metabolism, body weight, cannabinoid tolerance, and desired effects, you may wish to start with five milligrams instead—and you can always increase your serving size once you know how CBD will affect you.

As there are no psychoactive or dangerous components present in CBD, you can safely increase your serving size at any time to find the optimal concentration for you. It’s usually best to begin with a lower concentration and work your way up.

Remember to talk to your doctor if you have trouble finding the right amount of CBD for your circumstances, or if you have a serious ailment or disease.

Interested in trying CBD for your furry friends? We recommend ten milligrams of CBD per ten pounds of your pet’s body weight.

For example, let’s say there is a CBD concentrate with 1000 milligrams of total hemp oil and 100 milligrams of CBD—the concentration would be ten percent CBD.

Fortunately, most manufacturers are phasing this out in favor of just using milligrams of CBD. This makes it easier to know how much you’re getting, so you can stay consistent with your serving sizes.

A Note on Daily Serving Sizes

CBD has maximum efficiency when used consistently, much like a daily multivitamin supplement. This effect is due to the fact that it takes a while for your body to adjust to the chemical compounds found in CBD. Therefore, CBD should be taken consistently for at least seven to ten days to allow its full effects to work properly.

If you’re new to CBD, we recommend using two to three milligrams daily at first. Depending on your metabolism, body weight, cannabinoid tolerance, and desired effects, you may wish to start with five milligrams instead—and you can always increase your serving size once you know how CBD will affect you.

As there are no psychoactive or dangerous components present in CBD, you can safely increase your serving size at any time to find the optimal concentration for you. It’s usually best to begin with a lower concentration and work your way up.

Remember to talk to your doctor if you have trouble finding the right amount of CBD for your circumstances, or if you have a serious ailment or disease.

Interested in trying CBD for your furry friends? We recommend ten milligrams of CBD per ten pounds of your pet’s body weight.

B. Ease of Use

By and large, CBD is very simple to use. It can be taken in many different forms and used as you would a vitamin supplement or topical balm—but some CBD products can be quite tricky.

For example, using CBD vape oil requires a vaporizer, something you may be unfamiliar with, and for a beginner it can be intimidating. But vaping is only one option, and if you’re new to the world of CBD, a tincture is your best bet—it’s portable, discreet, and easy to use. And with only a few drops or sprays on your tongue, it’s super easy to keep track of your daily serving size.

C. Immediacy and Length of Effects

With concentration and ease of use taken into consideration, next you’ll want to think about how quickly you’d like to feel the effects of CBD and for how long you’d like it to last. This will largely depend on which products you use:

  • By using a vaporizer, you’ll experience the benefits of CBD almost immediately, and they can last for hours.
  • If you take CBD sublingually (under the tongue) using drops or a spray, you’ll likely feel the effects within 20 to 40 minutes, and they can last between four and six hours.
  • If you apply CBD topically using a balm or cream, it can take up to an hour to feel the effects, but they can last for up to five hours.
  • Finally, if you take CBD orally using a capsule, concentrate, candy, or chocolate, it can take between 20 minutes and two hours to feel the benefits, and they should last between four and six hours after the onset.

Typically, the slower CBD absorbs, the longer it lasts. Likewise, if the CBD absorbs quickly, it will usually offer immediate, short-term relief.

D. Taste

For some people, taste is incredibly important. For others, it’s merely a byproduct. If taste matters to you, there are a few things worth considering:

  • Some products, like pastes or concentrates, have a very distinct hemp flavor thanks to their high concentration of CBD. If you’re unfamiliar with hemp, it can best be described as having an “earthy” or “grassy” quality.
  • Other products, such as vape oils, tinctures, and edibles, can be purchased in a variety of flavors, including mint, vanilla, chocolate, and a mix of various fruits. Flavored products are a great option if you’re looking for something that will mask the taste of hemp.
  • And if you don’t want to taste hemp at all, stick with CBD capsules, which are completely flavorless.

E. Price

Finally, the price of CBD should loom large in your decision-making process. If you’re just starting out with CBD, there’s no point spending big on certain products until you know what works best for you.

The price of CBD products can vary, and, naturally, some CBD products are more affordable than others. The intended effects, along with the quantity, longevity, and immediacy can all impact the cost of a particular CBD product.

4. CHOOSE PRODUCT TYPE

CBD can be enjoyed in many different forms.

  • CBD tinctures – Designed to be taken orally, CBD tinctures offer versatility and ease of use for CBD beginners and veterans alike.
  • CBD pastes and concentrates – CBD pastes and concentrates are made mainly from hemp oil, offering a higher concentration of CBD.
  • CBD vape oil – CBD vape oil is a specially formulated liquid meant to be placed in a vape. Heat from the vape turns the vape oil into a vapor that is easily inhaled and absorbed.
  • CBD topicals – Applied directly to the skin, topicals include balms, oils, and lotions that have been infused with CBD.
  • CBD capsules – This pill-form of CBD is easily ingested and offers more concentrated amounts of CBD for longer-lasting effects.
  • CBD edibles – CBD edibles are foods that have been infused with CBD, including gummies, cookies, hard candies, and more.
  • CBD for pets – CBD pet products offer the same potential health benefits as human products but are formulated specifically for the animal companions in your life.

So, you need to consider which CBD product type will work best for you and your circumstances. For example, when does it make sense to choose a vape oil over a tincture, or an edible over a topical?

In this section, I’ll explain each of the different product types in more detail, sharing their benefits and their downsides, before recommending a product from that particular category.

CBD Tinctures

What is it?

CBD tinctures are a liquid form of CBD that can be taken orally. It’s by far the most popular form of CBD, thanks to its ease of use and versatility.

How to Use:

Simply spray or drop onto your tongue and swish for 90 seconds before swallowing. CBD will be absorbed sublingually (under the tongue) at first, and then in your stomach. Effects can be felt in ten to fifteen minutes and can last between two and six hours, depending on the strength.

Benefits

  • Fast-Acting
    CBD tinctures can get to work in just ten to fifteen minutes—perfect if you need to feel the effects of CBD quickly.
  • Ease of Use
    A few drops or sprays on or under the tongue is all it takes. It really couldn’t be simpler. Contrast tinctures with vape oils and the equipment and know-how that goes along with it, and there’s only one winner when it comes to easiest-to-use CBD product.
  • Different Flavors
    If you just can’t stomach the taste of hemp, a tincture could be the CBD product you’ve been looking for. With a range of flavors, including fruits, berries, vanilla, and mint, you’ll enjoy all the potential benefits of CBD oil without that hempy, earthy taste.

Downsides:

  • Not Always as Strong
    Tinctures are ideal for CBD novices, as they’re not always as strong as other CBD product types. If you know how much CBD you require and you’re after a higher concentration, a regular CBD tincture is unlikely to deliver the goods. However, this is beginning to change as companies experiment with higher concentrations. In the meantime, consider a vape oil, paste, or concentrate to enjoy a stronger CBD experience.
  • Droppers Are Harder to Use Than Sprays
    A spray tincture will deliver a consistent serving of CBD each and every time, but the dropper version can be a little trickier to master. Keep this in mind when choosing your CBD tincture product.

CBD Tinctures

Tinctures are an extremely versatile product, great for beginners who need to figure out how much CBD to take. I recommend a spray tincture for its ease of use.

There are numerous CBD tincture products to choose from, with different flavors and CBD strengths, and all of them are very easy to use. Tinctures trump all other types of CBD products in terms of serving size precision, as you can easily increase or decrease your serving size by the drop (tinctures typically come with a precise dropper or a spray).

This terrific (and tasty) CBD Oil Herbal Spray Tincture from Herbal Renewals comes in a variety of flavors, including original, vanilla, and peppermint, and contains added sweeteners to make them even more enjoyable. It’s an ultra-popular product with many people who use CBD on a daily basis. It’s also a portable and discreet option if you’re looking to use CBD on the go.

 

CBD Pastes and Concentrates

What is it?

CBD pastes and concentrates are among the strongest CBD oil products available today. They’re mostly hemp oil, which means they boast a higher concentration of CBD in comparison to the other ingredients. They’re typically packaged in a tube and offer terrific value for your money.

How to Use:

Simply squeeze a grain-of-rice-sized portion onto your tongue and swish for 90 seconds before swallowing. The CBD will be absorbed sublingually at first, and then in your stomach. Effects can be felt in ten to fifteen minutes and last six to twelve hours, depending on the strength.

Benefits

  • Fast-Acting, Long-Lasting
    If you’re looking for a strong CBD product that gets to work quickly and lasts for a long time, look no further. CBD concentrates will only take around ten to fifteen minutes to take effect, but can last for up to twelve hours.
  • High Concentration
    You simply will not find a stronger CBD product type than a concentrate or paste. These products have been specifically designed to deliver a seriously strong serving size of CBD, quickly and simply.
  • Great Value
    CBD concentrates represent amazing value, typically delivering the most CBD per dollar spent. They contain up to ten times more cannabidiol than the average CBD product, and a three-gram tube can last a few months, even with daily use.

Downsides:

  • Strong Hemp Flavor
    Concentrates are pure, unflavored CBD products. They’re not available with added flavors, so if you’re not a fan of that earthy flavor, this might not be the product for you.
  • High Serving Size
    If you’re new to CBD, it might be wise to pass on CBD concentrates until you’re more comfortable with your desired serving size. Concentrates will deliver a very high amount of CBD with even the smallest serving.

OVERALL

Pastes and concentrates are great if you want a strong CBD product that will last for a long time. They’re extremely popular, easy to use, and a terrific value.

If you’re looking to try the purest CBD oil product around, you can’t go wrong with this Blue Label High-CBD Hemp Oil by Herbal Renewals. This one isn’t for beginners. Make no mistake, this is strong stuff. You will only need the size of a grain of rice taken once or twice daily (the equivalent of roughly 4.1 milligrams of CBD) to feel the desired effects. With that kind of serving size, the three-gram tube will last you a few months of daily use, giving you plenty of CBD goodness. This product is also available in one-gram and ten-gram tubes, along with a six-pack of ten-gram tubes.

 

CBD Vape Oil

What is it?

CBD vape oil is a liquid that has been infused with CBD. The oil is heated by an e-pen or a vaporizer until it turns from liquid to vapor. This allows you to safely inhale and absorb the CBD through your lungs.

How to Use:

Add a serving of CBD vape oil into your favorite e-pen (or use a pre-loaded e-pen) and inhale the CBD vapor. Exhale normally and repeat three to five times. You will feel the effects almost immediately, and they can last from one to six hours, depending on the strength.

Benefits:

  • Immediate Effects
    Unlike other CBD product types, vape oil gets to work straight away. This is because you’re inhaling the vapor directly into your lungs, bypassing any need for it to be broken down by your stomach acid or absorbed into your skin.
  • Different Flavors
    Vaping is one of the most soothing and pleasing ways of enjoying CBD, and it’s an experience made all the more satisfying by a wide range of flavors. From refreshing mint and citrus to sweet butterscotch and chocolate or invigorating coffee, there’s something for everyone.

Downsides:

  • More Complicated
    The major downside of vaping CBD is that it comes with a steep learning curve to get it right. While other CBD products are very simple to use, CBD vape oil is far more complicated, making it somewhat intimidating to first-time users.
  • Requires E-pen / Vaporizer
    What’s more, CBD vape oils require additional equipment. In order to transform the oil into vapor, you’ll need an e-pen or vaporizer. This means an extra investment on top of the vape oil itself. I therefore recommend that, if you’re a first-time user, you try a more accessible and affordable CBD product type to make sure it’s the right supplement for you, before graduating to vape oil.

Overall

Vape oil is great if you currently use or are familiar with e-pens or vaporizers, or if you want to feel the effects of CBD as quickly as possible. It’s the quickest absorption method of all available CBD product types.

Made by one of the most reputable CBD brands around, Alternate Vape’s CBD Vape Shot Kit is the perfect introduction to vaping CBD oil.

Containing a simple and easy-to-use vaporizer pen, a USB charger, and one CBD oil cartridge (available in either mint or kush flavor), it’s the ideal starter kit for first-time vapers.

The design is lightweight and portable, and the CBD oil delivers a smooth and full-bodied taste when vaped. It’s one of our best-reviewed products.

 

CBD Topicals

What is it?

CBD topicals are CBD-infused lotions, balms, and oils that are absorbed through the skin for the localized relief of joint pain, muscle soreness, and inflammation.

How to Use:

Simply rub the CBD topical over the desired area of your body and make sure it’s fully covered. In one to two hours you should start to feel the effects of the CBD, and it can last between six and twelve hours, depending on the strength.

Benefits:

  • Ease of Use
    Topical CBD products are no more difficult to use than any other type of balm, lotion, or oil. It’s what makes them so popular; people are already familiar with how to use them.
  • Long-Lasting
    If you’re looking for a CBD product that lasts, few are more effective than CBD topicals. Depending on the strength, one serving can last anywhere from six to twelve hours, helping to ease muscular pain or calm itchy and uncomfortable skin.
  • Targets a Specific Area
    While most CBD products will provide an overall sense of calm and relaxation throughout your entire body, topical CBD products allow you to quickly and effectively target a specific problem area.

Downsides:

  • Only Affects Target Area
    Topical CBD products are designed to offer localized relief. So if you have multiple aches and pains, you might want to consider a different CBD product as more of a catch-all.
  • Slow to Act
    In comparison with other CBD product types, such as tinctures and vape oils, topical CBD products can take a little longer to act.

Overall

Topicals are great if you know where you’d like the CBD to help you. Creams, patches, and lotions all help soothe your aches from the outside and last a long time.

If you’re looking to soothe and relax dry and itchy skin, look no further than this hemp salve from Plus CBD Oil.

This thick, potent, and moisturizing all-natural skin-care product brings together the incredible calming properties of CBD with an impressive mix of natural extracts, essential oils, and organic, non-GMO ingredients. And it smells amazing!

Plus CBD Oil’s rejuvenating hemp salve is available in 37-gram jars that each contain 50 milligrams of high-quality CBD oil.

 

CBD Capsules

What is it?

CBD capsules are pills containing a powdered form of CBD. These pills typically contain higher concentrations of CBD, like 15 to 25 milligrams (which is more than the normal recommended serving size of two to three milligrams). They are tasteless and odorless, and effects can last for six to twelve hours.

How to Use:

Simply place one CBD capsule in the back of your mouth, sip on water, and swallow. The CBD will be absorbed through your stomach.

Benefits:

  • High Concentration
    Most CBD capsules come with a high serving size. This is great if you know exactly how much CBD your body needs. However, if you don’t need 15 to 25 milligrams of CBD, you could be wasting money. If you’re unsure how much CBD you require, I recommend you start with CBD tinctures, where the serving sizes are closer to two to three milligrams.
  • Ease of Use
    CBD capsules are probably the easiest type of CBD product to use. They can be taken as you would any other type of pill or capsule. Plus, you’ll always know just how much CBD you are consuming, unlike some other product types (such as concentrates). This allows you to stay consistent as your body gets used to CBD.
  • Long-Lasting
    CBD capsules are digested in the gut. This means they take longer to get into your bloodstream, and it can take anywhere from one to two hours to feel the full effects. The benefit of this is that the effects will last much longer—typically between six and twelve hours, depending on the strength.
  • No Taste
    The capsules are tasteless and odorless, and as pills they’re extremely easy to carry around wherever you go. No taste is a plus for some who just don’t enjoy the “hempy” flavor of other CBD products (like concentrates and some tinctures).

Downsides:

  • More Expensive
    CBD capsules are all about convenience. They’re portable, discreet, easy to take, of a higher concentration, and have no taste whatsoever. Because of this, you’ll usually end up paying a little more per serving than some other CBD product types. If price is a concern, consider trying CBD concentrates. They’re the most pure form of CBD oil and are also the most cost-effective.
  • Harder to Find the Sweet Spot
    Each capsule typically contains a fairly large amount of CBD. This makes it harder for new users to find that “sweet spot” of how much CBD their body needs. For example, if you’re using Tasty Hemp Oil CBD Gel Caps, in order to take more, you have to go from 15 milligrams (one capsule) to 30 milligrams (two capsules). Serving size is difficult to control, and that’s why CBD capsules are usually only recommended for more advanced users who know how much CBD to use.

Overall:

CBD capsules are ideal for advanced users who know precisely how much CBD they require. They’re convenient, discreet, and as easy to take as any other type of pill. If you need a lot of CBD per serving, don’t enjoy the taste of hemp, and want long-lasting effects thrown in for good measure, CBD capsules are a terrific choice.

CBD capsules don’t come much better than these cannabidiol supplement capsules from Plus CBD Oil. They’re incredibly easy to use and allow you to keep track of your daily serving size, all while offering a much higher concentration of CBD than tinctures or vape oils. The capsules are non-GMO, vegan, and kosher—perfect for specific dietary requirements. Simply take one to two capsules per day to enjoy between 15 and 30 milligrams of high-quality CBD.

 

CBD Edibles

What is it?

CBD edibles are food items infused with CBD. Edibles are a terrific alternative to smoking or vaping CBD, and they come in many varieties and flavors, including cookies, candies, gummies, chocolates, and more.

How to Use:

Eat CBD edibles as you would any other piece of chocolate, gummy, or candy. The CBD will be absorbed through the stomach. You should begin to feel the effects of CBD in one to two hours, and effects can last from six to twelve hours, depending on the strength.

Benefits:

  • Ease of Use
    While other CBD product types can be quite intimidating, there’s no such problem with CBD edibles. If you’ve ever eaten a candy bar or a handful of gummy bears, you know what you’re doing.
  • Fast-Acting, Long-Lasting
    One of the best factors of edible CBD products is that they’re absorbed through the stomach, meaning they get to work relatively quickly, and the effects can last for as long as twelve hours, depending on the strength of the product in question.
  • Range of Flavors
    If you can’t stand the taste of hemp, it’s CBD edibles to the rescue! They come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, so there’s bound to be something that’ll tickle your tastebuds.
  • High Concentration
    Edibles typically boast a higher concentration of CBD than other product types, meaning a little goes a long way.

Downsides:

  • Easy to Overeat
    While other CBD products are easily recognizable as supplements, it’s all too easy to succumb to “just one more piece of chocolate” or “one more handful of gummies” with CBD edibles.
  • Difficult to Accurately Track Serving Size
    Unless specifically portioned, it can be difficult to accurately track just how much CBD you’re consuming with each serving.
  • Typically More Expensive
    Although CBD edibles will generally be of a higher concentration, they are still typically more expensive than other CBD products.

Overall

Edibles are great if you want something fun and tasty, or if you need a lot of CBD per serving.

Available in either milk or dark chocolate, it packs 60 milligrams of CBD into a 30-gram bar, along with a host of organic ingredients. Each bar has CBD spread evenly throughout, meaning you can track just how much CBD you take with each bite. You can easily adjust your serving size by simply eating more or fewer segments until you find the right balance for you.

This portable CBD snack allows you to enjoy the benefits of CBD anywhere, anytime, without drawing the glances of strangers.

 

CBD for Pets

What is it?

CBD pet products are specially made for pets and designed to target a long list of issues. Similar to the CBD products available to you, CBD for pets can promote a sense of calm and well-being in your pets, while also relieving pain and improving quality of life.

How to Use:

CBD products for pets come in a variety of types, but the best are usually available as drops and tinctures. Simply administer to your pet’s food using the accompanying dropper. As a rule of thumb, add two drops of CBD supplement per ten pounds of animal weight to their food once a day. Larger dogs may require two servings a day.

Benefits:

  • Passes the Taste (and Smell) Test
    Dogs and cats are known for their powerful sense of smell. They typically don’t like having something new added to their food, making supplementing their diets to ease health issues challenging. However, CBD products for pets take that challenge into account. Developed by dedicated veterinarians, they’ve been designed to pass the taste and smell test.
  • Ease of Use
    Unlike some other pet supplements, you won’t have to force your furry friend’s jaws open in order to administer CBD. Using the accompanying dropper, you can simply add a few drops to their food as normal.

Downsides:

  • Drowsiness
    It has been observed that CBD can cause drowsiness in some cats and dogs.

Overall

Great for pets dealing with long car journeys, joint pain, separation anxiety, or muscle spasms. Easy to administer, and has no nasty side effects.

This Herbal Renewals: CBD for Pets supplement is a tried and tested way of adding CBD to your pet’s daily diet. It’s ideal for dogs and cats that dislike travel and trips to the groomer, or those that struggle with joint or muscular pain.

The dropper makes it incredibly easy to use, and each bottle contains approximately 200 servings.

Popular with pet owners, there’s a reason why this is one of our best-selling and best-reviewed products.

5. CHOOSE SELLERS WISELY

Unfortunately, this industry is renowned for its varying degrees of quality standards. Often, you’ll get what you pay for, but even then, you could end up paying a premium for the brand alone.

That’s why, when it comes to purchasing CBD products, you need to know what to look out for before you start browsing. Do you know which companies have a reputation for producing low-quality versus high-quality CBD products? Do you know which lab results you should ask to see? Or which manufacturing certifications point to quality practices being adhered to?

Read on below to discover my recommended criteria to help you avoid scammy CBD companies:

Industrial Hemp Products

Make sure the company is selling products made from industrial hemp (which is legal in all 50 states and in many countries worldwide). If they’re selling marijuana-based CBD products, you should be made aware that these are restricted to the states and countries where they are legal.

Third-Party Lab-Tested

Make sure the products you buy are all tested by a third party to ensure quality. Products should also be tested for mold, heavy metals, and other contaminants.

What’s more, they should be tested to make sure they contain the correct amount of CBD that they are claiming.

GMP Facility

GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices, and it covers the practices required to ensure products are produced according to industry standards. The agencies that control the authorization and licensing of the manufacture and sale of these products provide guidelines, and the manufacturer must adhere to these guidelines to make sure their products remain consistent and of high quality from batch to batch.

Unreasonable Health Claims

If a company claims its product can help or cure particular ailments or diseases, you should be wary. CBD has many wonderful benefits, but it’s not intended to treat any specific disease.

6. MAKE YOUR DECISION