We have created a newbies guide to picking which CBD products to start with. CBD is the latest health craze; this has created an influx of new products. For those new to taking CBD, the buying process can be overwhelming.
Before jumping into a new CBD product, users must understand the different types of CBD and the different ways to administer CBD. Being informed and educated is the only way to choose products, we are here to help!
CBD Spectrum
- Full spectrum
- Broad spectrum
- Isolate
Full Spectrum CBD oil is hemp extract containing all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in the plant. To be considered hemp extract, the full spectrum CBD must contain no more than 0.3% THC.
Broad Spectrum CBD oil is another hemp extract containing all the cannabinoids and terpenes present in the plant excluding THC.
Isolate products contain pure CBD. There are no other cannabinoids or terpenes present in isolate CBD.
How to Take CBD?
There are different ways to take CBD, including:
- Sublingual
- Capsules/edible
- Cream/topical
- Smoked
Sublingual CBD (Oil/Spray)
Sublingual CBD oil is administered by an oil or spray being absorbed under the user’s tongue. The advantage of taking it is getting the CBD into the bloodstream. Benefits will be felt faster and less CBD will be lost in the process compared to other methods.
For newbies, taking CBD this way can be unfamiliar. CBD oil’s strong earthy taste can be off-putting to someone not accustomed to cannabis products. Using sublingual CBD products correctly can also turn away new users. If swallowed, the CBD has to travel through the digestive tract losing potency on the way. Concentration and correct administration are important, especially for first time users.
CBD Capsules/Edible CBD
Eating CBD in a familiar food or taking CBD capsules is a common introduction to the cannabinoid. Infused products are all the rage. Eating CBD ice cream is great experience and a testament to how the cannabis industry has come. However, it is an inferior administration method because the CBD must be broken down in the stomach.
The bloodstream is a much more efficient means of delivery for CBD. Less is absorbed and affects take longer to feel when CBD goes through the digestive tract. Newbies may be attracted to taking CBD edibles or capsules each night because the experience is probably more familiar. If the user doesn’t mind wasting CBD and waiting for the benefits, swallowing can be a great way to get started.
CBD Cream (Topical CBD)
Applying CBD cream gets directly to the source of pain. Like edible gummies, topical CBD is less efficient than sublingual. The skin isn’t very permeable.
When using CBD cream, be sure you trust that there is CBD in the product by checking lab tests. Purchase a cream with a high concentration to ensure you are getting a proper dose.
Smoking/Vaping CBD
CBD flower and vape liquids have grown in popularity since CBD went mainstream. Smoking CBD is a very effective way to ensure your body is absorbing the dose. Of all the methods, smoking wastes the least amount of the extract.
The downfall of smoking or vaping CBD is the health risks. CBD doesn’t appear to have major health risks, but inhaling hot smoke clearly has consequences. The verdict is still out on the effect of consistently vaping has on the body. Experts are already raising concerns on the effect vaping has on the lungs even with a limited amount of data available. When buying CBD vape liquid, be sure the product doesn’t have any harmful additives.
CBD Concentration
Many newbies are turned away from CBD because they aren’t taking it correctly or consistently enough. A user that swallows oil one time in their life and claims to not feel anything isn’t giving CBD a fair shot.
None of the methods above offer 100% bioavailability. This is why concentration is so important. Your body won’t receive the entire dose, regardless if you are administrating correctly.
The most important advice to a newbie is educate yourself. There is more than one right way to take CBD, but you must understand that they are not all equal. We suggest taking CBD sublingually because of the high bioavailability and inconsequential side-effects.