Not All CBD Products Are Created Equal

Whether you’re thinking about trying it for the first time, or are a seasoned buyer, there are key things to consider when shopping for CBD. Not all CBD is created equal, and there are many products that contain CBD oil from which to choose. So how do you know which are the best and which you should steer clear of? To ensure that you get the highest quality product when you’re making a purchase, take note of these things.

Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil

First, the thing to be most aware of is that as CBD continues to rise in popularity many companies are trying to get in on the financial action. And of course, the easiest way to reach consumers these days is through online shopping.

However, there are strict regulations in place regarding the online sale of CBD. CBD oil in its pure form cannot be sold on the Internet. Only products that are hemp-derived, or made with hemp oil, can be purchased through eCommerce sites.

Hemp-derived CBD oil is made from industrial hemp plants, opposed to marijuana-derived CBD oil which is made from marijuana plants. Many CBD products found in stores do contain trace amounts of THC, the compound in marijuana that gets you “high.”

Hemp-derived products have less than 0.03% THC. Many believe that hemp-derived CBD is not as strong as marijuana-derived CBD, making it less effective at helping the ailments you’re looking to address when buying the CBD product.

The bottom line: When shopping online, beware that you are likely getting a weaker form of CBD as it is hemp based.

Broad & Full Spectrum CBD

Another important difference to note is whether the product you are buying is broad spectrum CBD or full spectrum CBD. I know, it can get confusing. For this reason, it is always best to go to a reputable, in-person retailer who can explain the benefits of each and help you reach a decision. Additionally, you should speak with your doctor.

These definitions are wrong-both broad and full come from the hemp plant

Broad Spectrum CBD is made from the HEMP plant. However, it does not contain any THC -may contain up to 0.3% THC. Broad spectrum CBD has cannabinoids including terpenes and essential oils. Some individuals in the CBD industry believe that certain terpenes, which are a naturally occurring part of the plant, can aid relaxation or even promote focus. However, the medical community must conduct more research to validate these hypotheses.

Full Spectrum CBD is extracted from the HEMP plant, and contains all of the cannabinoids present in broad spectrum CBD, plus trace amounts of THC. Full spectrum CBD is the type that individuals report feeling sedative effects and it is not legal to sell in all states.

CBD Isolate

Still, there are more forms of CBD available to consumers. And we’re not talking the types of products you can purchase. There are a wide range of products out there with CBD that you wouldn’t expect, ranging from clothing to coffee. We’re talking about the type of extraction process used to make the product.

CBD isolate is CBD in its most pure form. It contains no terpenes, no essential oils, and no THC. It is CBD and CBD only, and manufacturers use a CO2 extraction process to create the product. It is made from the hemp plant, though, so while it is nearly 100% CBD, it may not be as effective as broad or full spectrum CBD products.

The Amounts of CBD per Product

Now that you know the different forms of CBD–full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate, as well as which are made from hemp and marijuana plants, it’s time to take a deeper dive.

The amounts of CBD in the products you’re buying matters as well. CBD works like many other supplements (though it is not a medication, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease). The dose you need depends on your body weight, medications or supplements you take, and what you are using it for. To date, there are no known overdoses on CBD, though there are negative side effects to be aware of.

Determining the Correct Dose

Since CBD products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, there are no strict guidelines that dictate how many milligrams a person should take. It is important to note that since CBD is designated as a supplement, it is only evaluated by the FDA for safety and not for efficacy.

Reviews state that humans may consume anywhere from 20mg to 1,500mg a day. Before choosing your own dose, speak with your treating physician to see if they advise you start a CBD regimen and how many milligrams to try first.

Experts generally recommend that individuals start on the low end of the dosing spectrum, at 20mg to 40mg per day to assess whether the dose improves symptoms. You should never take more CBD than is necessary for any condition you are looking to address with CBD.

A Note from GR8NESS

Here at GR8NESS, we provide a source of information. Please note that we are not medical professionals and before you start taking CBD you must consult with your doctor. There are still many things that the medical community does not know regarding CBD.

If you have additional questions regarding CBD, its side effects, or its uses, let us know. We continuously provide content that aligns with our readers’ interests and seek to answer all of your questions as best we can.

Additionally, if your doctor gives you the clear to give CBD a try, read up on things to look for when buying your first CBD product, along with what you need to know before you make a CBD purchase.