4 Things You Need To Know When Starting Your CBD Journey
1. Make sure your CBD products are from a reputable source
When choosing a CBD product, it is important to buy from a reputable company with transparency in their quality and compliance standards. The most important things to look for in a CBD product or CBD company are quality, compliance, and efficacy.
Quality – The best products are made from high-quality hemp, a specific species of the cannabis plant. Additionally, the company should have complete transparency on all supportive ingredients (if any) incorporated in the CBD products they sell, so you know exactly what you are putting into your body.
Compliance – Reputable CBD companies complete analytical testing of all products with an independent 3rd party laboratory. You should be able to easily find the lab reports for the CBD products you are purchasing.
Efficacy – CBD products that contain high-quality hemp oil with high concentrations of active cannabinoids will be more effective than cheap, generic “CBD” oils. Look for products that contain varied cannabinoids (CBD, CBN, CBDA, CBG, CBC), as they may offer greater experiential benefits, which is also known as the “entourage effect.”
2. Establish a CBD routine
Everybody is different and has a unique biology that results in a different reaction to CBD. Some might have immediate effects, while others notice they need more time to experience the full benefits of CBD.
People have been using CBD for over 50 years and there is an abundance of anecdotal evidence of CBD’s health benefits. People who have tried CBD often report it helped diminish their pain and anxiety, helped them sleep better, and provided them with a calm, relaxed, and overall positive feeling.
Taking a daily dose can help sustain a level of CBD in your body, which may help stimulate your endocannabinoid system to make more reactive to cannabinoids like CBD. Establishing a daily routine incorporating CBD in your day-to-day life can help to keep you on track with your intake.
3. Try different CBD delivery methods to see what works best for you
Choosing a CBD product is an individual decision based on your personal preferences. Some people prefer infusing their CBD in smoothies and teas, other enjoy edibles such as gummies or capsules. The benefits are the same, the only difference is the delivery method.
Capsules – CBD capsules provide a simple, convenient way to take CBD. They come in a variety of forms, such as gel caps or pills, and can be with or without supportive ingredients.
Tinctures – A common form of CBD, which is taken orally or subliminally by dispensing a dropper of CBD oil on or under your tongue. Some tinctures contain flavors to enhance the experience, and can be blended into drinks for easy ingestion. There are also flavorless tinctures and water soluble versions.
Topicals – Creams, lotions and roll-ons infused with CBD are absorbed through the skin and can be applied directly to an affected area. Topicals are a good choice for those who do not want to ingest CBD, but want relief from aches and pains.
Gummies – CBD edibles come in a multitude of forms, and gummies are by far the most popular. Gummies are offered in different CBD strengths and flavors and provide a simple, tasty way to take CBD. There a wide-range of flavors available, as well as varieties including sugar free, gluten-free, and vegan.
Vapes – CBD vaping is quite widespread. To use, vape oil is added to a vaporizer and inhaled. You can also purchase pre-filled vape cartridges which are inserted into a vaporizer. However, not everyone is inclined to inhale CBD, and there are plenty of alternative forms available that provide the same benefits.
4. Find your optimal CBD dose
Many people don’t know where to begin when it comes to CBD dosage needs. The best way is to start by determining what your CBD goals are, and slowly work your way towards them by testing different forms of CBD and their respective dosages. The rule of thumb is to start small, then work your way up until you are happy with the effects you are feeling.
Capsules or Gummies – CBD that comes in these forms are pre-measured so you can take the same amount of CBD every time. You can also work your way up to a daily amount that is beneficial to your needs.
Tinctures – CBD tinctures come in different strengths, usually noted clearly on the bottle. Using a measured dropper you can control the amount you take.
Topicals – Dosing with topicals is generally less accurate. Skin receptors usually have a low absorption rate, so creams can take up to an hour and a half for peak effectiveness and should be used abundantly.
Vapes – CBD vape oil provides the fastest method to getting CBD into your system. Vaping allows cannabidiol to enter your bloodstream quickly through the lungs, and you can begin to feel effects within 15 minutes. However, CBD will also leave your system faster than if you consume it through an edible.
