CBD Buyer’s Guide
The Essential Guide to Buying & Using CBD CBD is getting a lot of buzz these days. Like anything new (with limited research behind it), some claims about its medicinal properties are fact and some are fiction. To help answer questions you may have, we’ve curated essential information to help you select CBD products that can truly bring relief from a range of common health problems. • What is CBD • The Benefits of CBD • Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil vs. Cannabis Oil • Which Way of Taking CBD Is Best? • Side Effects & Precautions • Insider CBD Buying Tips
What Is CBD? And What Does It Do? In this article: • CBD background • CBD, THC and other cannabinoids • The rise in popularity of CBD products • Purchasing high-quality CBD products • Summing it up: What is CBD? CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of more than 100 cannabinoids found in marijuana and hemp plants. Cannabinoids are natural compounds unique to plants in the cannabis family. While THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is known for its psychoactive effect, CBD effects are known to be relaxing and soothing. Hemp-derived CBD is also known for its ability to reduce bodily discomfort.
CBD Background CBD is the hottest ingredient in the natural products industry today, with everyone from celebrities to athletes singing its praises. And Americans from all walks of life and in all age groups are jumping on the CBD bandwagon. According to a Consumer Reports survey of more than 4,000 Americans, more than one-quarter have tried CBD, including 40% of people in their 20s, and 15 percent of people 60 and older. Furthermore, one in seven of those who said they had tried CBD indicated that they used it every day. That number will only grow — especially now that consumers are realizing the longstanding stigma attached to marijuana should not apply to CBD. 3
CBD, THC and Other Cannabinoids The hemp plant contains more than 450 known chemical compounds, at least 113 of which are classified as “cannabinoids.” Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that act upon cannabinoid receptors within our bodies. The cannabinoids in cannabis are commonly referred to as “phytocannabinoids” (“phyto” means plant). The most prevalent cannabinoid in hemp is a cannabinoid called “cannabidiol,” popularly known as “CBD.” CBD accounts for about 40% of the hemp plant’s extract. The fact that CBD has limited side effects and poses an extremely low risk of addiction has added to its rising popularity. The most notorious cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana. However, this is not an issue with CBD oil made from the hemp plant because, by law, it must contain less than 0.3 percent of THC, which is not enough to get you high. Some of the other cannabinoids in hemp are: • Cannabigerol (CBG) • Cannabinol (CBN) • Cannabichromene (CBC) • Cannabicyclol (CBL) • Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) • Cannabidivarin (CBDV) CBD and other cannabinoids work with the endocannabinoid system within the body to produce many health benefits, which are currently being investigated around the world.
The Rise in Popularity of CBD Products One reason CBD is suddenly so popular is due to the passage of the 2018 United States Farm Bill, which legalized CBD derived from the hemp plant. CBD that comes from hemp plants that contain at least 0.3% or more THC, remains illegal under the Controlled Substance Act because it’s still classified as a Schedule 1 drug. It’s available only in states that have legalized marijuana for recreational and/or medical use. The impetus for the farm bill was a growing recognition of the role that CBD could play in human wellness. The fact that CBD has limited side effects and poses an extremely low risk of addiction has added to its rising popularity. A recent study by market research firm High Yield Insights revealed 40 percent of U.S. adults over the age of 21 are interested in trying CBD. This aligns with the Brightfield Group’s prediction stating that by 2022, the hemp-based CBD market will grow to $22 billion (up from $327 million in 2017). That’s an astounding 6,628 percent increase in five short years. Growth like this only happens if a product generates a healthy word-of-mouth buzz by delivering solid results.
Purchasing High-Quality CBD Products Knowing how and where to purchase your CBD oil products will prevent disappointment over the quality and value. Ensure that your CBD company posts its their third-party testing information; see our certificates of analysis and Label Accuracy Guarantee™ to learn more and stay informed. 4
Summing It Up: What Is CBD and What Does It Do? CBD stands for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant. It is used to produce CBD oil products, such as a CBD gummies or CBD tablets. While this cannabis compound has a wide range of health benefits, consumers should be aware of their CBD product’s quality and label accuracy. Read Full Article
The Benefits of Hemp-Based CBD Because more research is needed, many of the benefits of CBD products either can’t be confirmed or aren’t known yet. Without definitive proof, making specific health claims about any product is never a good idea. But here’s what we can tell you: CBD oil is used by many people because they feel it contributes to their general wellness, health and vitality. And that’s really what it’s all about, isn’t it? Ralph Waldo Emerson summed it up nicely when he said, “the first wealth is health.” That said, CBD is not a cure-all; it won’t perform miracles. But all signs indicate it has great potential for improving overall health. 5
Hemp vs. Marijuana-Based CBD Oil Before you buy a CBD product, it’s important to understand the differences between hemp-based CBD and marijuana-based CBD. Legally, hemp must contain less than 0.3 percent THC, so you can be assured that hemp-based CBD oil will not get you high. The low THC level in hemp-based CBD is also the reason it’s more acceptable in the eyes of the law. If you get caught transporting marijuana-based CBD oil from a state where it is legal to a state where it is not, you could be charged with drug trafficking. Marijuana-based CBD oil is mostly sold in medical or recreational dispensaries. (Some medical professionals claim that for certain medical issues, marijuana-based CBD oil is more effective, which is why you should also consult with your doctor or a cannabis-aware health practitioner before trying CBD.) Hemp-based CBD oil is legal and can be purchased online and shipped to all 50 states (from within the United States). In addition to general wellness, health and vitality, people buy CBD oil because it provides them with the following benefits: 1. CBD provides sleep support. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), insufficient sleep is a public health epidemic. In the United States, 70% of adults report that at least once a month they get insufficient sleep, while 11% of Americans report insufficient sleep every night. If you consistently do not get enough sleep, you put yourself at risk for such maladies as high blood pressure, weight gain and heart disease, and you may have problems concentrating and remembering things. For many people, CBD provides a more restful sleep. 2. CBD helps with stiff joints and muscles. Time can take its toll on our muscles, joints and bones. Stiff joints are a fact of life for many. And, young or old, after a workout your joints can feel stiff and uncomfortable. CBD is known to provide immediate relief of joint and muscle discomfort. 3. CBD contributes to stress management. In April 2019, The New York Times reported that, according to a Gallup poll, Americans are feeling stress, anger and worry at the highest levels in a decade. As many as 55 percent of adults said they experienced stress “a lot of the day.” (Globally the figure was 35 percent.) If you want relief from stress, CBD might be the ideal antidote. It’s known to relieve tension, nervousness and stress, and may help you remain calm in difficult situations. 4. CBD provides blood pressure support. According to the CDC, 29% of Americans suffer from high blood pressure. Eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and abstaining from alcohol and cigarettes are ways to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. Studies have shown that CBD may also lower blood pressure and benefit heart health
Hemp Benefits Both You and the Planet When you take hemp-based CBD, you’re not only supporting your overall health but the overall health of the planet.
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CBD is non-addictive, it doesn’t get you high and it has limited side effects. It’s something that was not lost on American industrialist Henry Ford, who is quoted as saying: “Why use up the forests which were centuries in the making and mines which required ages to lay down, if we can get the equivalent forest and mineral products in the annual growth of the hemp fields.” Ford even made a car out of hemp. Hemp has many benefits that impact both you and the planet, such as: 1. Hemp is a multipurpose, eco-friendly plant. None of the plant goes to waste. Hemp seeds are used to make hemp oil (also called hemp seed oil). Hemp is used in shampoos, soaps, beauty products and as a food supplement. It’s also used as a base for paint and plastic instead of petroleum (among other uses). 2. Hemp is good for climate change. For every tonne (2,204.6 pounds) of hemp produced, 1.63 tonnes of carbon is removed from the air, which is even more carbon than is removed by trees. 3. Hemp supports sustainable farming. Hemp grows within four months of being planted and allows for regular crop rotation, which maintains and conserves nutrients, controls pests and protects against erosion. 4. Hemp doesn’t require pesticides or herbicides to grow. A great way to reduce the number of toxins and pollutants in the air and water is to grow more hemp. Other benefits of hemp-based CBD oil are that it’s non-addictive, it doesn’t get you high and it has limited side effects. Thomas Jefferson reportedly once said that “Hemp is one of the greatest, most important substances in our nation.” Fellow former President John Adams also chimed in: “We shall, by and by, want a world of hemp more for our own consumption.” Thankfully, the “cannabis stereotype” is fading and people are once again recognizing hemp for the extraordinary multi-use plant that it is, and the impact it can have on their overall health and well-being. Read Full Article
11/14/20
I had trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep. The 750 oil has really helped me to get more sleep, but I still wake up refreshed and ready to be active in the mornings. Also, it is much less expensive. – Anne P.
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Hemp Seed Oil vs CBD Oil vs. Cannabis Oil There’s a lot of confusion around the terms “hemp seed oil,” “CBD oil” (also called CBD extract oil) and “cannabis oil.” This is partly because these oils come from different parts of the hemp plant, or from plants containing different amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical that produces a high. But they are all used for very different purposes.
Hemp Seed Oil Hemp seed oil is made from the seeds of hemp grown for industrial purposes. Hemp seeds may contain trace amounts of THC, CBD or other phytocannabinoids. Hemp seeds are rich in plant-based proteins, which are lower in calories and fat and higher in fiber and essential nutrients than animal-based proteins. The seeds contain Vitamin E and minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, calcium, iron and zinc, plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which lower cholesterol levels and increase metabolism (among other health benefits).
The easiest way to verify if a product is hemp seed oil, CBD oil or cannabis oil is to check the label for the percentage of THC it contains. Studies have shown that topically applied hemp seed oil helps treat skin conditions. People also use it as a natural skin moisturizer. Hemp seed oil can be added to food as a vitamin supplement and as a replacement for olive oil in salads. It’s used in shampoos and soaps and as a replacement 8
for petroleum in plastics and paints. That said, if your reason for trying a hemp-based oil is primarily for health reasons, CBD oil is the better option as it can provide greater medicinal benefits.
CBD Oil Most CBD oil is made from the stalks, stems, and flowers of the hemp cannabis plant. By law, CBD must be extracted from hemp plants containing less than 0.3% THC., which won’t get you high. It is then diluted with a carrier oil like MCT or coconut oil. Premium oils like Zebra CBD use only the plant’s aerial parts (flowers) but not the stalks, stems or leaves as oils from stalks and stems will not product the same benefits. CBD Oil contains phytocannabinoids, including CBD and THC. CBD oil is what you want for immediate relief from common health issues, including muscle and joint discomfort, mood and sleep disorders, stress, tension and blood pressure support. Many active people and athletes have incorporated the use CBD roll-ons, oil or tablets daily to promote an overall healthier lifestyle. One way to determine if you’re buying CBD oil or hemp seed oil is by the price: Hemp seed oil is less expensive than CBD oil — typically about $15 a bottle on average. But the best way is to check the ingredients list. Some ingredients you should look for on a CBD oil label include cannabidiol (CBD), full-spectrum hemp, hemp oil, hemp extract blend or full-spectrum flower oil. Hemp seed oil will have this listed as its only ingredient.
Cannabis Oil Cannabis oil is extracted from cannabis plants containing 0.3% or more THC. The extract usually contains both CBD and THC, with the typical THC percentage in the extract at around 50%, but sometimes as high as 75%. Cannabis oil and CBD oil also differ when it comes to side effects. While CBD oil is generally well tolerated by most people, potential side effects of cannabis oil include diarrhea, tiredness, and changes in appetite. Hemp oil and CBD oil are legally available for purchase across the United States. Because of the legal issues surrounding THC, cannabis oil is generally available only in states that have legalized marijuana for medicinal and/or recreational use. The easiest way to verify if a product is hemp seed oil, CBD oil or cannabis oil is to check the label for the percentage of THC it contains. If it’s 0.3% or more THC, it’s cannabis oil. CBD oil is more available (and more popular) because it is now legal across the United States, does not get the user high and is generally well-tolerated. Cannabis oil has medicinal benefits as well, but it can be difficult to obtain unless you live in a state where it’s legal, or you have a medical marijuana card. It will get you high. Before you purchase CBD oil, always confirm the ingredient list on the label matches up with the oil you want and you’ll never be disappointed. Read Full Article
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Which Way of Taking CBD Is Best For You? If you’re looking to try CBD to get relief from everyday stressors, support the quality of your sleep cycles, experience improved recovery from exercise, have a calmer and more focused life or simply for general wellness, CBD products may be for you. When it comes to the best CBD delivery method, it depends on your health and wellness goals, how quickly you’d like to feel relief and which is most convenient for you.
Ingesting CBD Under Your Tongue One of the most effective methods of taking CBD is to place CBD oil or easy-dissolve tablets sublingually, or under the tongue. The CBD enters the bloodstream through the mucous membranes, which is a faster delivery method than ingestion of capsules or edibles. Form: Oils, tinctures, mints, easy-dissolve tablets. A tincture is a concentrated CBD extract created using an extraction process that separates CBD oil from the aerial plant parts (flowers) to make the highest quality CBD oil. Tinctures are usually diluted in a carrier oil such as MCT, coconut, hemp seed oil, olive oil or avocado oil to facilitate faster absorption in the body.
08/30/20
The mints are so convenient. I leave them in my car in case I forget to take my CBD before leaving the house. They certainly help with the anxiety and stress of driving. They also taste pretty good! – Sam B.
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The oil is not swallowed immediately; it is placed beneath the tongue for at least one minute (maximum five minutes) to allow it to be absorbed. The benefit of taking CBD sublingually is that the phytonutrients, essential fatty acids, flavonoids and antioxidants it contains bypass the digestive system and liver. They travel directly into the bloodstream, which provides a more immediate effect.
CBD Tablets Easy-dissolve CBD tablets are a quick way to get your daily dose. The tablet begins dissolving immediately after you put it under your tongue. Timeframe to feel effects: 15 minutes to 60 minutes Duration of effects: Four to six hours Bioavailability : In lipid solution, >90%; in nonlipid solution (water), 6%-20% 1
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Edibles This type of intake is the most popular. It’s easy to do and you feel the effects quickly. Edibles are a popular way to administer CBD. Edible CBD foods and snacks come in various shapes and sizes, from gummy bears and mints to beverages, to adding CBD oil to smoothies or your favorite recipes. Even Coca-Cola has announced plans to create a CBD-infused drink. Because CBD must pass through both the digestive system and the liver, ingesting edibles is one of the slowest ways to experience the effects of CBD. However, your body will absorb more cannabinoids if you eat edibles on an empty stomach; this will reduce the time it takes for the CBD to make its way through the digestive tract and be broken down by the liver. Edibles are ideal for dealing with stress, pain relief, inflammation and general wellness. Form: Edibles, capsules Timeframe to feel effects: 30 minutes to two hours Duration of effects: Six to eight hours Bioavailability: 6-19% After tinctures, edibles are the second most popular way to take CBD. There are two types of edibles: 1) Manufactured edibles; and 2) homemade edibles, where you add CBD to your own food or drinks.
Ingesting CBD oil in Capsule Form CBD oil also comes in capsule form. Like edibles, capsules release CBD more slowly because they must be absorbed through the digestive tract. Besides being convenient to carry with you, they also offer consistency in dosing. Softgel capsules can soften and melt during shipping, so keep this in mind if your product will be delivered to a warm climate. A better choice would be an easy-dissolve tablet or CBD hemp oil. Timeframe to feel effects: 30 minutes Duration of effects: About 6 hours Bioavailability: About 6-19%
Applying CBD-Infused Topicals Topical CBD is applied to the skin for localized muscle soreness. This is an ideal delivery method for relief of tight muscles and stiff joints, as well as for skin care. Because topical CBD bypasses the digestive tract and liver, the effect can be felt much more quickly. These products are excellent for muscle and joint discomfort, and may relieve dryness, puffiness and itchy skin. Form: Salve, balm, body creams, body moisturizers, body butter, face creams, facial oils, pain relief roll-ons, ointments, soaps, bath salts. Timeframe to feel effects: 60 to 90 minutes
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Duration of effects: Up to 6 hours Bioavailability: About 45%
Transdermal Application Transdermal CBD adhesive patches applied to the skin release small amounts of CBD into your bloodstream over a long period of time. They tend to be more costly than other alternatives but can provide excellent relief. Form: Patch or gel. Timeframe to feel effects: 15 minutes Duration of effects: Patch, 12 hours; gel, four hours Bioavailability: 34-46%
Inhalation By Smoking or Vaping Smoking low-THC, high-CBD bud is the fastest way to feel the effects of CBD (it enters your lungs and then goes rapidly into your bloodstream). Vaping has a similar effect to smoking without the harmful byproducts of smoking. Format: Smoke, vaporize Timeframe to feel effects: Immediate. Effects last: Two to four hours Bioavailability: 10 to 35% Inhalation method: Smoking, vaping One of the benefits of smoking is that you feel the effects immediately. But as with anything you smoke, it can be harsh on the throat and lungs. Plus, secondhand CBD low-THC, high CBD bud smoke contains many of the same cancer-causing compounds and toxic chemicals that secondhand tobacco smoke contains. Research is lacking on risks involved with vaping. Until the science catches up to the market, look for vape cartridges that are solvent-free (i.e., no potentially harmful additives such as propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol). Form: Inhalation by vaping. A vaporizer heats and releases CBD oil in a fine mist, which is inhaled. Timeframe to feel effects: Immediate. Ideal for treating tension quickly.
Suppositories Suppositories have been used for centuries to deliver medication. The medication makes its way into the bloodstream but bypasses the stomach and liver. This is a good option if oral intake is restricted, and is often recommended for cramps and pain relief.
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Form: Rectal and vaginal suppository Timeframe to feel effects: 10 to 20 minutes Duration of effects: Five hours or more Bioavailability: Approximately twice that of oral intake While the oral mucosal delivery method is the most popular method for taking CBD, it bears repeating that the best method for you could vary depending upon the ailment you’re attempting to relieve (and other factors). Bioavailability is the proportion of a drug or substance that enters your circulation and has an active effect on the body.
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CBD Insider Buying Tips You’ve made up your mind: You’re going to try CBD oil and see firsthand what all the fuss is about. You Google “CBD” and quickly become befuddled by all the confusing information available on the topic… What type of CBD products are best for me? How do I know that I’m getting value for my money? Is the company reputable? 14
All good questions. To help you answer them, here are six questions to help guide your research when shopping for CBD products: 1. Is the CBD product full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, isolate or a distillate blend? The most popular type of hemp CBD oil is full-spectrum. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains CBD (cannabidiol), less than 0.3 percent THC (the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis), plus many other cannabinoids such as CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol)), CBC (cannabichromene) and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid). With full-spectrum CBD, you get what’s known as the “entourage effect”: a synergistic interaction of multiple cannabinoids that produces greater therapeutic benefits. Broad-spectrum oil is ... ideal for people who don’t want to ingest THC, but still want to benefit from the entourage effect. CBD isolate is pure CBD. It contains no other cannabinoids, which means you don’t benefit from the “entourage effect”. Without the other cannabinoids, your dosage of CBD isolate must be very specific to get the desired effect. Because of this challenge, most consumers prefer full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD oil. A CBD distillate blend (full spectrum + CBD distillate) is ideal for people who want extra CBD in each dose but still want to benefit from the entourage effect. Many companies blend the distillate with full-spectrum to create a premium oil with an increased percentage of CBD that looks more appealing and has a smoother taste.
Broad-spectrum oil is similar to full-spectrum, but with no THC included. It’s ideal for people who don’t want to ingest THC, but still want to benefit from the entourage effect. 1. Does the company post third party testing information on its website? A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is issued by a third-party testing facility. It will tell you whether the CBD product is free of pesticides, mold, bacteria and heavy metals. Plus, it will give you the breakdown of the cannabinoids in the product. Somewhere on the CoA, it should indicate that the test lab is in compliance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). If that information is not included, contact the company and ask them what accreditation service they use. If they don’t have a current CoA for each product, you might want to consider a different brand. 2. How is the CBD is manufactured? The most popular extraction methods for removing CBD from the hemp plant are ethanol extraction and supercritical CO2 extraction — both tried and true methods. Some companies use toxic solvents such as propane, hexane, pentane and butane in the extraction process to cut costs. Although the goal is to remove these solvents from the CBD after extraction, sometimes traces remain that could be hazardous to your health. This is why it’s important to check the company’s CoA. 3. Where did the hemp come from? CBD manufacturers in Colorado, Kentucky, Northern California and Oregon tend to be more experienced growers. Plus, they’re generally known to have higher quality-control standards and are more likely to use organic farming methods. Products that use hemp produced outside the United States do not have to take part in 15
state or federal testing, which means they may not be following the FDA’s standards for manufacturing. 4. Is the dosage clearly listed on the label? Key features of a CBD oil label include the number of milligrams of active CBD per serving, bottle size, serving size, batch number or lot code, expiration or best used by date and suggested use. The label should also have a clear indication of the type of CBD product it is whether it is full spectrum, broad spectrum, isolate, or blend. For example, our CBD tablets are clearly labeled with 25 mg of premium hemp extract CBD oil and each tablet’s active natural ingredients. It’s important to know exactly how much CBD per dose is included so you can gauge the dosage that will give you the greatest benefit. Other information to look for on the label is the supplement facts panel which lists additional ingredients and the amounts per serving.. It is now required in most states that the label also include a statement claiming the product contains less than 0.3 percent THC. 5. Is the CBD company trustworthy? You should shy away from a company that makes specific medical or disease claims. Specific medical claims are allowed only for prescription medications that have been fully tested by the FDA. If a company is violating FDA rules regarding product claims, there’s a good chance they are just in it to make a quick buck and may also be ignoring other rules and procedures that could impact the quality of their CBD. If you take the time to ask the right questions, you’ll never be disappointed by the quality and value of CBD you buy.
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10/09/20
I’ve been experimenting with CBD oils for about 3 yrs and this is by far, the most effective and no more expensive than others I’ve tried In the past I always had stomach problems the first few weeks. Not with this. Not at all. I have almost NO low back pain and I’m sleeping much better. Thank you very much!! – Penny D.
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