How to Navigate the CBD Marketplace
CBD seems to be the talk of the town, but what is it at its core and how do you make sure you are getting products that actually work? We have you covered in this article, from understanding what CBD is to how to spot a quality product in the marketplace. More and more people every day are turning to CBD as a natural remedy for various issues ranging from daily anxiety to helping individuals get a better night’s rest. With this increase in demand the marketplace has been flooded with misinformation and subpar products. We are here to clear things up a little and help you understand CBD just a little clearer.
What is CBD?
CBD, stands for Cannabidiol and is one of over 100 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant family. Unlike, its notorious cousin THC, CBD does not give users an intoxicating experience. Instead, users are able to experience the incredible medicinal value from the cannabis plant family without any psychoactive side effects.
Our bodies naturally have an endocannabinoids system, which has CB1 and CB2 receptors which bind to CBD when consumed and create balance in your body. Think about it as car engine, CB1 and CB2 are the gears and CBD is the oil needed to keep the gears and engine running in top peak shape.
Where Do I Start?
Before committing to a specific CBD brand or product, you must first ask yourself what do I want CBD to achieve and what can I expect? Setting expectations according is very importantwhen it comes to CBD. Oftentimes when taking CBD it is not about what you feel, but more about what you don’t feel anymore.
There are various product options in the marketplace, so you also must understand what each does, prior to choosing the right product for you. Products range from oil tinctures, gummies, topical products, capsules, and various other products. Below you will find a brief explanation and when it would be best to use the specific type of product mentioned.
CBD Oil Tinctures – These oil drops are meant to be taken sub-lingual and are arguably the most popular CBD products in the marketplace. They vary in strengths and flavors and oftentimes contain other medicinally beneficial ingredients. This type of product is great for internal issues or just daily maintenance.
CBD gummies – Just as they sound, these edibles have CBD in them. We urge customers to always look for CBD edibles that are infused, never dipped sprayed or coated as these type of products can have inconsistent dosages. You can find CBD gummies in various forms from peach rings to gummy bears and some of your favorite candies.
CBD Topical Products – These type of products are best for external issues such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and various others. CBD topical products are amazing because you are able to apply the CBD to the areas of discomfort, which gives you superior targeted relief compared to every other type of method used.
CBD Capsules – This type of CBD product can have higher absorption rates compared to other types of CBD products if you choose the right brand. When it comes to CBD capsules they can also come with additional medicinal benefits if the CBD is combined with curcumin or melatonin.
CBD is not a one-size fits all model, so sometimes you have to test out a couple of products until you find one that you are completely satisfied with. Now that you know more about the different types of CBD products, let’s dive into navigating the marketplace and weeding out the good and bad products in the CBD space.
What to Look for in The CBD Industry
USA Grown Hemp – We urge customers to always look for the origin of the hemp used in their CBD products. CBD that is made with hemp grown and extracted in the USA is subject to stricter cultivation standards. There are some companies in the industry that cut corners and source their hemp overseas. Hemp grown overseas oftentimes is grown on soil that is compromised with pesticides and heavy metals. These type of harmful substances do not belong anywhere near your CBD products.
Traceability – You want to look for companies that have full traceability from seed to sale to ensure you are getting potent and safe products. Having full traceability means that you should be able to link a batch number on the product to a batch number on third party test results to ensure what is on the label is what is in the bottle.
Third Party Laboratory Tested – All CBD products you consume should be third aprty laboratory tested to ensure you are getting the right potency and purity in each and every product. Not only should they be tested, but also you want to make sure they are up to date and within 18 months of the current date.
We hope this article helps you find the perfect way to incorporate CBD into your daily wellness routine!
