So you’ve decided you want to try CBD but not exactly sure where to start? Don’t worry, you are certainly not alone. Uncertainty about which brand or product to buy is the number one question we get from our readers.
With the ever growing number of CBD brands and products on the market, knowing which are legit can often be overwhelming and complicated. Additionally, with the recent reports that some CBD products do not actually contain their advertised amount of CBD, or worse, contain other harmful ingredients, making an educated decision about which CBD product to use is even more vital.
After reviewing many brands and product forms, we’ve compiled our list of the best CBD oil and products for beginners looking to begin their CBD journey.
Try a full-spectrum CBD oil
CBD oil, taken from a tincture, is probably the most recognized means of using CBD. Usually the oil is placed under the tongue and the CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream sublingually. Depending on the dosage taken, effects will usually be felt within 15-20 minutes and last several several hours afterwards.
We always prefer and recommend a good full-spectrum CBD oil. Full spectrum CBD, or sometimes referred to as whole plant CBD, contains all the elements of the original plant source. Full-spectrum CBD includes all of the cannabinoids, plant terpenes, vitamins, and minerals of the hemp plant, including the trace amounts of THC.
Using a full spectrum oil allows you to take full advantage of all the beneficial properties of the plant working in concert together for maximum effect. This concept is often referred to as the “entourage effect.”
However, if you are worried about THC levels and want something with 0% THC, a broad-spectrum (No THC, but all plant compounds and cannabinoids still present) or CBD isolate product (No THC and all plant compounds and cannabinoids removed) is effective as well.
Our Top Picks: CBD Pure full-spectrum oil, AVIDA broad-spectrum CBD oil, Charlotte’s Web CBD Isolate
Use a CBD topical cream
One other product type to consider is a CBD topical. Topicals often come in lotions, creams or salves and are directly adminstered to a target area of skin on the body. They are commonly used among those with bone and joint pain, or those who suffer from nagging muscle aches or strains. Typically, topicals provide immediate pain relief, however they are unique and different than other forms of taking CBD in that the cannabidiol does not enter the bloodstream.
When you apply a CBD topical, the CBD engages the endocannabinoid receptors in your skin and absorbs its anti-inflammatory properties, allowing the CBD to soothe pain or even help with other skin conditions such as acne or eczema on the targeted areas.
Our Top Picks: CBDMEDIC topical creams, CBD Pure cream
Consider an oral CBD spray
Oral sprays are a convenient and discreet method of using CBD. Similar to a traditional CBD tincture, an oral spray will deliver the CBD sublingually and its effects will be felt within 15-20 minutes, if not sooner. Some higher potency sprays take advantage of atomized, nano CBD particles to maximize bioavailability of the product so that effects can be felt quicker,.
The main advantages of oral CBD sprays are their small size and portability, as well as ease of use in taking your dose. You don’t have to worry about measuring out dosage with a dropper . All you have to do is spray one or two pumps under your tongue or onto the inside of your cheeks, depending on the dosage you’re taking.
Our Top Picks: SWIFT CBD oral spray, PlusCBD oil spray
Use a CBD transdermal patch for multi-day relief
CBD patches offer many unique benefits over other forms of delivering CBD. However, the main advantage of using a CBD patch is that it delivers a longer, more sustained dosage of CBD that can last up to 3 days.
What really makes transdermal patches the most underrated player in the CBD game is that due to its placement on your body, the CBD will reach the targeted areas more quickly and at a more effective dosage because it is not interrupted by the lungs, stomach, or liver which typically breakdown components of CBD.
Additionally, patches are discreet and barely noticeable and can be worn underneath clothing which means you won’t have to take a break from your normal routine to take an oil or apply a lotion to an inflamed area.
Our Top Picks: Pure Ratios CBD Patch, Specktra CBD Patch
Try a tasty CBD gummie
Gummies contain a pre-measured amount of CBD which makes it easier to regulate your dosage without the need for tincture droppers. They can be easily taken with you and used whenever you need a dose of CBD.
However, keep in mind that CBD when taken as a gummy or edible will take longer for the effects to be felt. This is because the CBD must first pass through the body’s digestive system before being absorbed in the bloodstream. Additionally, you may also need to eat more gummies to get the maximum, desired effect since less of the CBD in a gummie will be actually be absorbed.
That said, the duration of the effect by taking CBD in a gummy or edible will last longer when compared to some other ways of using CBD, such as by vaping.
You’ll find no shortage of CBD gummies in all types and flavors imaginable. They are definately one of the more popular ways of taking CBD since they satisfy your sweet tooth and taste good.
Our Top Picks: Charlottes Web CBD gummies, JustCBD gummies
Finding the right brand
New brands and companies selling CBD products seemingly pop up overnight. There’s alot of competition for your hard earned money and making sure you choose the right company or brand is crucial to your overall success with using CBD,
Foremost, the most important aspect of choosing the right company/brand is doing your own research. Make sure to thorougly educate yourself about a company and the processes used to make their products. Look for companies and brands that are transparent about how they produce their CBD, from farm to extraction.
You will want to look for companies that use best practices in cultivating their hemp and ensuring that no metals or contaminants are in the soil or plant before it is used for CBD extraction. You also want to choose a brand that makes products with as little additional ingredients as possible. For example, CBD oils usually contain cannabidiol and some other carrier oil such as coconut, hemp seed or olive oils to aid with absorbtion. Be mindful of CBD oils that contain other additives or ingredients as they may diminish the purity and effectiveness of the CBD.
Another very important consideration is a product’s COA or certificate of analysis. Any reputable company should make available a COA for the CBD product they are selling. A COA is simply an official document from a licensed quality assurance organization that confirms a specific product meets the actual product specification being advertised. In a COA, you will find third-party testing results which reveal the contents of the cannabinoids, terpenes and other tested compounds such as heavy metals or pesticides in the product.
Do not buy a CBD product that does not have a valid and up to date COA readily available on their website for review. At the very least you can use a COA to verify the product you are considering contains actual CBD. Many companies falsely promote their products as containing CBD when in reality they contain hemp seed oil and not cannabidiol. If you are not aware of the differences between hemp seed oil and CBD oil, it’s worth educating yourself.
Lastly, be smart and don’t fall for outlandish marketing claims for any product. CBD is a wonderful thing but it’s not a cure all for everything and every disease. Stay clear of brands or companies that make such promises.
With these tips in mind and a little due diligence on your end you will be successful in finding the right brand and product for your needs.
