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How to Choose CBD Oil: A Comprehensive Guide
Many cannabidiol (CBD) products have hit the market since the Farm Bill legalized hemp in 2018, leaving consumers wondering how to choose CBD oil. Choosing the right CBD oil for you can be difficult with many product options.
These products are not yet regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning we can’t trust all brands to be safe or effective. As the consumer, you need to research to ensure you know what product you’re getting and that it will be safe to consume.
All CBD Oil Isn’t Created Equally
Since the FDA is not regulating CBD oil, there’s a wide variety of options to choose from. With the lack of regulation, you’ll find that some options are far below good standards while others are overselling their product. A bit of research will go a long way in helping you find middle-ground CBD oil products that are safe, effective, and easy to use to see beneficial results.
The Types of CBD Oil to Consider
It’s important to understand that there are different types of CBD, each offering different components and levels of effectiveness. More information on these types of CBD oil is listed below.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is just as the name sounds. This type of CBD oil contains only one hemp extract: CBD. It is beneficial for anyone concerned about having trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or other components of the hemp plants in their products.
CBD isolate can be beneficial by itself, but if it is not combined with other components of the hemp plant that provide additional benefits, you may find it lacking in addressing your specific ailments or needs.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD contains more hemp plant components, such as flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids. These components combine to provide even more beneficial results than CBD isolate. Broad-spectrum CBD oil should also not contain THC, though some minimal trace amounts may be found in some broad-spectrum CBD products.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD oil combines the beneficial components of broad-spectrum CBD while also containing THC in amounts lower than the federally allowed 0.3%.
This minimal amount of THC ensures you don’t experience the psychoactive effects or “high” of THC but instead get a well-blended cannabinoid product that offers maximum benefits, including what some call “the entourage effect,” which ensures you experience those maximum benefits to the fullest.
Understanding the Components of CBD
To better understand how to choose CBD oil that will work for you, it’s important to understand the different components and how they work together to provide the benefits you’re seeking. The headings below break down those components and explain how they work together to create the entourage effect many people hope to experience.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are other components of the cannabis plant in addition to cannabidiol (CBD). These include the health-promoting cannabinoids of cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabichromene (CBC). These cannabinoids work with our body’s natural endocannabinoid system to provide the desired effects of CBD use.
Terpenes
Terpenes give the cannabis plant its scent. Depending on the strain of the plant, these scents and their strengths may differ. Scents can bring back memories in our lives, but they can also provide health benefits, such as one study found with the terpene limonene, which we know as the lemon scent. The terpenes found in the cannabis plant can be used in CBD oil to help provide beneficial effects.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids create beautiful, bright, and vibrant colors in plants, fruits, and flowers. Amazingly, aside from the beauty flavonoids provide, they also offer health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory benefits. When these flavonoids are combined with the other components of the cannabis plant, they help provide maximum benefits CBD oil users are seeking.
The Entourage Effect
The entourage effect is when all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work together to create a more powerful impact. Full-spectrum CBD oil helps you experience this effect because it contains all of these components in the proper combination to offer maximum benefits. With the entourage effect, you experience a higher impact from the benefits provided by CBD oil use than you would simply taking CBD in CBD isolate form.
How to Choose the Best Quality CBD Oil
If you don’t want to get stuck with a dud, you’ll want to research your CBD oil before buying. You can’t always tell that you’re dealing with a low-quality CBD oil until you take a closer look. Make sure you’re prepared before buying.
The Hemp Source
To get the best CBD oil, start with hemp sourced from the best quality soil. The soil quality used to grow any plant will affect the quality of any produce, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, for example, provided by plants. This concept is the same when it comes to hemp plants.
Through extensive research, Spruce has found two family-owned farms, one in Kentucky and one in North Carolina, that offer high-quality hemp plants. They’re both trusted sources with good-quality soil that offer the best CBD oil product you are seeking.
In addition to good quality soil, these farms use a strain of hemp that came to the United States in the War of 1812. This strain is rare and an influential reason why Spruce’s CBD oil works so well.
The Quality of CBD
When hemp is sourced from good quality soil, the risk of containing contaminants like heavy metals and pollutants that would be transferred into the CBD products is lessened. Good quality soil can lead to a more effective product derived from the hemp plant. It also can impact how much THC is in the plant and, therefore, how much could be present in the CBD products.
Knowing where the hemp source is coming from can help you have peace of mind that you are receiving quality CBD that isn’t packed with harmful contaminants that would be detrimental to your health instead of benefiting you.
CBD Concentration
The level of CBD concentration present in the CBD oil will determine how fast the product takes effect, as well as the dosage amount needed to start seeing results. A product with a higher concentration will take fewer drops of oil to cause benefits than one with a lower concentration. If you’re new to CBD, starting with a higher concentration is acceptable. Just be sure to start with a low dose to see how your body responds, and then you can adjust from there.
A higher concentration of CBD will be much more beneficial than a watered-down, lower concentration. While CBD can have a bitter taste, if you water it down with an abundance of artificial flavors and sweeteners, you lose some of the potency that offers higher benefits.
Seeking a more comfortable taste experience can sacrifice the benefits you desire that are more important than how the product tastes. Plus, that bitter taste means those health-benefiting terpenes are at work, and you don’t want to dampen those effects.
THC Less Than 0.3%
When it comes to choosing CBD oil, it is essential to find a product with less than 0.3% THC. Any THC amount higher than this can cause the psychoactive effects or “high” that THC is known for. Also, to be legal federally under the Farm Bill, the hemp plant and CBD product have to contain less than 0.3% THC.
While it’s not common, it’s important to note that this tiny amount of THC may show up on a drug test. So keep this in mind when choosing your CBD oil products and choosing when to take them.
Full-spectrum CBD oil products will contain 0.3% or less of THC. This level of THC is believed to offer the entourage effect without the side effect of feeling “high” or experiencing other psychoactive symptoms.
Other Ingredients on the Label
The best quality CBD oil will have few ingredients on the label. There doesn’t need to be a ton of additional products or additives for CBD to offer benefits. If you find that the ingredient list is quite lengthy, this is a sign that the product is not high-quality. More ingredients could also mean a less potent product, leading to less beneficial results.
Organic vs. Non-Organic Hemp
We know that organic foods are healthier for our bodies and the better choice when shopping at the supermarket. The same goes for organic hemp over non-organic hemp. When buying organic foods or CBD products, you get higher-quality produce and products that contain fewer pesticides, harmful metals, and other contaminants that take away nutrients and can hurt your body.
When you choose organic CBD oil, you reduce your exposure to potentially harmful contaminants and instead provide yourself with a higher-quality, more cannabinoid-rich CBD experience.
The Extraction Method
The extraction method used to create CBD oil also contributes to the potency and quality of the CBD product. There are two main extraction methods: CO2 extraction and alcohol extraction.
In CO2 extraction, the gas carbon dioxide is turned into a liquid form used to dissolve the hemp plant and extract the desired components. Once extracted, those components go through further temperature and pressure processing to create CBD oil, and the carbon dioxide is turned back into gas.
In alcohol extraction, a form of ethanol or moonshine is used to dissolve the hemp plants and separate the desired compounds and components. The leftover alcohol liquid is filtered out, leaving you with the perfect blend of components in the CBD oil.
Though both extraction methods can be beneficial, alcohol extraction is superior since it provides a more potent, higher-quality blend of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that produce the entourage effect when working together.
Third-Party Lab Testing
Quality CBD oil will have gone through third-party lab testing to ensure that what is written on the label is the same as inside the bottle. Ask CBD companies for a certificate of analysis (COA) to confirm they have undergone third-party testing. If a company cannot provide a COA, then that is a sign that the product will be of lower quality and should be avoided.
The Cost
If the products are incredibly cheap, they are too good to be true. On the other hand, being extremely overpriced is also no good. Cheap products will have lower potency, are more likely to lie on their labels, and may not contain any actual CBD oil in the product at all, such as found on Amazon, where it is actually against their policy to sell products containing CBD.
On the other hand, overpriced products may make extravagant or false medical benefit claims. Companies cannot make these claims since the FDA does not regulate CBD.
A middle-ground product will ensure you get quality CBD with beneficial results at a reasonable price. The product will be potent, properly sourced, and claim realistic benefits.
How You Plan to Use the CBD
Consider what ailments you intend to treat or how often you plan to take CBD products when deciding which CBD company and products to go with.
For example, if you’re seeking benefits for anxiety or sleep, you may want to go with a quality CBD tincture form. If you’re seeking help with joint pains, you may want a topical solution, such as a cream or salve, or a combination of oil use and a topical cream.
Choose Your Form of CBD
As mentioned above, the form of CBD you choose will depend on the types of ailments you want to treat. Some forms may be more effective than others, or some may work best when combined with the use of a different form. Understanding the forms of CBD available can help you choose the correct form for your needs.
Tinctures
CBD in tincture form will come in a bottle with a little dropper attached to the lid. You fill the dropper with the desired CBD oil dosage, then place the oil under your tongue and hold it there for one minute before swallowing. This placement of the oil allows it to be absorbed into your bloodstream faster, leading to quicker beneficial results.
Gummies
Some CBD users find it challenging to use CBD in tincture form. If this is the case for you, a great alternative option is CBD gummies. You won’t have as much control over the dosage amounts as in tincture form, but you still receive the beneficial results of CBD use. These beneficial results are especially true if the CBD gummies are made using full-spectrum CBD oil.
Salves
CBD salves are a helpful topical option for joint pain and inflammation ailments. A salve has a slightly different texture than a cream or lotion. They tend to be more oily and have a texture similar to petroleum jelly, though they can be somewhat thicker than the feel of petroleum jelly. They work well on their own, but many CBD users have also found increased beneficial results when combining the use of a CBD salve with CBD in tincture or gummy form.
Creams
CBD creams also provide topical relief with a consistency closer to lotion than petroleum jelly. They offer fast, targeted relief from ailments that can be treated topically. When paired with tinctures or gummies, the relief is even more noticeable. CBD lotions are a final topical form that offers the added benefit of nourishing your skin while also providing the desired targeted relief.
Capsules
If tinctures, topicals, and gummies aren’t appealing, CBD capsules are another way to take CBD. These are in pill form, and you’d swallow them the same way you swallow other medications in pill form. They may take longer to take effect since they won’t get to your bloodstream as directly, and the digestive system will break down some components along the way.
Vapes
A final form of CBD is CBD vapes. This form is potentially dangerous since modern research is finding that vaping, in general, is not suitable for your health. That doesn’t mean the CBD is harmful. Vaping just isn’t the best option as it can cause unwanted and adverse side effects to your health based on the detrimental effects of vaping. There are many better options and forms of CBD to choose from, and it is best to steer clear from any vaping in the best interest of your health.
The Most Potent Form of CBD
The most potent form of CBD is CBD tincture form. This form allows the CBD to enter your bloodstream the fastest when placed under your tongue. Since it doesn’t take as long to enter your bloodstream, the components are less likely to be broken down. Since the components are less broken down, they can affect the endocannabinoid system more effectively, leading to more noticeable and faster results.
Determine Your Best CBD Dosage
If you’re new to CBD, starting with a small dose is the best course of action. This way, you can see how your body reacts. Once you adjust to the small dose, you can go up from there until you feel the full benefits without any adverse side effects.
If the dose is too low, you won’t feel the benefits, so it is essential to increase it eventually. However, starting low is always a good idea while seeing how your body reacts. Choosing a potent and quality product will help you still see benefits even when starting at a lower dose.
Ensure you choose a product line whose label clearly states dosage amounts. This clear labeling will help you know you’re getting a quality and potent product. When you go through the steps to find a quality company, such as Spruce, you’ll know that when they say 2,400 mg as the dosage amount on their bottles, then that is the actual dosage amount you will get. It will be in a high concentration and potent so that you will benefit from your dosage.
Legal Considerations When Choosing CBD Products
Though the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018 federally legalized hemp, each state has different laws on the legality of CBD selling and consumption. There are varying degrees of legality, ranging from being legalized for medical use to being fully legalized for medical and recreational use. Always research the laws of your state before buying and using CBD products.
Safety Considerations When Choosing CBD Products
One way to be safe when determining how to choose CBD oil is to understand the possible adverse side effects you can experience. These can include diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and appetite suppression. You can also experience rare medication interactions. It is not safe to take CBD with some medications.
Always consult with your doctor before starting CBD use to make sure it is safe to take with any medications you’re currently taking. Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid using CBD as not enough research has been done on the effects of CBD in these conditions.
In general, CBD is considered relatively safe. When taking the correct dosage, and not too much, you should experience positive benefits without any adverse side effects. It will always be safest to consult with your doctor before CBD use and during your use so you know that you are getting the best benefits in the healthiest ways.
Spruce: A Brand You Can Trust When Choosing CBD Oil
Not all CBD oil is created equally, and different types of CBD offer various levels of benefits. For the best quality option, finding a company that provides full-spectrum CBD products derived from organic hemp sources in good soil will give you the highest quality CBD oil you deserve.
When extracted using the alcohol extraction method, all components of CBD, such as cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, will be able to work together to offer CBD users the entourage effect, leading to a higher impact of benefits in the body.
You’ll know what’s on the label is true to what’s in the bottle when you receive a certificate of analysis (COA) from a CBD company. A COA also ensures that you are getting the legal amount of 0.3% or less THC in your quality CBD products.
A high-quality CBD brand will offer CBD in many forms so you can find the ones best suited to your needs. Whether tincture, gummy, salve, lotion, or cream form, you’ll find what works best for you and is of the best quality.
Spruce is a brand that you can trust. With many different forms of CBD offered, all created using full-spectrum CBD extracted with the alcohol extraction method; this company has your CBD needs covered. The hemp is sourced from trusted family farms. Providing a reasonably priced, effective, high-quality product is paramount when considering CBD consumers.
Now that you know how to choose CBD oil take a look at Spruce, a brand you can trust to have your best interests in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know What CBD Is Right for Me?
Deciding whether to get CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, or full-spectrum CBD will depend on what ailments you’re looking to treat and if you are in a profession that does random drug testing frequently.
If you need to worry about drug testing, then going with CBD isolate would be your best bet since there is no THC present. If you’re looking for a middle-ground product that shouldn’t contain THC or has tiny trace amounts, then broad-spectrum CBD would be the right option for you.
If you want to experience the full benefits of CBD use and the entourage effect, then choosing full-spectrum CBD is suitable for you.
How Do I Know What Strength CBD Oil to Get?
A very low-strength dose of CBD, such as 200 mg, will not give you the benefits you desire. It is best to start with a higher strength known to show benefits faster, such as 750 mg of full-spectrum CBD oil. Anything less than that strength starting out is not going to produce beneficial results and will waste your time and money.
As a beginner CBD user, always start small in dosage, but don’t compromise and go for too low of strength in the 200 or 500 mg range.
If you are an experienced CBD user and know that you need a higher strength, then a maximum strength dose product containing 2,400 mg of full-spectrum CBD may benefit you.
Which Form of CBD Will Be Most Effective?
The tincture form of CBD will be most effective since it is taken sublingually. This method means you place the oil directly beneath your tongue and hold it there for one minute before swallowing. This placement allows the oil to enter your bloodstream faster, leading to more effective and quicker results.
How Do You Take CBD for Beginners?
Beginner users of CBD should start with small doses twice a day and see how their bodies react. Beginning with a tincture form to better control the dosage amount is a good idea. Place the oil under your tongue and wait a full minute before swallowing. Start with a low dose for a few days and then gradually increase until you see maximum benefits without adverse side effects. Always consult with your doctor for help in dosage amounts before starting use.
How Much Should Quality CBD Oil Cost?
Quality CBD oil should cost around the $80-$200 range. Anything much lower than that will be a cheap, low-quality product. You may see prices from $150 to $270 for maximum dosage, highly potent oil, and higher-quality lotions or creams. Anything above $300 is hugely overpriced and not worth your time. Stick to the middle-range prices of around $89 to $270, and you’ll find high-quality CBD oil.
