Not only are CBD products legal in most parts of the country, but you can actually order online and have them shipped directly to your door. But as new as this process is, we thought it’d be helpful to walk you through precisely what to do/expect.
What is CBD?
Despite how far the industry has come over the past five years, CBD is still a very widely misunderstood topic. The majority of people are misinformed and/or oppose it without any valid reasoning.
First things first, it’s important that we clarify what CBD is. The abbreviation is short for cannabidiol, which is a compound from the Cannabis sativa plant. (Yes, that’s a mariuana plant.)
“It’s a naturally occurring substance that’s used in products like oils and edibles to impart a feeling of relaxation and calm,” Kathleen Felton writes for Health.com. “Unlike its cousin, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the major active ingredient in marijuana, CBD is not psychoactive.”
That’s the point that most people miss. CBD and THC aren’t one and the same. CBD is a powerful compound, but it has no psychoactive effects, like euphoria. It doesn’t make you feel altered or sedated in any way. (Assuming you buy a good product from a reliable source.)
However, you can always buy certain CBD products that contain THC. It’s all about finding the blend that fits your needs.
While researchers are still busy uncovering health benefits, we do know that it’s powerful in treating certain types of epilepsy, chronic pain, and even cancer.
Essential Tips for Buying CBD
As the CBD industry grows, we’re seeing new companies crop up online. But before you go buying up all the CBD products on the market, you need to do your research and make sure you know what you’re doing. Here are a few essential tips to keep you safe, save you money, and help you get better results:
- Do Your Research on the Brand
Any brand can use savvy marketing language and promotional tactics to sell a CBD product. Make sure you’re doing research on brands to see what others are saying.
Reviews are a great source of social proof. Check out the Sour Space Candy CBD Hemp Flower by Plain Jane. Notice how their page features 500+ reviews. Read through these prior to purchasing. It’ll tell you what to expect, as well as other people’s experiences with the product.
- Check the THC Content
If you’re looking for a CBD product with THC, it’s important that you’re fully aware of the THC content and the local laws and regulations in your state.
“Federal law requires a THC concentration of 0.3%. or lower,” CBD Oil Review notes. “If you are looking at a product with a THC concentration higher than that, you will only legally be able to purchase and possess it if you’re in a state that has legalized recreational cannabis.”
Knowledge is power. Never take someone else’s word for granted. Do your own research and find out for yourself.
- Read the Ingredients
In addition to checking the THC content, read the ingredients label for any CBD product you’re considering purchasing. You should find a list of ingredients, the termination date, and the specific cannabinoids that were used in the product. If you don’t understand something, look it up or ask a question.
Speaking of questions – don’t be afraid to ask them. Good CBD companies are happy to educate. If a company is dodgy or refuses to help, it’s probably a sign that you’re shopping on the wrong website.
- Seek Out Products That Meet These Standards
When buying a hemp-derived CBD product, look for the term “full spectrum” on the label. You don’t want “isolate,” “distillate,” or any product labeled “pure CBD” or “no THC.” A product that is full spectrum contains all of the compounds you want/need to enjoy the full benefits of CBD.
Adding it All Up
The CBD industry is still rather green (pun intended). So as a consumer, you have to be smart with what you buy and where you buy it. Whether it’s online or in a store, you need to ask the right questions, do your due diligence, and trust your gut. If you do those three things, you’ll find that CBD products have a lot to offer!