Cannabidiol, or CBD, is quickly becoming popular among many users as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs for pain relief. Many CBD products are out there, and many users have claimed that it has changed their lives for the better. Although CBD was earlier shunned by many because of its sources in cannabis plants, its misconceptions have gradually dissipated. If you are on the lookout for the right CBD products, here is a brief guide.
- Types of CBD Products
While choosing the right product, you should check the form in which it is available. CBD products are available as tinctures and capsules, creams and lotions, salves, or you could vape it. Which form are you the most comfortable with? Would you prefer to take it sublingually?
In that case, placing a few drops of CBD beneath your tongue will immediately dissolve it into your bloodstream. Or, would you prefer taking a capsule with your morning juice or your bedtime milk?
Would you prefer to massage it into your limbs? In that case, the lotion would be best-suited. Or would you instead pop in a gummy bear? Each product is different, and the time it would take to work would also vary. If you are new to CBD, then consult a therapist who will recommend the right product based on your condition.
- Nature of the Problem
Depending on the condition, some products would work more effectively than others. If you are taking CBD for psoriasis, then it is better to opt for a cream that you will be directly able to apply to the affected area. If you are taking it for pain relief, then taking it sublingually would be the most effective. Again, if you suffer from swelling in the joints due to arthritis, you could apply a salve and massage it on the joints. The nature of the problem would also determine which is the best product for you.
- Dosage
As a first time CBD user, the dosage is something you should be very careful about. Since the FDA does not govern CBD products, it can be tricky to determine which dosage you should opt for. Avoid edibles like gummy bears because the dosage can fluctuate widely from one gummy to another, based on the brands.
Some tincture labels might tell you how much CBD is contained in the pack, but not how much CBD is present in each drop. Ideally, choose CBD products where the label reads how much CBD each drop capsule has. Please start with the smallest dose and see how long it takes to work and its effectiveness. Slowly increase the dose till you reach a point where you get adequate pain relief.
- THC Content
Only those CBD products that contain THC less than 0.3% are allowed for use in the US, and that too only if they are derived from industrial hemp. Check the THC content label to ensure this so that you do not end up flouting rules unwittingly. Always buy from a reputed pharmacy and avoid buying products from underground cannabis markets as the products are of very inferior quality and might contain THC beyond permissible limits.
- Third-party Testing
Since CBD products are not FDA regulated, the next best thing is to opt for products that have undergone third-party testing. The products are tested in an impartial laboratory to determine if it’s free from pesticides, hard metals, microbes, and additional THC or some other form of cannabis. Reputed manufacturers make sure that the details are imprinted on the labels to make an informed decision.
With these points in mind, you will be able to choose the best CBD products for pain relief and begin your journey towards a better quality of life.
