It’s gained popularity in recent years because thanks to the Farm Bill passed in 2018, CBD products are legal in all 50 states as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. In addition to online retailers and dispensaries, CBD goods are now sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, and even natural food markets.

This wide availability can make it hard to choose the right CBD product for you, but here, we’ll show you the criteria to look for so that you can learn how to choose the right CBD product for yourself.

What is Hemp?

Hemp is a type of cannabis plant that has been cultivated since approximately 10,000 BC to produce food and fiber. The use of hemp dates back almost as far as human civilization itself–hemp cultivation appears in China around 8,000 BC and India 5,000 years ago.

But even more recently, people have turned to it because of the anecdotal evidence that it may help them feel calm, soothe aches and pains, and even stimulate a stronger sense of focus.

CBD is a compound that’s produced naturally in hemp plants. The human body already contains a system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that is responsible for a variety of things, including regulating the internal environment of your body (homeostasis).

Broad-Spectrum vs. Full-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD products, on the other hand, contain 0% THC. However, these products may also contain terpenes, as well as other trace amounts of cannabinoids.

Full-spectrum CBD is a product that contains other cannabinoids like CBN and CBG, as well as terpenes, which are the naturally occurring oils in hemp plants. Full-spectrum CBD products also contain trace amounts of THC–the psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis.

Here’s the thing: these trace amounts of THC are not enough to cause a high, but they are enough to enhance the effects of CBD in what’s called the entourage effect. The entourage effect refers to the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work together to increase the potential effects, better than they would if you were to take just one of the cannabinoids on its own.

CBD Lab Testing

Unfortunately, there are companies out there that aren’t exactly selling what’s advertised on the bottle. While this can be unintentional, it’s important to take a look at a CBD company’s independent third-party lab testing and their certificate of analysis (COA). This is a verified lab that calculates the amounts of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other materials found in the product. It also ensures that a product is free of harmful toxins and molds.

While it can be a bit of extra work reading through these reports, it’s also important to understand what you’re consuming. And if you want to get into a bit of extra research, you can dig deeper into the types of terpenes in the product, as well as how they may work with your body.

Be aware that some products may contain synthetic CBD, or may not be CBD at all. Also, look for products labeled as hemp seed oil. This type of product does not contain CBD, and while hemp seed oil is nutritious, it isn’t the same as hemp oil or hemp extract.

Finally, some products that have been randomly tested contain more THC than is on the label. The last thing you want is to unexpectedly experience psychoactive effects!

We recommend USDA-certified organic hemp because the process, from the soil to the harvest to the extraction, are highly regulated. Read more about it here!

CBD Products and How They Work

When it comes to CBD products, there are a few formats to consider: tinctures, edibles, topicals, and inhaled. These types of products work in slightly different ways, so let’s delve into what each one does.

Edibles take at least an hour to kick in (because they enter your system through digestion), but the effects can last several hours depending on the dosage. Tinctures and topicals work faster–usually within 20 to 40 minutes if taken sublingually or massaged into the skin. And smoking or vaping can bring potential effects in 5-10 minutes, but they may not last more than a few hours.

Are you taking CBD for a specific ache or injury? A topical may be the right solution for you, as it can be applied directly to the skin, where it penetrates the subdural layers.

Are you taking CBD because you’ve heard it can help you feel calm? A tincture or gummy might be the way to go! These formats can be used on a daily basis to build up over time. That said, you can add the occasional warm bath with a CBD bath bomb, too.

Many people will sample various types of CBD products until they find a product that is the right fit for their needs. Be patient and work with a shop or dispensary that is knowledgeable and whose staff is trained to help you find the right products.

Check the Packaging

As odd as it might seem, the packaging plays a big role in the quality of the products. CBD oxidizes and can go rancid if not stored properly, so you should always try to find products that are in extra dark glass, an opaque pill bottle, or tins, for example.

The label on the packaging can also tell you a lot about whether the product is trustworthy or not. Look for links to a website for lab tests, and to look up reviews. Also look for an expiration date–they can be tricky to find, so if you can’t find it and verify it, find another product.

You can also get a feel for the company’s ethics on the website. If they make claims that CBD cures illnesses, for example, they may be misleading you. This isn’t to say that CBD doesn’t have benefits, but the scientific evidence is still in its infancy. It is not yet regulated by the FDA, but there is one prescription CBD medication that is FDA-approved for seizures.

The bottom line is that if there is something that feels off when you look at the label or website, keep looking for a product that provides transparency and honesty.

Consider Possible Side Effects and Risks

While CBD is a natural compound that is generally considered safe, it isn’t entirely without risk, and some people do report side effects and drug interactions.

CBD can interact with other drugs, causing side effects that are more severe. Before using CBD, it is a good idea to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications. While Dr. Google can be helpful, verifying the accuracy of the information can become a guessing game.

CBD can cause mild side effects in some people, such as fatigue or upset stomachs. But unlike THC, it doesn’t usually cause anxiety or the munchies. Start with a low dosage and slowly titrate up to evaluate any changes you might feel.

Researchers are still unsure if CBD is safe to be used during pregnancy. To be safe, pregnant women should avoid CBD until further research studies can be conducted.

Consider the Price

We all love a good deal, but when it comes to CBD, buying the cheapest product usually isn’t the best idea. Pricing can vary greatly from one company to the next because different companies may use different production processes and farm hemp in different countries. But more than that, you might not be buying CBD at all.

Compare products to determine the dosage and price because they can vary. People who are just starting out with CBD may be quick to buy a low-dose, inexpensive option. However, investing in a higher dosage at a more expensive price can be less expensive because you may need just a few drops to do the trick.

Final Thoughts

There is no such thing as too much research when it comes to your CBD. Your body and your health are worth the time and effort. Be sure to stick with products that are transparent with all of the information. Don’t settle for less than the best CBD products, and you’re more likely to be satisfied with your investment.

Be skeptical and don’t be afraid to ask questions when making a purchase. Most reputable shops and dispensaries are happy to answer your questions, and they are more likely to train employees well.

The post Buying CBD for the First Time? Follow These Criteria appeared first on Your CBD Store / Ripon Naturals.

What Are CBD Edibles?

Two of the most popular types of edible CBD are gummies and candies. They can be sweet, sour, or even have a more natural, earthy flavor. Check out the online marketplace, and you’ll find dozens and dozens of different shapes, sizes, and doses. When it comes to CBD-infused edibles, there is truly something for everybody!

Why Buy CBD gummies?

With so many types of CBD products available, why buy CBD gummies? The answer is going to boil down to personal preferences, but here are some more scientific and tangible reasons you might opt for edibles over tinctures or vaping:

• Sublingual drops and vaped products enter the body quickly, where edibles can take 30-120 minutes to take effect, depending on your digestive system.
• CBD derived from edibles stays in the system longer than drops or vape do. As the edible travels through your digestive system, it releases more CBD along the way.
• The dose of CBD in a gummy or candy is premeasured, unlike oils or vapes.

While you’re likely already familiar with CBD oils and tinctures, CBD edibles are another way for users to enjoy the potential benefits of cannabidiol. Edibles can come in so many forms, including gummies, candies, pills, drinks, food items, and even beer.

That aside, some do prefer edibles because they typically have a lower dose than tinctures. While some more “seasoned” CBD users turn to edibles, others prefer to start their CBD journey with edibles because of the slow, long-lasting effect.

Others turn to edibles simply because they prefer the taste. They may even purchase a CBD tincture and make their own candies and gummies, whether it’s because they love the DIY aspect or have a preference for a specific flavor. We recommend that if you do opt for the DIY method that you purchase a high-level CBD product—this is far more cost-effective because you can get a higher “dose” per candy than you can with a lower-level product, and make many more candies.

Careful with Drinks

We’ve found a variety of drinks online that contain CBD and can see why this is an appealing option for some. However, be very careful when drinking CBD-infused beer or cocktails. The effects of the CBD can magnify those from alcohol.

In addition to that, whether the drink contains alcohol or none, the oils don’t mix well with water-based fluids. Much of the oil will stick to the container, which means you may not be left with much CBD in the drink you’re consuming.

How Edible CBD Products are Prepared

This is the million-dollar question because it plays a large part in the quality and potential efficacy of the product. CBD is not currently regulated by the FDA, which means consumers need to be savvy about what to look for when buying edible CBD products.

Unfortunately, some companies don’t perform third-party lab testing to verify the quality of the ingredients or the level of CBD in the product. This testing is not required, but when investing in CBD, that peace of mind protects your wallet as well as your health. Before you purchase any CBD product, you should always know the concentration of CBD, as well as have confirmation that it is free of pesticides, mold, fungi, and other toxins.

After you have read the lab reports, now you’ll want to investigate a bit further. What ingredients are on the label? Are there a lot of artificial flavors, colors, and chemicals? The best CBD edibles do not contain flavors or coloring, so if you see those listed in the ingredients, you may want to keep looking.

The cannabis plant is a known accumulator, which means it absorbs harmful toxins and heavy metals from the earth while it’s growing. These toxins can end up in the final product (check those lab reports!). For this reason, look for products made with organically grown hemp that is grown in the United States.

Next, how were the gummies or candies prepared? Some manufacturers cut corners and costs by preparing gummies and then spraying or dusting on CBD isolate before packaging. CBD isolate is created by extracting the CBD from the cannabis plant, and stripping away other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, leaving only the CBD crystals. This also precludes the possibility of the entourage effect.

You will want to ensure that the product is infused with CBD rather than sprayed or sprinkled with isolate. If you can’t find the answer to this on the packaging or website, don’t hesitate to reach out to the company to ask. They are happy to provide this information.

How to Store CBD Edibles

How you store your CBD edibles can ensure that they last long and do not break down. For example, if you buy CBD gummies online, try to avoid doing so during the hottest months of the year, as temperatures above 88°F can melt them. And if you carry your bottle in a purse or backpack, be sure not to leave it in a hot car. The last thing you want is for them to melt!

But should you refrigerate CBD hard candy and gummies? Refrigeration is not required, but a fridge is ideal because the temperature is constant, and it provides a dark environment (light can break down CBD). If you purchase edibles that aren’t enclosed in an amber jar such as cookies, wrap your products in foil to protect them from light degradation. And if you have little ones, the fridge may not be the ideal place to store your gummies.

We do recommend that if you have children that you keep your edibles stored in the same way you would for prescription medications. Most containers will be childproof, but that still comes with risks, so err on the side of abundant caution and store them out of sight and where they can’t easily be found.

Also, avoid storing it in places that experience temperature fluctuations, which can be just as harmful as warm temperatures.

When do CBD Candy and Gummies Expire?

With any cannabis product, we recommend checking the date it was manufactured to ensure that it hasn’t been stored for too long before purchase. Most products should also have an expiration date printed on the packaging.

When you bring your edibles home, it might help to write the date of purchase on the packaging so you can keep track of how old it is. If the CBD candy or gummy products you’ve purchased changes color, develops an odor or tastes odd, throw it away.

Edible CBD Products Will Not Get You High

CBD is sought after for its reported calming effects, but it will not produce the high effect that THC does. THC works with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and binds to the receptors that are associated with the ECS, and overwhelms them, which causes a psychoactive feeling or high.

CBD interacts indirectly with these receptors but doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. Some users might report feeling calmer or find going to sleep easier. But even at very high doses, edible CBD products will not make the user feel high. That said, the side effects of CBD edibles can vary from person to person. Before you operate heavy machinery or drive, be sure you know how cannabidiol might affect your body.

Are CBD gummies legal to have?

Because CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, we’re often asked if it’s legal to have. While most states have legalized CBD products, we highly recommend that you check your state and local laws. And use extra precautions if you’re traveling, especially if you’re vacationing in another country.

Final Thoughts on Edible CBD

No matter your reasons for turning to edible CBD products, they’re a tasty, convenient way to get your cannabidiol, and they’re long-lasting, too! Before you pick a product or brand, learn more about the ingredients, third-party lab testing, product shelf life, and reviews so you can invest with peace of mind. You may try a few different products before you find the one you fall in love with!

At Ripon Naturals, we offer a fantastic selection of CBD candies and gummies. Check out our full- and broad-spectrum formulas that come in a variety of great-tasting flavors today!

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