Choosing the Right CBD Product for Your Needs: A Guide for Beginners

Cannabidiol (CBD) is making waves in the medical world as a promising treatment for a variety of conditions and ailments. Considering the huge number of CBD products available in the market, it can be difficult to know which ones to choose.

In this guide, we will tell you how to select the best CBD product for your needs. We will explore the different spectrums, varieties, and quality benchmarks that you should always keep in mind when out to buy CBD.

What to think about before buying CBD products

CBD is a natural compound found in marijuana. It’s known for its potential health benefits, but unlike THC, another compound found in the plant, this non-intoxicating cannabinoid doesn’t make you feel ‘high.’

You can take CBD in many forms, doses, and spectrums. Each has its own features and suits a variety of purposes – some can help you focus on work better, while others are more built for a relaxing experience.

Mentioned below are the key aspects that you should always keep in mind when you have to pick a CBD item for your needs.

Spectrum

Every CBD product comes in one of the three varieties: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.

• Full-spectrum CBD has every cannabinoid and terpene naturally found in the cannabis plant, including THC.
• Broad-spectrum CBD also includes multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but is processed specifically to remove THC.
• Isolate CBD, as the name implies, is pure cannabidiol stripped of any other cannabinoids and terpenes.

Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products may show the most potent clinical effects thanks to the entourage effect – a theory suggesting that all of the chemicals work together in cannabis for a greater effect. These are often most effective for conditions related to pain, sleep, and anxiety.

Isolate may be ideal when you are subjected to drug tests at work as they generally screen for THC metabolites – not CBD. Isolates are also recommended when you need a high dose of CBD only with no other cannabinoids or terpenes.

Product form

The variety of CBD products ensures there’s an option to suit your needs, whether you want quick relief, discreet consumption, or a tasty experience.

• Gummies & edibles: These are food products infused with cannabidiol, like gummies, chocolates, and beverages. CBD gummies will take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to feel their effects. They have the longest duration, lasting 4-6 hours.
• Oils: CBD oil or tincture is convenient and versatile, often used under the tongue for quick absorption. You can also add it to food or drinks. Oils give you precise dosing so you can choose how much you take. You will start to feel the effects within 30 to 60 minutes after you take it, and it can last for 2 to 6 hours.
• Flowers: These are the raw, dried buds of the cannabis plant. Hemp flowers are CBD-rich and only have small amounts of THC. Smoking or vaping the flowers will produce effects quickly, usually within 5 minutes. That said, they are short-lived and will fade within 2-3 hours.
• Topicals: Creams, balms, lotions, and salves are topical treatments applied directly to the skin for localised pain relief or massaging action. Topicals work quickly, typically within 10 to 15 minutes. The soothing effects can last up to 5 hours, depending on the product’s strength.
• Capsules: These provide a hassle-free, no-mess way of using CBD. They’re perfect for those who want to use cannabidiol daily or those who don’t like the taste of oils. The effects typically kick in within 1 to 2 hours of ingestion, as it needs to be processed through your digestive system. These can work for 4 to 6 hours.

Cost

CBD products have a range of prices, largely due to their ingredient list and the extraction process used.

For instance, CBD isolate products are generally more affordable than other types.

This is because they undergo a simpler purification process to isolate CBD from other cannabinoids and compounds in the hemp plant. However, some people may find the lower price of CBD isolate justified, as it provides a high concentration of cannabidiol. Meanwhile, broad and full spectrums carry a higher price tag.

A higher cost is also associated with higher quality.

For example, if you buy a full-spectrum CBD product from a random street seller who doesn’t follow proper regulations, you might get inconsistent and unreliable quality at a lower price. But if you go to a trusted medical dispensary or buy from a reputed brand, then you get a more premium product – which comes at a cost.

CBD dosage & strength

It’s important to find the right dosage and strength of CBD for your needs. Beginners may want to start with 20-30 mg per day before gradually increasing it if needed.

Here are some tips to help you figure out the right balance of dose and strength for you.

• Start low and go slow: If you are new to CBD, start with a low dosage and gradually increase it over time. This allows your body to get used to the product and avoid potential side effects.
• Consult a doctor: It’s recommended to discuss dosage and strength with your doctor, particularly if you’re using it to address specific health conditions. They can provide the most accurate advice based on your body weight, chemistry, and the condition you’re treating.
• Personal tolerance: Every individual has different levels of tolerance for CBD. Some people may experience relief with lower doses, while others may require higher strength. Pay attention to your body’s response to determine the right dosage for you.
• Quality over quantity: A high-quality product can deliver therapeutic effects at lower dosages compared to a lower-quality product. Always choose quality over quantity when it comes to CBD products.
• Symptom severity: The severity of your symptoms can also influence the dosage and strength you need. More severe symptoms may require higher concentrations.

Recommended products for different conditions

Some CBD products are better at treating certain conditions than others. Here are some examples of what each type of product can help with.

• CBD oils are used to treat conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. It can also be a treatment option for more severe health issues like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
• Medical CBD edibles provide benefits through their slow-release, long-lasting effects, making them an excellent choice for conditions that require constant relief, such as arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. They can also help with nausea and improve appetite for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• Smoking or vaping CBD flowers can help people suffering from chronic conditions such as inflammatory diseases, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Many people also report that it provides calming effects quickly. They are not recommended for those prone to lung or breathing problems.
• Topicals are often used to treat localised pain, inflammation, and certain skin conditions. By using them as a massage oil/balm, they can provide targeted relief for issues such as arthritis, muscle soreness, dermatitis, psoriasis, and more.

Benchmarks to look for in every CBD product

Once you’ve researched what kind of CBD products you’re looking for, it’s crucial to understand what to consider when making a purchase.

Here’s a breakdown of what information should be available for you to ensure you are investing in high-quality, effective products:

• Quality: Look for products that use high-quality, organic hemp and are produced with safe extraction methods.
• Potency: Make sure the product contains the correct amount of CBD per serving. Check the label for the potency of the product.
• Ingredients: Ensure the product contains only natural and safe ingredients, mentioned clearly on the label. Avoid products that contain harmful additives or preservatives or come with no ingredient list.
• Extraction method: Look for products that use CO2 or ethanol extraction methods, which are safer and more effective than other methods.
• Certification: Ensure the product has undergone third-party testing and has a certificate of analysis to ensure quality and potency.
• Legal status: Confirm that the CBD product you’re interested in is legal in Thailand, meaning it has less than 0.2% THC in it.
• Brand reputation: Do your research and choose a reputable brand that is known for producing high-quality CBD products. Look for sustainable brands that offer products meant for medical purposes. 

How to tell if your CBD item is real or not

Reputable CBD companies will include all of the vital information about the product on the label. 

You can tell whether a product is genuine and of good quality by looking for data such as:

• Cannabinoid content
• Ingredients (Cannabis and non-cannabis)
• Net weight & concentration
• A lot or batch number
• Production and expiration dates
• Usage and storage instructions
• Suggested dosage
• Side effects and warnings
• Company information, such as the address
• Certificate of analysis

If your product is missing more than 4 of these attributes, then there is a chance that it may not be of good quality.

How to avoid low-quality CBD products

As the CBD industry continues to grow, so does the influx of products on the market. Unfortunately, this includes products that may not meet the highest standards of quality and safety. 

It’s essential to be cautious and knowledgeable about these potential pitfalls before making a purchase. Here are some strategies to help you avoid low-quality products:

• Lack of information: Steer clear of products that don’t provide detailed information about the CBD content, ingredients, or extraction methods.
• Unreasonable health claims: Don’t fall for products that make unrealistic health claims or promises that seem too good to be true.
• Absence of third-party lab testing: A trustworthy CBD product will have been tested by an independent third party to verify its quality, potency, and safety. If a product doesn’t provide evidence of such testing, it’s best to steer clear as it might be of low quality or potentially unsafe.

Potential side effects of using CBD products

While CBD products have been praised for their potential health benefits, it’s also important to be aware of the possible side effects. Some users have reported experiencing mild side effects, such as:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Lightheadedness
• Low blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Changes in appetite
• Feelings of anxiety or depression

Side effects are largely linked to excessive consumption or the use of low-quality CBD products. You should also not mix CBD with your prescription medicines as it can lead to adverse reactions.

Most people using high-quality CBD products in the recommended dosages do not experience these side effects.

Conclusion

Choosing the right product for your needs can take some research and trial and error. By considering your specific needs and doing your due diligence when it comes to quality and potency, you can find a CBD product that works for you.

In the meantime, we invite you to explore our rich collection of articles related to cannabidiol and medical marijuana. You will also find product reviews that can help you narrow down your choices.