9 Things Everyone Should Know Before Buying and Trying CBD
CBD is everywhere – gas stations, the Internet, mall kiosks, grocery stores, chain pharmacies – and if you haven’t tried it yet, we don’t blame you for being curious.
With all the different CBD options out there, it’s important to do your research, know what you’re buying and understand how to integrate it into your wellness plan. So, before you add “Buy CBD” to your to do list, we’d like to offer some tips and guidance on how to vet products and make the most of your experience.
1.) Do your homework – Not all CBD products are created equal. It’s important to know where the CBD was sourced, how the hemp was grown, which extraction method was used, and whether the final product has been tested for pesticides, microbials, and accurate dosing amounts. Stratos CBD products are safe and high-quality because we start with organically grown industrial hemp from Colorado, process with a CO2 extraction, and test extensively before distributing customers. All online orders include a Certificate of Analysis (COA), which details testing results. If a CBD company is unable or unwilling to provide a COA, move on to someone who will!
2.) Does CBD oil get you high? – CBD does not produce a “high” or psychoactive effect like other cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Our bodies all have an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that receives and translates signals from cannabinoids and CBD does not affect the same receptors in your body as THC.
3.) Full spectrum or isolate? – We know the lingo can be a bit confusing, so let us break it down. Hemp contains over 500 distinct compounds, which include cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and omega fatty acids. A full spectrum extraction will include all of these elements, while a CBD isolate product will contain just CBD. Full spectrum products allow you to access the full benefits of hemp. However, they also contain trace amounts of THC (no more than 0.3% by volume) so if this concerns you, opt for a CBD isolate product.
4.) Start low – 10mg a day is a great beginner dose. If you’re looking for more relief after the first few days, increase your dose by 5 mg. If you’re looking for more specific guidance on dosing, you can call the Support Team at Realm Of Caring, a nonprofit created to empower people by providing cannabinoid information.
5.) Give it time – Keep in mind, CBD needs time to accumulate in the body. If you have never consumed CBD before or if it has been a while, know that the endocannabinoid system may need to be “woken up”. This can take up to 7 days of daily dosing. In short, be patient!
6.) Write it Down – Using a journal to document your experience can prove invaluable. Not only can this help with fine tuning your dosage, it can also help identify precisely how CBD is impacting your wellness. Be sure to include the dose, time of day taken, if you had eaten recently, and any other relevant information.
7.) Eat with food – If you’re taking CBD orally, make sure you have eaten something recently. Cannabinoids, including CBD, are fat soluble – meaning they need to bind with a lipid to be absorbed by the body. Plan on having a snack or taking CBD during mealtime. A quick spoon of peanut butter can also do the trick.
8.) Don’t overdo it – Once you have found a dose that works for you, stick with it. The effects of CBD vary based on the concentrations in the blood. The phenomenon is referred to as a biphasic curve. In a nutshell, more is not always better.
9.) Check with your Doc – Before taking CBD, it’s best to check in with your doctor to avoid any potential drug interactions. For example, if you take original blood thinners or psychotropic pharmaceuticals, check with your doctor prior to using CBD. If your doctor is unfamiliar with the specifics of CBD, ask if any of the medications you consume bind to the CYP450 receptor.
Whether you’re trying CBD for overall wellness or have a specific condition you’re aiming to address, these are all things you should keep in mind as you evaluate products and start the experimentation process.