You may have heard of health wellness products infused with cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD. You can buy CBD products in various forms, like creams, gummies, juices, and even oils, to cure different health issues.
Reports on the health benefits of CBD include different conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, and insomnia. No wonder many patients are eager to try this organic remedy.
What Is CBD and Is It Safe?
CBD is a natural chemical substance found in the cannabis plant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that although cannabidiol is a compound found in marijuana, it doesn’t cause a “high.” This is because CBD doesn’t contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component responsible for feeling “high.”
Keep in mind that the availability and legality of CBD depend on state laws. Hemp and other hemp products are legal in 50 states, while recreational marijuana is only permitted in 21 states. It’s essential to seek your doctor’s advice first before taking any.
Safety concerns
WebMD reports show that CBD may cause side effects such as sleepiness, dry mouth, light-headedness, and low blood pressure. CBD-infused products are usually marketed as supplements, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate. Regulations are typically made on a state level, and each takes different approaches to ensure safety.
Important Considerations
Before you try any health product, always speak to your doctor regarding the risks. Also, keep these important considerations in mind prior to purchase.
1) Compare actual research with what is advertised
With CBD gummies becoming hugely popular, various businesspeople are attempting to get a share of the market. While only a few reliable recent studies prove what CBD can do for a particular health condition, the lack of data doesn’t necessarily mean that CBD isn’t helpful.
While people say it works, you need to check research studies and ask your doctor to ensure it’ll work for you too.
2) Find a CBD-knowledgeable doctor
CBD is still a drug that can cause adverse effects on your body. This is why if you want to take it for its potential benefits, find a doctor who can guide you.
Taking CBD may affect how your body interacts with other medications, which can be prevented if a doctor monitors you. If your doctor isn’t familiar with CBD, try searching the Society of Cannabis Clinicians for a knowledgeable professional near you.
3) Remember that not all CBD products are FDA-approved
No FDA regulation means no process checks the ingredients that go into that particular CBD product. As the consumer, it’s up to you to trust and continue patronizing the product.
Depending on which state you’re residing in, some may not have good quality assurance regulations for CBD products. In some cases, some marketed CBD products don’t even contain CBD at all. To ensure you get the bang for your buck, check legit reviews and preferably buy those that are FDA-approved.
4) Know what to look for when shopping
Are you more than ready to try a CBD product despite the risks? It’s easy to get confused with countless brands out there. In most states, you can easily buy CBD online, in stores, and at cafes and restaurants.
To identify which CBD products are the safest and most effective, take note of the following:
- Purchase from a state-run CBD dispensary. These places have knowledgeable staff who can direct you to reputable products. Even though regulations still vary, there’s more chance that a protocol is in place.
- Ask for a certificate of analysis or COA. A COA means that the CBD product was analyzed and tested, confirming the contents inside. If the store you’re buying from can’t provide this information, try to purchase elsewhere.
- Read through the fine print. If you’re buying from an online store, the brand should place a ton of info about CBD. Try to check lab results or ask the company if there are none. CBD online stores with zero transparency are red flags.
- Be cautious of health claims. Any health product can’t make claims unless it’s FDA-approved. Promises like “prevents inflammation” and “relieves flu symptoms” are also red flags.
- Decide what form of CBD you want to use. First, you need to establish why you want to use CBD. If you want quick relief from anxiety or muscle cramps, inhaling CBD through cigarettes might be the most effective.
The effects of rubbing topical CBD lotion onto the skin may be felt right away but vary from person to person. Alternatively, CBD in food products takes 30 minutes or longer to be absorbed by your body.
- Check how much tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the product contains. This is important if you want to avoid feeling “high,” which usually comes with THC. Knowing the THC level can also be crucial for other reasons, including where to buy and how effective the product will be.
If you want a CBD product with little THC, look for one made from hemp. Hemp products are widely available in online and retail stores.
Whether it’s CBD or another recreational drug, do your due diligence when introducing any chemical into your body. This makes it safer for you to start and then increase dosage as you get used to it and get desired results.
Last Updated on November 15, 2023 by Bud
