Despite controversy, interest in CBD products just won’t go away. In the UK we can buy numerous products but knowing exactly which are the best and safest can be tricky. A US writer gave us the lowdown in this guest article….

From stress to chronic pain and depression to epilepsy, CBD is known for its numerous healing properties. However, it’s a relatively new drug that has only begun hitting major markets across the U.S. only a few years ago. In fact, CBD is still illegal in a few states and at the federal level.

For consumers, this may make them question whether CBD is safe and how to find the right CBD product. To start off, CBD is extremely safe, especially in comparison to its counterpart THC. Buying CBD products without THC or other chemicals takes out the psychoactive elements responsible for the “high” associated with consuming marijuana. Taken alone, CBD can help fight stress, depression, pain, and other ailments.

But once you determine that you want to try CBD, how do you find the right CBD product? Not every CBD product is the same, which is why it’s important to understand the differences between various products. Below, we offer a buyer’s guide to CBD to help you find the perfect product.

1. Determine the form of CBD you want to take

CBD can come in numerous different forms. Determining the form you’re comfortable taking is often the first step you should take when looking for a CBD product because this will help narrow down your decision. From potent, natural CBD tinctures to CBD oil, these are just some of the forms CBD can take:

  • CBD gummies
  • CBD tinctures
  • CBD edibles
  • CBD topicals

 Under each form, you can find different types of products. For example, when it comes to CBD edibles, there is an abundance of options available to you, such as CBD-infused brownies, cookies, candy, chocolate bars, and so on. Then, there are CBD topicals that you can use on your body, such as CBD lip balm, face cream, and face masks.

Each type of product can tackle different ailments. CBD topicals, for example, are often used for pain relief or skin problems due to their anti-inflammatory properties. CBD tinctures, gummies, and edibles do a better job with internal ailments, such as stress, depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

2. Consider THC levels

CBD products can come with or without THC. THC is the psychoactive chemical in marijuana responsible for the high sensation that most people know comes with smoking or consuming marijuana. When purchasing CBD products, it’s important to look at the THC levels.

For some people, a head-high is a no-go. Whether you just want to feel relaxed for work or to fall asleep better at night, THC might not be necessary. Additionally, THC is illegal in more states than CBD, which can make THC-infused products more difficult to come by.

However, for some people, CBD alone might not be enough. In some cases, CBD with small doses of THC can deliver more promising results. THC in small doses typically doesn’t result in a head-high, so look for products with THC levels around 0.3 percent.

cbd oil dropper from article

3. Find where products with hemp were grown

In most cases, CBD products are grown from hemp, not marijuana, which is a plant that also falls under the cannabis genus. As with all products you put into your body, it’s important to know where they came from. Colorado and Oregon are the top two hemp growing states in America. They have robust hemp-growing procedures to ensure that harmful chemicals and pesticides aren’t used to grow hemp.

However, other states and countries are able to grow and produce hemp, but this means their practices might not be the same. For international CBD, it’s especially important to look at where it was grown and any laws or guidelines put in place to ensure the CBD is safe. In most cases, it’s best to buy CBD products grown in Colorado or Oregon, but as more and more states begin to legalize hemp and marijuana for the use of CBD, more refined practices will be put in place to ensure CBD products are safe to consume. You can even ask distributors for a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) and review the CBD test results to ensure it’s safe to consume.

Wrapping up

CBD products are becoming more mainstream as more states legalize its use. With a plethora of healing and calming properties, this natural remedy is becoming a more popular medicine cabinet staple. To find the right CBD product for you, it’s important to do your research to determine what you think will work best for you to ensure you have an exceptional experience.