CBD’s popularity continues to grow with every passing day. One survey shows that 1 in 7 Americans have now tried this product. The market for CBD has only grown since then.
CBD has become wildly popular, but because it is so new, countless people still have many questions about using it. What is it, exactly? What should they do before trying CBD, and what concerns should they be aware of?
Here is a list of dos and don’ts when it comes to using this hot new supplement.
DO: Understand there are different types of this product
All versions of CBD are not identical. Indeed, there are three basic types. They include:
- Full Spectrum: Full Spectrum is the most “natural” version of CBD, in that it is minimally processed to contain all naturally occurring chemicals and compounds. This means that it will contain all flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids, including THC. To be legal in the United States, this product cannot contain more than .3% THC.
- Broad Spectrum: Broad Spectrum is identical to Full Spectrum with one key exception: It contains no THC. There is considerable debate about whether or not this gives you a similar experience to Full Spectrum CBD. The advantage of Broad Spectrum is that it is employer-friendly. It will not cause you to fail a drug test.
- CBD Isolate: CBD Isolate is the version of this compound that is as close to pure CBD as possible. The product comes in a white, powdery form and can be used in recipes or to create your own CBD products.
DO: Understand the different methods of ingestion
CBD comes in a variety of forms, including CBD Tinctures (which can be ingested sublingually or inserted into your food and drink), CBD Topicals (which can be rubbed directly into the skin), edibles, vaping juices and more.
Each version of the product comes with its positives and negatives and can be absorbed at different speeds. There’s no “better” or “worse” way to consume CBD – it just comes down to your personal preferences.
DO: Talk with your doctor before taking the product
According to a World Health Organization report on the subject, CBD is generally regarded as safe and well-tolerated in humans.
However, like any product, you should talk with your doctor before taking it, as there are concerns over potential drug interactions. Only your doctor will know what medication you are taking, the latest research, and any potential risks.
Keep in mind that the concern over drug interactions doesn’t make this product any less safe. You should check with your doctor before taking any new product, supplement, or medication.
DO: Start slow and increase the dosage to mitigate any possible side effects
There are many different options for CBD products and it can be hard to find the right dose. You may want to work your way up to higher dosages to maximize the impact that you feel by taking this product.
However, when you are first getting started, it is advisable to start slow. Make sure you are in a position to deal with any possible side effects (you should be able to use the bathroom easily, lie down if you feel dizzy, etc).
While these side effects are almost always mild and tolerable, you still want to be prepared.
DON’T: Use certain types of CBD if you have to take a drug test
As noted above, certain versions of this product do contain minor levels of THC. These are very small levels, and in most cases, your body will filter them out relatively quickly. However, it is still possible that the use of Full Spectrum CBD can result in a positive drug test.
This depends on a variety of factors, including the strength of the product, your own experience with cannabis products, the sensitivity of the drug test, how recently you consumed the CBD, and more.
If you are concerned about a drug test, it is best to stick with THC-free versions, like Broad Spectrum or isolate. This will ensure that you cannot possibly test positive on a drug test, as it contains no THC.
Unfortunately, this is a reality for many whose job requires regular drug testing. There are documented cases of people losing their jobs as a result of a positive drug test from full-spectrum CBD.
DON’T: Worry about becoming intoxicated or high
As noted above, all versions of this product that are legally sold in the United States must contain less than .3% THC. It is important to note that this amount of THC is far too low to result in any sort of intoxication or high. Marijuana typically contains up to 20% THC, a huge difference from CBD.
Furthermore, if you choose Broad Spectrum or CBD Isolate, you will be using versions of this product that are completely THC-free. In other words, there is no chemical in the product that could result in any sort of intoxication.
DON’T: Worry about legal issues or being arrested, as long as you are purchasing versions of CBD with under .3% THC
Late 2018 saw the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which contains a wide array of legal provisions related to farmers and the agricultural sector. One such provision dealt with hemp and cannabis.
It removed CBD from the Food & Drug Administration’s list of Schedule 1 drugs. This means CBD was essentially legalized at the federal level.
In the absence of specific language that banned the product, this applied to the state level as well. Many states have since passed additional language or regulations that require store inspections, labeling, and more.
Make sure to check your state’s laws related to CBD. In the vast majority of states, you will be able to make these purchases legally. It’s still important to check though!
DON’T: Buy products that fail to have a third party analysis
Unfortunately for the consumer, there is little federal regulation on the CBD market. This allows dishonest vendors to take advantage of naive consumers.
A 2017 study by the University of Pennsylvania examined 81 types of this product and found that nearly 70% were mislabeled for a wide array of ingredients, including THC levels. This creates a major problem for consumers who are worried about what they consume.
The best way to ensure that you get what you pay for is to ask for third-party lab analysis. You should be able to find the lab reports from the label or companies website. This will tell you exactly what is in the product you are about to consume.
If a product does not come with a third-party analysis, don’t buy it, as you have no way of confirming what it contains.
As an avid user and food lover, she frequently experiments in the kitchen to make her version of everything delicious and cannabis-infused.
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