How to shop for CBD oil?

If you’re looking to purchase CBD oil for the first time, it can be challenging to know where to start.

However, by keeping several things in mind, you should be able to find a CBD product that works for you.

Firstly, you should decide how you want to take CBD.

The choices break down, typically, between oral ingestion and topical creams or balms. If you’re looking for quick pain relief, vaping is another possibility, as you should feel the effect within a couple of minutes. Drops of CBD oil under the tongue is another way to experience the results quickly. 

When ingesting CBD, you should expect to start feeling the effects around 30 minutes to an hour after eating. Topical creams can vary in how quickly you’ll feel the CBD in your system. Some creams or balms may provide immediate effects. Others may take up to several hours to kick in.

Know the source of your CBD…

As some CBD products focus more on marketing and taking advantage of the growing market than on quality, it’s essential to know the source of your CBD. This means considering both whether the CBD was derived from hemp (thus containing less than 0.3 percent THC) or from marijuana (containing more than 0.3 percent THC), as well as where the plant was grown. Sometimes this information is included in the packaging. If it’s not, though, definitely ask staff or research online. Hemp grown in Colorado means it’s gone through robust testing to determine THC levels and the presence of illegal pesticides. Hemp from overseas typically is not testing at all.

Always check the packaging!

When purchasing CBD oil at a physical retailer, always check the packaging to see if it states the amount of CBD and THC in the product. CBD dosing is typically listed as milligrams. If the product doesn’t list this directly on the packaging, ask for a certificate of analysis from the seller. The COA should contain the exact amounts of chemical compounds in the product, including CBD and THC. If you’re unable to find the COA or the seller refuses to share it, it’s best to avoid that product. 

Start at lower concentrations and work  your way up.

As you first start purchasing CBD products, it’s recommended to start at lower concentrations and work  your way up. Often you won’t feel the effects of CBD until you reach higher dosages. But starting small allows you to discover what works best with you with minimal side effects.