In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of CBD products available, highlight their pros and cons, and uncover the key factors that will help simplify your CBD selection process.
Exploring the different types of CBD products
Knowing how to choose a CBD product can make or break your experience. Each type offers unique advantages depending on your needs and preferences.
- Edibles
CBD edibles encompass a wide range of ingestible products, including everything from gummies and chocolates to capsules and beverages. They offer a discreet and enjoyable way to consume CBD, as they look like regular snacks or supplements.
Pros:
- Variety and convenience — CBD edibles are available in diverse flavors and forms, from candies to baked goods, making it easy to find a product that suits your taste.
- Pre-measured dosage — Each edible contains a pre-measured dose of CBD highlighted on the product label, simplifying dosage tracking. This is especially beneficial for beginners trying to find their ideal amount.
Con:
- Delayed effects — Research shows that absorption of edibles and capsules can be “slow, erratic and variable.” It may take 45 minutes to two hours for the effects to kick in because the CBD must first pass through the digestive system before the liver metabolizes it. However, once the CBD does enter your bloodstream, the effects tend to last longer and taper off more gradually.
- Tinctures
CBD tinctures are created by extracting CBD from hemp and mixing it with a carrier oil. It’s administered by placing a few drops under the tongue, where the thin layer of tissue allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream through capillaries. Because this method bypasses the digestive system, the CBD is absorbed quickly, leading to faster effects.
Pros:
- Rapid absorption — When taken sublingually (under the tongue), CBD tinctures usually start working within 15 to 30 minutes.
- High potency — Due to their high concentration of CBD, even a small dose can provide a substantial amount of the compound.
Cons:
- Strong taste — Many CBD tinctures have a natural, earthy taste that some people find too strong or unpleasant.
- Potential allergens — Tinctures contain carrier oils like coconut or hemp seed oil, which can trigger allergic reactions in some users.
- Topicals
CBD-infused topicals, such as balms, lotions, and creams, are applied directly to the skin. The CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the skin’s layers, potentially providing relief without entering the bloodstream.
Pro:
- Focused relief — CBD topicals are administered right to the affected area, allowing the active ingredients to work precisely where they’re needed most
Cons:
- Frequent reapplication — The effects of CBD topicals are often shorter-lasting than other CBD products. This may require more frequent reapplication, especially for chronic conditions or persistent discomfort.
- Possible allergic reactions — CBD topicals may contain added ingredients like preservatives, fragrances, or essential oils, which can trigger skin irritation in some users. Always check the label to minimize risks and complications.
- Vape pens and cartridges
Vaporizers heat CBD oils or dry cannabis flowers, delivering the compound directly into your lungs. From there, it is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in near-instant effects.
Pros:
- Quick absorption — Most users may feel the effects within just a few minutes of their first inhalation. These effects can last anywhere from two to six hours.
- Subtle and easy-to-use — Vape pens are compact, user-friendly, and easy to carry. Unlike traditional smoking, vaping produces minimal odor, making it a more socially acceptable and discreet option.
- Precise dosage control — Vape pens and cartridges offer a range of strengths, so you can easily adjust your dosage to meet your specific needs.
Cons:
- Possible dependency and health issues — Although vaping is often viewed as a safer alternative to smoking, its long-term impact on lung health remains a concern. Some CBD vape products may contain nicotine, which can lead to dependency or addiction.
Factors to consider when choosing CBD products
Although CBD is often well-tolerated and widely regarded as safe, assessing the following factors is essential to mitigate potential risks and maximize the product’s benefits:
- Onset time and bioavailability
Bioavailability refers to the amount of CBD in a product that your body can effectively use, while onset time is the duration it takes to feel the effects — which often depends on the path by which the CBD enters your system.
Both bioavailability and onset time can differ greatly depending on the type of CBD product. For instance, gummy candies usually have a slower onset time and lower bioavailability than vaporizers, which deliver effects almost instantly and offer higher bioavailability.
If you’re seeking immediate relief from acute pain or anxiety, the onset time becomes a critical factor in your decision. In such cases, a fast-acting product like a CBD vape or tincture would be more suitable than edibles or creams.
- Dosage and potency
CBD products typically list their dosages in milligrams (mg). However, there is limited human research to establish precise dosing guidelines for specific conditions. Usually, finding the right dosage involves trial and error, as individual responses to CBD can vary based on tolerance, metabolism, and the method of consumption.
On the other hand, potency indicates the concentration of CBD in a product, usually expressed as milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) for oils or per serving for edibles and capsules.
Balancing potency and dosage is key to scoring the best CBD products. It’s wise to begin with a low dose and monitor how your body responds. You can gradually increase the dosage over time to achieve your desired effects.
- Purity
The effectiveness of CBD is closely linked to its purity. Pure CBD products contain a higher concentration of active cannabinoids, leading to more consistent and potent effects. On the other hand, impure CBD products may contain unnecessary or harmful additives, heavy metals, or synthetic chemicals.
- Extraction methods
Be sure to check the product label or packaging for details on the extraction method used, as it determines how pure and potent the CBD is in the final product. Certain techniques, such as ethanol and CO2 extractions, produce purer and more potent products. Some methods use harsh chemicals or solvents, like butane or hexane, which can leave residues in the final product. These residues can be harmful if ingested or applied to the skin.
Choosing CBD products based on potential health benefits
By aligning your CBD product choice with the specific health benefits you’re looking to achieve, you can ensure a more effective experience:
- Skin conditions — When applied topically, CBD oil is reported to provide a range of benefits to the skin. Research shows that CBD’s antioxidant properties may help soften wrinkles and fine lines. Another study indicates that CBD has antimicrobial properties and can effectively kill Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium commonly responsible for secondary eczema-related infections and flare-ups.
- Joint pain management — CBD-infused creams or balms might be the most effective choice if you’re looking for relief from muscle soreness. Pre-clinical studies suggest that CBD topicals’ anti-inflammatory properties may help alleviate joint damage associated with conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
- Improved sleep — The use of cannabis, especially in edible form, is linked to better sleep quality. This makes it a promising option for individuals dealing with insomnia or other sleep-related challenges.
- Anxiety management — Preclinical evidence supports that cannabinoids like CBD oil can have calming effects, potentially lowering symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Choosing CBD tinctures can offer quicker relief from these symptoms.
Other quality indicators to keep in mind
CBD laws vary across states, affecting the quality and legality of the products available to you. Without careful consideration, you may encounter CBD products that are mislabeled, contain dangerous substances, or fail to deliver the promised benefits.
To ensure you’re choosing the best CBD products, it’s crucial to focus on key quality indicators:
- Third-party testing
A reliable CBD product should include a Certificate of Analysis (COA), verifying that it has undergone third-party testing by an independent laboratory. This ensures that the actual CBD content matches what is advertised on the label.
- Organic ingredients
Be mindful of CBD products that could contain pesticides or solvent residues, as these can lead to unwanted side effects and interact with medications. Ideally, choose CBD products made from organically grown hemp, which is cultivated without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers. This ensures a cleaner and purer final product.
Buy CBD products at Shango
Now that you know how to choose a CBD product, why not experience it for yourself? At Shango, we offer a premium CBD selection of tinctures, flowers, and more to meet your unique needs.
Whether you’re seeking the soothing effects of pure CBD oil or are an athlete looking to harness the power of our Neuro XPF products, we’ve got something tailored just for you. Shop online today or browse our locations to find a Shango store near you.
