CBD has gone mainstream.
That’s great news for you if you’re curious about cannabidiol — but it has its downsides, too. Being spoilt for choice might mean you have no where to start.
The weird and wonderful world of CBD products now includes CBD beard oil, massage candles, and hand sanitiser, to name some quirky examples. Those are fun, but you’ll want to consider all your options.
This guide is devoted to helping you find the best ways to add CBD to your health and wellness routine.
Three Types of CBD: How to Choose
First things first: you can choose from countless different CBD products, but all fall into one of three types:
- Full-spectrum CBD incorporates all extracts the hemp plant has to offer — in addition to cannabidiol, it contains terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils, and many other cannabinoids. Full-spectrum CBD may have a THC content of 0.02 per cent at most in the UK.
- Broad-spectrum CBD retains all those goodies so many people are after, but it has further been processed to ensure it only has trace amounts of THC.
- CBD isolate is pure CBD.
Which should you pick?
Many CBD enthusiasts actively look for full- or broad-spectrum CBD products because of the “entourage effect”. The theory goes that CBD more easily creates the desired effect if other cannabinoids are also present. People who welcome terpenes and flavonoids but who want to ingest as little THC as possible may want to opt for broad-spectrum CBD. Consumers who want to remain fully THC-free are best off with CBD isolate products, meanwhile.
You can start shopping once you narrow your choices down — and we’ll look at some of the most widely-enjoyed CBD products next.
1. CBD Oil
CBD oil is typically sold in bottles containing between 500 and 1800 ml. These glass bottles, usually amber in colour, come with a dropper that allows consumers to measure out their desired dose of cannabinoil oil.
People trying CBD for the first time should start with the lowest possible dose — one drop — and can slowly add to that over time, if desired. Sublingual administration (under the tongue) results in the highest bioavailability, but you can also cook with CBD oil by mixing it with other oils.
CBD oil is best stored in cool, dark places. Your fridge is ideal. Your backpack on a hot summer day? Not so much. This caveat makes CBD oil best for use at home, and less suitable for on the go.
Consumers who want to add CBD products to a relaxing wellness routine at home may, however, enjoy the ritual of measuring out the dose.
2. CBD Tinctures
CBD tinctures are another way to enjoy CBD in liquid form. Tinctures may look similar to oil, but they are alcohol extracts. Tinctures take on a bitter flavour in their natural state, and that’s why many manufacturers add sweeteners.
Consumers store and use CBD tinctures similarly to CBD oil. Choosing between the two comes down to personal preference, but CBD oil is more widely available.
3. CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are softgels or pills. They’re pre-dosed — one capsule usually contains 25 mg of cannabidiol — and easy to use.
CBD capsules are an excellent choice if you love convenience. You can easily take a few capsules on the road with you, while keeping the rest of the bottle at home (and protecting it from light and heat).
Since you take CBD capsules just like paracetamol or multivitamin supplements, there is less of a ritual experience. Some consumers like that, while others prefer products that prolong the experience of interacting with CBD.
It’s also good to note that, because capsules need to pass through the digestive system, the desired effect takes longer to kick in.
4. CBD Gummies
CBD gummies and other types of sweets and candies (including mints) are incredibly popular. It’s easy to see why:
- Who doesn’t like candy? Quality CBD gummies are just as tasty as any other sweet.
- CBD gummies are portable.
- They come in predetermined doses — usually 25 mg per CBD candy.
As with other CBD products, it’s best to store your CBD gummies in an airtight container, away from light or heat.
5. CBD Vape Pens and Vape Liquids
CBD vape pens and vape liquids are a good choice for people who already vape, and who want make a ritual of enjoying CBD. CBD vape liquids are nicotine-free, and may have various flavours to enhance the experience.
CBD vape pens are portable and easy to use. Some vapers don’t know that vape liquids are generally best stored in dark and cool places. The same holds true for CBD-infused vape liquids.
5. CBD Creams and Topicals
CBD cosmetics are picking up steam, too. You can find all sorts of CBD-infused creams, balms, and lotions. You can even find CBD shampoos and beard oils on the market. Using topical CBD products can feel downright luxurious, but you do lose bioavailability when compared with CBD oil and tinctures.
As with other CBD products, it’s best to store CBD creams and similar cosmetics in a dark and cool place. Make sure to close the lid properly after each use to prolong the shelf life of your cannabidiol cream.
6. Novelty CBD Products You Might Not Have Heard Of
CBD oil, gummies, and capsules are among the most popular and widely available cannabidiol products. Consumers will have an easier time finding authorised and high-quality CBD products if they stick to these basic options.
If you find yourself looking for novel ways to add CBD to your day, however, you do have plenty of other options. All of the following have been spotted on the market:
- CBD tea
- CBD bath bombs
- CBD energy drinks
- CBD-infused coffee
- CBD toothpaste
- CBD hand sanitiser
- CBD hair gel
Experimenting with CBD Products: Where to Start?
Start your journey into the world of CBD by choosing whether you’d prefer a full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate product.
From there, decide where you intend to enjoy your CBD. CBD oil, tinctures, and creams are all great for use at home. CBD capsules and gummies are more portable, and CBD vape liquid can also be a good option.
You may like to consider if you prefer convenience or a little ritual, as well. CBD vape pens, tea, and oil all offer an opportunity to create a relaxing wellness routine. Capsules may feel a little impersonal to some.
No matter which route you go, remember to start with the lowest dose. Build up over time, as you slowly discover how much you need to achieve your desired effect. Once you get used to CBD, you may want to branch out and experiment with novel products.
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