Cannabidiol (CBD) has become an extremely popular wellness supplement in recent years due to its natural therapeutic benefits. This comprehensive CBD catalogue outlines the most popular types of CBD products, their uses, safety, and frequently asked questions about using CBD.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is one of over 100 phytocannabinoids identified in cannabis and hemp plants. Unlike the well-known tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which induces the “high” from marijuana, CBD is completely non-psychoactive. CBD interacts minimally with the endocannabinoid system receptors CB1 and CB2 potentially possessing pain-relieving, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
Numerous pieces of research have indicated that CBD may help relieve various types of pain, reduce anxiety and depression, alleviate cancer-related symptoms, and benefit heart health amongst other potential therapeutic uses. However, more clinical studies are still needed on many of CBD’s purported benefits.
CBD is most commonly sourced from industrial hemp plants which contain under 0.3% THC content, keeping them federally legal following the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill. CBD derived from marijuana plants with higher THC remains a controlled substance restricted to users with state medical marijuana licenses.
When purchasing quality hemp-derived CBD, third-party lab testing is recommended to verify content, check for contaminants, and validate label claims match what’s inside the product. Reputable CBD companies provide readily accessible certificates of analysis from independent labs to confirm purity and potency.
Types of CBD Products
There is now a vast range of CBD products available to suit different preferences and lifestyles. Here are some of the most popular types of CBD products that may be found online or in stores:
CBD Oils and Tinctures
CBD oils and tinctures are liquid solutions made by extracting CBD-rich oil from hemp plant material. They can be taken directly on their own held under the tongue for rapid absorption, mixed into drinks and smoothies, or infused onto food. Oils offer versatility and precise ability to tailor serving sizes.
Tinctures are made by soaking hemp plant material in a solution of alcohol, vinegar or glycerin. These liquid extracts tend to be lower concentration than standalone oils. However, various ratios of CBD to other ingredients may suit different individuals.
When choosing CBD oils/tinctures, check for hemp sourced from reputable growers, clean extraction methods like CO2, and precise concentrations/serving sizes recommended for different needs. Full-spectrum options retain other plant compounds while broad-spectrum undergo processing to remove THC.
CBD Edibles
For those not keen on the natural flavoring of hemp CBD oil, edible products offer tastier alternatives for taking CBD not requiring sublingual dosing under the tongue. Popular options include gummies, chocolates, baked goods, mints, and chewing gum infused with hemp-derived CBD extract.
The major advantage of edibles over oils is their flavor and convenience. On the downside, digestive breakdown of CBD edibles reduces some of CBD’s bioavailability compared to sublingual products. It also takes longer to experience effects but they may last longer once felt. Testing smaller CBD edible doses first is advised until finding your tolerance.
CBD Topicals
Designed for external use rather than internal ingestion or consumption, CBD topicals are balms, salves, lotions, and similar products rubbed directly onto skin, muscles, and joints. They deliver CBD transdermally for a localized effect rather than full-body experience.
CBD topicals are often combined with additional ingredients like arnica, menthol, capsaicin, essential oils, to provide relaxing or warming sensations. They are well suited for soothing sore muscles and achy joints or relieving various skin conditions. However, they are not efficient options for internal or mental relief purposes.
Try topical CBD products especially geared toward athletes or checkout user reviews focusing on specific relief usage when selecting topical products. Avoid contact with eyes, injuries or mucus membranes when applying.
CBD Capsules
For those desiring precision dosing and disliking the flavor of CBD oil, capsules provide familiarity and convenience. They come as simple pills in measured CBD doses, similar to daily vitamins or medications. The contents of capsules may be mixed with carrier oils, coconut oil or other ingredients to facilitate absorption.
Capsules sacrifice some bioavailability compared to CBD oil held under the tongue. However, many users appreciate knowing exactly how much CBD they take without measurements needed. For severe conditions, the precision of capsules enables incremental dose increases guided by healthcare advice.
Check out combination formulas with added ingredients like melatonin for sleep, curcumin for inflammation, or probiotics for digestion and immunity health alongside CBD.
CBD Vapes
Inhaling CBD vape oils with a vaporizer heats up and aerosolizes liquid CBD isolate or hemp oil. Inhale the vapor into the lungs for rapid absorption and quick-acting effects in just 5-15 minutes. This provides therapeutic potential without tinctures or edibles’ slower onset.
However, questions still remain about vaping’s safety needing more research. Avoid vitamin E and thinning agents found in illicit vape cartridges causing severe lung illness in some users. When buying CBD vapes, only purchase reputable, high-quality, and lab tested products sold legally. Check state laws on CBD vaping products as well.
Other CBD Products
There continues to be an explosion of unique CBD products hitting the market in recent years. This includes the following less common but growing categories:
- CBD beverages CBD-infused sparkling water, tea, coffee drinks, sports recovery drinks, non-alcoholic wine, and cocktails/mocktails.
- CBD pet products – CBD oils; treats for anxiety, mobility, skin & coat health; and complementary pet products containing CBD.
- CBD bath products – CBD bath salts, bath bombs, body wash, soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and lip balm. Great for relaxation, skin care or post-activity.
- CBD skincare – Anti-aging, blemish formula and protection creams infused with CBD applied topically to nurture skin health and youthful vitality.
- CBD intimacy oil – Personal lubricants containing CBD extract used to heighten arousal, enhance orgasms, reduce pain, facilitate longer-lasting intercourse and overcome sexual anxiety or tension.
With CBD making headway into nearly every consumer vertical, keep eyes open for unique specialty offerings claiming targeted benefits. But as with any new niche, apply scrutiny in verifying quality CBD sources and clean supplement production methods.
Is CBD Legal?
Understanding CBD laws remains confusing since regulations continue evolving after the 2018 Farm Bill distinguished hemp from marijuana. Here are some key legal considerations:
- Federal: Hemp-derived CBD containing under 0.3% THC is legal following the 2018 Farm Bill. CBD from marijuana remains federally illegal.
- State: Individual state laws vary greatly on CBD possession limits, sales requirements and allowable sources. Some only permit CBD access with a medical marijuana card while others ban food additive usage.
- Drug testing: Most drug tests target THC, however CBD products could still pose issues for individuals tested frequently by employers based on state laws. Those undergoing drug testing should exercise caution with CBD usage or discuss concerns with hiring organizations.
- Traveling: Bringing CBD across state lines remains a gray area needing prudence about carrying CBD in one’s car or luggage during air travel. While the TSA permits FDA-approved medications containing CBD, state laws conflict about general CBD possession.
In general, CBD shows promise for consumer wellness but lacks comprehensive regulation. Users should research state CBD specifics, buy from reputable brands following best practices and consult physicians with related health questions.
Is CBD Safe? What About Drug Interactions?
According to World Health Organization reviews, evidence generally indicates CBD is well tolerated and has a strong safety profile. WHO reports no abuse or lethal overdose potential identified to date. However, when ingesting any supplement, several factors warrant consideration:
General Safety
Most people tolerate CBD well but minor side effects have been reported:
- Digestive distress – Diarrhea, appetite changes
- Drowsiness – Often remedied by dosage adjustment
- Dry mouth – Improved by proper hydration
Rare allergic reaction signs – skin rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing warrant promptly discontinuing use.
For healthy adults, maximum CBD doses of 1500-6000mg daily have been endured safely. However, each individual responds uniquely based on factors like body chemistry and should start low before increasing dosage.
Special Populations
Pregnant, breastfeeding women and children should exercise abundant caution or avoid CBD without medical guidance until more research establishes safety protocols.
Additionally, seniors over 65 should use conservative CBD doses since metabolism changes, prescription medications and existing conditions may interact and heighten risk factors. Monitoring health indicators closely remains vital.