How To Choose a CBD Product

Oil is a concentrated liquid form of CBD. It is typically taken orally, under the tongue, but it is also rubbed on topically sometimes, or added to other food or drink products.

Oil is the most widely used and versatile type of CBD product on the market today. Most companies offer their own brand of CBD oil, which allows them to create unique mixtures with different flavors and cannabinoid strengths. 

The main differences between brands are whether they are full-spectrum oil, or made from only CBD isolate.

Sprays are similar to oils, except they are usually mixed with dilutants to make them spray easier. 

While more convenient for some users, the spray form of CBD tends to be much more diluted than concentrated CBD oil taken directly. Some sprays do mask the CBD flavor with additives or flavorings.

Capsules are a pill form of CBD that you can take orally. Capsules can be filled with either oil or isolated powder. 

In the case of oil-filled, these are oral softgels. The isolated powder capsules tend to be a less premium option, as they are filled with less expensive and less effective CBD isolate rather than full-spectrum CBD oil.

Creams are applied topically to the skin. They can be rubbed in and absorbed. You can use them to relieve pain, inflammation, and irritation. 

These topical products are usually used on an “as-needed’ basis, instead of using regularly every day. Most CBD topical products contain a significant number of other ingredients besides just CBD to make them absorb better as well as provide other moisturizing or soothing qualities.

Topical Creams have one specific advantage over oils because they absorb directly into your skin, so you don’t have to worry about mixing them with food or drink, and can use them as frequently or as seldom as needed. 

One disadvantage of using creams is that they can be more expensive than oils, and the bioavailability tends to be limited compared to ingestible CBD products. Topicals also wipe and rinse off quickly, so it may take more applications to achieve results.

Gummies are a sweet treat created with oil rather than sugar and other ingredients. 

While they may be preferred by younger users or those looking to take their CBD in the form of a candy, we do not recommend gummies for these reasons.

The label should list the CBD content, ingredients, and the amount of THC, which must be under 0.3% to comply with federal law. 

Look for a product that has a high CBD content and low THC. Make sure you know how much CBD is each bottle or dose, and avoid any product that does not contain a supplement facts and complete ingredient list on the label.

You need to decide how you will be using the product. If you are looking for relief from chronic pain, you will want a product that is high in CBD content. 

If you are looking for relief from anxiety or depression, you may want to try a capsule or oil form of CBD.

Not all CBD products are created equal. Some products are more expensive because of the quality of ingredients or the manufacturing process. 

While some CBD products are over-priced, you should be aware that high-quality U.S. made CBD oil is more costly than cheap, watered-down knockoffs, and if a price for CBD seems much lower than other brands, there is usually a reason. 

You get what you pay for with many CBD products, so avoid abnormally low-priced offerings, especially those that don’t tell you how much actual CBD you are getting for your money. 

Also, avoid any “free-trial” options you see to get CBD for a really low price or just shipping costs, these are often predatory deals to capture your credit card details and rebill you each month. Quality CBD products will not rely on free-trial gimmicks, or sell real CBD for just a few dollars a bottle.

Ensure that the CBD product you select is lab-tested and contains no pesticides, solvents, or other chemicals. 

High-quality brands will provide 3rd party laboratory tests documenting not only the total amount of CBD, but also the tests for contaminants, bacteria, and other unwanted igredients or residues.

Do your research on companies before purchasing a CBD product. Make sure that the company is reputable and has a good reputation. 

Check the BBB records to ensure the company selling you the CBD does not have a history of complaints. 

While anonymous user reviews are helpful for some products, they should not be relied on for CBD products, as they are not vetted, and cannot make health claims if they are used by the company to promote their CBD product.