3 Things to Consider Before Buying CBD

January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 by Nick Jones

Did you know that 33% of Americans have used CBD at least once?

In the years 2017 to 2019, 64 million Americans tried CBD. Additionally, 64% of Americans are at least familiar with CBD and its products.

If you’ve landed here today, you’re one of the 33% who has tried CBD and are looking for buying tips—or you’re in the camp who hasn’t tried yet, but you’re interested!

Either way, this guide can help. To learn the top considerations for when you buy CBD, keep reading.

1. Consider the Dosage

The first question many CBD users have is this: How much should I take?

The answer varies per person. The amount you take depends on factors like your weight, the concentration of CBD in the product you’re buying, and why you’re using CBD (i.e., anxiety, pain, stress, etc.).

In general, having a professional opinion is best.

If that’s not an option for you, start with a lower dosage, like 20 to 40 mg a day. Use that dosage for at least a week, then add or subtract 5 mg depending on how you feel. Repeat the process, using that dosage for up to a week before adding or subtracting 5 mg again.

2. Types of CBD Products and Forms

CBD comes in three different forms—full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.

CBD isolate is exactly what it sounds like: isolated CBD that utilizes no other part of the plant. Broad-spectrum CBD uses other components of the plant and may even have trace amounts of THC. Full-spectrum CBD contains all parts of the plant, which typically includes THC levels of 0.3% or less.

As far as product types, there are even more than three! CBD comes in several ways, such as gummies, tinctures, flower, topicals, oils, drinks, candies, and more.

The type you choose depends on what you’re comfortable with using. For example, if you don’t want to smoke for health reasons, you can try edibles instead. If you want to use CBD in an attempt to reduce pain, you might try a topical lotion on one specific part of your body.

3. Legality Is Important

Finally, many CBD users wonder if CBD is legal in their state or whether CBD shows up on drug tests.

Thanks to the Farm Bill of 2018, hemp-derived CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC are no longer considered a controlled substance. That means they are federally legal within the US. The UK has similar rules, but even less THC—0.2% or less.

Will it show up on a drug test?

In general, drug tests don’t look for CBD, but rather THC. So, if you’re using a CBD isolate, the odds of testing positive for marijuana are extremely low and virtually nonexistent. Full-spectrum CBD might show trace amounts of THC in your system, but you’ll need to have a look at local laws and drug test practices in your area for more information.

Be an Informed Consumer With These Buying Tips

The next time you head to your local shop or peruse the internet to purchase CBD, keep these tips in mind.

You should consider things like dosage, product type, strain, and more. It doesn’t hurt to know a thing or two about CBD laws in your area either!

If you have any other questions, make sure to consult with your doctor.

In the meantime, see what else you can learn by heading back to our homepage. From buying tips to the latest trends and news, you’ll be the most informed CBD user in the store!