We see CBD products everywhere these days. With so many different offerings, it can be difficult to figure out which is best for you or your loved one. This blog post will demystify some of the most common terms and help you decide what product is right for you!

WHAT IS CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is just one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, along with THC and others. Cannabinoids are a closely related group of chemical compounds, which work synergistically together and with the other chemical compounds that make up the cannabis plant. CBD doesn’t produce a “high” feeling but does interact with receptors throughout our endocannabinoid system and can provide relief for stress, tenderness and swelling or subdue aches. Research is being done on CBD use for symptom management for things such as anxiety, migraines, certain types of seizures, inflammation and pain. It also has been found to have value in cosmetic use.

A lot of people think that because CBD doesn’t get you high like THC does, it’s not psychoactive at all. But actually, its interaction with certain receptors inside our brains does produce some sort of effect (mostly calming). Any substance that creates a change in our mindset is considered psychoactive. “Psychoactive” is a term used to describe a substance that changes a mental state by affecting the brain and nervous system. So though CBD will not cause euphoria or intoxication, it may change a person’s mental state, which in turn would affect their perception of the world around them.

CBD found outside of dispensaries is derived from hemp, rather than cannabis, because hemp is federally legal. Hemp and cannabis are the same species, cannabis sativa, but they’re separated by an arbitrary legal definition that defines hemp as having less than 0.03% THC when tested. It is most often sold in oil form, gummies, tinctures and capsules.

With the great interest in CBD and its effects come a large number of products and companies to choose from. The hemp CBD market is currently unregulated, so buyer beware. Be an empowered consumer: Look for lab tests to show that the product was properly made and verifies cannabinoid content. If you don’t see one, ask for it. A good company will always have test results available. Or better yet, purchase your CBD products from a licensed dispensary. Products purchased from dispensaries have been rigorously tested to make sure they are free of mold, fugus, pesticides, heavy metals and have a correctly listed cannabinoid count.

When you are exploring different high-CBD products, you’ll notice that their content is described in different ways: broad spectrum, full spectrum and isolate. The difference between these three is the extraction method and the content of the resulting product.