One thing that IS obvious is how confusing it must often be for someone without enough fundamental information on CBD (cannabidiol) to feel confident in their search for a high quality CBD oil. CBD sales are estimated to soon reach $20 Billion, and this rapid growth brings much ‘noise’ into the channel and makes choices much more difficult for consumers.
Although I’ve written extensively on the subject of CBD and related products for 4 years now at Cannabis Animus, I decided that it is a good time to write an article specifically dedicated to the 6 main criteria recommended for your reference and decision-making.
How To Choose The Right CBD Oil
The following are the criteria I recommend for choosing high quality CBD oil and related CBD products that are specifically designed for different patients who are experiencing a very wide range of medical issues.
Please refer to the “CBD Info” tab's categories in the dropdown menu for more information on CBD and your specific area of interest. In the meantime, here’s what I’ll be covering:
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Product Form/Delivery Method
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Product Information (QR code)
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Full Spectrum or CBD Isolate?
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Nano CBD vs. Traditional CBD
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Dosage
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Economics
Product Form/Delivery Method
CBD oil in Tincture form is the traditional form of oil product intended for use sublingually (under tongue). There are many other alternatives now available which could prove more effective given your unique situation, condition(s), and preferences. Still a very effective a quick method of delivery.
CBD Gel Caps or capsules are considered by many to be the most convenient, as there’s no chance of spillage and more accurate dosing. Gel Caps are recommended for people who suffer from neurologic conditions that affect their digestive and filtering organs such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s Disease.
Nano CBD water is arguably the premium product as it hydrates the entire body while at the same time delivering the most bioavailable form of CBD (nano-sized). This also results in more bioactivity and therefore excellent results are achieved.
CBD Suppositories are perfect for conditions affecting the pelvic area. This form is intended for use both vaginal or annal insertion. Rrecommended for treating endometriosis and menstrual pain, as well as post-surgery recovery from hip replacement, and recovery from chemotherapy.
CBD Topical Patches are now available in time-released form delivering nano CBD for up to 96 hours. This is perfect for pain relief on areas where the pain is localized and appropriate for applying the patch. Best results are achieved when used in combination with an ingested form of CBD.
CBD Lotions and emulsions are recommended for use in conjunction with ingested CBD for better pain relief and abnormal skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, shingles, and plain-old dry skin conditions. Powerful anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties are value-added properties along with pain relief.
CBD Sleep Syrup is designed for folks that must address their need for better quality sleep. Proper sleep is vital for optimum health and if left untreated can cause very serious problems and negatively affect existing ones. Typically found in combination with melatonin which is another natural sleep aid.
CBD Gummies are designed with our children in mind. They are typically lower dosage. Since parents love them too, it’s important to calculate how many gummies are necessary for a minimum adult dose. All things equal and depending on product, adults typically require more CBD than children.
CBD Chocolate is also an understandably popular form of CBD and one of the first CBD edibles created. For chocolate lovers, it doesn’t take much explanation or encouragement, but it is interesting to note that the anadamide in chocolate is complimented by the properties of cannabidiol (CBD). A perfect pair.
CBD Tea is becoming more popular as more companies are beginning to offer it. Tea drinkers will absolutely love the flavor from varietal options, and it's an excellent way to supplement your daily CBD regimen. Both black and green teas are available as well as herbal forms with no caffeine.
Product Information & Test Results
Over the last 4 years, my research, articles, and product reviews reflect an ever increasing number of products being found that contain little to no CBD whatsoever... and not what is claimed by the brand. Considering this trend, it has become essential for patients to realize that without 3rd Party Testing results from the exact product batch you purchased, you have no idea what you are taking.
Do not purchase products that do not provide a QR Code on the label. This square, black & white image on the product's labeling is intended to be scanned by your smart phone camera.
It will reveal the exact test report summary and its results which show things like the exact amount of CBD found, any heavy metals, pesticides, or other toxic contaminants. Buyer beware is especially recommended with today’s CBD products due to lack of uniformity in regulations.
Full Spectrum or Simple CBD Isolate
Without getting too much into the weeds, it’s important to understand the difference. "Full Spectrum" is, at best, intended to refer to the type of CBD product that is not merely CBD Isolate added to an oil base such as Medium Chain Triglyceride oil (MCT), Propylene Glycol (PG), or Vegetable Glycerin (VG) and formed into a gummy recipe, chocolate, or water for that matter.
Full Spectrum intends to refer to a CBD formulation that retains some ( but rarely all) of its related cannabinoids like CBN, CBA, CBC, CBG, and CBDA.
Another important characteristic of a “full spectrum” CBD oil is the inclusion of the plant’s natural terpenes (limonene, pinene, caryophyllene, and myrcene) which not only contribute to aroma, but have well-known healing and restorative effects. All plants have terpenes and flavonoids in various combinations and permutations determined by its genetics and environment.
Important phytonutrients like flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and neoflavonoids should also be present in a high quality, full spectrum oil. Specific to the Cannabis plant species are “cannaflavins” such as apigenin, kaempferol isovitexin, quercitin, orientin, and beta-sitosterol.
Nano CBD vs. Traditional CBD
This is arguably the most important consideration of all. The reason for this because what ultimately matters is how much CBD per dose will actually be utilized by the body and therefore its corresponding results for the patient.
“Nano CBD” refers to the technology used in the preparation of the CBD. Nanotechnology and nanoscience has been evolving quickly due to the results of its applications and benefits over many decades now. The benefits related to CBD have to do with the fact that nano CBD molecules are natural CBD molecules reduced in the laboratory to one-millionth of its organic size.
At this molecular size, the CBD has the ability to penetrate the blood brain barrier of the cell and be fully absorbed and utilized by the body. This is what is referred to as 100% bioavailability and bioactivity.
Contrast this form with a traditional CBD molecule where most of the CBD is not absorbed. As you may already know, 70 to 80% of ingested nutrients just pass right through the digestive tract without benefit from uptake and bioactivity. (See economic benefits below.)
CBD Dosage
My experience with both physicians and patients confirms that, typically, patients are not taking enough CBD per dose, nor taking it often enough throughout the day and evening.
You will find that most marketers and bloggers suggest an adult dose to be between 25 – 35 mg doses up to 3 times per day. CBD is fully utilized and metabolized within 6 – 8 hours which is why dosing is recommended 2 or 3 times per day.
Although any CBD is better than no CBD, "medical" doses that I find revealed in clinical tests are typically 50 – 65 mg of CBD per dose, and administered again every 8 hours. This is more evidence that many patients simply do not take enough CBD for optimal results.
At some point, any patient will find that above a certain dosage and frequency, any additional CBD is not adding value. Patients are recommended to taper down their dosage after their condition improves resulting in the proper daily ‘maintenance’ dose. If any daily dose proves out to be not enough – simply increase the dosage and/or frequency again. Once your body’s Endocannabinoid System achieves equilibrium, you will likely require only a daily maintenance dose that works for you.
Economics
Since consumers do not take enough CBD for optimal effect, what’s the reasons for this? Economics is the most obvious.
If money was no object, then that would simplify matters, but it wouldn’t necessarily be the solution either. The solution lies in an understanding of how much CBD your body needs given your condition(s) and preferably choosing a high quality nano CBD product that truly delivers.
It is estimated that, due to virtually 100% bioavailability, nano CBD delivers at least 5X the potency and effectiveness. Thousands of our members at Cannabis Animus will attest to that fact.
Do the math yourself and compare the price of CBD Living Tincture Oil @ 1,500 mg. with other traditional CBD or hemp oil equivalents like CBD isolate added to a base oil like MCT or Hemp seed oil.
Interested to know why my cbd/thc edible I’ve taken for over a year at 5mg every 4 hrs for chronic low back pain & fibromyalgia relieves that part of body but when getting other pain in some other part of body, it gives no relief there?
Hi Laura, Great to hear from you! 5 mg of CBD is barely enough for a small dog or cat. “Medical” doses for adults in clinical trials range between 50 mg and 65 mg per dose, 3X per day for serious conditions. Adult maintenance dose is between 25 to 35 mg per dose, and every 8 hours if needed. Frankly, I’m surprised you are getting the relief you described. What product brand and type of edible are you referring to?