One of the most in-demand health and wellness products of the year has been CBD (cannabidiol). Perhaps you’ve heard of it, but don’t know where to begin? If so, you’re not alone. The cannabis-derived compound is quickly gaining mainstream popularity, and retailers are expecting the second annual National CBD Day on August 8 to drum up some significant nationwide buzz. Though, for those that are acutely aware of the compound’s numerous medical benefits but don’t necessarily know where to jump in, we’ve compiled a list of expert tips for purchasing CBD: what to look for, what questions to ask, some misconceptions about CBD, and what products or applications are expected to be the hottest come this year’s iteration of National CBD Day.
• Know where your CBD is coming from – Look around and you’ll find that everyone is hopping on the CBD train, from supermarkets to health outlets, convenience stores to farmers markets. Though generally, most shoppers may not know the difference between the various CBD products currently racing to shelves. Ultimately, CBD that is produced for dispensaries is created in facilities that are made to manufacture, test, and package CBD with the highest quality care. It is difficult to gauge the purity and quality of CBD produced elsewhere. At the end of the day, it is important to read labels carefully, ask questions, and buy where you are comfortable.
• Ask lots of questions – CBD impacts everyone differently—one size does not fit all in this instance. Our bodies’ endocannabinoid systems, the system that interacts with the CBD compound as it reaches your body, are as unique as our fingerprints. Since individuals each have their own one-of-a-kind endocannabinoid system that determines the dose needed, it is important to ask a lot of questions when purchasing CBD products to determine how the compound will affect you.
• Start slow – What works for some may not work for others, but slowly, gradually introducing CBD into one’s vitamin or medicinal regimen is the safest bet. There is currently no research that suggests CBD can counter prescription medications. CBD will not produce the same psychoactive effects as its more widely recognized cannabis counterpart, THC. However, when trying CBD, it is critical to consider our bodies’ unique endocannabinoid systems.
• Don’t expect a buzz – Unlike THC, the compound that produces cannabis’ “high” effect, CBD does not produce the same psychoactive impact. As such, CBD won’t get you high.
That said, it is important to note the differences between hemp-derived CBD and cannabis-derived CBD isolate. A CBD isolate will be pure and completely free of THC. Hemp-derived oils can include very small trace amounts of THC. A trace amount here means legally not more than .3%; not a high enough dose to cause impairment. Nonetheless, reading labels is critical. And while CBD won’t produce a cannabis high per se, the compounds proven anti-anxiety properties can definitely cause a significant relaxation effect.
Top CBD products and applications of 2019 – CBD has found its way into so many different applications in the first half of 2019. At GreenPharms, among the most popular CBD products are our tinctures, salves and lotions, our daily CBD capsules, and our above all, CBD dog treats for pups that need a little extra soothing through the hot months. From chapstick to nail polish, with so many more products in between, we encourage the public to come in to GreenPharms and learn more about CBD and how it can help.
Marie Paredes Saloum is the owner of GreenPharms Dispensaries with locations in Mesa and Flagstaff, as well as The Marijuana Doctor, with several locations across the Valley. Since 2013, GreenPharms has developed an award-winning reputation for purveying the highest quality cannabis and CBD commodities in the state. Marie represents the passionate mom-and-pop local businesses in Arizona, providing patients across the state with medical marijuana in a safe, welcoming environment.
