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What CBD is Right for Me?
Nov
CBD use has really taken off in Hong Kong thanks to its growing availability and purported benefits. This mysterious product has turned up in many places, from oils to creams and gummies. If you’re just about to jump on the bandwagon, you may wonder, “what CBD is right for me?”
In this post, we’ve detailed the different forms of CBD products at your disposal, plus their advantages and disadvantages. But before we get to choosing the right CBD product, let’s have a quick look at the three major types of CBD and how they differ in terms of cannabinoid content.
Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolate- Explained
Full Spectrum CBD– as the name suggests, these are products that contain all the components present in the cannabis plant. That’s to say that Full Spectrum CBD products not only contain CBD, but other cannabis plant extracts, including terpenes, fatty acids, flavonoids, and the notorious psychoactive compound – THC.
Because most CBD products are derived from the hemp plant, the THC content is usually below 0.3%. Such an amount is not enough to cause euphoric effects unless you’re taking high doses of the product. But keep in mind that THC is illegal in Hong Kong and may put you on the wrong side of the law. That being said, if you want to avoid chances of THC showing up in a drug test or have the police knocking on your door, you may want to steer clear of Full Spectrum CBD products. We have noticed lately that some vendors advertise THC-free Full Spectrum products. Be advised that such “animal” does not exist.
Broad Spectrum CBD– in short, this is full spectrum CBD without THC. Broad spectrum CBD is consistently considered the best choice because it is the next “complete extract” after full spectrum. It’s thought to work better as it contains all other components of the cannabis plant believed to work synergistically to produce beneficial health effects. You may want to gravitate towards broad spectrum CBD products if you want to benefit from the synergetic effects of cannabis plant compounds but don’t want anything to do with THC.
CBD Isolate-this is the most refined classification of CBD products. CBD isolate is a pure type of CBD in that all other compounds from the cannabis plant have been removed. Unlike full and broad spectrums, CBD isolate is 99% CBD. It does not contain other compounds from the hemp plant, including THC, terpenes, healthy fatty acids, chlorophyll, and more. Additionally, CBD isolate is refined, so it has no real taste or odor, which makes it the preferred choice for some users.
Choosing The Right CBD Product
If you’re intrigued by the purported benefits of CBD and are planning to try it out, one of the key aspects to consider will be what form to take.
By now, you’re probably aware that CBD is currently available in different product types. The most widely available options include CBD Oil (drops), gummies, softgels, and creams/topicals.
While they all work similarly, each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on how and when it is used. For that reason, some people tend to prefer one type of CBD product over another.
CBD Oil (drops)
Oils or “tinctures” are the most popular CBD products. While the two words are regularly used interchangeably, oils and tinctures are quite different. The major difference is that CBD oils have an oil base (carrier) while the CBD in tinctures is suspended in alcohol or glycerin-based solutions. Be advised that many manufactures and vendors use the word “tinctures” but they are actually referring to oils, because no alcohol has been used. So it is an incorrect label, which is slowly being replaced by “CBD Oil (drops)”. For the records, all our products are oil based.
Altogether most people prefer CBD oils or “tinctures” because they work fast. These products can be administered orally or sublingually either on their own or by adding them to food and drinks.
Pros
- Most cost-effective
- Have the highest potency
- Can be adjusted as needed
- Works fast
Cons
- Not the most convenient for use in public
Gummies
These are chewy candies infused with cannabidiol. Gummies are meant for oral use only. After consumption, the active ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream, through which they travel to the liver before reaching the brain.
CBD gummies come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and CBD concentration. And unlike CBD oils and tinctures, gummies offer a more discreet way to take your daily CBD dose, even in public.
The only thing to keep in mind is that the CBD in gummies may take up to an hour for its effects to kick in. So if you want some help staying cool for an upcoming event, you’ll want to pop a gummy an hour or so beforehand.
Pros
- Sold pre-dosed
- Convenient to take on the go
- Can be shared with friends
- Sweet
Cons
- Contain sugar
- Can melt if it’s too hot
Softgels
These are tasteless, easy-to-swallow one-piece capsules containing the CBD compound. There are several reasons why manufacturers choose to put the CBD in gel capsules. First, the capsule protects and maintains the CBD oil quality by creating a seal. This seal prevents air and light from breaking the CBD oil down, thus negating its intended beneficial effects. Secondly, most people say CBD softgels are easier to swallow, mainly because they don’t leave behind a bad aftertaste.
Pros
- Precision dosing
- A great alternative to gummies
- Smaller container (read easy packing)
- Work fast since they are made of oil
- Better heat resistance compared to gummies
- Contain no sugar
Cons
- Unlike CBD gummies, CBD softgels can not be split if needed
Creams/Topicals
CBD topicals refer to lotions, creams, patches, ointments, and other products infused with cannabidiol. As the name suggests, these are applied directly to the skin. This means that, unlike CBD products that are orally or sublingually administered, topicals don’t enter the bloodstream, and as such, don’t address issues in your system. Instead, creams and lotions are mainly designed to deal with matters on specific spots on your body, for instance, muscle and joint pain and discomforts.
Animal studies and reports from users suggest that CBD topicals may help relieve arthritis-related pain and inflammation.
Pros
- Allows localized use
- Minimal to no CBD side effects
- Targets specific areas
Cons
- Should not be applied to open wounds or cuts
- No clear dosing
Once you know the right product, the next step is to look for a reputable vendor. You see, the problem with the CBD industry at the moment is that it’s still largely unregulated. That being said, it might be a challenge to tell whether you’re getting exactly what the brands claim to offer with their products.
For that reason, it’s advisable to go for sellers that represent big company brands because you can easily find thousands of reviews from happy and unhappy customers. When you read the reviews, read between the lines. Is it really written by a customer, or is it done by the vendor? Use common sense, and you will easily spot the fake ones.
Conclusion
Once you choose your source and the type of extract that is right for you, the form of CBD product comes down to personal preference. However, most people tend to gravitate more towards oils as they are cost-effective and deliver their purported benefits fast. Softgels are another popular option because they offer the same benefits as CBD oil but in an easy to carry and share form.