CBD products have grown in popularity in the last decade or so, with many people claiming that it helps with pain relief, to manage their anxiety and depression, and even their acne. While medicinal cannabis has been used by cultures for centuries and certainly does have some benefits, as with anything, there can be certain downsides to these products. A lot of the time this will be down to the individual, as different people will react differently to things, but if you’ve been thinking about trying out some CBD products for health purposes, here are a few things you should know before you take them:
You Won’t Get High
A lot of people who aren’t familiar with CBD products might be concerned about whether or not they will get high as a result of taking them. The answer is no; CBD products are not designed to get you high as they don’t contain THC, which is the compound in cannabis that causes the high. CBD products are likely to contain minimal traces of THC, but it won’t be enough to take effect.
Regulations
Any kind of medicinal product will have to meet certain standards and go through regulations before they can be sold to the masses. Before you purchase any CBD products, make sure you understand CBD regulations in your country. Familiarising yourself with these measures could help you to identify safe and legal sellers of CBD products, as well as the difference between the use of CBD products and recreational marijuana and how these things are defined.
Check the Product First
Make sure you’re checking out not just the seller but the product you intend to buy as well. Like any purchase, looking at customer reviews about the quality of these products and how they have affected people will help you to get a better idea of whether or not it’s right for you. You should also be able to find out about the strength of the product from the seller and ask them for advice about how much to take.
There is No Official Dose
While a seller might be able to give you a recommendation on how much to take if it’s your first time, it’s important to remember that there is no official recommended dose from a medical point of view. As CBD products aren’t prescribed by doctors, this has left the exact dosage up to you. Again, people react to CBD products in different ways, so it might be a case of trying a few different doses to find one that works best for you. A good rule of thumb is starting small and working your way up to a level that feels right.
Side-Effects
It’s also important to be aware of the possible side-effects you might experience after taking CBD products. You might find that your mouth is dryer than usual after consumption or that you feel more lethargic and fatigued. People have also experienced a reduced appetite and occasionally stomach discomfort and diarrhea. These aren’t serious side-effects, but they can be a bit unpleasant or not ideal. However, if you are taking other medications, you must speak to your doctor before you try any CBD products, as it could react with them negatively. It’s a good idea to speak to your doctor before taking these products generally to seek further advice.
Different Methods of Taking CBD
There are various methods of consuming CBD products that you should be aware of, too. Some can be ingested via foods that have been infused with CBD or products that dissolve in water. The use of a tincture is a very popular method, and some people either drop some CBD liquid into their mouth to swallow or add it to food themselves. You can also buy CBD products to vape, which is another very common practice. There are also topical creams you can apply straight onto your skin, although these CBD products are more to help with pain relief or muscular aches.
Ask to see a Certificate of Analysis
Finally, in addition to checking product reviews and finding more information from the seller, you should also enquire about a certificate of analysis before purchasing anything. The seller should be able to produce one for you, and this will confirm that the product has been made safely and has passed all the necessary regulatory tests.
CBD can be used for a variety of ailments, but it’s always important to do some research before you try any new product to make sure it’s right for you.
