SHOP SMART
HOW TO FIND AND CHOOSE CBD PRODUCTS.
The explosion of CBD’s popularity has many kinds of merchants scrambling to offer it to their customers. CBD products are showing up in retail outlets, from drugstores, supermarkets, and health food shops to fitness clubs, cosmetics counters, and even fast-food restaurants. Countless brands also are promoting CBD products online, each touting unique qualities that distinguish them from all of the others. You’ll see a wide array of products infused with CBD, such as vitamin capsules, candies and cookies, energy drinks, lotions for your skin, and soap, as well as oils you can vaporize and inhale.
Your body absorbs CBD oil when you swallow it or dissolve it in your mouth, apply it to your skin, or inhale its vapor. No matter how your body takes in the CBD, it has generally the same effects. But each of the many kinds of products that are used to deliver CBD to your system has distinct differences that impact your experience with it. With such a wide variety of CBD products available, finding the right one for you can seem confusing, but all the options do increase the chances you’ll find a product that suits your needs and tastes.
If you’re interested in buying CBD, it’s a good idea to get familiar with the options, as well as the commonly used terminology and the important attributes to consider. In this chapter, we’ll tell you about the pros and cons of each type of product, and explain the factors that can help you find the best quality and value.
HEMP VS. CBD OIL
Hemp is an amazingly versatile plant. Its fiber is used to make textiles for clothing, furniture, and more. Raw or toasted hemp seeds are sold in supermarkets, typically alongside other healthful seeds like flax seed. Hemp oil is used in food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements and even has industrial applications.
If you’re looking for CBD to use for your health, however, you need to understand the critical difference between hemp oil and CBD oil products. Both come from the hemp plant, which refers to strains of the cannabis plant that are low in psychoactive THC and high in CBD. Hemp oil is made like many other kinds of vegetable oil, such as canola or sunflower oil. That is, it’s extracted from the plants’ seeds using mechanical pressure. You may see it labeled as “hemp seed” or “hempseed” oil.
Cold-pressed, unrefined hemp seed oil is dark to light green in color, with a nutty flavor. It has a relatively low smoke point (the temperature at which the oil begins to burn, 332°F versus 453°F for vegetable oil), so it is not ideal for cooking. It’s more widely used as a finishing oil, in recipes such as pesto, or as a nutritional additive, since it has a rich supply of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Refined hemp seed oil is clear and colorless and has little discernible flavor. Many people use it to moisturize their skin and it is also used in body care products, including moisturizing lotions, soaps, and shampoos. Industrial-grade hemp seed oil is used to make lubricants, detergents, paints, inks, fuel, and plastics.
CBD oil also is extracted from the hemp plant, but it comes from the plants’ flowers rather than the seeds. The flowers contain the cannabinoids while the seeds have little if any of those compounds. Hemp seed oil is nutritious, but it isn’t used for its healing power like CBD oil. Be aware, however, that some CBD products have been found to be mislabeled—perhaps intentionally. These products contain mostly hemp seed oil with just a little of the more expensive CBD oil added. The labels may claim higher “hemp oil” content without clarifying the difference for uninformed consumers.
To further confuse the matter, many good quality CBD products are labeled as “hemp extract” rather than CBD or CBD oil, because of concerns about the FDA’s labeling requirements. When scanning labels, look for terms such as “cannabinoids,” “full spectrum,” or “broad spectrum” (more on those on this page) to ensure you are buying CBD and not just hempseed oil.
INGESTIBLE PRODUCTS
Among the many forms of CBD products available these days, you’ll find differences in dosage levels, how fast the CBD begins to work, ease of use, and taste. The products fall into two broad categories: ingestibles that you swallow or inhale, and topicals that you apply to your skin. A few basic facts about them, along with a bit of experimentation, will help you figure out which is right for you.
CAPSULES AND SOFTGELS
You are probably familiar with nutritional supplements that you swallow like pills such as vitamins or fish oil. CBD also is available in this form, in many cases blended with other healthful nutrients to help bolster your body’s natural defense and healing mechanisms. As you digest the capsule, the CBD is gradually released into your bloodstream and distributed throughout your body. Taking a capsule daily ensures that you have a constant level of cannabinoids available whenever they’re needed. Capsules come in a range of concentrations, from 5 milligrams per capsule to 25 milligrams or more, so you can find the exact dose that suits you and ensures you’re getting the same dose every time. Swallowing capsules lets you avoid the taste of hemp, which some people find a bit too earthy. The capsules also are free of the sugar found in most edible CBD products.
Used for: Maintaining your body’s cannabinoid supply steadily throughout the day.
FIZZY TABLETS
The CBD in tablets that fizz when plopped in water (like Alka-Seltzer) is more quickly absorbed than capsules, gels, or gummies that must go through digestion before entering the bloodstream. Be aware, however, that CBD oil is not water-soluble, so these kinds of effervescent tablets are most often made with CBD isolate, a crystalline form of CBD from which terpenes, flavonoids, and many other beneficial compounds that are found in the oil have been stripped. (More on CBD isolate on this page.)
Used for: Effervescent tablets are a fast-working option that may help calm an attack of pain, anxiety, or stress.
TINCTURE OR DROPS
CBD tincture (commonly referred to as CBD drops) is CBD oil blended with pure alcohol and, frequently, another plant-based oil, such as coconut or sesame, to make it easier for you to use. You can choose from a variety of concentrations, ranging from 500 milligrams of CBD per bottle to 1,500 milligrams and more—higher concentrations deliver more CBD per drop. The “green tea” herbal flavor becomes more pronounced as you go from lower to higher concentrations. With CBD tinctures, you calibrate the dosage by adjusting the number of drops you take, which can be inexact if you’re not vigilant.
Squirting a few drops under your tongue is the most popular way to use tinctures. Hold it there for 30 seconds before swallowing so that the CBD is absorbed through the mucous membrane at the bottom of your mouth. Used this way, the CBD can begin to work in as little as 10 minutes—faster than swallowing it. Concentrations vary from one product to another, so check labels to determine how much CBD is in each drop.
Many CBD users add a few drops of tincture to smoothies, fresh juice, or other food and drinks to disguise the flavor or to take CBD as part of their healthy diet. CBD tincture ingested this way goes through your digestive process and takes 30 minutes or more to enter your bloodstream.
Used for: Those seeking quick relief from insomnia, anxiety, or other acute conditions often rely on the fast absorption of CBD drops.
SUBLINGUAL STRIPS
Like the breath fresheners many people use, CBD oil is blended with flavorings like mint and made into clear “filmy” strips that dissolve quickly in your mouth. The CBD is absorbed through the mucous membranes in your palate. Sublingual strips come in a range of doses for you to choose from, starting as low as 5 milligrams. They are typically low in calories and sugar-free. The mint flavoring freshens your breath and helps mute the taste and aroma of CBD. The strips come in handy packs that let you slip one in your mouth whenever you’re ready for a dose of CBD.
Used for: Situations when you want a fast dose of CBD and you want to remain discreet.
ORAL OR NASAL SPRAYS
A spritz of atomized oil in your mouth or nose can give a swiftly absorbed dose of 1 to 3 milligrams of CBD. The pump bottle sprays directly into the permeable mucus membranes—easy to do just about anywhere. When using oral CBD, try to get the spray under your tongue or on your cheeks where it can dissolve before you swallow. Oral sprays come in flavors like vanilla and peppermint, leaving you with a pleasant taste in your mouth. Be sure to thoroughly shake the bottle each time you pump, because CBD oil may separate from the water in the bottle and cling to the sides.
Used for: When you need a small dose of CBD quickly.
SWEETS
Gummy bears, chocolate bars, hard candy, chewing gum, cookies, and other “edibles” might be the most palatable way to ingest CBD, though the earthy flavor of CBD oil is typically masked by excess sugar or other sweeteners. Edibles are often the choice for people who give CBD to children or senior citizens because they are so readily taken. (Note: Discuss with your family doctor before giving CBD to children or older people.) Edibles make it easy to regulate exactly how much of a dose you get. Like with any product you swallow, it takes about a half hour for the CBD to get into your bloodstream. (Chewing gum is an exception—you don’t swallow it and it may begin working sooner since some of the CBD is absorbed through the mucus membranes in your mouth.) Wrapped candies should stay potent for weeks if they’re kept in a cool, dry location. Baked foods, such as brownies and cookies, should be stored in the refrigerator to keep the CBD oil fresh for a few weeks.
Used for: People who find the taste of CBD oil unpleasant.
FUNCTIONAL FOODS
Gyms, health-food stores, drugstores, and supermarkets carry performance-boosting energy bars and sports drinks enhanced with CBD. They’re promoted as an aid to speed recovery from hard workouts. A former NFL star, Terrell Davis, has launched a line of CBD-infused sports drinks called Defy. H20 Balance, OKI, and Aethics are other brands offering products for pre- and postworkout. You may also find CBD “shots,” blended with herbal stimulants and sold in individual bottles and cans much like quick-hit energy drinks. Dosages vary in these products from 5 to 20 milligrams.
Used for: Getting a dose of CBD to relieve soreness and aches after demanding exercise.
DAILY DIET
When a nutritional supplement is offered as an additive to food and drink in trendy restaurants and cafes, it may have reached a peak of cultural awareness. That’s happening with CBD. An Indian restaurant in New York City, for instance, put CBD-infused ghee (clarified butter) on its menu. (The city has since banned using CBD as a food additive.) At one Carl’s Jr. fast-food location, there was a special promotion that included a hamburger with CBD added to the meat. Several brewing companies offer CBD-infused beer and distillers are making vodka, tequila, and other liquors with the compound. You can find coffee and tea products containing CBD, or you can pick up CBD honey sticks or straws to dissolve in any drink. A Pennsylvania company is marketing gelato that comes with a dose of CBD. Some retailers offer coffee, tea, cocktails, smoothies, and other healthy drinks with added CBD on the list of options a customer can request.
The trend is now attracting major food industry corporations, too. Coca-Cola and Molson Coors Brewing, for instance, are developing CBD products, according to media reports.
The FDA, however, announced in December 2018, a prohibition against introducing “food containing added CBD or THC into interstate commerce. This is because CBD and THC are active ingredients in FDA-approved drugs and were the subject of substantial clinical investigations before they were marketed as foods or dietary supplements. Under the Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, it is illegal to introduce drug ingredients like these into the food supply,” said Scott Gottlieb, M.D., administrator of the FDA. Some states and cities across the country are banning the sale of food and drink with added CBD.
Used for: Sampling CBD in a familiar form.
VAPE OIL
E-cigarettes were invented to give smokers a dose of nicotine without the harmful effects of inhaling burning tobacco leaves. Instead, they inhale the vapor from heated oil. This same technology is used to deliver a dose of CBD (or THC or both). Vape (short for vaporizer) pens or tanks contain a small cartridge with the oil, which is heated by a coil warmed by battery power. The oil vaporizes and the user inhales the steam. Vaporized CBD tends to enter the bloodstream faster than in any other form—in as quickly as 30 seconds or less, according to Mitch Earleywine, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at the State University of New York, Albany, in an article published by Consumer Reports in 2018.
Managing your dosage can be challenging when you vape. The concentration of CBD (or THC) in the oil varies widely from one brand to the next. And how hard and how long you inhale has a direct impact on how much of the cannabinoids you ingest. To be safe, start with a single inhale, then wait a few minutes and see whether there is an effect. If not, try another. With experience, regular vape users learn to calibrate the dosage for their needs. By the way, avoid holding your breath after inhaling, because that can irritate your lungs and does not increase the amount of CBD you absorb.
A solvent called propylene glycol is used in e-cigarettes containing nicotine and in CBD vape oils. (The solvent is often used in asthma inhalers, too.) It keeps the oil and any added flavorings blended together and in liquid form, and it helps “smoke clouds” to form when you inhale the vapors. At high temperatures, propylene glycol can degrade into formaldehyde, a chemical that can irritate your nose and eyes and could increase your risk of asthma and cancer.
Bear in mind that vape makers are required to inform the FDA about their products, but there is no public disclosure. Companies can tell customers as much or as little as they want. Also, beware of exceptionally low-priced vaping oils—some have been found to contain diethylene glycol, an industrial solvent that is poisonous. Checking labels and certificates of analysis is especially crucial for vaping oils.
The practice of vaping itself has come under scrutiny by public health officials. Reports of illnesses and even deaths are increasing among people who are heavy vapers of nicotine- or cannabis-based oils. While most experts believe that vaping is safe and healthier than smoking, it is not without risks. Research is just beginning into the long-term effects of vaping and the ingredients used in the oils. You can avoid the risks by choosing other forms of CBD.
Used for: Those seeking quick relief for anxiety, seizures, and other acute conditions.
DAB, WAX, AND OTHER CONCENTRATES
CBD oil (with or without THC) can be refined and concentrated into solids of various kinds, most commonly referred to as “dab,” “wax,” or “shatter.” They are each slightly different, but all have a high concentration of cannabinoids, so you get a strong dose quickly from inhaling the vapor. The concentrates are placed in a “rig” or water pipe that looks similar to the “bongs” used to smoke marijuana. When heated, the concentrates vaporize and the steam is inhaled to ingest the CBD.
These products are not as widely available as other forms of CBD, so many users make them on their own from fresh cannabis flowers. This process tends to be complicated and can be costly because a substantial amount of cannabis is needed to produce the concentrates.
Used for: Experienced CBD and cannabis users who want a strong, immediate dose of CBD, typically for acute pain or anxiety.
My Take
I recently started using a CBD infused facial serum that I love. I’ve had some areas of redness on my face as well as fine lines. I don’t really have what one would call wrinkles. I’ve been using it for 2 weeks. The redness is fading and my face feels really relaxed after applying it. I have seen a decrease in the fine lines around my mouth. I will continue to purchase this product.
—Deb Barger, Athens, Alabama
TOPICAL PRODUCTS
CBD can be absorbed through your skin so many people with aches and pains or skin conditions use topical products to relieve their symptoms.
LOTIONS, CREAMS, AND BALMS
CBD oil is blended with fats such as coconut oil or beeswax to make creams, lotions, and balms that users apply right where they want the CBD to work. Users typically report that they begin feeling the effects 30 to 45 minutes after the application and for up to three hours after that.
Topical products come in various forms and strengths. Many are like moisturizing lotions that can be spread over arms, legs, necks, and shoulders or rubbed into pain joints. Balms, like many over-the-counter pain-relief rubs, are thicker than the creams and often come with other well-known soothing ingredients such as menthol. Because of their consistency, balms work well for massaging into targeted spots.
Topical CBD applications are most popular for treating chronic pain of the joints and other specific spots on the body and for dealing with skin conditions, such as acne and eczema.
Used for: Treating pain “hot spots” or skin conditions caused by inflammation.
COSMETICS
Many cosmetics brands take advantage of the latest trends in health and wellness to keep their products up-to-date. So, no surprise, you can now find moisturizers, antiaging creams, lip gloss, mascara, skin scrubs, specialty soaps, blemish treatments, shampoo and other hair care products, and even toothpaste formulated with CBD oil. Unlike lotions, creams, and balms that are designed to treat specific hot spots on your body, CBD cosmetics have low doses, so they would only contribute to maintaining your body’s overall levels of CBD rather than treating a particular condition. There’s no research showing that the kind of minute amounts of CBD found in cosmetics have any benefit.
Cosmetics and other topicals are governed by different FDA regulations than food and drink. Cannabis-derived ingredients are permitted in products that are not consumed. But as with all CBD products, the FDA prohibits claims about healing specific conditions in the marketing of these products.
Used for: Looking good while you’re feeling good.
BATH BOMBS AND SALTS
Many people, from professional athletes and weekend warriors to folks looking for a little stress relief, enjoy soaking in warm water to soothe their sore muscles and relax their minds. They can try to enhance the experience by adding bath salts and bombs blended with CBD. The bath products are meant to act as a gentle anti-inflammatory for the whole body. The formulas typically include essential oils from other medicinal herbs, such as lavender, chamomile, and arnica, which have long been used to treat common aches and pains and stress. People with chronic foot pain also use CBD bath salts for soaking their feet.
Bath products come with higher doses of CBD—250 milligrams or more—than you generally find in products you ingest. That’s because your whole body is absorbing the compound rather than just your digestive system. Customers reviewing a CBD bath product online noted that it was effective at reducing the swelling and itching that result from bug bites and it soothed inflamed and scaly skin.
Used for: Adding extra anti-inflammatory relief to a soothing hot bath.
SKIN PATCHES
“Transdermal” patches are widely used to deliver pain relievers and other medications, hormones, and nicotine at a steady rate over a long period of time. The sticky patch is applied to the skin and the active ingredients are gradually absorbed and distributed throughout the body. CBD patches that work the same way are now on the market.
A skin patch offers benefits that appeal to certain groups of users. Those who suffer from chronic aches and pains throughout their bodies—such as fibromyalgia patients—can get a constant, moderate supply of CBD from a skin patch. Cancer patients use CBD patches to help with their symptoms, including loss of appetite. Anyone who finds other forms of CBD products unpalatable might consider using a skin patch.
Skin patches are available with doses ranging from 5 to 50 milligrams. Typically, the CBD is released over a 12-hour period. Because the patch delivers a consistent dose, there’s almost no chance of overuse. If you choose to try a CBD patch, be sure to apply it to clean, dry, and unbroken skin—open wounds or inflamed skin may be irritated by the patch and its ingredients.
Used for: People who want to maintain consistent levels of CBD for relief from constant pain and other symptoms.
QUALITY MATTERS
The popularity of CBD has enticed many brands to introduce the wide range of products covered in the preceding section. But just as these CBD delivery methods vary greatly, so does that quality and quantity of the CBD they contain. In this section you’ll find out what the different attributes mean and what to look for when shopping for products you want to use.
Before you think about making a purchase, bear in mind that neither the FDA nor any other government agency regulates the contents of CBD products. The government does prohibit unsubstantiated health claims for CBD, just like it would for any other supplement or herbal remedy, but all of the responsibility for testing and validating the products lies with the brands that sell them.
And many of the brands are actively misleading consumers. In 2017, a team from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine published the results of their study of CBD products in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). The research team, led by Marcel Bonn-Miller, Ph.D., an adjunct assistant professor of psychology in Psychiatry, purchased and analyzed 84 products from 31 different companies and found that more than 42 percent of products were underlabeled, meaning that the product contained a higher concentration of CBD than indicated. Another 26 percent of products purchased were overlabeled, meaning the product contained a lower concentration of CBD than indicated. Only 30 percent of CBD products purchased contained an actual CBD content that was within 10 percent of the amount listed on the product label. The researchers noted that some of the CBD products they analyzed also contained a significant amount of THC—the chemical compound in cannabis responsible for making a person feel intoxicated.
UNDERSTANDING EXTRACTION
CBD processors use one of a few different methods for extracting the cannabinoid from the plant. Which method used has a meaningful impact on the other compounds that come with it, and it affects the quality, costs, and best uses for the final product. The methods explained here are often mentioned in product information, so understanding them can help you make more informed choices in a confusing marketplace.
Solvent. Ethanol or another potent form of alcohol acts as a solvent, pulling the CBD from the plants. The hemp flowers soak in the ethanol, then the excess liquid is poured off. The remainder is heated and distilled to concentrate it. While “solvent” sounds like a toxic substance, ethanol is listed by the FDA as “generally regarded as safe,” and it is commonly used as a food preservative and additive found in many products at the grocery store.
The heat from the distillation process also can burn off other desirable compounds that come with the CBD, such as terpenes and flavonoids that may enhance the effectiveness of the CBD. Extraction by solvent is a common choice for small operations and for producers of vaping oils, because the results are easy to work with. This is the simplest method of extraction, requires minimal skill, and is least costly in terms of equipment and power. But if not done properly, unwanted residues from the solvents can remain in the oil. Premium brands typically use the next method, CO2 extraction.
Carbon dioxide. CO2 extraction is a more complex process involving several steps. Carbon dioxide is put under high pressure and kept at extremely low temperatures until it becomes what’s known to scientists as “supercritical,” meaning it shares properties with both gas and liquid. As the supercritical CO2 is pushed through cannabis flowers, it dissolves the CBD and other compounds from the plant matter.
Carbon dioxide extraction requires elaborate equipment and expensive supplies. And it takes full attention to the details. Many producers automate some of the steps, which helps ensure consistency in the end product. Since no chemicals other than CO2 are used in this process, there are no residues left behind. The cold temperatures used in CO2 extraction help to preserve terpenes and other heat-sensitive compounds. This method is the most efficient at extracting the available CBD. Products made with CBD oil extracted with CO2 (which you’ll see on their labels) may be more costly than those extracted with solvents, but they also are likely to be the safest to use and to come with the full complement of beneficial ingredients.
Hydrocarbons. CBD products such as wax, dab, or shatter are thick concentrates that are potent and fast-acting. They are heated and the vapors they emit are inhaled. Hydrocarbon solvents—typically butane, hexane, propane, or a combination—are used to extract the CBD from the cannabis flowers. This process works very well at capturing the cannabinoids and terpenes without chlorophyll and other undesirable compounds. The result is thick, tree-like sap.
While some manufacturers use hydrocarbons because this method is fast and inexpensive, many THC aficionados are making their own concentrates at home with it. It can be risky. Hydrocarbons are highly flammable and toxic. Any residue left in the extract might be harmful to your health. For those reasons, hydrocarbon extraction is best left to people with experience and proper equipment.
Oil or butter. You can make CBD oil in your own kitchen, in a process just like people have long used to extract THC from marijuana to add to brownies and other edibles. You don’t even need elaborate equipment—just a baking sheet, saucepan, and ordinary olive (or coconut) oil or butter.
You start by baking 1 cup of cannabis flowers on a tray in the oven at a low temperature (245°F) for 30 to 40 minutes. Gently shake the tray every 10 minutes to be sure the flowers heat through uniformly. This process is called “decarboxylation,” or “decarbing,” and it is necessary to activate the CBD. (More on that process in the next section.)
When the flowers are thoroughly dried, you want to grind them by hand (an old coffee grinder is handy for this). After the cannabis is coarsely ground, you are ready to add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of oil or butter to a saucepan. Simmer at a low temperature (between 160° and 200°F), then pour the cannabis into the pot as the butter melts. Maintain the simmer at the low heat for two to three hours, stirring occasionally. The mixture should never come to a full boil, as the heat can cook off the CBD.
Once the liquid starts to thicken into melted oil or butter, turn off the heat and let it cool. Place a funnel on top of a jar and line it with cheesecloth. Pour the oil or butter over the cheesecloth funnel and allow it to strain freely. (Tip: Squeezing the cheesecloth may push more bad-tasting plant material through so avoid doing that). Store the CBD butter or oil in the refrigerator where it should stay effective for three to four weeks.
This process can be challenging to do on your own, but DIY types may find it rewarding. If you decide to try it, keep in mind that it is the least efficient way to get CBD oil. You need a cup of CBD-rich hemp flowers to make a cup of oil.
Decarboxylation. This is a complex-sounding term that is more relevant to CBD producers than consumers. You may notice, however, that many brands include this term in their product descriptions. A brief explanation will help you understand why it shows up in consumer information and why products that do not go through this process may not be effective.
Cannabis flowers don’t actually contain CBD (or even THC). Rather, they have what are called raw acid precursors, which are abbreviated as CBDA (or THCA). You can think of them like the beta-carotene in foods—it is not a nutrient your body uses directly, but in your digestive process the nutrient is converted into vitamin A, which does nourish you. When a low-temperature process—such as CO2 extraction—is used to produce CBD, the compound must be activated to transform CBDA into CBD. Applying heat changes the molecules so that the acid is released and the CBD remains. That process is decarboxylation.
That said, researchers are studying how these “raw” molecules interact differently with our body’s endocannabinoid systems and whether they may offer some benefits that CBD does not. These inquiries are in their early stages, so you still want to be sure that the CBD products you consider buying have gone through the “decarb” process.
FULL, BROAD, OR ISOLATE
Three other terms describing the quality of the CBD oil in products show up on many labels and descriptions. Full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate refer to the contents of CBD oil besides the CBD itself.
Full spectrum. The flowers of the hemp plant contain a wide range of compounds besides CBD. These include terpenes, essential oils, fatty acids, flavonoids, chlorophyll, and other cannabinoids besides CBD. And the strains of cannabis that are classified as “hemp” because they are not psychoactive may have trace amounts of THC (though not enough to make you feel intoxicated). Full-spectrum CBD oil comes with all of those other compounds. Many experts and consumers believe that these elements work together to magnify the therapeutic benefits of CBD alone. You will hear this referred to as the “entourage effect” (see this page). Products made with full-spectrum CBD oil typically have the distinct flavor of hemp, which has been likened to that of green or herbal tea.
Broad spectrum. Some brands offer products made with broad-spectrum CBD oil, which has nearly all of the same compounds found in full-spectrum products. That means broad-spectrum products may still deliver the benefits of the entourage effect. And broad-spectrum CBD oil may taste “grassy,” just as full spectrum does.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil, however, has gone through an extra step in processing to remove even the most miniscule traces of THC. For people who are subject to drug testing and those who are extremely sensitive to THC intoxication, broad-spectrum CBD oil is a much safer choice than full spectrum.
Isolate. When CBD is purified—often into a crystalline powder form rather than in an oil—it is transformed into an “isolate.” It contains up to 99.9 percent CBD and no other compounds such as THC, terpenes, flavonoids, or other nutrients. There is no “entourage effect” with isolates. They have little or no taste or aroma. Isolates are often used in products because they are the least expensive to make and use, the contents are consistent and predictable, and the powder blends well with other ingredients, since they do not affect the flavor. If you want to make your own CBD edibles such as baked goods or use CBD in smoothies or similar drinks, isolates make it easy for you. Products made with isolates are the safest choice for anyone who is subject to testing for THC.
CBD PLUS THC
Let’s begin here with a quick review: THC is the intoxicant in marijuana and possession of it in any form is illegal under federal law. More than 30 states have legalized medicinal THC, and 11 of them permit any adult to use it. On the other hand, CBD products are not intoxicating, and the federal government considers them legal in all 50 states. Remember that CBD and THC both come from the flower buds of the same plant species, cannabis. Strains high in THC are classified as “marijuana,” while those with less than 0.3 percent THC are legally known as “hemp.”
Cannabis breeders—amateurs and pros—are an exceptionally enterprising group of people. For many years, they worked to develop varieties that had higher and higher levels of THC, because that’s what marijuana customers wanted. But as buzz about the benefits of CBD has grown recently, they’ve been hybridizing varieties with a balance of both cannabinoids. The extracts from these plants have more equal (though not exactly) concentrations of THC and CBD. For many people, THC enhances the “entourage effect” and is better able to relieve their symptoms than CBD alone.
You can get these “two-way” products only in states where THC use is permitted. And many brands in the fast-growing THC marketplace are adding more of the balanced products to their lines because of the popularity of CBD. Responsible vendors disclose the THC and CBD content in their products on labels or sites, so you can make an informed choice.
ADDITIVE AWARENESS
CBD extracted from hemp is just one component of nearly all products with CBD on the label. The extract is blended with other ingredients to make it palatable or useful. In topical products, the other components typically are other kinds of oil, such as coconut or olive, as well as herbs with a long history in folk medicine, such as lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile. Candy and other edible items include sweeteners and flavorings. The best quality products are made without artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors.
Tinctures are made by mixing the CBD with pure alcohol and other food-grade oils, such as MCT (medium-chain triglycerides), which is extracted from coconut oil. In the rush to get CBD products on the market, some manufacturers bulk up their products with cheaper hemp seed oil or other inert fillers.
Additives are of greatest concern when buying products for vaping. Manufacturers of these often blend the CBD oil with propylene glycol (PG) to help the CBD heat up evenly and produce substantial amounts of vapor. (PG is also regularly included in nicotine-infused liquids that are used in e-cigarettes.) PG is classified by the FDA as “generally recognized as safe” and is approved for ingestion as a food additive. It has not, however, been safety tested by the FDA for inhalation when heated. While no problems have been attributed directly to inhalation of PG, you will be safer choosing products made with vegetable glycerin instead.
Like nicotine oils for e-cigarettes, CBD vape products are often flavored to make them more appealing to consumer tastes. These flavoring agents are approved by the FDA for ingestion and topical application, but not for inhalation. Diacetyl is a compound added to vape oil cartridges to simulate various buttery flavors, ranging from cream to vanilla and caramel. Diacetyl has been linked to respiratory illness in several studies.
In recent years, synthetic cannabinoids often marketed as “K2” or “Spice” have attracted consumers seeking a legal high that is akin to marijuana. The most prevalent, known to scientists as 5F-ADB, has been linked to damaging overdoses and even deaths. In 2018, a team of researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University analyzed seven products labeled as CBD that contained 5F-ADB and Dextromethorphan (DMX), an ingredient in cough medicine that has a history of recreational abuse and associated health problems. To prevent exposure to these potentially dangerous chemicals, look at the ingredient labels on any vaping product you are considering buying—be wary of any brand that won’t share the contents of its products.
DOSAGE DIFFERENCES
Let’s begin by making clear that except for the FDA-approved epilepsy medication made with CBD, no research has firmly established the ideal dosages to get the full benefits of the cannabinoid. (For more on that, go to this page.) To further complicate the matter, CBD products come in a wide range of dosages, and the information that brands provide about the right amount for you can be unsubstantiated and misleading.
If you plan on ingesting CBD, most experts and experienced users recommend starting with small amounts and waiting a week before gradually increasing the dosage as you observe how you feel and find your tolerance level. Products with controlled dosages, such as capsules, candy, and skin patches, make it easier for you to manage your intake than drops or vaping. When you apply CBD lotion or balm to your skin, you can take a higher dosage without concerns about overdoing it.
LABEL LANGUAGE
The FDA requires a few specific pieces of information on the labels of products classified as either food or dietary supplement, categories that include most types of CBD products. Reading and understanding that information can help you find the best choices for you.
Products with CBD that are intended to be food, such as candy bars or sports drinks, must have nutrition facts (calories, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals) on their labels. Food labels also must list ingredients. Use of the word “hemp” in the product descriptions on the front of packages can be confusing. Check the ingredient list to be sure it includes CBD oil, or cannabis or hemp extract, not hemp seeds or hemp seed oil.
Capsules and tablets, drops, gummies and other sweets, and even energy bars and other functional foods are categorized as dietary supplements. The fronts of these packages must specify the net weight (volume of the container for liquids) or the count (number of capsules or tablets contained in the bottle). On the back, you’ll find a Supplement Facts panel that lists the amount (in milligrams) of hemp extract, CBD oil, or isolate per serving.
To make an informed purchase, you need to take note of the total amount of CBD in each product and the recommended amount per dose. A 30-milliliter bottle of tincture, for instance, may come with 500 milligrams of CBD. If a 150-pound person takes about 35 milligrams per day (as suggested on this page), the bottle of tincture has approximately 14 doses. A 300 milligram bottle of gummy bears that are 5 milligrams each amounts to about eight or nine doses. Keep that in mind as you assess the value of products you are considering.
One more helpful bit of information can be gleaned from product labels: Where was the hemp grown and processed? Until 2018, growing hemp was illegal in the United States and so American brands had to source their raw material from overseas, including Europe where it has been legal to raise it. Growers in Western European countries and the United States are subject to regulations governing the types and amounts of agricultural pesticides, fungicides, and other chemicals that can be used on any crop—that’s none if the crops are certified organic. But the fast-growing demand for CBD products has attracted growers in parts of the world where regulation is lax or nonexistent. Your safest bet is to be wary of any brand that doesn’t tell the origins of its hemp on its labels or website.
The FDA maintains strict standards for health claims on the labels of dietary supplements. It prohibits statements that directly link the product or any of its components to treatments for specific conditions—labels can’t say “reduces your risk of cancer” or “relieves arthritis pain” unless that’s been proven and accepted by the agency. Dietary supplements can make what the FDA calls “structure/function claims,” that describe how the key nutrient or ingredient affects the normal structure or function of the human body. For example, “cannabinoids play a role in your body’s pain management system.” These regulations explain why reputable CBD products aren’t labeled as treatments for exact health disorders.
LAB TESTING
How can you trust what’s in the CBD product you are buying? The FDA doesn’t test the products, and its regulations are similar to those imposed on makers of any dietary supplement: Ingredient lists must be truthful, and labels, ads, or other consumer information cannot make unapproved health claims. Still, every reputable CBD brand submits their products to independent laboratory testing and will share the certificate of analysis either online or, upon request, via email. The certificate (often referred to as the COA) will tell you the product’s CBD and THC levels and what other compounds are present, including both desirable ones like terpenes as well as unwanted contaminants.
Check the certificate to see if the lab meets “ISO 17025” standards, which ensure the credibility of its results. This designation denotes that the lab adheres to high scientific standards. The most trustworthy labs also employ testing methods validated by one of three respected national standard-setting organizations: the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (aoac.org), American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (herbal-ahp.org), and US Pharmacopeia (usp.org).
State legislators in Indiana and Utah wanted to prevent the sale of products labeled as CBD that have more than negligible amounts of THC—they feared brands would do this to skirt the restrictions on marijuana sales. So those states have passed a strict labeling law requiring that every CBD product sold in the state come with a QR code. The QR codes must direct consumers to detailed information about each CBD product, including its batch number, expiration date, ingredients, and an independent lab analysis.
WHY ORGANIC
You may be familiar with the reasons for buying organic food and other products. They are raised and processed without pesticides or fungicides, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (often referred to as GMOs). These practices and many others by organic farmers help protect the environment and yield food that is cleaner and safer for people.
When it comes to CBD products, it may be even more important to choose the organic option. Cannabis acts as a “bio-accumulator,” meaning that the plant draws heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and other contaminants out of the soil. This attribute makes the plants useful for cleaning up areas where industrial waste has been dumped. (It’s been reported that hemp was planted at the site of the 1988 Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster for this purpose.)
Of course, you don’t want CBD from plants grown in toxic waste, but hemp grown with pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides will come with residues from those chemicals. There may be only a few parts per billion on each plant, but the CBD extraction process concentrates the compounds in the flowers. To avoid getting a dose of contaminants with your CBD, go with products made with certified organic hemp, which is grown without agricultural chemicals.
SHOPPING TIPS
Even after you’ve finished wading through all of the product options available, you still have to decide where to buy. You see lots of choices in retail stores and online. In this section, we’ll help you to zero in on sources that meet your expectations.
ABOUT THE PRICE
We know you’ve noticed. The prices on CBD products can be steep. You aren’t likely to find anything but “trial” packs of almost any type of product that costs less than $40. As the concentration of CBD increases, the prices can climb quickly past $100 for a month’s supply. At 10 cents per milligram, pure CBD oil would cost $2,835 an ounce—the kind of price paid for precious metals.
That is substantially more than aspirin, vitamins, or other dietary supplements. Many willingly pay these prices because the products bring them relief. But you may be asking why must CBD cost so much. The simple rules of supply and demand are the primary reason. CBD is extracted from the flowers of the hemp plant, which must be raised vigilantly to ensure that it produces oil-rich buds instead of seeds. And it takes a lot of those flowers to make CBD oil. Experienced growers estimate that each plant bears about 1 pound of flowers and about an acre of land can yield up to 2,500 plants. Depending on the strain, a pound of flowers produces 40 to 50 milligrams of CBD oil.
With federal restrictions on growing hemp in the United States, the supply of plants for processing into CBD has been limited. In states that have legalized marijuana production and Kentucky (which has incentivized its tobacco farmers to convert to hemp), the existing acreage devoted to growing cannabis is increasing fast. And farmers in states where raising hemp has been prohibited are now planting the crop to take advantage of the lucrative returns it can earn—more than any of the common commodity crops, such as corn or soybeans. In those places, the 2019 growing season was the first time farmers have been able to plant it. Even though so many growers are ramping up quickly, demand for CBD products is rising faster. For now, that’s keeping prices high.
Processing hemp to make CBD is also newly legal in the United States, so the number and capacity of operations able to extract the oil is small, though it is now growing rapidly. When the supply of raw material (cannabis plants) and efficiencies in processing catch up to the demand for CBD products, prices are likely to come down.
In the meantime, you can find good deals with smart shopping. Many brands offer discounts to first-time buyers and veterans, who often treat chronic pain and/or PTSD with CBD products. Some brands offer price breaks and other kinds of assistance to low-income customers.
Doing a price comparison of the wide variety of CBD products can be confusing. A smart way to start is to determine the cost per milligram you’re paying. You’ll find some products costing as little as 5 cents per milligram, others at 20 cents or more. As you do the comparison, you may find that the product with the lowest retail price has a higher cost per milligram than a more expensive product.
We won’t call this a hard and fast rule, but in our survey of a wide variety of brands and products, capsules and tablets generally have the lowest cost per milligram with vaping oils and tinctures the next most cost-effective. Topicals and cosmetics typically come with the highest price tags, both overall and on a per-milligram-of-CBD basis—that may be attributed to the costs of other ingredients and the prices of comparable products that don’t contain CBD.
The high costs can tempt you to look for bargain basement products. But you should be wary of any item that costs dramatically less than comparable products. Keep in mind that the CBD market is new, growing fast, and largely unregulated. In a hot market with little oversight, unscrupulous vendors are finding ways to shortcut or skimp on the active ingredients. Some use imported hemp extract that may have very little CBD from countries such as China, where farmers and processors aren’t subject to any regulations. A good rule to remember is that you get what you pay for—if a product is unbelievably cheap, you should question its trustworthiness.
BETTER BRANDS
There are dozens of brands selling CBD products and more entering the marketplace every day. There are no specific endorsements here, but with a little information you can identify good quality CBD products and reputable brands yourself.
An industry group, the US Hemp Authority (USHA), has developed a certification program for hemp products to set “high standards, best practices and self-regulation, giving confidence to consumers and law enforcement that hemp products are safe and legal.” The USHA’s list of standards is long and technical, but it addresses the whole process of producing CBD, from hemp growing, extraction, sampling and testing, quality control, and labeling. Throughout, the emphasis is on providing consumers with transparent and credible information.
To be certified, brands must adhere to stringent standards for self-regulation and pass a third-party audit. Those that are approved can use a certified seal on their packaging and promotional materials. Launched in 2019, this program has already enrolled more than 60 hemp brands. You can find them all listed on the USHA website (ushempauthority.org).
When considering buying products from any brand, look for those that make it easy for you to review their certificate of analysis, are clear and thorough in their ingredients lists, and provide details about the source and place of origin for the hemp used to produce it. Brands sold in retail outlets such as supermarkets and drug stores have been vetted by the store’s buyers—a layer of approval that online-only products don’t face.
A few brands are already emerging as market leaders with reputable products. To help you get started on choosing a brand to buy, a few of them are listed here.
Bluebird Botanicals was an early entrant into the CBD market, and it has remained a popular brand of oils, creams, capsules, vape oil, isolates, and products formulated for pets. Bluebird’s “Lot/Batch Numbering System” lets you see the certificate of analysis for the exact container of the product you buy. The products are available through health-care providers and retail stores as well as online. The company is USHA certified. Learn more at bluebirdbotanicals.com.
CV Sciences is developing prescription pharmaceuticals made with hemp extract as well as over-the-counter consumer products. Under its PlusCBDoil brand, you can find capsules and soft gels, tincture and oral spray, topical balm and roll-on, and gummies. They are distributed nationally in health food stores, health-care providers’ offices, and online. The company is USHA certified. Learn more at pluscbdoil.com.
CW Hemp is the company behind Charlotte’s Web tinctures, capsules, gummies, and pet products. They’re made with the extract of a high-CBD strain of hemp called “Charlotte’s Web.” CW Hemp has been certified by the USHA. The products are in retail outlets nationwide and are available online. Learn more at charlottesweb.com.
Lazarus Naturals offers scented balms, flavored oils (both full spectrum and isolates), and capsules. All of its products are made with only vegan ingredients. The hemp used is grown in central Oregon, but the products are available in natural health stores and other retail outlets nationwide and online. Learn more at lazarusnaturals.com.
Medterra products, including capsules, creams, oil, and pet items, are guaranteed to be THC-free. Some of its capsule and gel formulations feature CBD blended with other natural healing ingredients, such as melatonin and valerian root. The pet oils come in beef and chicken flavors. Medterra is USHA certified. Its products are available in natural health stores and similar retailers nationwide and online. Learn more at medterracbd.com.
My Take
I am a retired family physician. I have never used marijuana. However, for the past 10 years I had had several major medical problems, including fibromyalgia and general malaise. Because of all of the positive articles and press about CBD oil, and after speaking with my pharmacist and physician, I decided to try it in hopes that it would help.
But I also have MCS, multiple chemical sensitivity, and have sensitivity to wood products. When I bought a CBD oil tincture, I sniffed it first and was a bit concerned, but proceeded to try it because I was hopeful to have positive results. The recommended starting dose is 20 drops or 10 milligrams. I put only 3 drops or 1.5 milligrams in my mouth. I was terribly wrong! The CBD tincture tasted like 3-in-1 oil mixed with pine resin and turpentine. My mouth stung. I should have rinsed it out immediately, but I did not. Instead I swallowed. Major Mistake!
All night I was hot and flushed and felt “antsy”—absolutely no rest! In the morning I continued to feel ill. That afternoon I began getting sicker. I continued to smell and taste the CBD oil for nearly 36 hours! I have no idea what would have happened to me if I had taken the full recommended starting dose. So, CBD oil is not a panacea…and is definitely not for individuals who are chemically sensitive or have sensitivities to wood products.
—Kathleen Beine, M.D., Kingsport, Tennessee
CBD STRAINS
Back in the days when marijuana was sold only on the black market, baggies of pot often came with names like “Panama Red,” “Columbian Gold,” and “Maui Wowie.” Those were purportedly the strains of cannabis from which the marijuana was harvested, and the names were meant to get customers excited about the potency and other desirable qualities of the product. But no buyer ever knew for sure if those names really meant anything.
As cannabis has become more widely accepted and used, professional and amateur plant breeders have been developing strains with attributes targeted at specific uses, such as pain relief and help with insomnia. Marketers of these products are finding that customers develop affinities for their favorite strains and tout them on their packaging. These claims seem to be more reliable than those of old-school pot dealers, though they are not tested or regulated by independent agencies.
Strain choices are very prevalent in the marketing of products that contain THC, and they are now becoming more common in CBD products, too. In many cases, the strains have been bred to have very high CBD content or to contain a balance of CBD and THC. (Reminder: Cannabis products containing more than 0.3 percent THC can be sold only in states that permit medical or adult-use marijuana.) But as the CBD market continues to evolve, you can expect that there will be more breeding and marketing of strains for consumers who prefer high CBD cannabis products.
Right now, a few strains are already emerging as popular choices for CBD users. Here are some of the most widely grown.
Charlotte’s Web. Probably the best-known strain of high-CBD cannabis, Charlotte’s Web was bred by the Stanley brothers in Colorado and was named for a child who suffered from a rare epileptic disorder known as Dravet syndrome, which was relieved by CBD from this strain. The brothers named their CBD brand Charlotte’s Web, and they grow and market products made with their proprietary line of this strain. It is very low in THC, so it can be sold nationwide.
Cannatonic was one of the first widely recognized high-CBD strains. It was bred by a CBD genetics company based in Spain called Resin Seeds, which introduced it to the marketplace in 2008. The company reports that half of the plants grown from these seeds will have a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC. Resin Seeds has since introduced other high-CBD strains such as Dieseltonic and Hammershark.
ACDC (sometimes labeled as “Oracle”) is a cross between Cannatonic and Cannabis ruderalis, a cannabis species that is naturally low in THC (unlike the more familiar C. sativa and C. indica types). The ratio of CBD to THC in ACDC is reportedly an average of 20 to 1.
Harlequin comes from several different well-known cannabis strains, such as Thai sativa, Nepalese indica, and a blast from the past, Colombian Gold. Harlequin’s 5:2 ratio of CBD to THC has attracted consumers who want the health benefits of CBD along with the psychoactive effects of THC.
Ringo’s Gift was named for Lawrence Ringo, a pioneering advocate for CBD-rich cannabis. It was bred with ACDC, among other strains. While plants grown from Ringo’s Gift seeds seem to vary in their CBD to THC ratio, some growers report that it gets to be as high as 24:1.
This information is meant to be helpful for you in choosing cannabis products. But please keep in mind that in many cases products with these strains are still often mislabeled, perhaps inadvertently. More standardization in the CBD industry should lead to more reliability in product labeling.
5 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY
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Consider the different delivery systems based on your needs and tastes.
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Read labels and online product information to learn about a product’s origins and manufacturing process.
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Take note of the type of extract and how it was produced.
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Look at the certificate of analysis to find out about all of a product’s components, including THC level and CBD content.
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Beware of undesirable additives.