If you are interested in CBD supplementation with maximum effectiveness, you need to understand the potency and measurements of CBD. This is important for getting the correct type and strength of CBD for the health benefits that you want to achieve. Although CBD is generally safe in high amounts, you don’t want to spend money on stronger CBD than you need. In this guide, we’ll discuss some different types of CBD, and how to determine the correct serving size.
What Is CBD Used For
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is a member of the large family of cannabinol compounds found in the marijuana plant. Medical research has demonstrated CBD’s remarkable capacity for treating a range of health conditions including:
• Insomnia.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Chronic pain (arthritis especially)
• Acne.
• Autoimmune Disease (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease)
• Seizure Disorders
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Understanding the Different Types of CBD
First, let’s look at the different formulations of CBD: isolate, broad or full spectrum.
Full Spectrum
Full-spectrum CBD is the least processed form. It is called “full” because it contains all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the cannabis plant. The majority of health professionals agree that, in most cases, full-spectrum delivers the biggest health benefits because of the Entourage Effect.
The Entourage Effect
The Entourage Effect is a well-researched phenomenon in which all of the active ingredients in CBD work together to modulate each other’s effects. The components of full-spectrum CBD that cause the effect include:
• Cannabinoids. There are over 100 cannabinoids in the plant
• Flavonoids. Flavonoids are organic compounds contained within many plants throughout the world, including cannabis. The flavonoids in CBD have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Terpenes. Like flavonoids, terpenes are found throughout the plant world. Terpenes give plants their aroma and are therefore known as “aromatic metabolites”. Each plant has its own terpene profile, resulting in its unique smell.
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Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD includes every bioactive component of the cannabis plant except THC. THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. It is the cannabinoid that triggers euphoria and other effects associated with the dopamine release it causes. Many CBD users who want the entourage effect but are concerned about levels of THC in their system opt for broad-spectrum CBD. Broad or full spectrum are both great options for people who want to get the benefit of all the medicinal compounds found in the cannabis plant.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate, as the name suggests, is an isolated form of CBD. Through processes called winterization and decarboxylation, all cannabinoid compounds are removed from the CBD oil, leaving only pure CBD. CBD isolate are favorites of patients who require extremely high, concentrated serving sizes of CBD or, again, people concerned about testing positive on a drug test.
A Note of Caution to Consumers Concerning CBD Labels
The Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate CBD as much as pharmaceutical drugs or whole foods. As a result, many CBD labels are missing information, contain misinformation, or are confusing. Standards for potency and measurements of CBD are not used consistently across the industry and there is no accountability if not correct. Avoid problems with mislabeling by always purchasing your CBD from reliable producers that are certified by an independent third party. Reputable manufacturers usually display these kinds of certifications on their products and websites.
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CBD Comes in Many Forms
After deciding which type of CBD is right for you, the next decision you should make is what form of CBD you will take. Creams and tinctures of the most popular forms.
Tincture
Tinctures are the most popular consumption method and the easiest to use. Used as a delivery system for a number of herbs, tinctures are solutions of 60-70% solvent, water, and CBD. Traditionally, tinctures have used alcohol as the solvent.
However, many people find the taste of alcohol tinctures unpleasant. Also, although the very small amount of alcohol in tinctures is not enough to produce any noticeable effect, some people who are sensitive to alcohol prefer tinctures made with other solvents. Thus, many manufacturers now offer tinctures in coconut oil (MCT oil) instead.
There are many advantages of tinctures. They last for extended periods of time, they are small and convenient to transport, and you can easily determine the potency and measurement of your serving size.
Tincture Label Information:
A tincture label should list the total milligram (mg) content per bottle, the total fluid content in milliliters (mL), and how many mg of CBD are contained in each mL. For example, a tincture label might say: 15mL (0.5 fl oz). 50mg CBD/ml. 750 mg CBD. This means that there are 50 mg of CBD for each mL in the tincture, and the tincture contains a total of 15mL, making the total CBD content in the tincture 750 mg.
Tincture Serving Size:
Each tincture comes with a dropper attached to the lid. The dropper has markings on it that help with measuring the amount of CBD. Measure the amount that you should take inside the dropper and then dispense drop it under your tongue and refrain from swallowing for 30-60 seconds. You can also mix the tincture in your favorite beverage like tea or coffee.
Ideally, if you are supplementing with CBD to treat a chronic health condition, you should consult with a healthcare professional to determine your ideal serving size.
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CBD Creams
CBD creams are semi-solid CBD products. They are applied topically to achieve a number of impressive benefits for the skin, including acne treatment, wound healing, calming inflammation, and relieving pain. Cosmetic and beauty products now frequently contain CBD because it is so effective at calming inflamed skin, moisturizing, and repairing skin.
What Potency of CBD Do I Need in a Cream
CBD cream labels usually state the total amount of CBD in the product, regardless of the total weight. So, for example, a 500mg in a 2oz cream is stronger than 250mg in 3.4 oz. As with all CBD products it’s best to start small and increase strength as needed. A cream with 500 mg might seem better than one with 250 mg, but if the additional strength is not needed then there is no reason to pay the additional money. For some people, an application of as little as 50 mg to the right area can provide maximum benefits.
The entourage effect applies to CBD creams as well as CBD products taken orally. Additional ingredients like arnica and menthol are often added as well to further enhance the effectiveness of CBD creams.
Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed when trying to determine potency and measurements of CBD products. Use a website like this one to compare different products and you will easily see how the potency and measurements of CBD can make a big difference in the effects of the product.