CBD has been shown to effectively manage anxiety, insomnia and PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, it may help improve mood disorders when taken in conjunction with prescribed medications.
One study demonstrated that individuals with social anxiety who took CBD 90 minutes prior to public speaking experienced less stress. Furthermore, taking CBD may reduce drug cravings for those suffering from opioid use disorder.
1. Look for a Reputable Brand
Reputable CBD companies won’t keep their manufacturing process, ingredients or other information hidden from customers – most should be easily accessible on their websites.
CBD products are unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making it difficult to know exactly what you are getting. You don’t want a product with too little or too much CBD – that’s why it is crucial that brands display their certificates of analysis (COAs) clearly on their websites.
COAs are documents that outline the amount of CBD found in each product, along with other important details like presence of heavy metals or bacteria. Some brands even provide lab test results from previous batches to help spot potentially unsafe batches – this is an effective way of avoiding potentially toxic CBD products!
2. Look for a Product That’s Made in the U.S.
CBD does not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical in marijuana responsible for producing its psychotropic effect. Unfortunately, however, it’s difficult to know if you are getting pure CBD products since current products do not undergo FDA review.
Studies indicate that CBD could help treat depression, reduce anxiety and insomnia, alleviate pain and inflammation and more. A recent study concluded that mice and rats given CBD experienced less depression and anxiety when exposed to stressful environments than those taking a placebo pill.
Warning: Interacting with certain medicines such as opioids or antidepressants, CBD can influence their effectiveness either positively or negatively – especially when taken together with each other. For this reason, it is wise to speak to your physician prior to adding CBD into your treatment plan.
3. Look for a Product That Offers Reliable Customer Support
CBD products are unregulated, so you may encounter many different products on the market. Some could be more or less potency than advertised, and others could contain trace amounts of THC which could trigger mild highs for some individuals. It’s best to select products which have been third-party tested to ensure quality assurance.
Before taking CBD, it is also a good idea to consult your physician to ascertain its suitability for you and any possible interactions between it and any medications that you are currently taking.
Keep a journal of the CBD products you take and their effect on your condition to monitor what works and doesn’t, track progress and better determine how much CBD to take in order to see results of treatment.
4. Look for a Product That’s Affordable
CBD products are unregulated medications, meaning they may contain THC (which can produce a high). As it’s difficult to know exactly what you’re taking, this presents a safety risk. You can mitigate it by purchasing third-party tested CBD products; their lab results, known as certificates of analysis (COAs), should be clearly displayed on their websites – this is particularly crucial when purchasing broad or full spectrum products which may also contain other cannabinoids.
COAs should also detail the extraction method used. Reputable CBD brands such as NuLeaf Naturals and Bluebird Botanicals provide these reports on their websites. Keeping your doctor up-to-date about your CBD usage can help them devise an appropriate dosing plan, taking into account current medications as well as any possible side effects of CBD use. Studies suggest CBD may reduce cravings associated with opioid use disorder but more research needs to be completed before physicians recommend its use.
