Cannabidiol (CBD) quickly gained popularity as a supplement to numerous health conditions. CBD oil is known to ease inflammation, pain, and anxiety. It calms the mind without making you feel tired or dizzy when taken. The lack of side effects and help ease symptoms make this an appealing option for many people. Most people are interested in CBD because of its potential use for medical reasons. You can find products like CBD oil online or at most health food stores.
As more and more states legalize medical marijuana, it is essential to be informed about taking the product. One of the most common questions asked is safely using CBD products. Here are some tips you should follow when using any product containing cannabidiol:
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1. Amount of CBD Consumed
If you don’t want to ingest large amounts of cannabidiol in one sitting, break up the amount and spread it throughout the day. For example: If taking 10mg per dose, instead consume 5mg when you first wake up and 5mg when you go to bed.
There is no limit on how much CBD you can take in 24 hours; however, there’s no benefit to consuming excessive amounts either. To clarify the amount you consume, you can use carb caps to measure. This way, you can reduce the amount of CBD that is wasted.
2. Quality Control
While CBD products are not pharmaceutical-grade, they should be high-quality in terms of the ingredients and how the oil is processed. Consumers need to look into how a company grows and produces its CBD products. The quality of hemp used to make the oil matters a lot, along with testing to ensure no heavy metals or toxins in the oil. There’s no reason to seek out a reputable company, but it makes sense to do your research before buying so you know what is in the product.
3. Interactions with Other Drugs
CBD interacts with the liver enzyme cytochrome P450. This is why you must let your doctor know about any CBD products you’re taking. CBD can impact how other drugs are metabolized by the body, which could potentially cause a drug interaction.
If your doctor approves of using CBD oil, help them understand what type of product you’re using and what dosage so they can prescribe the best medications for your condition. Mixing drugs can be dangerous, primarily when the liver metabolizes them. For example, taking CBD-rich oil when also consuming other medications metabolized in the liver can cause drug interactions that lead to serious problems.
4. Look for Third-Party Certifications
Certifications such as CBD-rich industrial hemp extract, organic, kosher, and gluten-free should be present on the packaging. If you don’t see them on the product itself, look at where it’s sold and contact customer service to ask if they’re available for that specific brand of CBD oil.
These certifications will help you understand how much cannabidiol is in the product you’re buying and prevent unwanted toxins or other ingredients from being added to the mix. If these are not available, you may want to consider another product because they contain dangerous chemicals.
5. Always Use Products Made From Whole Plant Cannabis
- Look at how many cannabinoids are included in the product; cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are only two of them, and there could be others like cannabinol (CBN). The ratios between different cannabinoids also matter when seeking medicinal benefits.
- Don’t forget about other beneficial compounds like terpenes and flavonoids that give each cannabis plant its characteristic scent. These molecules also affect how different cannabis products work in the body, such as when using them for anxiety or stress relief.
- There is no regulation on CBD oil sold online or in stores, so there’s no guarantee of what you’re getting unless you purchase from a third-party testing company. What does your product contain? Did it come from a reputable source? Is it organic? Is the CBD oil made with whole-plant extract and full spectrum cannabinoids? You can’t always answer those questions directly by looking at the label.
6. Watch for Allergic Reactions
CBD products can cause skin allergies or irritations. This happens when you first start using the oil, but it is rare. Side effects that signal an allergic reaction include hives, swollen lips and tongue, itching, and redness. If you notice one or more of these symptoms following a dose, it is recommended to stop taking the product immediately. Since this side effect is rare, you may not need to worry about it. However, if you’re using CBD oil for an extended time or at high doses, there are some precautions that you should take to test for allergies before taking the product every day.
While there isn’t currently an official ruling from the FDA on how much CBD should be used per day, nor has a maximum level been determined, various third-party organizations offer guidelines for proper dosage amounts. It’s important to note that each person is different, and a higher dosage may be necessary for you to experience the desired effects.
