CBD: A Beginner's Guide

CBD is a hot topic around the world, especially in the beauty and wellness industries. There are countless CBD suppliers offering a wide range of products. It seems like you really can't go wrong. Well, as long as you're careful to buy certified quality products, that's true.

How do you find the best quality CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural product that must be carefully extracted from the leaves of the hemp plant. That's why you shouldn't compromise when it comes to the quality and provenance of your CBD products.

Laboratory testing and certification required

In addition to the natural ingredients, CBD should at least be certified by an independent laboratory. Independent labs ensure that the product you are about to buy is really what the company claims it is.

Certificates of Analysis show you the exact concentration of all ingredients, ensuring you are buying CBD from a transparent and trusted seller. The certificates can usually be found in the product details. But not only that. The certifiers also have to be of high quality when it comes to their standards, as there is no standardization for them.

The extraction method

Additionally, CBD should ideally be isolated using a CO2 extraction method to preserve all of the key cannabinoids, sensitive terpenes, and flavonoids. There should be no traces of solvents in the end product.

Ingredients

We all know this from the food industry: A quick look at the list of ingredients is enough to find out more about the quality of the product. Since it is important to know exactly what we put in or on our bodies, the ingredients should always be viewed with a critical eye and never sound synthetic. If they are not visible at all, it is better to keep your hands off them.

However, all-natural additives can be beneficial to the quality and effects of CBD oils. That’s why some CBD oils also contain terpenes, flavonoids, and other natural compounds found in the hemp plant. They interact with CBD and other cannabinoids and enhance the beneficial effects of CBD. This is the so-called entourage effect.

If you're new to CBD, reach for the best

A good product not only contains high-quality CBD, but also natural carrier oils and other ingredients. This is necessary because essential oils are very strong and can cause irritation if applied directly to the skin or in the mouth.

The most commonly used oils are hemp seed oil, olive oil and MCT coconut oil - exclusively from sustainable and environmentally friendly cultivation. All of these healthy oils can add even more benefits to your CBD product of choice.

The risk of side effects is low

According to existing research studies, CBD has no known major side effects and is perfectly safe - whether you prefer to use an oil, inhale via CBD vape, or use it for topical treatment.

Please note!

The studies on this topic are currently not representative. Fundamental statements about improvements of problems and/or statuses can therefore not be made. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use products containing CBD.

How does CBD work?

Cannabinoids are natural compounds found in the cannabis plant. CBD (short for cannabidiol) is one of them and can be extracted individually or in combination with other important plant compounds. In contrast to the often better known THC, CBD is not psychoactive and therefore does not make you “high”.

Due to its versatility and ease of use, CBD has not only gained popularity among medical professionals, yoga teachers and nutritionists. Once you've discovered the benefits of CBD, you're probably wondering why. The secret lies mainly in the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). Your body naturally produces cannabinoids — just like the hemp plant — that regulate a variety of bodily functions.

Cannabinoids like CBD can interact with the ECS via your natural cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2, CB3). This important milestone in research led to more and more scientists and medical professionals getting involved in CBD studies.

This interest from the professional and medical community has led to a steady stream of news from scientific studies on the benefits of CBD.

As a CBD oil - for beginners, use a low percentage

It is the most well-known and easiest-to-use type of cannabidiol product: CBD oil or CBD oral spray. A bottle with a drip or pump dispenser ensures a precise, individually adjustable amount of oil. There are many CBD oils in different flavors and concentrations. Beginners are advised to start with 5-10% and slowly increase this amount as needed.

We recommend using full-spectrum oils to benefit from a unique combination of all key cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. By applying a full-spectrum CBD oil, you get a pure and natural aroma while harnessing the entourage effect.

CBD oils are usually available as drops or sprays, depending on which country you are in. Put a few drops or pumps just under the tongue and let it absorb there. The effect is usually felt after 30-60 minutes.

CBD on the skin: wellness products & cosmetics

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of CBD are often used in skin care products. Athletes and active people also like to use CBD to relax after training and exercises.

Using CBD topical products is no different than using traditional lotions or creams. Simply apply a thin layer to your skin and then gently massage in.

CBD body and massage oils also offer an optimal effect for your skin. You can find them in the form of bath bombs or bath salts and in combination with essential oils (e.g. lavender). Topicals can also provide relaxation after a stressful day.

Please ask your doctor!

If you take medication regularly, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using CBD for the first time.