7 Things to Know Before You Buy and Try CBD Products
Do your due diligence before using any form of cannabidiol. Here’s how to best vet products and sellers.
IF YOU’RE STARTING to feel like the letters CBD are following you everywhere you go, you’re not imagining things.
Ever since the Hemp Farm Act passed in 2018, which legalized hemp-derived products, cannabidiol, or CBD, has become the buzziest chemical in the wellness industry. And it’s ubiquitous: You can buy CBD products in health food stores, Amazon, and even pet shops. Heck, even some cafes are serving up CBD-infused coffees and juices.
Is it really just that good? While CBD has been hailed as a drug that pretty much can do it all, from curbing anxiety to relieving chronic pain, the truth is a lot more complex.
And, given that there is little conclusive evidence on CBD’s efficacy—and even less approval for specific health claims from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—where does that leave you? You might be wondering: Should I believe all the hype? How do I know which products to use? Which ones are legit? What kind of sellers should I trust? And, most important, how do I know if these products are safe?
Before you buy and try any form of CBD, consider the following:
1. Know what CBD is and how it works in the body.
CBD is a chemical compound found in cannabis, a flowering plant with several subspecies, including marijuana and hemp. Another compound in cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol—better known as THC. That’s what is responsible for making a person feel “high” after smoking a joint or eating a pot brownie.