When looking to combat mild anxiety, manage everyday pain, or improve the quality of sleep, more and more people are turning to cannabidiol (CBD) oil for relief.
CBD is one of over 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. CBD oil interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system—a system of receptors that plays an important role in the regulation of processes and functions, including sleep, pain, mood, inflammation, and memory.
While CBD oil has a wide range of potential benefits, there are several things to keep in mind, among other important considerations for choosing a CBD oil. The strong anecdotal evidence of CBD’s ability to help people feel relief means you can find CBD just about anywhere—from gas stations to health food stores.
But not all CBD is created equal. We’ll help you understand what to look for to ensure you’re buying a safe, high-quality product. Let’s take a look into the pros and cons of CBD oil and what to know before making a purchase.
Pros and Cons of CBD Oil
Understanding the pros and cons of CBD oil can help you determine if CBD oil is the right fit for you and can help ensure you make the right decision when buying.
Pros
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Safety: While certain people may not be able to take CBD or may need to consult with their doctor, CBD is safe for most, according to the World Health Organization.
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Most efficient delivery system: Full-spectrum CBD tinctures are the most effective delivery system for CBD. Placing CBD oil under the tongue, holding it there for 30 seconds, and then swallowing improves efficiency and speed of absorption, providing the maximum benefit. This method provides longer-lasting effects compared to smoking or vaping, while also eliminating the negative byproducts.
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Widely available: CBD oils and other CBD products have become widely available after the Farm Bill in 2018 legalized hemp-derived products in the United States. This caused an influx of products to choose from, all of varying qualities.
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Broad range of benefits: Due to the interaction between CBD and the endocannabinoid system, CBD may provide relief from pain, reduce mild anxiety, and improve sleep, among many other potential benefits.
Cons
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High-quality CBD oil can be expensive: While you can certainly find cheap CBD oils, these products may be of low quality and low purity, posing safety concerns as well as efficacy issues.
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High expectations: Everybody responds to CBD differently—similar to how caffeine affects people in different ways and in different amounts. So when exploring different products and dosages, it’s important to manage your expectations and understand that what may work for your friend may not work for you. It’s all about figuring out what works for you and experimenting with different dosages.
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Uncertain quality: As the ingredients in CBD oil are not regulated by the FDA, the quality of CBD oil products can vary significantly. It’s critical to do your research on companies to ensure you will be buying a safe, high-quality, and pure product.
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Varying benefits: CBD oil comes in three forms—full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Due to the entourage effect, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils are considered to be the most effective while CBD isolate may not provide the same level of benefits.
What to Know Before Buying CBD Oil
If you’re looking to incorporate CBD oil into your wellness routine, there are several things to look for in a high-quality product. Look for clear and transparent labeling on the bottle—the concentration should be displayed in addition to the full list of ingredients and THC content. Always make sure the product does not contain added chemicals, fillers, or byproducts.
Do your research on the CBD company to understand its safety and quality standards. CBD oils should be tested internally as well as externally by a third party for safety and quality, and a Certificate of Analysis or access to lab tests readily available. You may also want to consider the method of CBD extraction from the plant. While CBD can be extracted through several methods, including solvents and steam distillation, CO2 extraction is the cleanest and purest method.
The Bottom Line: Quality, Safety, and Purity
CBD oil can provide a wide range of benefits and can be a great addition to wellness and self-care routines. Buying a high-quality, third-party tested full-spectrum CBD oil is likely to provide you with the maximum benefit.
At Feals, two of our core values are quality and safety. Our full-spectrum CBD oils are rigorously tested to ensure we provide you with the safest, purest, and highest quality CBD oil to help you feel at your best. We offer 600, 1200, and 2400 MG options, all of which have only two ingredients—full-spectrum hemp and USDA-certified organic MCT oil.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
