Researching the Product
1. Talk to your doctor before using CBD oil.
Since CBD oil is still being tested, tell your doctor what you plan on taking it for and ask them if it will work for you. If you suffer from seizures caused by Lennox-Grant syndrome or Dragnet syndrome, your doctor may prescribe a CBD oil capsule. Otherwise, if you want to take CBD oil for pain or anxiety, your doctor may be able to give you recommendations on what to choose.
- Side effects of CBD oil may include dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, reduced appetite, or diarrhea.
- CBD oil may cause negative interactions with blood thinners.
- You can browse great CBD oil options here.
2. Start with a lower concentration before trying a higher potency.
While CBD oil is meant to help your body relax and ease stress, too much at once can make your symptoms feel worse. Look for CBD oil products that have 250 mg concentrations so you can see how it affects your body. As you get more comfortable using CBD oil, experiment with low doses at higher potencies, such as 500 mg or 1,000 mg, to see what they feel like.
- The concentration will be clearly listed on the packaging so you can identify the oil’s potency.
- Every person will have a different level of tolerance for CBD. While you may be fine with a few drops of 500 mg oil, another person may require multiple drops or a higher concentration to feel the same effects.
- Some studies have found that some CBD oil products have a lower concentration than what’s listed on the packaging.
3. Look for a CBD oil that’s had third-party lab testing done.
Third-party labs check the concentration and purity of the CBD oil to make sure there aren’t any toxic chemicals or harmful additives included. Check the label or package of the oil for testing information so you know if it’s safe to use. If you don’t see any testing information or confirmation on the package, the oil may have contaminants that could give you adverse long-term effects.
- If the oil has been tested, the results will usually be posted on the product or company website so you can look at them.
4.Check the label to see if it lists the ingredients in the oil.
If the company that made the CBD oil is reputable, they will usually list the ingredients and additives they use in their product. Read the label on the back of the CBD oil product that you’re interested in and look for an ingredient list and a break down of their percentages. If you don’t see any ingredients listed, the product may be low-quality and you should avoid it if you’re able to.
- Try searching for the product online to see if the ingredients are listed on its website.
- CBD oils should also have a nutritional label somewhere on the box or package. If you don’t see any information, then search for a different CBD oil.
5. Get CBD oil that uses CO2 extraction to reduce the risk of foreign chemicals.
Some companies will use toxic solvents to extract CBD from hemp or marijuana, so it will have additional contaminants included. CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide to remove higher percentages of CBD from the plant without exposing it to additional chemicals. Check the product label or website to find out how the company extracts the CBD so you know if it’s safe to use.
- Don’t buy CBD oil if you don’t know how it was extracted to reduce the risk of any long-term effects or contaminants.