CBD Marketplace 101

Odds are likely that you Have heard of CBD in one form or another. However, most people don’t know exactly what CBD is and how it can be used to create balance in your body.

More and more people are discovering the incredible medicinal benefits associated with CBD. As the demand increases, more studies are being done to see just how CBD can fit into our daily wellness.

We understand that the CBD marketplace can be a little overwhelming, that’s why we are here to walk you through the basics about CBD and how to find the right product for you.

What is CBD?

CBD, is short for Cannabidiol, one of over 100 different cannabinoids that can be found in the cannabis plant family.

One of the most common CBD questions is “will CBD get my high?”. The simple answer is no. Unlike its notorious cousin THC, CBD will not get users intoxicated. Instead users can experience the medicinal benefits associated with cannabis without any unwanted psychoactive side effects.

It is important to also know that CBD can be derived from two sources. It can be derived from either hemp or marijuana. When CBD is derived from hemp there oftentimes is little to no THC, meanwhile when CBD is derived from marijuana there can be higher levels of THC.

We urge customers to look for CBD products derived from industrial hemp to ensure that they comply with the 2018 Farm Bill, which allows industrial hemp to grown as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC.

At this time the legal threshold for CBD to be federally legal is 0.3%, however for those who are drug tested we strongly urge you to look for CBD products that are THC-free, meaning they have 0.0% THC.

Different Types of CBD

In the CBD industry there are three types of CBD; isolate, full spectrum and broad spectrum. Each has a place in the marketplace but have slightly different attributes.

Isolate

Isolate is CBD in its purest form, with nearly 99.9% being CBD. This sounds great on paper, however with Isolate products you are missing out on the other medicinal benefits associated with the cannabis plant, such as terpenes, and other minor cannabinoids.

Full Spectrum

Full Spectrum products have CBD as the main component, however these products also contain terpenes and other minor cannabinoids that have been extracted. It is important to note that full spectrum CBD products also contain THC, less than 0.3%.

Broad Spectrum

Broad Spectrum products have all of the same attributes as the full spectrum products, simply, minus the THC. This means that those who are drug tested are able to use these products, as long as they contain 0.0% THC.

Each of these products have a place in the marketplace, however it seems as if broad spectrum CBD products would be the best fit for most individuals who are looking to experience the medicinal benefits without any associated “high” feeling.

How does CBD work?

Our bodies are naturally meant to be able to process cannabinoids. All mammals have a natural endocannabinoids system in our bodies which connects CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout our body and brain that control various vital functions. In the simplest form, CBD is able to bind to these receptors and restore balance in areas that may be causing issues or discomfort.

Setting Expectations Accordingly

Now that you know what CBD is and the different types of CBD in the marketplace, it is important to set expectations accordingly. CBD is not a miracle drug that can cure every disease and issue in the world. Any company that states that CBD can cure a certain condition fully by itself should be avoided at all costs. Instead you should set the expectations accordingly, as CBD is not a one-size fits all model and everyone reacts to it differently. One guideline to follow should be “its not about what you feel when taking CBD, but more about what you don’t feel anymore”.

What CBD Product is Right for Me?

With the demand of CBD skyrocketing, more and more products are entering the marketplace, giving consumers more options to choose from. Yes, this is a good step forward in the industry however quality can vary greatly in the industry. Not all CBD is created equally, that’s why we are here to help you know what CBD product category may be right for you.

There is a plethora of different CBD products in the industry today, such as CBD oil tinctures, CBD gummies, CBD capsules, CBD pet products, CBD topical products and many more. Each product has a place in the marketplace in one way or the other and some work better than others in certain circumstances. We will walk you through each product category to hopefully help make picking the right CBD product for you a little easier.

CBD Oil Tinctures

These products are arguably one of the oldest product categories in the industry and one of the most popular. These CBD tinctures are taken sublingually, underneath your tongue for 20-30 seconds and then consumed. There are numerous flavors and strength levels. We urge customers to look for tinctures that have an organic base or carrier to ensure you are getting a little added value as well. Some tinctures in the industry use MCT oil, which is a great carrier which is not only smooth but also has added medicinal benefit.

CBD gummies

CBD gummies or edibles are exactly as they sound, CBD packed into one of your favorite treats. When looking for the right gummies in the industry, we urge you to always look for CBD gummies that have been infused, and always avoid products that are dipped sprayed or coated because these typically have inaccurate dosage.

CBD Capsules

CBD capsules have raw CBD oil packed inside of a capsule that typically has higher bioavailability than gummies. These capsules can be found in various strength levels and some companies even add additional medicinal benefit by adding melatonin or curcumin to their capsules.

CBD Pet Products

You guessed it! CBD can help our four legged friends as well. There are various CBD products for pets ranching from dog chews to horse pellets CBD can be easily added to your furry friend’s diet.

CBD Topical Products

CBD topical products are by far the most superior option in the marketplace when it comes to targeted external pain that typically is attributed to arthritis or aching joints. Topical products will penetrate your skin and are extremely effective in helping specific areas of discomfort.

Navigating the Marketplace

Now that you know what CBD is and the various product options available it is time to jump into what makes certain CBD brands different from others and how to spot a quality product.

We understand that the CBD marketplace is a little oversaturated and making the right choice the first time is not easy.

Here are some guidelines you should always follow when choosing the right CBD product.

USA-Made Hemp

You always want to ensure that any hemp plants that are used in your finished CBD products are grown here in the United States. Some companies in the industry cut corners and source their hemp overseas to lower costs, but in doing such they can be putting your heath in danger. Hemp grown overseas in areas such as Germany and China typically use soil that has been contaminated with heavy metals and harsh pesticides. These types of harmful substances do not belong anywhere near your CBD products.

Third Party Laboratory Testing

Any CBD product you are planning on purchasing should have third party laboratory testing easily accessible and up to date. They should have full panel testing for raw oil batch, as well as potency testing on each and every variation of product. This ensures that what is on the label, is what is in the bottle.

Traceability

You want to always make sure that the brand you choose has full traceability from seed to sale to ensure you are getting the products you are searching for. This means that they can link a batch of hemp plants with raw oil that is being used in your finished products.

We hope these pointers help you navigate the CBD marketplace a little easier and we hope you are able to find the right CBD product for you!

About Shannon Clark

Shannon holds a degree in Exercise Science and is a certified personal trainer and fitness writer with over 10 years of industry experience.