Which CBD Product is Best for Me?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of years, you have probably tried or currently use a product containing CBD.

Now if you’re browsing this site, you are probably a little more informed than the average person when it comes to cannabinoids, but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve your CBD experience. If you have found yourself asking “which CBD product is best for me” then you’re already ahead of the curve. What we mean by this is that you already understand not all CBD products are created equally. We wanted to take your CBD buying finesse a step further and provide you with an easy-to-follow workflow process to use when making your next purchase. 

Step 1 - Decide What You Are Using CBD For

With the amount of buzz around CBD in the past few years, it is easy to fall into the trap of “using it because everyone else does”. This is setting yourself up for disappointment because CBD isn’t a one-size-fits-all compound. With anecdotal reports of CBD being used by individuals suffering from seizures to insomnia, it is no surprise that many people adopt CBD into their daily routine without a “goal” in mind. 

Instead, we recommend deciding on your intent or goal that you would like to see accomplished by using CBD. This doesn’t have to be a major change that you would like to see, and curiosity is completely acceptable. Something as simple as “I would like to see if I sleep better with CBD” is a benign, but logical reason to give CBD a shot. The point here is by establishing a goal, you don’t find yourself in the recurring cycle of “well…I need to buy more CBD even though I’m not sure if it does anything for me”. 

Step 2 - Keep a Journal

We know you’re probably rolling your eyes right now but hear us out! This doesn’t have to be a complicated “dear diary” type thing. It can be as simple as using the notepad on your phone or a scrap piece of paper on your desk. The point of the journal is to track how effective your CBD is for your goal that you established in step one. Think about it like this, you take an Advil each time you have a headache. That’s based on previous experience of Advil alleviating headaches for you in the past. So, ask yourself, “would you continue to take Advil if it never once helped your headache, even though others said it worked for them?” 

Step 3 - Choosing the Best Product Type for Your Goal

This is where things can get tricky. It seems like everything related to CBD is just marketing lingo. It can be intimidating if you’re trying to determine things like “does a topical count as taking CBD” or “this product says it has CBD-A…is that the same as CBD?” The next thing you know, it is 3 in the morning and you have only been able to narrow down your options to about 40 products. Here is a simpler way to consider different types of CBD.

1. Is your goal internal or external? In other words, if you’ve been struggling with something like psoriasis and think that CBD may help, then you probably want to opt for a topical CBD like a salve or cream. On the other hand, if you think CBD could improve the quality of your sleep (an “internal” goal), then you will want to opt for a form factor that is also internal like gummies or a CBD vape. 
   
   
2. Consider Convenience & Comfort Levels. Many CBD users swear by smokable flower products, and although this form factor may work for you, if you’re in a situation that prevents you from utilizing it, then it isn’t doing you much good, is it? This doesn’t only apply to smoking CBD flower. Some environments don’t allow outside food or drinks, this would mean no CBD gummies. The worst situation is when you research to find something that works for your needs only to realize it doesn’t fit into your lifestyle. 
   
   
3. Consider Cost. Like most things in this world, CBD products can get pricey. This doesn’t mean that ALL CBD products are expensive though. In many situations, you will find yourself paying for the convenience of a certain form factor. For instance, CBD infused beverages tend to get costly if you’re consuming them daily while gummies can deliver the same amount of CBD at a fraction of the cost. If you find yourself sweating how much you’re paying for CBD, always consider other methods of consumption. 

Step 4 - ALWAYS Check Your Product’s Label

We live in an era of marketing tactics and this holds especially true for CBD products. This is why it is imperative that you check your product’s label to verify the contents of the product. For instance, is the label covered in vague claims about the product’s capabilities? Are CBD contents or dosing instructions vague or difficult to understand? Has the brand provided an easy method to access their third-party lab results or COA? 

CBD brands are typically very proud of their products so when you spot a product label that feels vague or like the brand has omitted information, there is usually a reason behind that, and you shouldn’t stick around long enough to find out why! CBD isn’t as complicated as many want you to believe. Your product’s label or packaging should provide clear, easy to understand information about the product. Additionally, EVERY CBD product should have a scannable QR code or URL where you can access the lab tests. 

Step 5 - Don’t Just Look at the Lab Results, READ Them!

For the most part, CBD users understand the importance of verifying a product’s COA or third-party lab results. This document confirms that your product actually contains the amount of CBD that it claims as well as verifies that your product has been tested for potentially harmful compounds too. Here’s the new problem though…People aren’t actually reading the things! 

Before you whine about not wanting to spend 15 seconds deciphering a COA, consider that it could mean the difference in spending money on a quality CBD product and spending money on a bunk (or even worse, potentially harmful) product. Don’t be one of those stubborn people! Spend a moment to compare the 1,000mg of CBD claim your product’s label makes to the amount of CBD the COA actually says the product has. You may find yourself surprised at the number of brands that are significantly underdosed! 

Step 6 - Don’t be Afraid to Reach Out to Your Product’s Brand!

Contacting a brand’s customer service department is easier now than ever before. No matter your social media poison of choice, most legit brands are quick to reply when customers have questions or concerns. If you’re old school and still use contact forms on a brand’s website, you’re in luck because those are still just as efficient. 

Most brand reps eat, sleep, and breathe CBD information. No question is too complicated for them to address and most genuinely enjoy discussing their products. You should never feel as though you’re being a nuisance because you hit up a brand with your questions or concerns. On the other hand, if a brand rep ever makes you feel as though you’re bothering them, they don’t want to address your questions, or simply ghost you, then it is probably time to seek a more reputable company. Consider it a blessing in disguise!

Conclusion

We’re confident if you follow these six steps when selecting a CBD product, you’ll be miles ahead of those people who sporadically decide that CBD will change their life while standing in line at the local health food store. As always, don’t forget to discuss any new supplements with your healthcare provider before beginning a new routine. 

We like to treat finding the best CBD product for your needs much like the concept of dating. There’s some trial and error involved, but as long as you take each opportunity to learn what does and doesn’t work for you, you’ll eventually end up with a solid match!