CBD has become all the rage in recent times. Its popularity is partially led by its novel, exotic, and somewhat taboo image. But the therapeutic effects are the number one reason driving CBD purchases among many of its fervent fans.
And governments are increasingly loosening restrictions as researchers gain more insights into its chemical behavior and interactions. This has given rise to an industry that’s growing at a phenomenal pace. In the US alone, the CBD market is expected to reach $20 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 49% across all distribution channels.
Today, CBD is not just limited to oils and tinctures. It’s in water, tea, coffee, brownies, doughnuts, toothpaste, bath bombs, body lotions, shampoos, and almost every other consumer product imaginable.
But understanding CBD is essential to make the best out of these products. In fact, using them blindly could lead to more harm than good. So, if you’re thinking of making CBD products a part of your daily routine, here’s what you need to keep in mind.
1. CBD products come with expiration dates
Yes, all CBD products should have a shelf life. But how long they could last will depend on a variety of factors, from the type of CBD and the extraction process to the product category.
For example, products containing pure CBD could often have a longer shelf life than those containing a mix of ingredients. And the supercritical CO2 extraction process will produce much higher quality CBD that could last longer. Of course, the expensive technology involved would make your CBD more costly.
Each CBD product category may have its own shelf life, too. For instance, CBD oil could last for 1 to 2 years. Edibles like cookies and brownies will have a much shorter shelf life similar to their non-CBD-laced counterparts.
So, checking the expiration date is essential before purchasing a CBD product. If you have already purchased, then rely on your senses to detect any changes in the product’s smell, color, or texture at room temperature. If you notice anything unusual, then it’s likely time for a replacement.
And remember, CBD products, particularly the high-quality ones, do not come cheap. So, it’s best to understand your consumption patterns and purchase only what’s required for a few months’ use. This could help you avoid wastage due to expiration.
2. Correct storage is essential for CBD products
Sometimes, your CBD products might not last until their expiration date. This usually happens due to wrong storage practices.
To begin with, CBD doesn’t do well with light, particularly sunlight. This is why CBD oil typically comes in darker bottles. Heat is equally bad for these products and could easily breakdown their chemical compounds, altering the shelf life. So, avoid leaving them by windows, near the stove, or inside your car, where they could get exposed to heat or an above-average room temperature. Heating CBD oils and using them for cooking in high temperatures might not be a smart idea either if you want to benefit from their therapeutic effects.
It’s also important to keep your CBD products tightly closed in their original containers wherever possible. This is because exposure to air could again alter their composition with an oxidizing process. Avoid contamination as well to make use of your product’s full shelf life.
3. Reading the label is a top priority
As obvious as it may sound, many people still don’t read what’s on the label. Information on the product packaging could contain both mandatory details required by regulators as well as those provided voluntarily by the manufacturer. All these could provide important insights into what you’re about to purchase.
For instance, some products are marketed as CBD oils, when in fact, they contain hemp seed oil. These are two often confused ingredients with entirely different benefits. Moreover, many CBD oils are not CBD isolates and will contain other compounds like terpenes. They may have different carrier oils, too. And depending on the type of product you purchase, they could contain ingredients like flavoring and coloring agents. Some of them may even contain THC, the notorious, high-inducing cousin of CBD. And depending on its concentration, it could make the CBD product illegal in your state.
The label will also contain a variety of other useful information to help you understand the product better and determine whether it’s right for you. These can include the CBD dosage, source, and third-party certifications,
But you can’t always depend on what’s on the label either. With the rapid surge in demand for CBD products, there are plenty of manufacturers with questionable practices on the market today. So, it’s best to stick to products from reputed brands.
4. CBD can interact with other products and medication
Studies show that CBD could have drug interactions with certain medications, including some antidepressants, pain relievers, blood thinners, and birth control pills. It can result in side effects like dizziness and sedation as well as more severe effects such as cardiovascular risks. Of course, factors like your health condition, age, and family history could all have a say in this.
According to Katsiaryna Bykov, PharmD, ScD, the type of CBD product you purchase will also make a difference. For example, vaping allows faster absorption compared to most other methods. This could lead to a sudden spike in symptoms. A topical CBD cream, on the other hand, leaves less room for CBD to enter the bloodstream and might not cause drug interaction-related adverse reactions.
Another essential point to note is that your CBD product could include other ingredients, which may also interact with medications. Besides, there’s still much to learn about CBD. So, practicing caution is extra important. And if you’re experiencing any health conditions or taking prescribed or over-the-counter drugs, you must seek your doctor’s advice before starting on a CBD-containing product.
5. There’s more than one way to use CBD
Today, there are lots of creative ways to consume and administer CBD. Tinctures and soft gel capsules are perhaps the most popular among first-time users. With tinctures, CBD is administered under the tongue to allow absorption through tissues and the remaining liquid is swallowed.
Vape pens and inhalers are two other well-known forms. There are also topical applications such as CBD oils and lotions. And if you don’t want to stop there, you can find CBD bath bombs, shampoos, and even makeup.
CBD is also consumed with food. From juices and milkshakes to protein bars, salads, and pasta dishes, there are hundreds of CBD-infused food varieties. For anyone with a sweet tooth, there are also CBD gummies, chocolates, doughnuts, cupcakes, cookies, and brownies.
Of course, the incredible range of CBD products out there could certainly be tempting. But using them without a good enough reason is not a smart idea. Remember, each person may respond differently to the same product. So, doing your homework and being extra cautious will not go to waste.
