Masters of Health Magazine May 2019 | Page 81

plants are frequently tested while they are growing. And it’s up to manufactures to test CBD products, too. When you are shopping for CBD oil, look for products that have been tested for contaminants and for CBD vs. THC levels.

How to Use CBD Oil and Where to Buy It

There are several ways to use CBD, including in capsule, topical, edible or drop forms. You can use lotions or oils containing CBD on your skin, place a few drops under your tongue or vape CBD oil.

Generally speaking, ingesting CBD oils using a dropper is typically the easiest way to stay in control of exactly how much you are taking. Plus, pure CBD oil will not contain additives that come with side effects. Remember, when you are using CBD oil or any kind of cannabis product, you must read the product label to determine the best dose for you.

Here are a few tips to help you choose a CBD oil product and determine the best dose for you (in conjunction with your healthcare professional):

Read the label to find out the total milligrams of CBD in the entire bottle/product and how many milligrams are in one standard dose. CBD products vary in potency, with some containing more total CBD than others. Most products will have on the label exactly how much CBD is in one dropper or drop, so you’ll be able to tell exactly how much is in there.

Check the CBD and THC ratio. Some products may contain micro-doses of THC. But if you are looking for a product that’s strictly CBD and doesn’t come with the chance of experiencing any intoxicating or euphoric effects, then go for a product that contains no THC at all.

Start with a small dose and work your way up if needed. Sometimes, a standard CBD oil dose is determined by your body weight, but this rule doesn’t work for everyone. Some people are more sensitive to cannabis compounds than others.

Be aware of the desired effect prior to using CBD oil. If you know exactly what you are looking for from using CBD oil, then it will be easier for your healthcare professional to determine the proper dose.

Where do you buy CBD oils? You may have noticed that CBD products are everywhere these days. You can easily find CBD oil and other products online and in certain health food/vitamin stores or spas. To separate the highest quality products from the rest, look for one that has a certificate of analysis, or COA. This means that the manufacturer tests the product for contaminants, and it meets lab standards.

You also want to purchase a CBD product that clearly states how much CBD is present and if it’s made with any other cannabis compounds or ingredients.

Vape pens may contain a solvent called propylene glycol. When you burn this solvent at high temperatures, it can degrade into formaldehyde and cause dangerous adverse reactions.

Final Thoughts About CBD Oil Health Benefits, Forms of CBD and How to Use

CBD is one of over 60 compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of ingredients called cannabinoids; it is the major non-intoxicating component of Cannabis sativa.

CBD oils are available in many forms. You can find products that provide CBD as a tincture, concentrate, capsule, topical solution, wax, edible and patch.