Rain Rain Go Away
We have had some rain here lately in Atlanta. Lots of rain. Nothing to excessive for this time of year but it still seems like a lot to me. I like rain showers. The...
How to Choose the Best CBD Gummies
When it comes to selecting CBD gummies, the process can feel overwhelming with the abundance of options on the market. As someone who has searched for and tried countless different brands and products, I understand how critical it is to pick the right product that not only meets your needs but also delivers on its promises. This guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider, ensuring that you select the best CBD gummies with confidence.
Image from Depositphotos
Understanding CBD Gummies
These CBD gummies are a preferred form of consumption as they are readily available, discrete, and in most cases, tasty treats. Each gummy provides a controlled dose of CBD making it simple to calculate your intake and since CBD does not have a psychoactive effect, consumers enjoy the effects of CBD without the euphoric high of a THC high. Whether it’s anxiety or pain that’s troubling you, relaxation and a tasty treat sound like a great opportunity. Or maybe you’re just looking to feel like the best version of yourself. Go ahead – you deserve it!
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing CBD Gummies
1. Source of CBD
Start by looking at the quality of the CBD that goes into your gummies. The hemp that it is extracted from is key. Try to find a brand and product that is made with CBD extracts sourced from hemp grown without harmful pesticides and other chemicals (aka, organically grown hemp). You see when hemp is not grown organically, it is more likely that harmful pesticides and chemicals end up in the plant, meaning the extracted CBD could be contaminated. So, I recommend looking for gummies made with CBD which is extracted from hemp that is grown organically. In addition to its purity, organically grown hemp is always a better choice for the environment.
2. Type of CBD
The three most common types of CBD are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and CBD isolate.
- Full-spectrum CBD contains all cannabinoids of the plant and has a small amount of THC (less than 0.3 percent).
- Broad-spectrum CBD includes most cannabinoids but removes the THC entirely.
- CBD isolate is pure CBD with no other cannabinoids.
It will come down to your preference and your concerns about THC. Full-spectrum is generally said to have the best entourage effect – think of the Beatles in this regard – but if you need to avoid THC, such as if you work for a company that drug-tests, broad-spectrum or isolate might be your least-restrictive choices.
3. Third-Party Testing
Want to know a sure indicator of a trustworthy CBD brand? Ask for independent lab reports, commonly known as Certificates of Analysis or COAs, that verify potency (that is, the amount of CBD contained within the product is accurately represented on the label) and whether or not the CBD oil contains harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides or mold. A reputable brand will gladly share third-party results with its customers.
4. Potency
A standard gummy dose of CBD is roughly 5 mg to 50 mg CBD/gummy, and again it’s really up to you and that thing called your body weight, the severity of the symptoms you’re trying to tame, and your levels of tolerance for CBD. A beginner might start with the lowest possible dose and increase it depending on the outcome, or if you already know you need more to feel anything, then you may as well go out and get the gummies with the highest dose – being able to, say, have three gummies, as opposed to one that has a slightly higher total dose, could save you money in the long run.
5. Ingredients
It is also essential to consider the ingredients of your CBD gummy, especially if you have special dietary restrictions or allergies. The best CBD gummies are made with organic ingredients and free of any artificial flavoring, coloring sweetening, and bonus points if it’s a vegan gummy.
6. Taste and Texture
The simple truth is: if they don’t taste good, you’re less likely to take them. CBD gummies are available in many flavors – flavor and texture can vary a lot depending on which brand you buy, sometimes it’s very hemp-y, but more often than not the taste is overwhelmed by fruit flavors, so it’s very much a ‘personal-preference thing’. Don’t be afraid to try a few different brands until you find one you like.
7. Brand Reputation
Brand reputation is critical in a largely unregulated industry. Buy from brands with a good reputation – for clarity, good value, and great customer service. Take time to read reviews and ask around; if you jump on board with a favorite of a trusted source, chances are you’ll have the same positive experience. Years in business can be a great point in a company’s favor. If they’ve been selling to people for a long time, they’re likely doing something right.
Personal Experience: My Journey with CBD Gummies
When I first dipped my toe into the CBD paddling pool, I felt paralyzed by choice. My first purchase was a low-dose, hybrid gummy from a reputable brand. The hybrid gummy effects were mild but noticeable – I felt calmer and more grounded on a day-to-day basis. Once I had a better sense of how my body responded to CBD, I moved on to higher doses and different brands. Foremost was the message that the dose should be used slowly, and treated with patience. CBD isn’t a cure-all drug and there’s a chance you won’t instantly react to it – you might need to repeat doses, see how it works, and go from there. I found that my sweet spot for dealing with stress and sleeping better was 10 mg of broad-spectrum CBD.
Where to Buy CBD Gummies
Key to avoiding trickery? Check that your CBD gummies have been made by reputable sources, where you can see product information and lab results. Whenever possible, avoid random online marketplaces and third-party sellers where the provenance and purity of a product can’t be verified.
There are a lot of factors to weigh when selecting the best CBD gummies – from what type of CBD is used and third-party testing to ingredient quality and the reputation of the brand. With so many options, it’s worth taking the time to find a product that’s right for you. Start with a quality brand. Experiment with dose. Most of all, enjoy the process. Choosing the best CBD gummies in the right dose can be a joyful way of adding CBD to your daily routine and as a result, to your life.
