Chances are, you’ve seen CBD products in a lot of places – your local grocery store, in online ads, and even on shelves at TJ Maxx.
If you’ve never tried cannabidiol (CBD) before, or you’re relatively new to the ingredient, you probably feel pretty overwhelmed by the sheer volume of products out there.
Nowadays, many women are publicly heralding the potential benefits of CBD, and it’s become popular in “mainstream” society.
Still, a good percentage of women feel uncomfortable selecting CBD products and don’t know which is best for their preferences, purposes, and lifestyle.
We want female consumers to feel empowered while learning how to shop for CBD – so let us help you on your wellness journey.
Understanding CBD: A Quick Primer
Before we explore how to choose CBD products, let’s run through the CBD basics so you’re more familiar with the ingredient.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids identified in cannabis, alongside its more well-known counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body – a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that support homeostasis, or a state of balance, within our bodies.
The endocannabinoid system is far-reaching and regulates a wide array of bodily functions, from our sleep patterns to our moods, metabolism, immune responses, and even the lifespan of our cells.
By interacting with the ECS, it’s possible that CBD may influence these processes and potentially support a range of health benefits.
Why Women Are Turning to CBD
Today, people ingest and apply CBD in various forms, including oils, capsules, edibles, and creams. There are also many reasons that people choose to use CBD products, depending on their personal wellness goals.
Some women have reported using CBD products to help them relax and relieve stress. Others have used it to support wellness during their menstrual cycles, as well as for joint support.
These are just a few of the most notable reasons that female consumers have reportedly begun to incorporate CBD products into their daily lives. Other incentives for trying CBD range from purported skincare benefits to support for healthy sleep patterns.
While research on CBD for women is ongoing, there is certainly growing evidence to suggest that it may be helpful in supporting overall wellness.
In fact, there have been many female advocates in the CBD industry over the last few decades. Women such as Mary Jane Rathburn and Jodie West have empowered many others to learn about the potential benefits of CBD, and we expect to see more and more women explore this industry.
Different Types of CBD Products Available
It doesn’t matter what kind of lifestyle you lead or if you prefer pills over gummies – there’s a CBD product format for every kind of user. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular product types so that you can learn which might best suit your needs.
CBD Oil Tinctures
These are liquid extracts of cannabidiol and come in various concentrations. CBD oil tinctures are extremely popular due to their versatility and ease of use. Furthermore, they can be used for a wide variety of benefits and purposes.
CBD Edibles
CBD gummies and other ingestible products offer a fun (and tasty) way to consume CBD. These edibles are also convenient and discreet, making it easy to enjoy the potential benefits of CBD wherever you are.
CBD Topicals
These are skincare and body care products that have been infused with cannabidiol (CBD). You can find CBD topicals in the form of creams, balms, lotions, and salves, all of which can be applied directly to the skin to help support targeted relief for localized issues.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a CBD Product
The hard truth is that not all CBD products are created equally. In reality, many products are not held to proper standards, and many are designed for different goals.
Keep in mind that you want to look for high-quality products that specifically suit your desires and needs. As you purchase CBD products, continuously consider the following factors:
✓ Purpose
Why are you considering CBD? What benefits are you hoping to experience, and is this product designed to help you on that path?
For example, many CBD oils are designed to help with relaxation and sleep, but a topical CBD product may be better suited for consumers who are looking for something like joint support.
✓ Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum vs. CBD Isolate
When buying CBD products, you’ll soon realize that there are three different types:
- Full-spectrum
- Broad-spectrum
- CBD isolate
We could spend an entire blog post diving into the differences between these three categories, but for the sake of brevity and simplicity, we’ll break them down in general terms.
Full-spectrum CBD contains ALL of the naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids (like CBD and THC), terpenes, and other phytochemicals. Therefore, it is believed that these products can produce the “entourage effect” in which various compounds work synergistically to enhance potential benefits.
Broad-spectrum CBD, comparatively, contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but has the THC removed during an extraction process. Therefore, it may still cause the entourage effect and produce associated benefits for users.
Lastly, CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. This kind of product contains 99% or more pure CBD and is devoid of other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds. As a result, it does not produce the entourage effect or include the benefits of terpenes and other cannabinoids. Thus, CBD isolates are not commonly recommended.
✓ Third-Party Lab Testing
All of your CBD products should undergo third-party lab testing, which is a fundamental method for safeguarding users’ health and trust. You need to know that your product’s quality has been tested and verified, that it contains the stated amount of THC, and that there are no harmful contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides.
✓ Price
When learning how to choose CBD products, focus on striking a balance between cost and quality. You might be tempted to select the cheapest option available, but remember: low-priced CBD products may not undergo the same level of cultivation, extraction, and testing as medium to high-priced options.
Try to find a middle ground in which you can access high-quality, reputable CBD products without spending an arm and a leg.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
In most cases, CBD is considered safe when used appropriately and as directed. However, like any supplement or medication, it can produce some side effects in certain individuals, most of which are mild and transient.
It’s also possible that CBD can interact with some medications, especially those that are metabolized by the same enzymes in the liver. Therefore, we always recommend consulting a healthcare professional before adopting CBD into your daily practice.
Ready to Try CBD for Yourself?
Choosing the right CBD product for your needs doesn't have to be overwhelming. The most important thing is knowing how to find the right product for you and making a truly informed decision.
Of course, there’s also an element of personal experimentation and preference. You may need to try several types of CBD products to determine which best suits your goals and preferences, so don’t give up if your first product isn’t the winner. Just start slow and enjoy the process.
If you’re looking for a great place to buy premium CBD products online, check out our full list of CBD items. We have something for everyone, and all of our ingredients are carefully sourced and lab-tested for quality and efficacy.
For questions about any of our products or how to use them, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thanks For Reading!