We'll help you navigate the wide world of CBD.
Walking into the world of CBD can feel like information overload. You’ve likely encountered countless options, each making different promises about quality and benefits. If you’re exploring CBD for memory support, mood enhancement, or brain health, you deserve clear answers for your wellness journey.
This guide breaks down what to look for when it comes to quality, as well as different formats and formulas so you can make the best choice for you or your loved one.
There are three forms of CBD: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Here’s a quick guide to each.
You can basically think of this as pure CBD. It doesn’t contain any other hemp compounds like THC, flavinoids, or terpenes.
This means you know exactly what you’re getting, which makes dosing predictable and simple. Isolate CBD can feel more approachable for first-time cannabis users.
However, some prefer broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD to take advantage of “the entourage effect.”
Broad-spectrum CBD includes multiple compounds from the hemp plant. The only difference between broad-spectrum and full-spectrum is that the THC is removed in processing. However, the product may still contain very trace amounts of THC up to 0.001%.
People choosing broad-spectrum CBD are typically looking for a more powerful effect, but have a sensitivity to THC or otherwise want to avoid any sort of “high.” Some broad-spectrum CBD products include specific terpenes or other cannabinoids like CBN for either a calming or energizing effect.
Full-spectrum products contain the whole hemp plant profile. It’s likely to have other cannabinoids like CBN or CBG and includes trace amounts of THC up to 0.3%.
Full-spectrum CBD is known for “the entourage effect,” which is still being studied. This is a concept, mostly spoken about anecdotally, where different compounds work together to be more effective.
Federal law requires a maximum of 0.3% THC, which usually isn’t enough to cause a high. However, people who are very sensitive may notice an effect.
The different product formats – ingestibles, inhalables, and topicals – aren’t just for convenience. Each product type comes with different benefits.
These are things like gummies, softgels, capsules, and liquid tinctures. These products must pass through your digestive system before entering your bloodstream, which means the process takes longer. Edibles take around 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect. They also last much longer, which makes them ideal for ongoing memory support.
CBD Gummies offer precise dosing in an enjoyable format, which is why there are so many options available. One thing to note is that gummies could be difficult to consume for those with dementia.
Softgels and capsules provide the best convenience and discretion. They’re tasteless, portable, and offer exact dosing without any hemp flavor.
CBD oils and tinctures can be added to foods or beverages for convenience, or applied under the tongue (sublingual) for faster absorption.
CBD topicals include lotions, balms, creams, and specialized patches applied directly to the skin. These products work locally rather than systemically, meaning they primarily affect the area where they’re applied.
Topicals won’t directly support memory or cognitive function, but can be helpful for managing physical discomfort that could increase anxiety or agitation.
Topicals are ideal for targeted relief and won’t show up in standard drug tests, as very little CBD enters the bloodstream through topical application.
Go this route if you’re looking for the fastest results. Vapes and flower hit the bloodstream through the lungs within minutes. However, they fade faster as well, so are not the best choice for people that need a prolonged effect.
The CBD market is still loosely regulated, which means quality varies dramatically between manufacturers. Here’s how to identify high-quality products.
Quality manufacturers provide certificates of analysis (COAs) for every batch of product. These documents should show:
Ideally, shop at companies that use a third-party for testing, rather than testing facilities owned by the manufacturer. Also, the testing should be recent and specific to the exact batch you’re purchasing.
Hemp plants absorb everything from their growing environment, including nutrients, minerals, and unfortunately, any contaminants present in the soil or water.
Premium CBD comes from hemp grown using organic or sustainable farming practices on clean soil. The best manufacturers source from farms that use organic growing methods, test the soil regularly, and maintain detailed records of cultivation and harvesting practices.
Domestic hemp (grown in the United States) is known for better quality control, but it’s not a hard and fast rule.
CBD derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC is federally legal in the United States under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, some states have additional restrictions, so it’s best to check your local laws.
CBD is generally well-tolerated by most people. The World Health Organization has stated that CBD exhibits no effects indicative of abuse or dependence potential. However, CBD can interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any CBD regimen, especially if you take prescription medications.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t produce a “high” or alter your mental state. Instead, it may support mood balance, memory function, and overall wellness through interaction with your body’s endocannabinoid system.
The three main types are full-spectrum (contains all plant compounds including trace THC), broad-spectrum (contains multiple compounds but no THC), and isolate (pure CBD only).
Terpenes are the compounds that give plants their scent, like lavender or citrus, and may influence how CBD works in your body. Flavonoids add color, flavor, and potential health benefits. Together, they shape the character of a CBD product and can enhance its effects alongside cannabinoids.
This really depends on your specific needs. Full-spectrum products may be more effective due to the entourage effect, even at lower CBD concentrations. However, individual responses vary, and some people respond better to isolate products.
Start low and go slow. Begin with the lowest recommended dose on the product label and gradually increase until you find your optimal amount. Factors affecting dosage include body weight, metabolism, product type, and your specific wellness goals. Keep a journal to track your response and adjust accordingly.
The entourage effect is the theory that cannabis compounds work synergistically, which means they’re more effective together than individually.
CBD typically clears from your system within 2-5 days, though this varies based on factors like dosage, frequency of use, body composition, and metabolism. The method of consumption also affects how long CBD remains detectable, with inhalable products clearing faster than edibles or tinctures.
Finding the right CBD product can feel like a big step. The key is choosing brands that value safety, transparency, and consistency so you can feel confident in what you’re consuming. Zendoz was built on that promise, offering products made with care and backed by third-party testing. Check out our products to find the best option for you.
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