CBD, it’s benefits and products you’ll love
By Carla Snuggs
For this month’s CBD Guide and Shopping guide, we will begin with CBD Tips from Canabyst:
First, only hemp-derived CBD products can be legally sold across state lines. CBD derived from marijuana plants is illegal to sell in states that don't offer recreational or medical marijuana.
There is some general confusion in the space about what you actually get in your "CBD" products. CBD is one cannabinoid in a sea of many. Each cannabinoid interacts with the body in its own unique way. Also, some cannabinoids influence the effects of other cannabinoids. That said, when product manufacturers create formulations, they can change or control the concentrations of cannabinoids found within their products. This mixing and matching of cannabinoids mean one tincture might be quite different than another tincture. Also, there are different strains of hemp and one strain of hemp will likely carry its own unique combinations and concentrations of cannabinoids when compared to another.
As a general rule, there are 3 types of products consumers can buy:
• Isolate - contains only "1" cannabinoid like CBD without the others
• Broad Spectrum - contains many cannabinoids without THC
• Full Spectrum - contains all the cannabinoids
Note: hemp plants contain less than 0.3% THC, so there are trace amounts of THC in full spectrum products. Not enough to get the user high, but if used frequently enough it may show up on a drug test. Use isolate or broad spectrum products with 0% THC to avoid any mishaps.
Some people prefer to take full spectrum or broad spectrum because of what is referred to as the "entourage effect," which essentially suggests that the myriad of cannabinoids offered in these 2 versions offers the most benefit.
Here's one of our blog posts that provides even more detail about the entourage effect:
This is foundational knowledge, however, and it won't necessarily protect the consumer from buying products that may be harmful to their health. Some rules to follow before buying CBD products that are either inhaled or ingested:
Only buy CBD products where Certificates of Analysis COAs are available: COAs are documents issued by Quality Assurance that confirms that a regulated product meets its product specification.
Sometimes QR codes are added to labels so if you're in a store, you can check the COA before you buy
Never buy CBD products that don't offer COAs
Without COAs, you could be buying products that contain little to no CBD, or worse, they contain harmful chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals.
Do your research - it's better to look for a trustworthy CBD product online prior to making a purchase
Look for products that have been tested by a 3rd party lab - they should show this on their website. The lab should be ISO certified and recent.
Read the ingredients - tinctures, edibles, and vapes may contain other ingredients
See if you can figure out how the product was sources and cultivated. Some extraction methods use harsh chemicals.
Know the amount of CBD in each dose - the labels should contain milligram counts per bottle/serving.
Regarding effects, vape is the fastest acting because it enters the bloodstream immediately upon reaching the lungs. Second, sublingual tinctures permeate a blood barrier membrane and enter the bloodstream within a minute or so. Edibles must go through the digestive tract and some of the product is lost in this process.
CBD Shopping Guide
Canabyst
The CBD marketplace called Canabyst is one of my faves. At Canabyst, they evaluate every single product that they sell to make the purchasing process easier on the consumer. Here are my current faves:
They carry all types of products from edibles to tinctures to pet products to beverages.
onyx & rose
It’s a pleasure to introduce you to CBD Brand, Onyx & Rose. Offering the highest quality cannabinoid-infused products derived from organically-grown botanicals and used for everyday women’s wellness, Onyx & Rose provides consumers with a range of broad and full spectrum CBD product SKUS that work to calm anxiety, reduce inflammation, eliminate insomnia, and more. By partnering with the country’s leading scientists, chemists, formulators and hemp experts, Onyx & Rose cultivates the highest quality CBD products on the market and utilizes third party product testing to guarantee all offerings are safe, natural, tested and effective. All products are non-GMO and made with 100 percent American-grown organic hemp. Try:
Made with kaolin clay and scented with floral and citrus essential oils, the Onyx & Rose CBD Bath Bombs provide relief to sore muscles. Sold in Calm, Cool, and Classic offerings, each bath bomb also contains 35 milligrams of full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate.
Calm - Provides tranquility using lavender essential oils
Cool - Detoxifies with activated charcoal and pore-opening black pepper
Classic - Combats inflammation using pore opening black pepper with essential oils
Onyx & Rose Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Combining the full benefits from the complete chemical makeup of the hemp plant and its therapeutic qualities, Onyx & Rose’s Full Spectrum CBD Oil is a luxury CBD must-have. Available in a refreshing Peppermint flavor, this oil can be mixed into beverages or taken as a tincture. Each bottle contains 1000 milligrams and less than 0.3 percent THC, and is non-psychoactive. For best results, use up to twice daily.
Onyx & Rose Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Looking for a CBD Oil that’s THC free? This phytocannabinoid-rich hemp oil contains all of the cannabinoids and terpenes naturally found in hemp, but contains zero THC. Available in a refreshing Peppermint flavor, this oil can also be mixed into beverages. Each bottle contains 1000 milligrams and for best results, use daily.
Soothe sore joints and restore healthy skin with Onyx & Rose’s Therapeutic Broad Spectrum CBD Balm. Containing 500 milligrams of CBD per container, this balm is composed of all-natural beeswax and a encompasses a calming blend of eucalyptus and lavender essential oils. For best results, use as needed, applying directly to the joints in your hands, elbows, shoulders, neck, knees or ankles to topically combat discomfort caused by inflammation. Not intended for muscle soreness or facial use.
Phytologica
Phytologica is a Physician-Grade Full Spectrum CBD Hemp Extract based product line made with organically grown hemp in the USA and manufactured in its purest form to achieve the absolute best quality possible. Their products are free from any solvents, pesticides, mold, heavy metals, GMO’s, or any psychoactive compounds. They rigorously test both internally and by reputable 3rd party labs and will provide all lab reports upon request. PhytoLogica hemp is registered with the Colorado State Department of Agriculture and grown in accordance with section 7606 of the 2014 US Farm Bill. They grow specific cultivars of hemp that are naturally rich in Cannabidiol (CBD), and also contain Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabichromene (CBC). PhytoLogica products are “Full Spectrum”. Shop Phytologica.com
CBDRUS Watermelon Wedges
CBDRUS is one of the leading CBD companies in the industry. All of their products are made in America and are carefully formulated for the ultimate CBD experience. Their CBD' R US Watermelon Wedges are a sweet and sour gummy that provide a sweet watermelon taste! These CBD Gummies are sliced like a watermelon and will remind you of a hot summer day once the juicy watermelon taste hits your mouth. Shop Cbdrustore.com
iKOR Labs
iKOR Labs is a Boulder-based producer of all natural, high quality CBD products. iKOR Labs was created with a mission to bring the recovery enhancing benefits of Hemp derived CBD extracts to athletes (and people) of all levels. Their daily use tincture is an effective anti-anxiety product, along with the other CBD benefits - anti-inflammatory, sleep improving. iKOR utilizes a proprietary lipid encapsulation for efficient absorption of its full spectrum hemp-oil. The creator suggested the following as you start to use our iKOR Labs Daily Full Spectrum Hemp Extract: Use the product as instructed on the package 10mg per day (1 pump = 1mg x 5 pumps). You can do all 10mg at once or do 5mg twice a day. I generally have mine in the AM after I brush my teeth and then again in PM before I got to bed and after I brush my teeth. If I'm doing a big ride or run during a particular day I take an additional 5 - 10 mg afterward. Shop: ikorlabs.com
Extract Labs
Extract Labs just introduced their new Raspberry Hemp Tinctures. This new formula features their amazing original tincture with a delicious hint of natural raspberry flavoring. It’s ideal for infusing into a morning smoothie or a vinaigrette for your salad. The company, based out of Boulder, CO, makes an amazing selection of exceptionally pure Hemp Tinctures that are the highest quality, but offered at the lowest price points possible since the company keeps every step of production in-house. Extract Labs was founded by a former combat veteran turned CO2 extraction expert, Craig Henderson. The Hemp Tinctures are made of oil that has been CO2-extracted from industrial hemp plants grown only in Colorado. They are rich in CBD and use a base of fractionated coconut oil - the purest form of coconut oil.
Lokus CBD
There are a bunch of benefits from using Lokus CB - mostly relief from pain, anxiety, stress and an overall feeling of well-being. Try their 500Mg Full Spectrum Cbd Oil, High Grade Hemp Extract (1 Fl. Oz). Lokus CBD is made with 100% pure and organic hemp oil. That means no additives or preservatives. Their CBD is made right here in the USA. Shop: iwantlokus.com
Verde Patch
Few things are simpler to use than the Verde Patch Topical CBD Patch. You just stick it on an area of skin that is free of hair, lotions, and creams. It’s as easy as placing a small band-aid! This alternative to tinctures or inhalation offers many benefits including ease of use, steady timed-release delivery, comfort, wearability, convenience, avoidance of the digestive tract, avoidance of first-pass metabolism by the liver and long storage life. Verde topical patches are classified as a natural vitamin patch. No prescription is required, and the ingredients are all natural, sourced and manufactured in the United States. They are free of Artificial Dyes, Casein, Corn, Colors, Dairy, Egg, Fillers, Flavorings, Gluten, GMO’s, Latex, MSG, Peanuts, Preservatives, Shellfish, Soy, Sugar, Tree Nuts and they are GRAS certified. Verde Topical Patches are made with a proprietary multi-layered polymeric laminate design. Adhesive properties are laboratory tested for excellent wearability and are hypo-allergenic to humans. Verde Topical Patches are one-time use only and are water resistant. Shelf life exceeds three years. Just introduced is the Verde Slim Patch with weight loss and anxiety as the focus. Shop: Verdepatch.com
True Life Therapeutics
True Life Therapeutics was created because of their passion to care for others and to share the powerful natural remedies this planet produces. They believe in healing the natural way and in never using chemicals or inferior ingredients. True Life Therapeutics also believes in delivering quality products that showcase the amazing, natural and unadulterated ingredients found in nature. That is why they source their Hemp from U.S. farms that do not use pesticides and why our products use organic unrefined butter and oils. They don't put harsh chemicals and harmful ingredients in their bodies and on their skin, and they don't believe their customers should either.
Lucent Botanicals Mood Lift Mints
These mints help activate your body’s natural ability to lightly lift your spirits. Lucent’s unique blend of CBD, organic terpenes and natural herbs is non-psychoactive and specifically targeted to activate your body’s natural abilities to lift your mood.All Lucent mints are carefully formulated at their in-house manufacturing facility to ensure quality. Their Cannabidiol Isolate is derived from industrial hemp grown in Colorado and is 99.5+% pure. Certified third-party laboratories test every batch to ensure that it is free from pesticides and heavy metals, and that the potency is accurate and consistent. This product contains no THC. Shop: Lucentbotanicals.com
HempFusion
HempFusion™ is the #3 selling hemp/CBD brand nation-wide and is in over 2,000 stores. Their hemp extract is harvested from the highest quality, certified organic crops in the world. HempFusion™ CBD products are the only products that are 100% organic that deliver total endocannabinoid system support with full-spectrum CBD + Terpenes + Omegas. HempFusion's organic Whole Food Hemp Complex™ powers all of the products in order to maximize the CBD entourage effect, infused with other botanical ingredients for specific functional results like Sleep (+GABA), Stress (+Ashwagandha), and Energy (+Ginseng+Guayusa+Ginger). It's about more than CBD when it comes to maximizing relief. I really love HempFusion’s 5mg CBD Hemp Extract Key Lime TWIST tincture. Included in this formulation is our proprietary Whole Food Hemp Complex of Hemp Extract, Clove Oil Extract, and Black Pepper Extract with powerful endocannabinoid system supporting nutrients such as ß-Caryophyllene.*
Steve’s Goods CBD
Steve’s Goods has been business for over three years, staying on top on the latest research and offer the best prices on the finest products in the biz.
They have tinctures, Gummies, concentrates including wax and shatter, and the latest device for easy vaping, The Dipper. Products I love:
CBD Hemp Oil: Their CBD oil is CO2 extracted from hemp grown locally in Colorado. In addition to full spectrum hemp oil, they add CBD isolate to increase the potency. It also has less than .03% THC, a negligible amount. They add raw local Colorado honey for a touch of sweetness.
CBD Blueberry OG Shatter: Shatter looks like dazzling crystals made of fresh honey. It’s CBD in concentrated form and can be added to tobacco or joints or dabbed on its own. Vaping is also an option. No matter how you take it, get ready to feel better.
CBD Bath bombs: 100mg of Full Spectrum CBD Oil per bath bomb – Most potent CBD bath bombs on the market! They have 5 types of bath bombs: Defense, Tranquil, Sensual, Utopia, Recovery.
Full Spectrum, Vegan, CBD Gummies: Relief never tasted so good! Your guilty pleasure, now with added benefits! CBD Gummies are made with full spectrum hemp oil and are the way to go when wanting a yummy way to reduce pain, relieve anxiety, or kick back and relax. Using the best CBD on the market, we have enhanced your average gummies to an entirely different level. There are 30 mg of CBD within each gummy.
Leanna Organics
Leanna Organics provides pure and organic CBD products that feel luxurious. With attractive fruity scents that make it easy on new users, and a wide selection of body care products, Leanna Organics bring the exciting and unfamiliar world of CBD extracts into the home by translating it to everyday uses.
Kurvana
Kurvana is the leading premium vape pen and cannabis lifestyle brand. Kurvana just launched their first line of premium CBD vape pens! Kurvana CBD pens are edgy, fun, and classy.
5 cannabis-infused options
Full-spectrum extract
Free of MCT oil, artificial flavoring, and cutting agents
Up-to 65% cannabinoids
Premium hardware
Natural terpenes
UrthLeaf
UrthLeaf is a great source for quality, affordable health, and wellness products made from CBD-rich hemp. UrthLeaf Hemp CBD is non-GMO and contains no pesticides, solvents, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. They have all their products are tested by third-party laboratories so you can buy CBD hemp oil that is completely safe and legal for consumption. All of their hemp products are below the .3% federal limit for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). They want you to enjoy the line and be proud of the purchase you made knowing you are helping out a small U.S. based company while receiving the best products on the market. They also offer hemp CBD products and treats for your pets! Shop: Urthleaf.com
Color Up Therapeutics
I included Color Up Therapeutics in my last CBD guide. I tried a few more products and I love them:
500mg Full Spectrum Daily Sublingual – Human: Full Spectrum oil is a whole plant extract that contains a minimal amount of other cannabinoids to aid in healing. These other cannabinoids are not always necessary, depending on what you are addressing, but they can be beneficial for certain ailments and imbalances. If you are subject to drug testing, we suggest selecting our Pure CBD options.
250mg Pure Animal Meal Additive: Their 250mg CBD hemp oil meal additive is great if you have a smaller breed dog or are looking for a lower daily maintenance dose of CBD hemp oil. My friend used this on their pup and reported they happy with the outcome.
Tiki Biosciences
Tiki Biosciences provides high-quality hemp supplements direct to your door at an affordable price because life’s better when you’re healthy. Feeling better shouldn’t cost a fortune, and you shouldn’t have to worry about unknowingly buying olive oil. They found a simpler, more affordable and more sustainable way to feel better and they’re sharing it. Incremental adjustments to your everyday routine, including regular use of THC-free, pharmaceutical grade hemp extracts. Like compound interest, these adjustments over time can yield long-term improvements in health and happiness. Shop: Tikibiosciences.com
W!nk
W!nk is made for women by women and has a whole collection of skincare goodies. The creator Stacy Verbiest was one of first CBD skincare brands out there. REcommended: Signature Pen Kit: Refillable and Rechargeable Pen Kit: Patent-pending vaporizing pen designed for customizability, consistency and discretion with a convenient magnetic cap + USB charger.
Seven Points CBD
Headquartered in Southern California, a mecca for the active lifestyle, nearly everyone at Seven Points is part of the outdoor lifestyle scene. The founder, employees and many of our business partners participate in a variety of activities like cycling, snowboarding, kitesurfing & mountain biking and speed skating. As we all know, these activities often “reward” the individual with sports-related injuries and pains associated with long term participation in your favorite sport. Since Seven Points CBD is a company dedicated to health, happiness and the active, outdoor lifestyle, we wanted to find an alternative to traditional painkillers and expensive, often addictive pharmaceuticals. As a result, we have created a brand focused on enhancing the recovery and wellness for athletes of all kinds.
Disclosure: Press samples were provided by the brand/PR for editorial consideration, product testing, photography and honest review.
What are some of your favorite CBD products? Leave a comment below and let me know!
