CBD seems to be all the rage, perhaps you’re a 25-year-old old basketball player,50-year-old multitasking super mom or75-year-old serious golfer trying for the club championship; everyone seems to be discovering the benefits of CBD.  If you are one of these people or the many other that have discovered how hemp can help your body, you might have also discovered how confusing it is to buy.

There are a myriad of brands, all with different dosages and delivery methods; capsules, tinctures, gummies, teas… it’s extremely difficult for people to know what to look for when buying, so they can really get the desired effects and still get the best bang for their buck. 

So let me share two things everyone needs to look for when buying CBD:

1. Full-spectrum phytocannabinoids
2. 25mg active cannabinoids per serving

Wait a sec, I thought I was looking for CBD? What the heck is a phytocannabinoid?

Well, CBD is almost like saying Kleenex. It’s a piece of the puzzle that has become the moniker for the entire marketplace.

Here’s the rundown:

Phytocannabinoids, and especially Full Spectrum Phytocannabinoids

There are three main categories of hemp and other plant compounds that make up the full-spectrum.

Phytocannabinoids

There are roughly 100 different phytocannabinoids that the hemp plant contains.

CBD is only one of these phytocannabinoids.

Phytocannabinoids work through the body to help regulate stress, calmness, pain tolerance and relief from inflammation.

Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic molecules that function as the plants primary defense mechanism – a way for the plant to protect itself from predators. These odiferous molecules present beneficial effects on stress and inflammation and have served as the basis of aromatherapy. 

Flavonoids

Since flavonoids can be found in any plant, it is no surprise that herbal medicine has been around since medicine started being practiced.Flavonoids present anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. 

Each of these categories are different parts of the hemp spectrum; full spectrum is just that – the full spectrum of health benefits.  Not to mention, full-spectrum phytocannabinoids deliver an entourage effect.

Look also for: 25mg active cannabinoids per serving

Doses are all over the place, with some products claiming as much as 1,000 milligrams and others claiming as little as 3 milligrams. 

When a product claims that it has 1,000mg, what this really means is that there is 1,000mg of ‘stuff’ in the whole bottle.  

You’ll need to take a deeper dive into the label. Look on the back of the product labeled ‘supplement facts.’  Once you find the SFB, you’ll be able to see what ingredients and their dosages — no marketing here.

Research shows you’ll only get the powerful health benefits with a 25mg dose (per serving). However, what I have found is that a 25mg dose is more expensive than a 3mg or 5 mg dose, but I would have to take 5-8 servings to reach a clinical therapeutic dose. So, for me, it makes little sense to buy a product that science doesn’t guarantee to work.

So if you’re anything like me and love to get the most bang for your buck, then taking the time to check the supplement fact box can go a long way. 

Don’t forget, don’t be fooled, and don’t lose your money! Make sure you look for a full-spectrum phytocannbinoid product at a 25mg per serving dose.