If you’re curious about cannabidiol (CBD), you certainly aren’t alone. Based on a 2020 survey estimate, about half of Canadians have tried CBD. Information is growing around the therapeutic use of CBD and with that, product innovation is booming. Now, you can find CBD infused textiles (which, spoiler, are not effective); or even the infamous hemp-seed oil in beauty products (again, ineffective, and does not contain any active ingredients). This marketing craze has created a lot of confusion around which products are actually worthwhile. In this article, we help you sort out how to pick the best CBD product in Canada.
We do our best to provide up-to-date information but this is not medical advice. Please consult a physician for specific CBD questions/concerns or before trying CBD. Some of the links on this website may be affiliate links which means we may earn commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep our website ad free and pay our awesome team to keep researching and creating content for you.
We are just beginning to see clinical studies on hemp products, deepening our understanding of the plant’s medicinal benefits. The science has shown that different applications of CBD may have their own medical advantages. But, it isn’t necessary to understand everything there is to know about CBD to experience the benefits and pick the right CBD product for you.
It can be cumbersome trying to decide between the many CBD products out there, though when broken down into two basic questions, you can find the perfect solution. When searching for the best CBD product, it’s important to consider: 1. What method of consumption is best? 2. What is the ideal dose?
In this article, we will guide you through these two questions and build a clearer understanding of how each CBD product and dose will vary in strength and effect.
Choosing Your CBD Product
Before you understand what CBD product will work best, you must understand what you’re using it for. Depending on your goals for using CBD, each way you might consume it will have unique benefits. Let’s take a look at the products options and each of their advantages.
CBD Oils, Extracts, Tinctures
Tinctures are easy to dose, with a wide variety of flavours and targeted effects. They are ideal for mood stability, overall inflammation, and as an antispasmodic aid. This is because CBD supports the function of our nervous system and the hormonal cycles in the body. CBD can also create mental clarity as it interacts with the part of our nervous system that influences memory. Similar to the way CBD can impact emotions and stress response, it can also offer benefits for cognitive functions that are not limited by acute stress response.
Tinctures can be taken daily as needed, and are best suited for emotional, mental, and internal tissue support, rather than localized pain or injuries. It is suggested to place a dose under the tongue and allow direct absorption into the mouth’s capillaries. On average it will take 15-30 minutes to take effect.
CBD Topicals
Topicals are best for surface level injuries or localized pain relief as it will not reach your bloodstream. This could be a great option for arthritic joint pain, muscle spasms, and menstrual cramping. Athletes also use CBD as a powerful therapeutic for recovery and stress relief when integrated into their training regiments.
When applying a CBD topical, for the strongest results, apply topical twice, five minutes apart to optimize bioavailability. On average it will take 10-20 minutes to take effect.
CBD Edibles and Capsules
CBD edibles are excellent for mood stability, inflammation, and post-workout recovery. Edible products are digested and processed exclusively in the liver and passed into your bloodstream. Edibles typically take longer to take effect, at 30-45 minutes. This slow onset approach may be ideal to some, as well as a discrete and delicious option.
CBD Inhalers
Inhalable products are one of the most diverse categories of products, ranging in potency and price. They can be ideal if you are looking for immediate relief. This is the fastest-acting product taking only 2-5 minutes for effects. This kind of rapid relief is ideal for those suffering from spasming and other symptoms of neurological disorders.
There is promise around CBD as a pharmacological tool for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. CBD has both neuroprotective and antioxidative effects, making it ideal for helping to stop painful symptoms of many neurological disorders, while also slowing the onset of the disease. This could aid in treatment for disorders like Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, Seizures, and Dementia.
A CBD inhaler can be a safe and easy to use option for those with disabilities that may struggle to consume other types of CBD products when coping with painful symptoms.
Is CBD Ever Unsafe to Use?
It is fair to say that CBD is one of the safer ingredients you can consume. Although side effects are extremely rare, they are possible on high doses. Some consumers have reported experiencing drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, and decreased appetite on high doses of CBD. When side effects occur, staying hydrated and keeping blood sugar stable will help alleviate symptoms. It is more common for side effects to occur within the first two weeks of consuming CBD for the first time, and this can be resolved by adjusting to a lower dosing.
CBD may not be suitable for everyone, as there are some risks with drug interactions. There are a number of pharmaceuticals that can cause dangerous interactions when paired with CBD. Before trying CBD, it is important to consult your doctor, especially if you are currently taking any of the following medications:
- Steroids
- Antihistamines
- Antibiotics
- Antidepressants
- Beta-blockers
- NSAIDs
- Blood thinners
How to Dose CBD
The effects of CBD tend to vary from person to person, but with anyone new to CBD it is always recommended to start dosing low, and slowly increase your dose from there. Beginners should start dosing around 10mg and increase dosing by 5-10mg increments every three days until satisfied with the effects.
Every person’s perfect dose is different, and that sweet spot can range from 10mg-500mg. By slowly working your way up to an optimal dose it significantly lowers any risk of unwanted side effects. Higher doses can also lead to a built up tolerance to CBD, requiring higher doses to compensate for insensitivity to CBD. If this happens to you, simply taking a break from CBD to re-acclimate your body for 2-3 weeks will resolve any tolerance issues. Tolerance is important to be aware of, as an ineffective high dose can increase your risk of adverse effects.
Have Fun Mixing and Matching CBD Products in Your Daily Life
In such a vast and evolving market, it can be difficult to decide which CBD brand or product to try. This challenge becomes significantly easier to face when you understand your personal dosing needs and the type of product that is suited for your intended use. If you’re looking for pain relief from tense shoulders a high dose CBD body oil after a hot shower might be your go to; or maybe you want a low dose chocolate to unwind after a long, stressful day. Or maybe you’re having trouble sleeping and are looking for the best CBD gummies for sleep in Canada.
Once you explore some products you may even find you enjoy a combination of CBD product types, rather than just one. It is at that point, this endless list of options becomes a playground for wellness.
Any statements made in this post are not intended to replace advice from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any CBD product.
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