CBD Oil Products What Are My Choices?

Written By: Dr. Sue Aery - Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture | Issue: 2019/05 - May

Here we go! Are you hearing more and more about the legalization of medical marijuana and the health benefits of CBD oil? 

  I’ve been fielding so many questions about both, so I thought it was time to address what I’ve learned and researched and share it with you. Like anything else that pushes itself into the limelight in the health industry, there’s a fight to be the best, most sought-after and the most successful product. It can become overwhelming and confusing to the consumer, so here is a breakdown of what I believe are the most important factors when shopping around.

First – Hemp and Marijuana come from the same family of plants, the Cannabis family. CBD stands for Cannabidiol and comes from the hemp plant, which is used for commercial products, including paper and other products. CBD is known as an antioxidant and neuroprotective compound. CBD is also legal in all of our states, with the certainty that the THC (psychotropic) content is lower than 0.3 percent by law. Marijuana is not legal in all US states and has a much higher THC content.

The cannabinoids from CBD are known as phytocannabinoids. Our bodies actually produce endocannabinoids naturally. Both are chemical compounds that interact with the body’s central regulatory system called the endocannabinoid system. With this regulatory system, we can manage homeostasis (balance) and many of our functioning processes like appetite, mood and sleep. These compounds have also been found to positively affect the digestive system as well as the immune system, among other functions in the body.

There are several features that one should look for when searching for which CBD product to buy. One, make sure that the source is clean, non-GMO, preferably void of any contaminants (check to see if they are independently tested), and full spectrum. Another feature to pay attention to is the extraction process – CO2 is the cleanest because it doesn’t involve harsh chemicals that will contaminate the product. Thirdly, the carrier oil is very important. Suspension in hemp oil or a saturated oil is preferred as it is the closest to the CBD oil and will taste less harsh. The carrier oil also enhances the bioavailability of the CBD. There are several forms of CBD, such as tinctures, edibles, capsules, topicals and suspensions for vaping. There are also formulas specifically for pets! Having researched all of these factors, I have found several that are very high quality and from a trusted and tested source. 

Whatever your needs for CBD oil, be discerning when choosing, as these products are not inexpensive, but they are valuable to your health. As with any aspect of your health, choose wisely, be educated and gain an understanding of why they are beneficial to your health!