CBD Buyers Guide: The Lowdown on Buying CBD Products

CBD has exploded in popularity over the last few years. However, with numerous products at your disposal, selecting one can feel overwhelming. From gummies to salves and sparkling drinks, you’ll find CBD just about everywhere.

The good news? Figuring out what to look for when buying CBD is much simpler than you think. Let’s review the different types of CBD and a few key considerations to keep in mind next time you visit the dispensary. Consider this your CBD Buyers’ Guide!

Understand the Types of CBD

First things first, there are three main types of CBD:

1. CBD Isolate: The purest form of cannabidiol is CBD isolate, meaning there are no other cannabinoids. If you’re someone who wants to stay away from THC, looking for a CBD Isolate product is your best bet.
2. Broad Spectrum CBD: Buying CBD products that are “broad spectrum” means they contain both CBD and other cannabinoids and terpenes. For example, you may see CBN and CBG listed. Still, broad-spectrum CBD does not usually include THC.
3. Full Spectrum CBD: These include all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace amounts of THC (never more than <0.3%). This combination can create the “entourage effect,” where compounds work together for a more substantial impact.

Explore CBD Consumption Methods & Benefits

When it comes to buying CBD, understanding why you want to make the purchase can help you decide which product is best for you. You probably know there are many different forms of CBD, and while none are necessarily better than the other, they can serve various purposes.

CBD Edibles: The most popular form of CBD consumption is in edibles. Gummies, chocolates or infused beverages make CBD simple and tasty. Effects usually take 30 minutes to kick in but can last several hours.

CBD Capsules: Easy-to-dose and discreet, CBD capsules work similarly to edibles with a somewhat slower onset. Buying CBD capsules is perfect if you want the benefits of CBD without the added flavors and potential sugar, sodium, etc.

CBD Tinctures: Oils taken sublingually (under the tongue) are another popular option. CBD tinctures offer flexible dosing and typically act faster than edibles. With tinctures, you can easily adjust your serving size drop by drop, making them beginner-friendly and versatile.

CBD Topicals: Applied directly to the skin, CBD salves and balms are designed for localized use. Most of them don’t enter your bloodstream the same way edibles or tinctures do. But if you are looking for a stronger CBD topical, make sure you go for a transdermal option.

CBD Flower: Smoked or vaporized just like traditional cannabis flower, many strains are bred to be CBD-dominant with relatively low THC. There’s often still trace amounts, though — so if you’re completely THC-free, CBD flower may not be the best choice.

CBD Vapes: Cartridges and disposable pens deliver CBD quickly through inhalation. Like flower, most CBD vape products contain very small amounts of THC — often in a ratio like 21:1 (e.g., 63% CBD and 2.8% THC). Because of the rapid onset and convenience, vapes are a popular choice for those buying CBD products.

CBD Dosing Made Simple

One of the trickiest parts of getting started with CBD is figuring out how much to take. Unlike a vitamin or OTC medicine, there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” serving. Your ideal dose depends on your body, tolerance and the type of product you’re using.

Start low and go slow: A common approach for beginners is to start with 5-10mg of CBD and gradually increase until you find what feels right.

Microdosing: Some people prefer very small amounts, aka microdosing (2-5mg) spaced throughout the day for a more consistent effect.

Other cannabinoids: You might also consider whether to combine CBD with other cannabinoids. For example, you might see a tincture with CBD and CBN (often paired in sleep-focused products), or gummies with a small amount of THC.

Key takeaway: Pay attention to the label, know how many milligrams of CBD you’re getting per serving (not just per bottle) and increase gradually until you find your sweet spot.

What to Look for When Buying CBD

When you’re comparing CBD products, here are some of details to consider:

• Look for reputable brands: Stick with companies that are transparent about the origin of their hemp and the manufacturing process of their products. Cannabis brands with good websites, easy-to-access lab results and contact information are a good starting point.

• Choose clean practices: Hemp absorbs everything in the soil, so products made from organically grown, pesticide-free hemp or cannabis are generally considered higher quality.

• Find where the product was grown: Cannabis and hemp growers in the U.S. often follow stricter regulations, making it easier to trust what’s in the final product. Still, you should be wary of “green-washing” brands.

• Understand the extraction method: CBD is pulled from the hemp plant in different ways. CO2 extraction is common and known for being clean, while solvent-based methods use chemicals. Some products may also use “hemp oil” – but note that hemp seed oil (made from seeds) is not the same as CBD oil (made from leaves and flower). Reading the fine print will help you know exactly what you’re buying.

• Ask for the test results (COA): A Certificate of Analysis from a third-party lab confirms what cannabinoids are in the product and checks for contaminants. Many brands include QR codes that link directly to these reports. You can also find them on the brand’s website.

• Look for clear dosing instructions: Labels should clearly state the total amount of CBD in the entire package and in each serving. There should also be an ingredient label and any other known cannabinoids.

Buy CBD Products From a Reputable Source

A little research goes a long way when buying CBD. Follow our CBD Buyers Guide and make informed decisions based on your personal needs.

And if you’re in the California Bay Area, Down Under Industries in Petaluma is your trusted source for buying high-quality CBD products. From edibles to tinctures, salves and more — we carry carefully vetted cannabis brands and make it easy to find products you can feel good about.

Seriously, we were voted best CBD in Petaluma!

Can’t make it to the shop? We also deliver CBD in Sonoma and Marin counties seven days a week from 7 AM to 9 PM. Buy CBD now! Or check out our guide on buying cannabis online.