How to Buy CBD Oil in 6 Easy Steps

Typically, if you want to buy cannabidiol (CBD) oil products, you have to dig deep to find accurate and up to date information. That is because, while CBD is increasing in popularity, reliable information is often scattered across the web.

What is more, CBD is one of the most misunderstood products available today. Many people confuse it with THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Contrary to these common misconceptions, CBD contains no psychoactive elements, so there is no chance of getting high.

Even if you are totally clear on the difference between CBD and THC, there are still many other factors to consider before purchasing, including brands, concentration, types of products, and above all, your own needs.

An informed customer is a happy customer.

We strongly believe that an informed customer is a happy customer. That is why our goal is to help you make the best possible decision when it comes to buying CBD supplements. We want you to feel completely comfortable with your choices.

This guide aims to cut through the bulk of the misinformation surrounding CBD, and it starts by clearing up some of the most common myths, like whether CBD can get you high. (Spoiler alert: no, it cannot.)

Please read the whole guide, thoroughly, from start to finish. It will not take long, probably around fifteen minutes, and the sections build on one another. So settle into your comfiest chair and get ready to read, learn, and take action. To make things easier, we have broken the guide down into six steps. Use the links below to jump to a specific section.

Where Can I Buy CBD Oil?

The demand for CBD oil has risen sharply in recent years. Figuring out where to buy CBD oil can be confusing for beginners and experienced buyers alike, but knowing where to look and what to look for helps you find a quality product that works for you. You generally have four options for purchasing CBD oil.

• Dispensaries are stores that sell cannabis products and accessories.
• Medical dispensaries only sell to customers who have a medical marijuana card or prescription.
• Recreational dispensaries exist in legal states and are licensed to sell cannabis products to the public.
• Online CBD shops sell CBD products online.

When shopping at a dispensary or online store, it is important to ask about the level of THC in the product and how the CBD is sourced. If you want to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC, you may prefer CBD extracted from industrial hemp, as these products must, by law, contain less than 0.3 percent THC. Follow the steps below to make sure you buy the right CBD oil product for your needs.

There is no denying that CBD has grown in popularity over the last decade. Before we get to what people look for, it is important to cover the basics and clear up one of the most misunderstood questions: which plant does CBD oil come from?

Hemp CBD Oil vs. Marijuana CBD Oil: What Is the Difference?

Did you know that CBD oil can be made from either marijuana or hemp? It is true. The main difference between the two lies in the levels of THC in the finished product. CBD products made from industrial hemp (like those in our online store) must contain less than 0.3 percent THC, which means there is no chance of getting high when using them.

If CBD oil contains more than 0.3 percent THC, it is considered a marijuana product, and marijuana CBD oil has no restrictions on how much THC it can contain. That means CBD oil from a local dispensary might contain a lot more THC than you would like. If you are concerned, check for a low THC count and compare it to the 0.3 percent you get from industrial hemp products.

Legality, Accessibility, and Chemical Compounds of CBD

Another key difference between hemp and marijuana based CBD oils is where you can buy them. Access varies by state. Some states have no program that allows public access to cannabis in any form, so buying CBD oil in person there is difficult. Many states allow medical cannabis and CBD oil, though you may need a prescription. Other states allow both recreational and medicinal cannabis, which makes access easier.

Because it contains such a low level of THC, CBD oil from hemp is considered a food supplement and is widely available across much of the United States without the need for a prescription or medical card. Availability can still vary by state, so check your local rules before you buy.

Finally, the CBD found in marijuana is the same chemical compound as the CBD found in hemp. That is why, in this guide, we exclusively discuss legal CBD oil made from industrial hemp.

How Does CBD Work?

The cannabis plant is complex. It contains over 400 chemical entities, of which more than 100 are compounds called cannabinoids. You have probably heard of the two best known: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Cannabis has a longstanding reputation for producing a euphoric high, and that comes down to the way THC interacts with the brain. CBD, however, is not psychoactive and does not produce a similar high. We all have a system within our bodies called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate things like our immune response, sleep patterns, and mood. It works through two kinds of receptors: CB1 (in the brain and nervous system) and CB2 (in the immune system).

While THC attaches directly to these receptors, CBD works differently and does not attach to them in the same way. Now that you understand those differences and how CBD works, let us move on to the next section.

Like any supplement, CBD is something people add to their routines for different reasons. Below are some of the most common reasons people choose CBD. Everyone is different, so what works for one person may not work the same way for another.

Calm and Mood Support

Many people add CBD to their daily routine as part of an approach focused on calm and everyday balance. The cannabinoids in hemp are similar to compounds our bodies produce naturally, and CBD is a popular choice for people looking to support a sense of calm in the middle of a busy day.

Sleep Support

A calm, consistent evening routine helps a lot of people wind down at the end of the day, and many make CBD a part of that routine to support restful sleep. Small servings during the day are also popular with people who want to feel steady and focused.

Everyday Comfort Support

Active people often make CBD part of their recovery and everyday-comfort routine, especially after exercise or a long day on their feet. As always, it is worth remembering that our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.

Skin Care

When applied topically, many people make CBD part of their skin-care routine. It can be used as a long-lasting moisturizer, and the ingredients in a good CBD topical help soften and refresh skin that feels tired or dry.

Hemp based CBD products come in all shapes and sizes, from tinctures, concentrates, oils, and creams to edibles. To compare and contrast the best CBD products, here are the key buying criteria worth considering.

1. Concentration

Concentration is often the most important thing to look at when selecting a CBD product. You will want to know just how much CBD is actually in the product before you buy. To work this out, look at the milligrams of CBD, which should be clearly listed on the label. Do not be misled by the total volume of oil. The milligrams of CBD are what count, much like looking for total EPA and DHA when buying fish oil rather than total fish oil.

A Note on Serving Sizes

CBD tends to work best when used consistently, much like a daily multivitamin. It can take a little while for your body to adjust, so many people use it consistently for a week or two to see how it fits their routine. A good general approach is to start with a small serving and adjust gradually until you find what feels right for you. There are no psychoactive components in CBD, so it is easy to find your own comfortable serving over time. If you have any trouble, or if you have a serious ailment, talk to your doctor.

2. Ease of Use

By and large, CBD is very simple to use. It can be taken in many forms and used much like a vitamin supplement or a topical balm, though some products can be a little more involved. If you are new to CBD, a tincture is your best bet. It is portable, discreet, and with just a few drops or sprays it is easy to keep track of your serving size.

3. Immediacy and Length of Effects

Next, think about how quickly you would like to feel CBD and for how long. This largely depends on the product you use.

• With a vaporizer, effects come on almost immediately and can last for hours.
• Taken sublingually (under the tongue) with drops or a spray, you will likely notice it within 20 to 40 minutes, lasting four to six hours.
• Applied topically with a balm or cream, it can take up to an hour and last up to five hours.
• Taken orally with a capsule, concentrate, or edible, it can take 20 minutes to two hours and should last four to six hours after onset.

As a rule of thumb, the slower CBD absorbs, the longer it lasts. If it absorbs quickly, it usually offers a more immediate, shorter experience.

4. Taste

For some people taste is important, for others it is merely a byproduct. Products like pastes and concentrates have a distinct earthy, grassy hemp flavor thanks to their high concentration. Tinctures and edibles come in a variety of flavors, including mint, vanilla, chocolate, and fruit, which are great if you want to mask the taste of hemp. And if you do not want to taste hemp at all, CBD capsules are completely flavorless.

5. Price

Finally, price should factor into your decision. If you are just starting out, there is no need to spend big until you know what works best for you. The price of CBD products varies, and the type, quantity, longevity, and immediacy can all affect the cost of a particular product.

CBD can be enjoyed in many different forms. Here is a quick overview before we look at each one in detail.

• CBD tinctures are taken orally and offer versatility and ease of use.
• CBD pastes and concentrates are mostly hemp oil and offer a higher concentration.
• CBD topicals are balms, oils, and lotions applied to the skin.
• CBD capsules are easy to swallow and offer a consistent serving.
• CBD edibles are foods infused with CBD, including gummies and chocolates.
• CBD for pets is formulated specifically for the animal companions in your life.

CBD Tinctures

What is it? A CBD tincture is a liquid form of CBD taken orally. It is by far the most popular form of CBD thanks to its ease of use and versatility.

How to use: Spray or drop it onto your tongue and hold for around 90 seconds before swallowing. CBD is absorbed under the tongue first, and then in your stomach. Effects can be felt in ten to fifteen minutes and last between two and six hours, depending on the strength.

Benefits: Fast acting, extremely easy to use, and available in a range of flavors so you can avoid the earthy taste of hemp. Downsides: Tinctures are not always as strong as other product types, and dropper versions can be trickier to serve consistently than sprays.

CBD Pastes and Concentrates

What is it? CBD pastes and concentrates are among the strongest CBD products available. They are mostly hemp oil, which means a higher concentration of CBD, and they are typically packaged in a tube that offers terrific value.

How to use: Squeeze a grain-of-rice sized portion onto your tongue and hold for around 90 seconds before swallowing. Effects can be felt in ten to fifteen minutes and last six to twelve hours, depending on the strength.

Benefits: Fast acting, long lasting, very high concentration, and excellent value per serving. Downsides: A strong, unflavored hemp taste, and a high serving size that is better suited to people who are already comfortable with CBD.

CBD Topicals

What is it? CBD topicals are CBD infused lotions, balms, and oils that are absorbed through the skin for targeted support of the areas you use most.

How to use: Rub the topical over the desired area and make sure it is fully covered. You should start to notice it in one to two hours, and it can last between six and twelve hours, depending on the strength.

Benefits: Familiar and easy to use, long lasting, and able to target a specific area. Downsides: Topicals only work where you apply them, and they can take a little longer to act than tinctures.

CBD Capsules

What is it? CBD capsules are pills containing a powdered form of CBD. They typically hold a higher, consistent amount of CBD per capsule, are tasteless and odorless, and can last six to twelve hours.

How to use: Place one capsule in the back of your mouth, sip water, and swallow. The CBD is absorbed through your stomach.

Benefits: Precise, consistent servings, no hemp taste, easy to carry, and long lasting. Downsides: Usually a little more expensive per serving, and the fixed amount per capsule makes it harder for brand-new users to fine-tune their serving.

CBD Edibles

What is it? CBD edibles are food items infused with CBD. They are a tasty alternative to other formats and come in many varieties, including cookies, candies, gummies, and chocolates.

How to use: Eat them as you would any other treat. The CBD is absorbed through your stomach, so you should begin to notice it in one to two hours, lasting six to twelve hours depending on the strength.

Benefits: Extremely easy to enjoy, a wide range of flavors, and often a higher concentration. Downsides: Easy to overeat, harder to track exact servings unless pre-portioned, and typically a little more expensive.

CBD for Pets

What is it? CBD pet products are made specifically for pets. Many pet owners use them to support a sense of calm and everyday comfort in their animals.

How to use: Pet products are usually available as drops and tinctures. Simply add to your pet’s food using the accompanying dropper, following the guidance on the label for your pet’s size.

Benefits: Designed to pass the taste and smell test, and very easy to add to food with a dropper. Downsides: CBD has been observed to cause drowsiness in some cats and dogs.

This industry is known for varying degrees of quality. Often you get what you pay for, but even then you can end up paying a premium for the brand alone. Buying from a reputable company helps make sure you get responsibly sourced products. Here is what to look for before you start browsing.

Industrial Hemp Products

Make sure the company sells products made from industrial hemp. If they sell marijuana based CBD products, be aware that these are restricted to the states and countries where they are legal.

Third-Party Lab Tested

Make sure the products you buy are tested by a third party for quality, and for contaminants like mold and heavy metals. They should also be tested to confirm they contain the amount of CBD claimed on the label.

GMP Facility

GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practices. It covers the standards required to ensure products are produced consistently and to a high quality from batch to batch.

Unreasonable Health Claims

If a company claims its product can cure specific ailments or diseases, be wary. CBD is a supplement, not a treatment for any specific disease, and responsible companies do not market it that way.

Customer Reviews

If a company claims to be the best, look for proof. Verified customer reviews, where reviewers are confirmed to have purchased the product, are one of the best ways to spot a reputable company.

You should now understand the basics of CBD, what people commonly use it for, the buying criteria that matter, the available product types, and how to spot a reputable company. The final step is to put it all together, review your options, and make a decision. Here is a quick recap of steps one to six.

Step 1: Learn the CBD Basics

It is always a good idea to understand what a supplement is and how it works before you add it to your routine. The better informed you are, the better the decision you are likely to make.

Step 2: Know What People Use CBD For

CBD has particular qualities, and people reach for it for different reasons. Take the time to understand how it might fit your routine, whether that is supporting calm, an evening wind-down, everyday comfort, or your skin-care routine. Remember, it is not a magic cure-all, and our products are not intended to treat or diagnose any ailment.

Step 3: Choose Your Buying Criteria

Decide which criteria matter most to you. Zero in on the key ones, such as taste, price, immediacy of effects, ease of use, and concentration. This helps you filter out products that will not suit you and find the ones that will.

Step 4: Choose Your Product Type

Once you know what you are looking for and the criteria that matter most, you can start browsing for products. CBD comes in many forms, from edibles to topicals and tinctures, so consider which product type works best for your situation.

Step 5: Select Reputable Companies

Before you reach for your credit card, make sure you can spot a reputable operation. Know which lab results to ask for and which manufacturing standards point to quality practices before you click Add to Cart.

Step 6: Go for It

With steps one to five in the bag, all that is left is to make your decision. Like any supplement, CBD will suit some people and not others, but once you have found the product that works for you, you will be glad you took the time to choose well.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that navigating the CBD landscape can be difficult for beginners and veterans alike. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about buying CBD.

Where can I buy CBD oil? Can I buy it anywhere?

CBD oil is available at many stores that sell cannabis products, but not all CBD oils are made equal. Some use lower quality ingredients. Healthy Hemp Oil tests and curates carefully so that you get CBD oil that is made from high-quality ingredients and free of pesticides and harmful toxins. Most of our CBD oils contain little to no THC.

I have never bought CBD before. What do you recommend for beginners?

CBD tinctures. They are discreet, portable, and incredibly easy to use. They also make it easy to control how much CBD you take, which is ideal when you are starting low and adjusting gradually. They come as sprays and dropper bottles and are often flavored.

What is the most common factor people consider when buying CBD oil?

Along with CBD volume, concentration is considered by most people to be the most important characteristic in any CBD product. Concentration refers to the abundance of CBD compared to the total volume of the product. At Healthy Hemp Oil we offer products that range from normal strength to very high concentrations.

Why should I choose CBD oil over marijuana?

With CBD products, many people enjoy qualities of the cannabis plant without the high or the legal implications. Hemp derived CBD is widely available and far less stigmatized than its psychoactive counterpart. In short, it is an affordable, discreet, and approachable way to enjoy the many qualities of the plant.

How long should I take CBD to feel comfortable with it?

Like any natural supplement, it can take time for your body to adjust to CBD. Many people use it consistently for a week or two to see how it fits their routine. If you feel the amount you are taking is not right for you, adjust it gradually up or down.

Still have questions?

If we did not answer your question about CBD oil, get in touch and we will make sure you get the information you need.