When you start to dip your toes into the world of CBD products, it can be overwhelming, to say the least. There are so many terms that you need to know to understand what each product contains and what its effects will be. What form is right for you? What does “THC-free” mean? And how do you know how strong a product is?
Fortunately, you can rely on your trusted provider to guide you through learning the ins and outs of CBD wellness products. You’ll soon be using all the best CBD products with confidence, getting the most out of this powerful plant’s soothing properties.
One of the most important things, especially as you begin your journey, is understanding CBD potency. In the beginning, it will take some time to figure out your perfect dose – it’s different for everyone. Knowing how potency is determined and labeled is essential, so you can begin with confidence.
Demystifying Potency
What do we mean when we talk about potency? When talking about liquids like CBD Oil drops, this refers to the concentration of CBD in your product, measured in milligrams per milliliter. This is not the same as its “strength,” which refers to the product’s effectiveness and also takes into account your dosage and the type of product you’re using.
The quality of the cannabis and its processing also affect the potency. CBD that is extracted from organically grown hemp will have a stronger potency than low-quality, poorly processed CBD. The genetics of the hemp strain also contribute to the amount of CBD present in the plant. Knowing where a brand sources its cannabis or hemp – such as JACANA’s seed-to-store ethos – is one of the best ways to assure its quality. A certificate of analysis (COA) from a third party laboratory should also be available, proving that the product’s claims and provenance have been verified.
Not all products are created alike. The quality of the CBD itself may vary dramatically, and other ingredients in the products may also affect the strength. When you choose a full-spectrum product, this includes many other beneficial hemp compounds, which can deliver the “entourage effect.” In other words, the other compounds can heighten or enhance the CBD’s effects. This is also true for broad-spectrum products (which are THC-free).
Finding Your Ideal CBD Potency
Even if you’re taking CBD in the same form and using the same product, two people may need two completely different potency levels to achieve their desired effect.* The way it interacts with your body is incredibly personal – every person’s reaction is unique. This is why all credible experts recommend that you “start low and go slow,” increasing your dosage or potency incrementally so you can determine exactly what works best for you without overdoing it.
Consider The Product
The effects will be different depending on how you’re taking it. For example, edibles like gummies take longer to kick in because the CBD must move through your digestive system before entering the bloodstream. On the other hand, a CBD oil or tincture taken under the tongue will take effect much more quickly.*
Different products also require different approaches to understanding how much CBD you are consuming. With oils and tinctures, the total amount is often the measurement given on the label. By dividing the volume in milliliters by 0.05, you can get an idea of how much is present in each drop.
Tablets will likely give you the most precise dosage instructions. For topical CBD, such as the Releaf Balm, it’s harder to get an exact measurement since the “dosage” varies based on the area you’re targeting, how severe the problem, how dry your skin is, and so on. It’s always worth reading the labels and any other instructions that come with your products, as well as doing some research to understand the type of product you’ve chosen.
Consider The Goal
It’s also essential to factor in your reason for using CBD. If you’re looking for ongoing gentle stress relief, a smaller dose taken periodically throughout the day may be more effective than a single, stronger once-off dose. But if you’re taking it to help you sleep better, a single, more concentrated dose before bed might be all you need.*
Confidence in Every Drop: CBD Products You Can Trust
Knowing the potency of any CBD wellness product is crucial to achieving the desired effect. This requires that products have accurate and easy-to-understand ingredient lists and dosage instructions – which, if you’re using a trusted brand, should be readily available.
At JACANA, we take pride in our premium CBD products made with our own high-quality hemp grown in Jamaica, and plenty of care and attention to every detail. When using our products for the first time, we encourage you to experiment to find the dosage and usage pattern that best works for you and your wellness goals. Browse our online shop, then relax and enjoy the effects of every drop of your favorite JACANA wellness products.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.