The CBD Marketplace

Sorting your way through the variety of health products derived from cannabis

Today’s marketplace, especially the cyber market, is filled with creative products derived from cannabis— both hemp and marijuana plants. A short list might include: oils, tinctures, softgels, salves, candies and dog treats. If you’re confused about which one is right for you or how to use them, you’re not alone. After all, these health care products haven’t been available to the mainstream public all that long.

Many studies have been conducted reporting that the cannabinoids (CBD and THC) in cannabis may help with chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety and other health concerns.

HEMP OR MARIJUANA

You’ll want to distinguish between products made with CBD derived from the marijuana plant and those made with CBD derived from industrial hemp. The difference is that marijuana produces more THC—the cannabinoid credited with causing the marijuana high—than the hemp plant, which produces more CBD than THC.

Brett Weeder, with Cannabis Bioscience Development, a company based in Colorado that grows hemp and produces CBD products, points out that CBD derived from hemp is legal in just about all 50 states without a prescription. In contrast, to obtain medical marijuana in Florida, you must be a medical marijuana patient certified by a doctor.

THE PRODUCTS

Let’s start with oils and tinctures, which are the most common ways to take CBD—the non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in the plants—for medicinal purposes. They are sold in small bottles with droppers. A few drops of CBD can be placed under your tongue for one or two minutes. This method allows it to enter your bloodstream quickly. Some people prefer to swallow their dose and that’s just fine too.

The difference between oil and tincture is simple. CBD oil is pure CBD and is easily vaporized. A tincture is also a concentrated form of CBD, but it is often suspended in a small amount of another substance. For example, distilled alcohol is used because it disguises CBD’s prominent flavor and eliminates the oily mouth feel, which can be unpleasant to some. Thus the tincture works well if you apply it to food; however, it should never be vaped.

“Our tincture of CBD oil has hemp seed oil, a good carrier for CBD; it is rich in omegas, which are good for you,” says Weeder, adding, that it does have a natural flavor. “That’s why we offer the softgels; you just swallow them. They are tasteless.”

The softgels are also more convenient to take especially if you are on the go. Depending on the strength of the capsule, it can have a longer lasting effect. However, they are not as

quickly absorbed, and your metabolism usually determines how long it takes for them to kick in.

Cannabis-infused topical products, such as salves and lotions, are absorbed through the skin and used for localized pain, muscle soreness and inflammation. These products can be formulated with CBD oil and natural essential oils, such as lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint and others.

At CBD Bioscience Development, where all products are derived from hemp, top sellers are the tincture 1,000 mg and the salves. “These are our best-selling products because they are the most effective. The salves feel icy hot and are scented. People use them especially for treating lower back pain and arthritis,” says Weeder.

Continuing he explains, “A lot of people don’t know they have a endocannabinoid system built in their bodies. That’s why it so works.”

Another product that’s popular in the marketplace is CBD candy in the form of lollipops, hard candy, gummies and even chocolate. They are a more enjoyable way to ingest CBD. Despite their clever packaging, bright colors and playful shapes, which can be deceiving, the candy should be treated as a medicinal substance.

Pet products are also claiming a spot in the CBD market. Organic dog treats with CBD oil and bacon-flavored CBD oil are just some examples of what’s been created for canines.