Let’s face it, this year hasn’t been the easiest for a lot of us. If you have friends and family members who are feeling the stress of this time, a CBD-based product can be the perfect gift to let them know you are looking out for them.
Whether this would be their first time dabbling in CBD or seasoned CBD users, the Brothers Apothecary has products that can delight their senses and soothe physical and mental stress.
Have some loved ones in mind that you think can benefit from CBD, but not quite sure where to start yourself? We are here to answer all of your CBD-related questions and help guide you on your search for the perfect items to spread joy this holiday season.
Are CBD Products Safe?
CBD topicals and edibles are both regarded as safe to use. While some mild and short-lived side effects are occasionally associated with CBD, such as drowsiness, head and neck tension, or nausea, this typically only occurs when extremely high doses are ingested.
To best avoid any potential side effects, you want to buy CBD products that are third-party tested and certified. This ensures the usage of high-quality hemp and that the dosage listed on the label is true to what is inside the product.
And because the legal limit of THC–the part of the cannabis plant that can cause psychoactive effects–is under 0.3% of any full-spectrum CBD or hemp product, there is low to no risk of getting high from using third-party tested CBD products.
If you’d prefer a product with no trace THC, you’ll want to look for products that use only Broad-Spectrum CBD or CBD Isolate, both of which undergo a process that removes all THC completely. Note that if you or the person you’re getting a gift for must avoid THC, for various reasons, even products marketed as “THC-free” may not be suitable.
Unfortunately, some of these types of products have been shown to contain some trace THC, and a lack of clear labeling regulation means that not every THC-free product is reliable.
Here at the Brothers Apothecary, our products undergo regular third-party lab testing and certification. Not to mention, our CBD serving sizes match scientifically recommended dosages that actually work as intended.
What Do I Need To Know As a Beginner CBD Buyer?
The amount of CBD it takes to feel the effects varies from person to person, so finding the perfect individualized dose can take some trial and error. However, there are some basic ways of measuring and understanding a CBD product’s potency.
When it comes to edibles or oils, a ten mg of CBD per one mL serving is considered a low potency product, while 20 mg per one mL serving is thought of as average potency, and over 50 mg per single mL serving is a highly potent product. These same amounts can be applied to each Serving Size, in the case of edibles or beverages.
For beginners, it is best to start with a lower potency product and work up from there as needed.
When considering the potency of a CBD product, you’ll want to factor in the bottle size, amount of CBD per serving, and the other ingredients included. Additional ingredients are essential because they can boost the CBD’s bioavailability, which refers to how much CBD can be absorbed into the body.
CBD is fat-soluble but not water-soluble, meaning that fat breaks CBD down to help the body absorb more of it. So if even a high dose of pure CBD extract is mixed with only water, it will have a low potency because the body will not absorb enough of it to feel the effects.
However, when CBD extract is mixed with essential oils or taken with a fatty meal, more of it can be absorbed into the body, making it more potent.
Dosage
The right dose for each person can depend on several factors, including body weight, the desired effect of the CBD, and the concentration of CBD per product.
Same as with potency, it’s best to start with a low dose of CBD.
For first-time users, we suggest starting with five to ten mg of CBD and increasing the dosage by another five to ten mg per use until finding the amount that brings the desired effects. With oils or edibles, this means you’ll want to split the described mL or Serving Size suggestion, using the denoted mL marks on a dropper, or splitting an edible into smaller pieces.
Typically, you’ll want to keep your daily intake at no more than six mg of CBD per ten pounds of body weight. The amount of CBD per serving can range drastically, from product to product, so always check the label for specifics.
Topicals vs Edibles
When beginning to research CBD products, the sheer amount of options can be overwhelming. Two help simplify it, let’s go over the two main forms of CBD products available: topicals and edibles.
Topicals are products that are applied directly to the skin, like lotions, salves, gels, and rollers.
Edibles, on the other hand, are CBD products that are meant to be ingested or eaten. This includes oils, tinctures, teas, capsules, and other foods infused with CBD.
When ingested, CBD moves from the digestive system into the bloodstream, where it can connect with the endocannabinoid system in many ways. Because of the different ways topicals and edibles are absorbed, each form is best for slightly different uses.
What Products Are Best for Beginners?
Rollers
Rollers are a form of topical CBD oil that can be rolled over the skin and absorbed from there. The CBD in rollers are paired with essential oils, whose aromas can support CBD with a wide range of functions.
For instance, our Unwind CBD Roller uses lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang oils to promote relaxation. Meanwhile, our Pain Away CBD Roller is crafted with jojoba seed oil to help soothe sore muscles.
Rollers are a great option for those new to CBD because they are simple to use, have a lower potency, and dosages can be increased a little bit at a time. Our rollers contain 10 mg per mL, making them a great starting point for any novice.
Lotions, Salves, Creams
These CBD topicals are a perfect gift for someone less familiar with CBD, as they can be incorporated into an already-existing skincare routine.
CBD lotions and creams have the same feel and directions as a typical lotion, making it a comforting and familiar option for those who may be curious about the nourishing and soothing effects CBD can have on their skin and muscles.
Our calming CBD Green Tea Body Butter made with CBD Isolate can be a great place to start!
What Products Are Good for CBD Experts?
If you have a seasoned CBD-lover in your life already, impress them with our organic and flavorful full-spectrum CBD teas and honey.
CBD Teas and Honeys
With over 15 mg of CBD per pouch of honey and over 70 mg of CBD per serving of tea, these options are perfect for someone who already knows what amount of CBD is right for them and can adjust as needed.
With classic flavors like Mellow Mint CBD Tea or Wildflower CBD Honey, to more adventurous options such as Cosmic Cleanse CBD Tea or Hibiscus Goji Berry CBD Honey, you are sure to find a tea or edible that will fit the particular taste of any CBD-loving friend when browsing our shop. As with standard tea, we suggest brewing the same tea bag multiple times, as each brew will mature in flavor and maximize the CBD intake.
However, you may notice that we include a unique, coconut-based fat infusion, unlike with standard tea. This adds a delicious nutty note that pairs excellently with CBD, as well as provides an active fat that helps improve CBD absorption in the body.
CBD Oils
CBD oils come with droppers that can be added to a beverage or taken directly under the tongue. Our oils combine full-spectrum CBD extract with MCT oil, creating a high-potency product that can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream to help reduce stress and promote full-body relaxation.
Because there are fewer ingredients in CBD oils, they tend to have an earthy taste more representative of the hemp plant. Some people enjoy this flavor, while others would rather mask it by mixing it into a drink.
Our classic CBD oil is the Dragon’s Lair, while our Stomach Soother CBD Oil includes bright peppermint for added flavor and stomach support.
Conclusion
From reducing tension and promoting relaxation to brightening up a skincare routine or introducing your friends to exciting new tea and honey flavors, getting CBD-infused gifts for your loved ones can bring them joy regardless of their prior CBD experience.
Check out our shop at The Brothers Apothecary today!
Sources:
What Dosage of CBD Should You Take? | Very Well Mind
Jesse Richardson is the co-founder of The Brothers Apothecary. He's an avid tea drinker and the primary creator behind The Brothers' products. An undergraduate of UCLA for Political Science, Jesse currently studies Medicinal Plants at Cornell University and The International School of Herbal Arts & Sciences.
