CBD (Cannabinol) products like gummies, oils, capsules, and gels have become immensely popular in the wellness community. Data from clinical trials and user testimonials indicate that CBD exhibits natural healing effects when it comes in contact with the endocannabinoid system present inside mammal bodies.
This interaction helps the body to ease and relax within a few minutes to hours of consumption. Regular use is associated with better sleep, less anxiety, and a reduction in pain levels.
It also soothes itchy, irritated skin and has shown good results when used in the treatment of neurological disorders like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, and more. Mostly regular people like you and me used to wind down after a long and hectic day of work.
But there are so many brands, product types, and offerings available in the market that for a first-time buyer, it becomes quite hectic to get their hands on high-quality CBD products. Don’t worry though, this article will act as the perfect store locator for CBD gummies near you so that you can make an informed decision.
Let’s dive in and figure out everything you need to know about buying and incorporating CBD into your day-to-day wellness routine.
Let’s understand CBD first.
CBD is a natural compound that is present in cannabis plants. It’s an antioxidant, analgesic, anxiolytic and can slow down the damage to brain cells. As per the 2018 farm bill, only industrial hemp plants are allowed to be used for CBD products. These plants naturally have high CBD concentrations and low concentrations of intoxicating cannabinoid THC.
Legally sold over-the-counter CBD products can not have more than 0.3% THC in them. There are also zero THC gummies, which fall under the broad spectrum category. CBD is typically extracted using advanced filtration tools and techniques from leaves, stalks, and flowery parts of hemp plants. It’s then further processed to remove extra fats, wak, and unwanted elements.
What you are left with is cannabinoid-rich extracts along with a good amount of terpenes, flavonoids, and phytonutrients. These other elements are also rich in healing properties and work in sync with CBD to create a strong entourage effect in your body.
You can buy CBD in the form of gummies, capsules, creams, and even bath bombs. It’s recommended to start with a slow dose of 5-10mg, which you can gradually increase over time once your body gets used to the compound.
Here’s how you should go about buying CBD
Buying CBD is not an easy task, and it gets even trickier when you are looking to purchase it from offline stores. Here’s how you should approach it:
Make your research game strong
Before you head out to market, search about top brands in your area first. Try to check if they have a physical store nearby place. Read their customer reviews, don’t fall for inflated ratings, and try to get in touch with the people who have tried products firsthand.
Check if stores have proper business licenses and are following local CBD regulations. Social media can also be helpful – many CBD stores maintain active profiles where they share product information and customer experiences. Make a list of potential stores to visit and note their product selection and price ranges.
Check out local stores
In all US states, you can find brick-and-mortar CBD stores. Just search “CBD stores near me” and your web result will flood with tons of options. You can make it even more precise by adding your zip code while searching.
You’ll also find CBD in local health food stores and wellness centers. Plus, lots of big brands like cookies have started expanding to under-penetrated areas. Some pharmacies also keep CBD these days, but your options will be limited there. Vape shops frequently sell CBD, especially vape-related products.
Some areas have farmer’s markets where local CBD producers sell directly to customers. So options are plenty, you can ask your friends, search on the web, or take a long stroll on the weekend to explore the local CBD scene in your area.
What to do once you finalize a store?
Once you finalize the store that aligns with your initial criteria, it’s time to grill the owner. Ask where their products come from and how they’re made. Request to see recent lab test results. It will help you confirm if the product is free from contaminants and has the right cannabinoid levels.
Ask about the THC content specifically if you’re concerned about drug testing for upcoming employment or sporting events. Find out how they store their products and how long they typically keep them in stock. Ask about the staff’s training and experience with CBD. The more questions you ask, the better you can judge a store’s expertise and reliability.
Avoid products without clear labeling showing the CBD content and other ingredients. If prices seem too good to be true, they probably are because quality CBD requires careful processing that costs money. Check that products are stored properly, not in hot windows or under bright lights.
If staff can’t answer basic questions about their products, shop elsewhere. Once you finalize the product, ask them for any running discounts or loyalty programs to save more in the future. Keep your receipt and any product information to exercise your return rights just in case the product is not up to the mark.
The End Note
To sum it up, for first-time buyers CBD shopping is not an easy task. The best way is to check out local stores by dedicated brands or to explore the CBD lineup available in health food stores.
Ask your friends, check out online reviews, and search with your zip code for the best results. Visit the store in your free time, and inquire about quality, lab testing, payment process, returns, and storage procedures.
Don’t buy anything in fear of missing out, because there’s no scarcity of good CBD products in the market. But, if you don’t have time for all this, then it’s best to buy online from reputed brands like Colorado Botanicals instead. It will save you time, you’ll get better discounts, and experience an effortless shopping time.