CBD (Cannabidiol) is something you just can’t ignore these days, especially if you’re active in the health and wellness scene. People everywhere are going crazy over CBD products like gummies, oils, tinctures, creams, and more.
CBD is full of healing and therapeutic properties and can help you deal with anxiety, pain, sleep, and even appetite issues. It’s getting popular in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceuticals, pet care, and even the food and beverages industry. If you search “where to buy CBD gummies” on the web, your Google results will return tons of brand listicles and sponsored articles.
For a first-time consumer, this can be a bit overwhelming. To avoid confusion, it’s better to buy CBD over the counter from your local store or a reputed seller online. Still confused? Read on to find out more.
Is Over-the-Counter CBD Safe? Legal? Worth it?
Unlike many pain and anxiety-relieving medications, you don’t need a prescription to buy CBD products. You can simply visit your nearest dispensary or health store and buy CBD products over the counter.
In the US, this has become possible because of the 2018 farm bill, which legalized the production, consumption, and sale of CBD products on the federal level. The only condition is that these CBD products must be made from industrial hemp plants and don’t have more than 0.3% THC.
For those who don’t know, THC is another cannabinoid like CBD, but it has strong psychoactive effects. The government doesn’t want you to get high on THC, hence the strict limit on concentrations in all CBD products. The same is applicable in many other countries like Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, Belgium, Switzerland, France, and more. But this 0.3% could be more strict, for example, in Japan, they are trying to kick it down to 0.1% or something. Whereas in some European nations, it’s restricted to 0.2%. On average, legally sold over-the-counter CBD products can’t have more than 0.3% THC. So yes, over-the-counter CBD is safe, legal, and worth it if you have sleep, pain, or anxiety-related issues.
Are There Any CBD Products that Can’t be Bought Over-the-Counter?
Yes, there are some CBD products that you won’t be able to buy over the counter. This mainly includes products made from marijuana plants instead of industrial hemp plants. Marijuana plants have very high levels of THC, and the same is reflected in gummies or oils made from them.
These non-OTC CBD products sometimes have 2-3% THC in them, much higher than the general 0.3% maximum threshold. For such products, you usually need a medical marijuana card or a prescription from a qualified doctor.
These high THC-carrying CBD products are only prescribed to patients with specific severe health conditions. This can include people suffering from cancer, pain, neurological conditions, or severe inflammatory diseases.
One such product is Epidolex, the world’s first FDA-approved CBD prescription medication. It’s mainly prescribed to kids or adults suffering from Lennox-Gaston Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis complex, and Dravet Syndrome.
The product is deemed safe for anyone above the age of 1 year old. The other general CBD products you use are not FDA-approved, and that’s why there’s a risk of mislabeling. To avoid this, you must do some basic checks first, let’s explore.
Factors to Consider When Buying CBD Over-the-Counter
You’ll find plenty of options in over-the-counter CBD products, but before you spend your hard-earned money on them, check the following :
Lab Certificate
When you buy CBD from a shop or online, make sure to first read the “Certificate of Analysis.” It’s a test report from an independent lab that tells you how much cannabinoid content is in the product you are buying.
What’s its terpene, flavonoid, and phytonutrient profile? Whether heavy metals are at safe levels and if it’s free from microbes and other adulterants.
Ensure that the report has the same batch number and the latest testing date. The testing laboratory should be accredited and independent of the manufacturer. This is important because many CBD products have more or less cannabinoid content in them than what’s mentioned on the label, and the situation has only become worse with time.
Type of CBD
You’ll find three kinds of CBD products: broad spectrum, full spectrum, and isolates. The full spectrum has all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, hence a much better entourage effect.
But let’s say you don’t want THC in your system, not even in trace amounts, the broad-spectrum CBD could be a better choice. You’ll still get to experience the full healing effect without worrying about THC showing up on your blood report or something.
If you don’t have any additions, just CBD in its purest form, then go with isolates. Also, check the concentrations properly, and if you are a beginner, don’t opt for more than 15-25mg per serving.
Pricing, Policy, and Reputation
Go with reasonably priced brands with good reputations and return policies. Ensure that they allow you to return and refund in 30-60 days, just in case the product doesn’t work for you. This is natural because all of us have unique body chemistry, so the gummies that are good enough for your friend may not be the same for you.
Pricing is important because some brands charge a lot in the name of premium. Especially the ones started by celebrities. Instead, go with the one that people around you have used, provides 24/7 support, and uses high-quality natural ingredients. Also, ensure that the shelf life is at least one year.
Our Final Thoughts
To sum it up, Yes, CBD can be bought over the counter. You don’t need any prescription for it. It’s available at both online and offline stores. Just make sure to check the shelf life, ingredient quality, lab report, and return policies before placing the order. Avoid cheap gas-store gummies and oils, as they often have quality issues.