CBD is everywhere these days — from drinks and pet products to oils, pills and chewable gummies. But there’s still a lot to learn about the nutrient. Does it really help with anxiety or pain? Is it safe? What about combining it with other medications or substances like caffeine? Learn more :quietmonkcbd.com

In most places, CBD is legal. It’s a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which means it doesn’t have the “high” effect of THC (the main psychoactive compound in marijuana). The Farm Bill removed hemp and CBD from the Controlled Substances Act. That made it easier to legally grow and sell the oil.

Some CBD products are sold in the same places as other dietary supplements, such as health food stores and online retailers. But the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate CBD, so you need to do your homework.

CBD and Medicine: Healthcare and Online Products

A good place to start is looking at a company’s website. Look for a certificate of analysis, or COA, that lists the amount of CBD in a product and any contaminants like heavy metals. You also want to make sure the COA was conducted by a lab that follows ISO guidelines.

Then consider whether the company uses organically grown or processed ingredients. “Organic ingredients are more likely to have better taste, potency and safety than those that are not,” Phan says. A USDA certification is a good indicator of those qualities, though not all CBD companies use that designation.

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