Let’s face facts: CBD is not a fad that is going away any time soon. With growth figures predicting almost 1 billion UK users by 2025, the numbers speak for themselves. But there are a myriad of different CBD products out there to choose from, so how do you know where to start if you are new to CBD?
Let’s start with the basics.
What is CBD?
CBD is a food supplement which, taken daily, can help you maintain optimal health. It is just one of over 100 cannabinoids (special compounds) found in hemp. These cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC – the psychoactive one) and many other lesser known compounds such as cannabichromen (CBC), cannabinol (CBN), are said to interact with and support the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a network of neurotransmitters in the human body that seeks homeostasis through the continuous balancing of our body and mind to achieve optimal health. You can find out more about CBD and the ECS here. Humans have been starved of cannabinoids since the introduction of international drug laws last century made hemp a scarce resource. But with CBD now becoming a popular (legal) supplement to our diets, things are starting to look brighter again.
What CBD product should I choose?
The answer to this question is not clear-cut and there is no correct answer. Everybody is different and will experience CBD in different ways. The right CBD product for you will come down to numerous factors, such as:
- What strength is right for you
- What you are using it for
- How often would I like to take the food supplement
These would be the first things you might immediately become aware of for consideration. Then there are the factors that you might only become aware of when you start trying out different brands of CBD products, such as:
- Do you mind the taste of the product? If so, is it better to switch to a different CBD solution, eg CBD oils Vs CBD paste extract, CBD oils Vs CBD teas, Water soluble CBD range Vs CBD e-liquid (vape).
- Is the CBD full spectrum, broad spectrum or isolate?
- Are the CBD supplements below the legal limit of THC content, certified by third parties/lab tested, organic, vegan and pesticide free?
Let’s go into these factors in more detail.
CBD Strength
The strength of the product is an important factor to consider first. Amma Life’s CBD products range from 3% to 30% CBD content. Put simply, the higher the percentage, the more effective it is. So those who are new to taking CBD products will want to start out with a low dose and build up as they gain tolerance. Just like any new food supplement, it is best to try it out for a few days first and closely monitor how your body reacts to it first before deciding to increase your dose.
What are you using CBD for?
As CBD products are sold as a food supplement, under UK law we cannot offer recommendations for specific symptoms. CBD food supplements are products designed to maintain health.
Have you considered using the new Amma Life CBD Muscle Balm to support post-sports training soreness, or the Amma Life Deluxe CBD Body Cream as a nourishing moisturiser that is great for your skin after a hot bath?
If you want to top up with CBD throughout the day, carrying the Amma Life CBDX water soluble spray with you and adding it to your water bottle as you go about your day is a very effective way to use it.
CBD Vape versus CBD Oil?
Depending on your reasons for using CBD, you can opt for a vape or oil based CBD products. Two common ways to take CBD. Adding CBD in your vape can be the quickest way to get CBD into your bloodstream. However, using a CBD oil, will have a slower release and longer lasting effect, due to the way the body breaks down oils in our digestive system.
Which products do you like the taste of?
This is a very individual question, and one you can only answer by trying them out for yourself! Amma Life CBD products tend to have an earthy, nutty taste. So if you like the taste of it, using products like Amma Life CBD pastes will be a great way to take CBD. If you prefer the taste of mint over CBD, go for the CBD & mint tea instead. Or if you would rather not take it orally at all, you can always stick to the topical creams and balms.
Watch this space, as we will be launching CBD transdermal patches very soon! These are perfect for anyone that is not so keen on the taste of CBD, as it can be a bit like marmite. You either seem to love it or not so much!
Is the CBD full spectrum, broad spectrum or isolate?
Or, for those of you who are new to CBD, what do these terms mean and why do I care?
Full spectrum: Contains all the cannabinoids naturally found in hemp, including THC within the legal level. All of our full spectrum products that contain THC, have THC below 0.1%. This trace element means there is no recognisable effect when taking the full spectrum supplement such as the popular 30% CBD paste (3000mg) extract or 10% CBD oil (1000mg).
Broad spectrum: Contains many of the cannabinoids naturally found in hemp, but not THC. Amma Life’s 5% CBD oil (500mg) is one such product. Watch this space as we will soon be introducing a broad spectrum 5% CBD oil (500mg) that will also be THC-free.
Isolate: Only contains CBD. This is popular in topical products such as balms and some CBD e-liquids.
Full spectrum CBD has an ‘entourage effect’, which is like a synergy between all the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids found naturally in the plant, working together like an orchestra to support and complement each other. The entourage effect can mean that the cannabinoids work more powerfully together when taken as a full spectrum compared to broad spectrum or isolate.
If the CBD products are full spectrum, it is useful to note that the legal limit for THC is 0.2% when legal hemp is grown, and 0.1% trace element of THC (or a maximum of 1mg) in the finished product. When you are choosing your CBD product, it will be important to find out whether the CBD product contains below this legal limit. You can be safe in the knowledge that all Amma Life CBD products which are full spectrum, contain below the legal limit of THC (usually between 0.1% – 0.03% and always below the 1mg level).
If you are particularly concerned about even consuming low levels of THC eg anxious it may show up in a drug test (though no-one has ever found this to be the case when taking legal CBD products from the UK), then you may prefer to use a broad spectrum CBD product such as our 5% (500mg) CBD oil available here.
CBD isolate does not contain all the components that work together to enhance the potential benefits of the plant, hence isolate is generally lower in price and has lower demand than full spectrum CBD products. Watch out, as many CBD e-liquids will be made with CBD isolates.
Are the CBD products below the legal limit of THC content, certified by third parties/lab tested, organic, vegan and pesticide free?
CBD is not currently regulated, which can sadly lead many people to hesitate about starting their CBD journey for fear of buying a CBD product that doesn’t contain what it says on the label. Amma Life are a member of the Cannabis Trade Association and the European Hemp Association (EIHA) which means that we follow strict quality assurance guidelines to ensure our customers get great quality products every time.
When it comes to THC, less is certainly more. Only trace elements are required to get the most out of the cannabinoids health giving properties.
If the CBD product is vegan, organic and pesticide free, you can be confident that you are not consuming harmful chemicals, heavy metals, fungicides and other nasties, and it does not contain any animal derived ingredients. Better for you, and for the planet.
That’s why it is a good idea to buy CBD products that have been tested in a lab and certified by a third party – to confirm that the list of ingredients is definitely what is inside the product. All Amma Life CBD products are third party tested and certified, and you can find a copy of the certificates on our website.
All Amma Life CBD supplements & e-liquids are:
- Full spectrum (except the 5% CBD oil which is broad spectrum)
- Contain below legal limit of THC – less than 0.1% (or 1mg per finished product)
- Grown outdoors using organic methods
- Certified by third party laboratories
- Created using superior extraction methods
- Free of pesticides and GMO-free
- Free of heavy metals, yeast & fungicide
- Grown in the EU
- Contain 100% natural ingredients
- Vegan friendly
- Halal friendly (all products except for the CBD Gummies contain gelatin)
Which of our 10 most popular CBD products is best for you?
This invigorating CBD Muscle balm is the newest CBD product to hit the Amma Life product range, and currently has 10% off for our readers using the discount code 10balm (valid until 31st May 2020). Mixed with coconut oil to nourish your skin, this bespoke blend of 500mg CBD, camphor and essential oils such as rosemary and peppermint can be an aid in sports recovery for regular exercisers.
The cooling effects of camphor essential oil can soothe. Rosemary essential oil may be able to support our blood circulation. Peppermint essential oil has long been known for its cooling and soothing properties. Massage the balm into your skin to soothe and nourish. Use this balm during a relaxing massage to enjoy taking time out for yourself.
Consistently the most popular and best-selling Amma Life CBD product, this 10% CBD oil contains all of the potency and natural goodness of the hemp plant and is enriched with active terpenes.
Start off by squeezing 2-4 drops under your tongue with the pipette each day and see how you feel after taking it for a few days. Increase the amount only if it feels right for you to do so. The bottle prefers to be kept upright once opened, so if you are looking for something to take with you for CBD on the go, you might prefer to try our CBDX spray…
The water soluble CBDX range is a spray supplement with around 4% CBD. This is a super convenient way to take CBD, and the bottle does not leak so a great product to carry around with you. So if it’s important for you to be able to take CBD products anywhere any time, this makes it really easy.
Research is showing that CBD in a water soluble solution is more easily absorbed by the body with increased bioavailability. This method can be up to 10 times more effective than other ways of consuming CBD. So even though the CBD content is moderate, it can be a very effective choice!
It can be taken by applying 1-2 sprays directly into your mouth either on top of or under your tongue. But what we like best about this product is you can mix it into hot and cold drinks. We created a tasty CBD coffee recipe for you to try out this product for yourselves – give it a go here!
The CBD paste range contains the strongest CBD content. Using a premium extraction method, this cannabinoid extract has been purified twice to increase its potency and has had nothing else added to it. It looks like tar and has a strong earthy taste. It is taken by squeezing a small amount from the syringe (one portion is equivalent to 1-3 grains of rice in size), then applied orally.
This product is popular with sports professionals looking to support sports related muscle recovery and assist energy levels after tough training and workouts, so if that’s where you’re at, it could be the perfect option for you. Johnny ‘Swift’ Smith, professional kickboxer and WKN Intercontinental Professional super-welterweight champion, uses Amma Life 30% CBD paste both before and after a fight.
Our CBD & Mint tea came top of the 2019 Best Health Awards winning the Best Hot Drink award. Judges said they “absolutely loved this product and couldn’t wait to recommend it to our readers.”
A great way to begin your CBD journey to a healthier, happier and more creative life, this mellow and smooth tasting tea is naturally caffeine-free and filled with the finest CBD and tasty peppermint leaves.
The properties of the plants are activated when you steep the teabag in hot water. This tea can be enjoyed at any time. Why not give it a try after a meal, or in the evening when you have time to relax?
The luxurious way to relax tired and achy muscles, this Deluxe CBD cream is bursting with active cannabinoids that are easily absorbed into the body, leaving your skin silky smooth.
This unique cream contains natural ingredients that play a vital role in maintaining the skin’s moisture balance and the suppleness of the skin.
Calendula has extraordinary properties that promote fast hydration of dry skin and other types of skin issues. The mix of jojoba oil and calendula oil has a nourishing effect on your skin. It can be used on the body and face to replace your usual moisturiser, or on specific areas of the body to instantly revitalise your skin.
Another new Amma Life CBD product that is great for sports recovery and general vitality. This CBDX Vitality solution is water soluble, like the spray, but is in a concentrated solution that also comes in a handy tube that allows you to squeeze out the desired amount. You can take it either directly in your mouth or add it to drinks.
The cannabinoids and herbs are suspended in an extra strength solution somewhere between a paste and a spray, If you need CBD products that are super easy to consume on the go, then this could be great for you.
The combination of CBD and curcumin (turmeric) plays a key role in helping you perform at your best during training, which makes it great for athletes and sports professionals. Ingredients include curcumin, vegetable glycerine, myrcene, caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, linalool. It is 8% CBD (800mg cannabidiol per 10ml) and full spectrum with less than 0.05% THC.
The superior 75% cannabinoid extract in this e-liquid contains active terpenes and cannabinoids that deliver a smooth finish. Taking CBD with a vape gets a higher dose into the bloodstream quicker than any other method of delivery, but lasts less time. So if you are looking for quick, but short lived delivery, the vape may be your best option.
The Amma Life CBD e-liquid vape can be used with an e-cigarette 40W starter kit, top refill 0.3ohm sub Ohm atomizer 2ml tank, rechargeable 2000mAh vape pen kit.
The bottle arrives ready to vape, or if you prefer you can mix 1 pipette full of CBD e-liquid with your preferred e-juice.
Another great entry level product, this superior quality oil contains a 50/50 mix of CBD and CBDa. Cannabidiolic acid (CBDa) is another cannabinoid found in the plant, and is the acid precursor to CBD. CBD only comes into existence once the CBDa is heated and carbon dioxide and hydrogen are released, in a process called decarboxylation.
Much less is known about CBDa, the raw compound of CBD. But preliminary findings are looking hopeful that taking CBDa could be another, if not even better way of supporting optimal health with hemp.
This is our highest potency CBD oil and another consistently popular product, particularly the 2 bottle bundle offer.
The Amma Life CBD oil range is a convenient way of taking CBD and is mixed 50/50 paste with hemp seed oil or olive oil. It is taken by squeezing a few drops under your tongue with a pipette. Hold it under your tongue for 10-30 seconds for better absorption into the bloodstream.
You might take this product after having tried the 10% CBD oil for a while and increasing your dose as your body increases its tolerance.
In summary…
Whichever product you choose, remember the golden rule of starting off with a low level and increasing only if and when it feels appropriate to.
Buy only third party tested CBD products that contain natural ingredients, and stay away from any products containing ingredients you are allergic to. Speak to your doctor first before taking CBD if you are on any medication, because it may interact with certain medicines.
Generally speaking though, CBD is safe to use. At Amma Life, we are passionate about good quality CBD. We hope to see many more people begin their CBD journey to maintain a healthy, happy and creative life with Amma Life products.
