Complete CBD Buying Guide - No BS, Just Facts
Everything You Need to Know About CBD | Dosing, Types, What Works | LA Since 1990
CBD Quick Start - 5 Minutes to Understanding
1️⃣
Pick Your Type
Full-spectrum (best), Broad (no THC), Isolate (cheapest)
2️⃣
Start Small
10-20mg first time. Wait 2 hours. Don't be a hero.
3️⃣
Be Consistent
Daily use works better than random. Takes 3-5 days to build up.
4️⃣
Track Results
Note dose, time, effects. Find your sweet spot.
CBD Types - Which One's for You?
| Type | THC Content | Effectiveness | Drug Test Safe? | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Spectrum | Under 0.3% | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No | Maximum benefits | $$$ |
| Broad-Spectrum | 0% THC | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | Drug tested workers | $$$ |
| CBD Isolate | 0% THC | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | Budget conscious | $ |
Bottom Line: Full-spectrum works best because of the "entourage effect" - all cannabinoids working together. But if you get drug tested, stick with broad-spectrum or isolate.
Real-World CBD Dosing Guide
General Wellness
Start: 10-15mg morning
Average: 25-50mg daily
Max: 100mg daily
Take with food for better absorption. Split into morning/evening doses.
Better Sleep
Start: 25mg
Average: 50-100mg
Max: 150mg
Take 1 hour before bed. Full-spectrum works best. Add melatonin if needed.
Anxiety Relief
Start: 15-20mg
Average: 25-75mg
Max: 100mg
Take as needed or daily. Morning dose prevents afternoon anxiety.
Pain Management
Start: 20mg oral + topical
Average: 40-80mg
Max: 150mg
Combine oral CBD with topical application. Higher doses often needed.
Athletic Recovery
Start: 20mg post-workout
Average: 40-60mg
Max: 100mg
Take within 30 min of workout. Reduces inflammation, speeds recovery.
Pet Dosing
Dogs: 1-2mg per 10 lbs
Cats: 0.5-1mg per 10 lbs
Frequency: 1-2x daily
Use pet-specific CBD. Start low, watch for sedation.
🚨 How to Spot Fake/Bad CBD
Red Flags - Run Away
- ❌ Sold on Amazon (all fake, CBD banned there)
- ❌ No lab reports or "coming soon"
- ❌ Lab reports over 6 months old
- ❌ Sold at gas stations or liquor stores
- ❌ Claims to cure diseases
- ❌ Super cheap (under $30 for 1000mg)
- ❌ MLM or pyramid scheme brands
- ❌ No batch number on bottle
Green Flags - Good to Go
- ✅ QR code links to lab reports
- ✅ Lab reports match batch number
- ✅ Tests for potency, pesticides, metals, microbes
- ✅ CO2 or ethanol extraction (not butane)
- ✅ Organic hemp source listed
- ✅ Sold by licensed dispensaries/shops
- ✅ Reasonable price ($40-80 for 1000mg)
- ✅ Clear mg per serving listed
CBD Delivery Methods - Pros & Cons
Oil/Tinctures
Onset: 15-45 minutes
Duration: 4-6 hours
Bioavailability: 20-30%
Pros: Precise dosing, versatile, good absorption
Cons: Taste, messy, not discrete
Best overall option
Gummies/Edibles
Onset: 30-90 minutes
Duration: 6-8 hours
Bioavailability: 10-20%
Pros: Tasty, discrete, pre-measured
Cons: Slow onset, sugar content, lower absorption
Best for beginners
Vapes
Onset: 5-10 minutes
Duration: 2-3 hours
Bioavailability: 40-50%
Pros: Fast acting, high absorption
Cons: Short duration, lung concerns, equipment needed
Best for quick relief
Topicals
Onset: 15-30 minutes
Duration: 2-4 hours
Bioavailability: Local only
Pros: Targeted relief, no systemic effects
Cons: Surface level only, no mental effects
Best for localized pain
Capsules
Onset: 45-90 minutes
Duration: 6-8 hours
Bioavailability: 10-20%
Pros: No taste, precise dose, convenient
Cons: Slow onset, can't adjust dose
Best for daily routine
Transdermal Patches
Onset: 30-60 minutes
Duration: 8-12 hours
Bioavailability: 45%
Pros: Long lasting, steady release
Cons: Expensive, visible, skin irritation
Best for all-day relief
Top 10 CBD Mistakes (Don't Be That Guy)
- Taking too much too fast - Start low, go slow. You're not impressing anyone.
- Buying from Amazon - It's all hemp seed oil. Zero CBD. Total scam.
- Not checking lab reports - No COA = no buy. Period.
- Expecting instant results - CBD builds up. Give it 3-5 days minimum.
- Taking it randomly - Consistency beats random mega-doses.
- Buying the cheapest option - Good CBD costs money. Deal with it.
- Not telling your doctor - CBD interacts with some meds. Be smart.
- Thinking it's a miracle cure - It helps, but it's not magic.
- Vaping sketchy carts - Stick to reputable brands. Your lungs matter.
- Giving up too quick - Finding your dose takes time. Be patient.
Real Questions, Straight Answers
Q: Can I take CBD with alcohol?
A: They both relax you, so effects stack. Start with less of both. Some people get super sleepy. Not dangerous, just be aware.
Q: Why isn't CBD working for me?
A: Three reasons: 1) Dose too low - most people need 25-75mg. 2) Crap product - get better CBD. 3) Wrong type - try full-spectrum instead of isolate.
Q: Can I travel with CBD?
A: TSA allows it domestically if under 0.3% THC. International? Don't risk it. Some countries will arrest you. Check laws first.
Q: Is CBD addictive?
A: No physical addiction. No withdrawal. Some people become mentally dependent on the relief it provides, but that's different from addiction.
Q: CBD vs THC - what's the difference?
A: THC gets you high, CBD doesn't. THC = psychoactive, munchies, couch lock. CBD = relaxation, clarity, no high. Both have benefits, different tools for different jobs.
Ready to Try Real CBD?
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Every batch tested
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✅ Expert Help
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