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The deeper you dive into the world of cannabis, the more information you come across–but don't let that overwhelm you. There is an answer to (almost) every question, and if the differences between indica, sativa, and hybrid strains have been bugging you lately, we've got you covered!
Explore the effects of each strain, learn the differences, and figure out which strain will satisfy your needs the best. All in one place!
Both indica and sativa are the two main types of cannabis plants that most consumers need to worry about. The main difference between indica and sativa lies in the effects each strain can produce when you consume it. To put it simply–indicas have sedating effects, while sativa strains are known to give you more energy. A good way to remember which is which: Indica sounds like in da couch, meaning you’ll have no problem vegging out on the couch. Indica and sativa plants also look different. How?
Indica plants are shorter and have broader, bushy leaves, while sativas are much taller and have more narrow leaves. Sativa plants take more time to grow and become mature compared to indicas.
But what about consumption? Since sativa strains have an energizing effect, it’s better to use it in the daytime, when you need the most energy! When choosing a sativa, keep in mind that it usually has higher doses of THC and less CBD.
You can consume indica when you want to relax and get a good night's sleep. It can help you get much-needed rest and bring you the ease of mind you’ve been searching for. Compared to sativa, indica strains tend to have higher levels of CBD.
When it comes to indica effects, this strain is all about giving you the peace of mind you deserve and providing you with deep relaxation with an overall "chill" vibe. Indica strains can be a great addition to your current regimen for anxiety and insomnia, while also providing the added benefit of pain reduction and an increase in appetite. It's excellent for muscle relaxation, and can be an amazing resource if you have particularly stubborn menstrual cramps.
Now that you know all about indicas and what you can expect when choosing this option, let's learn more about sativas.
If you're looking to feel energized, stimulated and ready to be more productive, sativa strains are a perfect fit for you. Consuming this option can boost your mood and give you the energy to finish all of your tasks.
Sativa strains can help with depression and give you more focus, especially if you find yourself only able to remain focused for short periods of time. Say goodbye to feeling groggy and fatigued because sativas also help with that! Sativas can also reduce anxiety in smaller doses. If you've heard of microdosing, this might be a great option to try.
Pro tip: Sativa is also great for social situations; everyone can enhance their mood and have fun!
Hybrid options are the best of both worlds! Hybrids are specifically bred in order to achieve the perfect, blended effects of both sativa and indica strains. Each hybrid has unique effects, and there are differences depending on which strain is dominant - indica or sativa.
If indica strains are dominant in hybrid, you’ll feel indica effects more - relaxation, less anxiety, sedation, and peace of mind. However, if the hybrid has a more dominant sativa strain, you’ll experience a mood-boosting effect, have more energy/be more creative.
You can also find balanced hybrids that are 50%-50% combinations of both indica and sativa strains. These hybrids are all about providing you with a unique feeling and balanced high that gives you the best of both. If you want to give hybrid strains a go, you should choose whether you want an indica-dominant, sativa-dominant, or balanced hybrid product.
Hopefully, we've satisfied your curiosity and helped you realize which strain is a perfect fit for your needs. It's always a great idea to try every option and experience the effects of all three firsthand. Choosing among indica, sativa, and hybrid options will depend on your current mood and what you want to achieve.
When you feel a need to be productive and get things done–choose a hybrid that is sativa-dominant or a pure sativa product. When you're ready to slow down and want to truly unwind, indica-dominant hybrids and indicas will give you a chance to do exactly that.
We've developed a perfect product that will take your cannabis routine to the next level, and you can choose among all three options: hybrid, indica, or sativa. Terp Sap is a blend of Delta 8, HHC, and CBG cannabinoids. If you want to take the edge off and chill out, give it a try! It's also a full-spectrum distillate product that could help you to experience the full power of the Entourage effect. Choose your option, and give Terp Sap a go; you won't regret it!
If you’re one of many women who experience heavy PMS symptoms, including menstrual cramps, we hear you! Taking painkillers or NSAIDs are always an option, but maybe they don’t work for you, or you experience side effects you don’t like.
What if we told you that there may be another option with fewer side effects? In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about CBD for menstrual cramps, including benefits, how to use it, and which CBD products are the best for your monthly cycle.
Yes, you can use CBD products to try and relieve some of the symptoms coming with your menstrual cycle.
Depending on which type of CBD products you take, there are various doses on the product's packaging. Always start low and never exceed the maximum daily dose.
CBD can have various effects on your period, including helping with mood swings, stress, anxiety, and cramps that come with menstruation.
The best CBD balm for menstrual cramp is the one that works for you and is high-quality, and we recommend Restore: 1:1 CBG + CBD Topical for Sore Muscles.
CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is a cannabis ingredient that’s derived directly from the hemp plant. Most people use it to relax, but because CBD is so versatile, it can aid in management of tons of issues (such as anxiety, difficulty sleeping, low appetite, or pain).
The power of CBD lies in how it interacts with our Endocannabinoid system (ECS). ECS has receptors that react with CBD when a person consumes it. These receptors are like switches, and they influence tons of processes in our body, like appetite, inflammation, and stress responses.
It’s important to note that CBD doesn’t get you high; it can just relax your muscles and ease your mind without any psychoactive effects.
CBD has gained attention as a natural remedy for menstrual cramps due to its pain-relieving properties. Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, occur when the uterus contracts, causing pain and discomfort. These contractions are often triggered by an excess of prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals that contribute to cramping.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). By binding to cannabinoid receptors found in the immune and nervous systems, CBD can help reduce the production of prostaglandins, leading to less muscle tension.
This process makes CBD topicals and other products an appealing option for those seeking relief from menstrual cramps. Applying a CBD balm or cream directly to the abdomen can provide localized, targeted relief, relaxing the muscles and easing discomfort without the need for oral painkillers. In fact, it seems like CBD products are the pain relief of choice for menstrual cramps for 22% of Gen Z respondents who participated in this study.
Besides using CBD for sleep, can it also help with menstrual-related symptoms?
Approximately 90% of women experience PMS symptoms that range from mild to serious. It can be anything from irritability, headaches, and mood swings to severe period cramps and vomiting. Some women can do everyday activities, while some can’t get up from bed. There are many remedies, but the truth is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to menstrual-related symptoms.
If you’ve tried painkillers and other ways to ease your period cramps and you’re not quite satisfied with the results, it’s time to try CBD for menstrual cramps and PMS.
CBD is already known for its anti-inflammatory properties and pain relief, so why wouldn’t it work for menstrual cramps? Let’s start with why we get period cramps in the first place.
Prostaglandin chemicals are the main culprit for period cramps. Our body produces it to help the womb tighten in order to shed the uterus lining. The more prostaglandin there is, the greater the severity of period cramps.
CBD products can help manage the severity of period cramps and help your mind & body relax. A recent study shows that CBD helps with both psychological symptoms of PMS (Solowij et al., 2018) and physical such as menstrual cramps (Reiman et al., 2017).
Now that we know that CBD can potentially help you with cramps, let’s see the main benefits of using it instead of other remedies.
Let’s talk about how to use CBD for menstrual cramps. You can use CBD for menstrual cramps in different forms. What’s available?
Our top recommendations to have on hand would be a Topical and Gummies (Edibles). CBD Topicals are great to rub directly on an area that’s hurting you, and you can use them again after a few hours if you need more. CBD gummies for menstrual cramps are edible CBD products that you can consume directly. Edibles tend to last longer, so they are perfect for lasting during a long work shift or through the night. You can learn more about how topicals work here, and more about edibles here.
With most products, you can choose the dosage and see what works best for you. The way you consume it, whether it’s CBD isolate or CBD distillate, and the dosage, influences how fast you’ll experience the effect and its strength. If you’re already consuming cannabis products, you probably already have a preference. If not, it’s time to explore different options and see which product will help you with menstrual cramps and PMS.
The right CBD dosage for menstrual cramps depends on several factors, including the severity of your pain, your body weight, and how your body responds to CBD. Since everyone’s experience with CBD is unique, starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it can help you find the optimal amount for relief.
Luckily, we’ve prepared a simple guide that will help you:
For beginners, it’s recommended to start with a low dose, around 10-20 mg of CBD per day. Observe how your body reacts over a few days, and if you’re not experiencing enough relief, gradually increase the dose.
Your body weight plays a role in how much CBD you may need. A general rule of thumb is to take 1-5 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight.
If your cramps are mild, a lower dose (around 10-20 mg) may be enough. However, for more severe cramps, higher doses (30-50 mg or more) may be necessary to achieve relief.
The type of CBD product you choose also affects dosage. Sublingual tinctures or CBD oils tend to absorb more quickly and offer faster relief, while edibles or capsules take longer to kick in. Topicals like creams or balms provide localized relief and can be applied directly to the lower abdomen for menstrual cramps.
Keep a journal of your dosages and how they affect your pain levels. This will help you adjust over time to find the most effective dose without overconsumption. And remember, most products have a daily dosage guide. Never exceed the maximum!
When old ways of doing things just don’t cut it anymore, it’s time to try something new! Why not try CBD for PMS symptoms and explore how it could calm down your body and ease your mind? If you’re just starting with CBD products, it’s important to take it slowly and work your way up with the dosage.
There is a wide variety of products, from CBD gummies to topicals, and you’ll easily find something that works best for you. CBD products could help you relieve both physical and psychological symptoms of PMS, with fewer side effects than most well-known remedies. Give it a try, and maybe you can forget about carrying painkillers and NSAIDs in your handbag!
If you want to explore the full power of cannabinoids, it’s about time you get familiar with the entourage effect and how to experience it. Not every cannabis product is created equal, so you need to equip yourself with knowledge the next time you shop.
The quality of products matters, but so do the components–especially when it comes to the entourage effect. The combination of ingredients is what really influences whether or not you’re going to get the full experience.
Knowing which products are better for feeling the entourage effect is one of the most important things you’ll learn in this blog post.
CBD and THC are the most popular ingredients of cannabis, but they are hardly the only ones that matter. If you want to explore the entourage effect, you have to look at the whole picture and consider every ingredient of cannabis.
The entourage effect is the combined influence of every ingredient that unlocks the full power of cannabis products. Those ingredients alone can’t produce the entourage effect; the magic only happens when they work together. Harmoniously.
The entourage effect is greater than the sum of the product’s individual ingredients. Compared to isolate products, you’ll get a better overall effect if you let distillate components interact and do their magic.
Having said that, it’s essential to distinguish CBD Isolate vs. CBD Distillate products. The graphic below gives you a bird's eye view of different products. You can see that distillate is less refined than isolate, so there are more components available for potential synergy. Our blog post here is a more in-depth resource you can check out.
CBD distillate, full-spectrum products are the way to go if you want to explore the CBD entourage effect. CBD isolate products don’t contain other cannabinoids, which means you can’t get the entourage effect by consuming a product with only one isolate component.
Due to its extensive use and benefits, cannabis and its products have massively grown in popularity. From the relaxation advantages to improving your overall mood, more and more people turn to CBD to improve their daily life.
The cannabis industry also raises some controversial questions. Scientists have done multiple pieces of research to determine whether or not the entourage effect is in fact real. For now, the data is inconclusive, but the recent research from 2021 about the entourage effect and cannabis-based medicines gives us hope as it states some clear advantages of synergy among active ingredients of cannabis.
Improved efficiency and tolerance due to the additive effect of multiple compounds are the key conclusions from this study. Hopefully, more scientists will explore the entourage effect and realize its advantages, especially for chronic pain. Until further research on this topic, we advise you to try full-spectrum products and see for yourself!
When different cannabinoids work harmoniously towards the same goal, you get the entourage effect. While THC and CBD are important for the entourage effect, they'd be much less effective without terpenes.
Terpenes are aromatic ingredients that give hemp plants (or any plant) their fragrance. Terpenes close the loop; they enhance the power of cannabinoids and are crucial if you want to experience the entourage effect.
To know what the entourage effect feels like, it’s important to note that it isn’t the same feeling for everyone. It all depends on what you want to achieve. For example, if you want to feel at peace, cozy, and unwind, you wouldn’t use products that have citrus terpenes, as these tend to energize and awaken. On the contrary, the lavender scent is known for its ability to help people relax, and why it is often used alongside sleep products.
The art of choosing the right full-spectrum products depends on what you want to achieve, and realize how every ingredient helps you with that.
To get the entourage effect, you need to know which cannabis products have a high probability of producing it.
Full-spectrum distillate products that are rich in terpenes are your best bet for experiencing the entourage effect. It’s also crucial to explore different consumption methods, such as edibles and sublingual tinctures or smokables, and see what works better for you.
Everyone has individual preferences, and what works for others may not work for you. The key is experimenting with different products and various consumption methods to see what helps YOU get the entourage effect.
At South Tip, we've got plenty of full-spectrum distillate products that fit the bill. Check them out below:
If you want to unlock the entourage effect feeling and experience it to the fullest, then you have to take into consideration other ingredients, not just CBD and THC.
When shopping for products that will hopefully get you the CBD entourage effect, pay attention to how they’re developed and if they’re tested in 3rd party lab. Your priority should be consuming good quality CBD products above everything else.
When a new cannabinoid appears on the market, it's essential to be careful and do your research before consuming it. On the other hand, it's also hard to get information about new products due to the lack of data, research, and unbiased information.
THC-O is a relatively new cannabinoid on the market, but don't worry; we are here to tell you everything you need to know about it, including the dangers when you consume it.
THC-O is a combination of Delta 8 and acetic anhydride. THC-O is not natural.
Compared to other cannabis products such as CBG, CBD, and CBN, THC-O is synthetic and not derived naturally from the hemp plant. Instead, it has to be made in the lab with the proper equipment and by using dangerous chemicals such as acetic anhydride, which is highly corrosive. While it is a derivative of delta 8 (which is a safe, usually synthetic, cannabinoid), THC-O requires the presence of acetic anhydride, which is highly flammable and should be used only with proper equipment in a lab.
Don't get confused! THC-O also goes by tetrahydrocannabinol-O-acetate or THC-O acetate, but it's all the same product.
Sidenote: Please be aware that this is not to say that all synthetic compounds are dangerous! Read on to find out why this tidbit is important.
Most people who have tried THC-O have reported that it has mildly psychedelic effects, but these effects also take a little bit longer to kick in. It can be anything from 20 minutes to a whole hour before you begin to feel it.
While some say that THC-O can have positive effects such as pain relief, boosting appetite, and reducing anxiety, others report effects such as paranoia, hallucinations, increased anxiety, vomiting, dizziness, and even seizures.
THC-O is legal in some states and decriminalized in others, while in some states, it's illegal. However, it's important for you to know that the DEA could start considering it a synthetic drug in the near future; hence making it illegal. Let's take a look at the states that allow and don't allow THC-O.
THC-O is legal in the following states:
THC-O is illegal in the following states:
Please be aware that laws are always changing, and this list may not be 100% accurate as time goes on.
Currently, THC-O is legal in most states as a result of the 2018 Farm Bill. Every state that didn't ban Delta 8 also allows the consumption of THC-O. However, since THC-O is not natural and consists of synthetic elements, it's still unclear whether it's completely legal.
New regulations may eventually prohibit it. Even though THC-O is not yet declared a Schedule I substance because it has a legal concentration of THC, its synthetic elements could soon put it on that list.
The danger of THC-O really lies in regulation. Currently, it is completely unregulated, and businesses who produce it take advantage of this grey area.
Before we dive into details, it's important to know that compared to other cannabinoids, such as CBD and CBG, THC-O cannot be made in a lab without proper equipment. You can't make THC-O at home since it consists of highly flammable and dangerous chemicals.
There are three crucial steps in the production of THC-O:
The last step is the same that is used to convert vitamin E to vitamin E acetate (the component responsible for the EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury) epidemic in 2019 & 2020.
Acetic anhydride increases the absorption rate and potency, making it a crucial element of THC-O. This means there is no natural or safe way to produce it.
Since THC-O is new on the market, it's early to speak about its safety. There is very little research about how it influences our bodies long-term. Does that make THC-O unsafe? We'd say yes because it's a synthetic drug, and we still don't know the long-term effects of consuming it.
Since THC-O takes a little bit of time to kick in and feel the effects, this can prompt some people to take another dose. Because THC-O does produce psychedelic effects–consuming another dose can be extremely dangerous and lead to negative side effects.
Another danger lies in vaping. Like Vitamin E Acetate, when heated above its decomposition temperature, ketene is generated. Ketene is a respiratory poison that can exhibit delayed toxicity to alveolar structures (mainly capillaries) to produce death by pulmonary edema. Ketene is lethal at high concentrations, but even at lower concentrations, irritation and impairment have been observed. However, it may take up to 24 hours for severe damage to the lungs to manifest. In December 2022, a research letter on THC-O was published. The conclusion was that there is a "risk of pulmonary toxicity from vaping THC-O. Depending on the dose and duration of use, the toxicity might be acute or chronic."
While it may not have immediate consequences at low concentrations, when you use it consistently, you are putting yourself at risk. This goes for any cannabis product that contains acetate, which is why we don't advise smoking or vaping these types of products (and we will never sell products with this ingredient).
Not only can consuming it be dangerous, the process of making THC-O is definitely dangerous. Corrosive and flammable chemicals that are crucial to making THC-O pose a risk of fire and explosion. Only well-equipped labs can make THC-O safely; even then, there is a risk that those chemicals could still end up in the final product. Because of that, it's crucial to have a third-party lab test the product! This is why South Tip provides 3rd party lab testing for all of our COAs and takes product safety very seriously.
We don’t sell THC-O products for this very reason. Proceed with caution!
While it may be tempting to try cannabis products with such a high potency and a chance to get you high like THC-O, we don’t think it’s worth the risk of the consequences you & your body could suffer.
There are a plethora of cannabis products in different forms that are completely safe to use
and have multiple advantages, so why not go for them instead of risking your well-being? Natural, good-quality CBD products that are tested in 3rd party labs are the way to go if you want to experience the benefits of cannabis products without having to worry about the dangers that synthetic drugs could expose you to.
Put yourself first, and always consume products with enough data to back up the claims that they are safe!
A South Tip, we want our products to be tasty and effective, but also as inclusive as possible. We want to only use ingredients we have to, and not add in anything extraneous.
Our gummies are by far the best on the market (???? just tooting our own horn here) but we wanted to make them EVEN BETTER.
In an effort to make our products more accessible, we will be transitioning to a new gummy recipe that excludes all artificial colors and flavors. Nothing else is changing–they are still the tasty treat you know and love. Now they're just healthier!
Red #40 & FD&C Yellow #5 are the top two artificial colors that are used in the industry; coincidentally, these specific artificial colors also cause the most allergic reactions. In addition, there is some evidence (somewhat controversial, scientists are debating) about artificial colors and flavors being carcinogens. Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to move away from artificial ingredients. Instead, we are using things like Turmeric, Spirulina, Radish, and Butterfly Pea Flowers. These ingredients do not affect the taste, just provide a little ✨pop✨ of color.
We've already launched two new products, D8 Variety Pack (25 mg each piece) and CBG + CBD Variety Pack (20 mg each piece). These products come in packs of 20, 60, and 90 gummies. These gummies are 100% free of artificial color/flavors. Each package contains equal amounts of the following flavors: Hibiscus, Peach, Piña Colada, Sangria, and Raspberry.
These are available NOW!
Our old gummy variants (D8 Mango, D8 Berry Bliss, CBD Berry Bliss, and CBG Elderflower) will be re-introduced with the new recipe as our current inventory is sold out.
The current inventory with the old recipe is also on SUPER SALE!
| Original Product Link | Estimated Launch Date for Naturals Version | New Product Link |
| Delta 8 Gummies: Mango (10pk, 25 mg each) | End of February 2023 | D8 Gummies: Naturals |
| Delta 8 Gummies: Berry Bliss (10pk, 25 mg each) | End of February 2023 | D8 Gummies: Naturals |
| CBD Gummies: Berry Bliss (10pk, 25 mg each) | End of February 2023 | CBD Gummies: Naturals |
| CBG + CBD Gummies: Elderflower (10pk, 50 mg each) | End of February 2023 | CBG + CBD Gummies: Naturals |
We've got two blog posts that might satisfy your curiosity.
The CBD Gummy Advantage: Long Lasting Effects for Pain & Sleep will tell you everything you need to know about why edibles are truly the G.O.A.T.
CBD & D8 Edibles vs. Sublingual Tinctures: Which Product is Right for Me? compares and contrasts Tinctures and Edibles in an easy to understand guide.
Many people use CBD oil to help them improve their sleep routine or find a way to lower their stress levels, but there is also some evidence of what this powerful compound can do to help improve your recovery after your workouts.
If you’re wondering how to incorporate CBD into your daily exercise regimen and whether it’s better to use it before or after your workout, keep reading.
Post-workout muscle soreness and fatigue are natural biological responses to inflammation, micro-tears, as well as overuse of connective tissue that occurs during and after a strenuous workout. There’s also lactic acid build-up that naturally presents in muscles as a result of contractions and resistance training.
CBD has shown great results in reducing pain and overall inflammation in the body, helping reduce post-workout soreness and stiffness. The studies have shown great results in improving mobility in patients with severe muscle pain and stiffness.
The muscle relaxation caused by lower levels of inflammation improves blood flow and the breakdown of lactic acid, which drastically improves your muscle recovery rate and helps you feel ready for your next workout much faster. Since reduced inflammation will also improve your range of motion, CBD can even help you enhance your mobility and flexibility over time, resulting in faster progress.
Runners and long-distance endurance athletes often reach for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) post workout. Using CBD instead can help get you right back on track with your runs. Not only will it improve muscle recovery, it also improves sleep quality so you can recover better and faster.
Many yoga practitioners love to use CBD in their practice as it helps to calm and allow you to find stillness. Yoga is all about following your breath and letting it guide your movements; to achieve this, you need to be present and focused on your inhales and exhales. More often than not, the hectic and busy pace of the world we are living in makes this almost impossible on a daily basis. The constant stress leaves you in an unfocused state that keeps your muscles tense and doesn’t allow you to reach the full expression of each pose.
Taking CBD orally before your yoga practice seems to be a preferred way of use so you can reap the most benefits during your entire workout session, especially if you’re looking to improve your long holds and flexibility in a restorative yoga class.
Opposite to a restorative yoga class, some people report using CBD before power or vinyasa yoga because it helps them stay focused on the mat instead of letting their minds wander when the intensity increases. We as humans have the tendency to distract ourselves when things get hard, and instead of pushing through by concentrating on our breath, we do everything but. That’s where CBD can help with bringing your mind back to your mat.
No matter your preference and how you see CBD can help improve your yoga practice, it seems like everyone agrees on the relaxed and blissful feeling after savasana that seems to be enhanced when CBD is in play. During this resting pose, our brain produces a feel-good chemical known as anandamide (colloquially the "bliss molecule") which actually has receptors that CBD can act on. CBD can enhance this effect, making savasana even more blissful than before.
This "bliss" is the exact reason why many people love to use CBD before their meditation practice. Not only does it help them calm down and destress, but it also improves their focus and concentration and prevents their minds from wandering. The next time you try meditating, maybe take a few drops of CBD beforehand and see how it improves your efforts to stay still and focused on your breath.
There are four different ways of using CBD:
When it comes to working out, the best two forms of CBD are sublingual tinctures and topicals. Sublingual tinctures are usually taken before your workout and as they’re quickly absorbed by your bloodstream, you begin to feel their effect as soon as possible.
CBD topicals, on the other hand, have shown tremendous results in pain treatment and muscle soreness when being used immediately after your workout. Simply rub it in the muscles and areas you’ve worked on and you’ll see how much less intense your delayed-onset-muscle soreness will be. You can learn more about how effective topicals can be by reading our article The Real Power Behind CBD Topicals.
We have four different CBD topicals to choose from:
Whether you’re a CBD newbie or an avid consumer, you’ll notice its powerful positive effects on your muscle soreness and inflammation after your workouts. And once you realize how little it takes to improve your recovery and reach progress faster, you’ll never leave for the gym without your favorite CBD sublingual and topical in your bag.
If someone has suggested that you try CBD for relaxation, everyday aches, or as a mood-booster during stress, then you want to know what products will work best for you. CBD stands for cannabidiol, a naturally occurring chemical component in cannabis plants. CBD is now a popular addition to your wellness regimen, but the information can definitely be overwhelming!
Deciphering these CBD product labels is crucial for making informed choices about products. Whether you're a seasoned user or new to CBD, grasping the intricacies of CBD product labels is key to a safe and effective experience.
We're here to make things simple. Let's break down some CBD terminology so you can better understand what it all means. Then, if you decide to try out CBD products, you'll be better equipped to pick which one is right for your specific needs.
In this article, you will learn:
With a better understanding of CBD product labels, you'll be able to choose products that best suit your needs and preferences. Let's dive into the details of what these labels really mean.
Before going into the CBD terminology, the most important thing you need to determine is that the products you are looking into have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and are 3rd party lab-tested. In some states, this is a requirement, but in others, there are no rules about it. Even if your state doesn’t require it, we don’t recommend purchasing a CBD product that does not have a batch number, expiration date, or COA–it's suspicious.
You'll be looking for a batch number or a URL marked somewhere on the package that will lead you to a COA. A QR code is ideal so you can scan it to immediately get the lab results. The lab tests are to make sure it is safe and not contaminated with heavy metals or other dangerous substances, like mold.
Over 300 terpenes have been discovered in cannabis! Terpenes are natural chemical compounds in plants that produce aroma. Terpenes will affect the smell and taste, but also have a functional component; they can boost the efficacy and strength of cannabinoids like THC or CBD due to modulation of receptor sites.Terps aren’t the ONLY part of aroma and flavor, but they’re believed to be the most important.
The entourage effect is a term to describe the synergistic way the many terpenes and cannabinoids all come together to create the best user experience. In other words, some cannabinoids on their own may not be as effective, but utilizing multiple compounds leads to increased efficacy. You will most likely achieve the "entourage effect" with products that use more than two cannabinoids, and/or have multiple terpenes.
The flower is quite literally the flower, or more commonly referred to, as the bud of the plant. This is what most people think of when someone mentions "weed", but can be used when discussing hemp or cannabis. The flower is an unprocessed part of the plant that you can use in different ways. CBD flower is available in pre-rolled joints or in their original “bud” form to be ground up and smoked.
Refined oil is created by extraction from flower using CO2. The oil would be more concentrated than raw oil, but some of the fatty lipids and odors have been stripped out. The process is intended to highlight specific effects produced by CBD or THC. Refined oils are most commonly used in vape pens.
The type of CBD listed on a product label plays a significant role in its effects and legal status. Generally, CBD products fall into three main categories: full-spectrum distillate, broad-spectrum distillate, and isolate. Understanding these distinctions is key to choosing a product that aligns with your needs and legal considerations, especially regarding THC content.
CBD distillate is a highly concentrated oil. The oil has been extracted to keep the individual cannabinoids and terpenes; then, these individual compounds are recombined into either a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum oil. The neat thing about distillate is that it can be easily infused into many different products: edibles like gummies, candies, and even topicals.
CBD isolate, compared to distillate is pure CBD. It is "isolated" from the rest of the cannabinoids and terpenes. There will be nothing else present–no other cannabinoids or terpenes. Isolate is essentially distillate that has been extracted further, creating an extremely pure form. Isolate isn't actually an oil either; it is usually a solid with a crystalline structure.
Broad spectrum and full spectrum are the two types of distillate oil you can choose from. Both will achieve the entourage effect, but have different compounds. Let's go over some of the key differences between the two.
Full spectrum CBD includes everything that is found in the plant. Terpenes, cannabinoids, and THC (for hemp-based CBD products, legally the THC cannot exceed 0.3%). The full spectrum will have the strongest "entourage effect." With full spectrum, you need to be mindful that there are trace amounts of THC in the plant, which can build up over time and may show up on a drug test if you're tested.
The broad-spectrum is similar to full spectrum but lacks the trace amounts of THC. You'll still achieve the entourage effect, but it will be less intense. If you want CBD with terpenes and cannabinoids like CBN and CBG, but also don't want any THC in your product, broad-spectrum CBD might be for you.
Understanding the amount of CBD in a product is crucial for determining its potency and aligning it with your wellness goals. CBD labels typically indicate the total CBD content in the entire package as well as the CBD content per serving. This information is vital for dosing correctly and safely, especially for those new to using CBD products.
When reading a CBD label, it's essential to understand the difference between total CBD content and CBD per serving. This distinction is a fundamental aspect of CBD 101.
Understanding this distinction is crucial in grasping CBD terminology and ensuring you're consuming the right amount of CBD for your needs. It's the first step in becoming proficient in reading a CBD label and effectively using CBD products.
Calculating the appropriate dosage requires a clear understanding of the serving size indicated on CBD product labels. Here's a step-by-step guide to make this easier:
Apart from CBD, product labels often list various other ingredients that can significantly affect your experience. Understanding these components is a vital part of CBD 101. These might include carrier oils, flavors, herbs, or other additives that enhance the product's effectiveness or taste. However, some of these ingredients might also be allergens or substances you wish to avoid.
Here are some typical additives you might encounter:
As part of your journey of learning CBD product label terminology, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with these ingredients, as they are integral components of CBD product labels. However, that’s not the end.
Understanding CBD also involves being aware of potential allergens and additives in CBD products. This knowledge is essential, particularly for users with specific dietary restrictions or allergies. Here's why it's important:
One often overlooked aspect when reading a CBD label is the manufacturing date. This date is a crucial piece of information for anyone invested in understanding CBD and ensuring the quality of their CBD products. The manufacturing date gives you an idea of how fresh the product is, which can be important for maintaining its potency and efficacy.
This date is not just a random piece of information; it directly impacts the potency and effectiveness of the CBD product.
Being adept at reading a CBD label involves more than just understanding CBD; it includes making informed decisions based on the manufacturing date.
Here’s how to use this information:
There are tons of companies out there that make CBD products, so why should you choose South Tip?
You go online or enter a grocery store and see a bunch of CBD products on the shelves. They’re all screaming “highest grade, organic, 100% pure CBD,” so how do you know which one to choose? Are they all just marketing keywords designed to sell more products or do some brands really stand out from others?
To make things even more complicated, CBD falls under different regulations in almost every US state or country worldwide, leaving you confused when you’re trying to get to the bottom of it. The bottom line: quality matters. It really matters.
Poor quality CBD can cause negative side effects in your body, from digestive discomfort, nausea, and vomiting, to diarrhea and overall inflammation. Especially since some of these products may contain toxic ingredients such as heavy metals, artificial thinning or thickening agents, a variety of different pesticides, solvent residues, and artificial flavoring. Not to mention, the flavor oil they might be adding can be full of toxins as well. That’s why it’s crucial to know the quality of your CBD oil or product before consuming it.
COA stands for Certificate of Analysis and it’s a third-party report that shows what’s inside your CBD product. It tests a batch and shows whether it’s pure or has some additional ingredients, fillers, solvents, or contaminants. Every CBD company should be able to display (at the very least) a batch code on their products that consumers can look up results on their website.
Even without adding any ingredients to the mix, hemp can easily absorb substances and toxins from the soil which can then contaminate the batch and impair the quality of your product. Additionally, certain extraction methods companies use can leave chemical residue and toxic waste, contaminating the plant.
That’s why we’re so proud to state that each and every one of our products has a COA, ensuring its quality, purity, and potency. You always know what you’re getting. We have our COA displayed on every product in the form of a QR code making it easy for you to spot and acknowledge. All of our COA reports can easily be found on this page, organized by product type. Reputable companies will not bury their COAs. If a company makes it difficult for you to find the COA results, they have something to hide. Usually this means that the report found a discrepancy of potency, toxins, artificial ingredients, or other substances that shouldn’t be there, and having you read the report will automatically deter you from buying it.
Sometimes, the brand will have the COA displayed in hopes no one will actually take the time to read it. We encourage consumers to actually read it, because simply having the QR code on the back of their product packaging does not automatically mean their product is clean.
When reading the report, here are a few important things to look for:
In many cases, the potency listed on the label doesn’t correlate to the COA. Missing or incorrect cannabinoid concentrations mean that the brand in question doesn’t have regulated manufacturing processes and that’s a major red flag.
With any manufacturing process, there will be discrepancies batch to batch. They key is knowing the company values. South Tip always aims to be within 5% of the potency on the label. In the example below, you can see that our testing was within 0.4% of what was stated on the label!
We’ve mentioned the COA and how important it is to: first, see the QR code on the package, and second, also read the actual report. Except for potential toxins, the actual dosages and potency of cannabinoids are the most important value to look for. Especially if you’re looking at full-spectrum CBD that contains up to 0.3% THC–studies show how only 31% of products are actually labeled correctly.
Another important aspect of CBD products is having the contact information or location of manufacturing displayed on the bottle. If there’s no way to find information about their manufacturing process on their products or on their website, it’s a major red flag because there’s no way to know how they extract CBD and what kind of safe processes they apply.
Buying CBD shouldn’t be like getting your groceries. It’s a process that requires a little bit of research and work from your end. Always read labels, go through the COA, look for reviews and testimonials, and check the additional information to ensure you’re not getting a poor-quality CBD oil which will not only make you spend money on falsely advertised products but also potentially cause you harm in the process.
CBD products bring on a variety of different experiences and effects. While some prefer CBD smokables and topicals, others reach for the gummies and love the long-lasting effects they provide.
CBD gummies are edible products including CBD, also known as ingestibles or edibles. They are the easiest and usually the most discreet way to enjoy CBD. If the gummies are made properly, the dosing is quite consistent. However, since they have to pass through your digestive system, it does take a little longer for you to feel the effects.
That being said, most people report their effects to be longer lasting than tinctures and topicals, potentially due to their slower release and exit from your body’s system. They are a great option for someone who is new to the cannabidiol world and wanting to experience this powerful compound for the first time.
CBD is usually used by those who have anxiety and depression. It is helpful in lowering stress levels and overall inflammation, and can be a powerful addition for someone with insomnia or other sleep issues. Unfortunately, there are no officially regulated CBD edibles on the market, so it’s important you do your research when choosing the brands you’re going to buy from.
Our gummies are 100% infused as we NEVER take shortcuts when creating our products. We’re just as proud of our gummies as we are of our topicals and pre-rolled smokables. Our gummies are made in-house from scratch, so we’re overseeing every part of the production process. All of our ingredients are precisely measured so you get the same dose of CBD with every single gummy.
We are also proud to say our gummies taste delicious as the team spent months perfecting the recipe and honestly– they're hard to resist. We have a variety of different options of CBD gummies you can choose from, all with different effects, characteristics, and flavor options.
These gummies contain only pure CBD and come with 25mg per serving. They are 100% infused and made from scratch, containing only the highest quality ingredients. They come in the berry bliss flavor and many people report it being their favorite gummy. This is a great option for beginners who want to start exploring the world of cannabinoids and test out the experience.
These CBD + CBG gummies pack 25 milligrams (mg) of CBD and 25 mg of CBG in one gummy. CBG, or cannabigerol, is known as the mother of all cannabinoids and it is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that won’t get you high, but it will help reduce your stress levels and provide relief when you feel overwhelmed. We always recommend CBG for those that experience mental stress or have a hard time winding down after a rough day at work.
Our oil is 100% full-spectrum distillate, providing the famous entourage effect. All of our ingredients are clean and vegan, making them suitable for almost everyone. The elderflower flavor makes it not too sweet, but also mouthwateringly tasty!
Our popular Delta 8 gummies are once again, made completely from scratch and in-house so we can ensure that the dosing is precise and exact. Each gummy contains 25 mg of Delta 8 and comes in two delicious flavors: mango and berry bliss.
Delta 8 is different from other hemp-based cannabinoids because it does provide a euphoric effect similar to THC. It’s also known as "weed light" or "diet THC" as it is the perfect middle ground between CBD and THC, offering the best of both worlds.
That being said, Delta 8 can still be very intense for those who have not tried D8 or THC before. These gummies might not be the best option for beginners; for beginners we always recommend a tincture since you can better customize the dosing (think low and slow!) with the dropper.
Why would someone use CBD gummies instead of tinctures or smokables? Gummies are mostly popular for their delicious flavor which make taking CBD easy and convenient. Not everyone is interested in smoking, and tinctures require some basic measuring.
Additionally, CBD gummies are discreet so you can take them without having to explain yourself and in a lot of professional settings.
CBD gummies are usually used by those with anxiety, depression, high stress levels, or those that want to improve their mood. Furthermore, they are loved for their long-lasting effects and positive influence on insomnia and other sleeping issues, helping you sleep longer and better through the night.
Many people struggle with being in the present moment, whether it’s during their workday, having drinks with friends, or when you're in shavasana. Your constantly running mind is not allowing you to fully breathe; you're too focused on worrying about the next 10 steps or items on your to-do list.
CBD has shown great results in helping you relax and ease worry and anxiety, and it’s when you connect it to something equally as effective as yoga, that you can feel their synergy and reap all the benefits.
You’ve probably heard the saying “stress is the silent killer” multiple times in your life. Most likely, you’ve connected it to work and finances. What about your day-to-day stressors like missing your alarm and running late, traffic jams, or relationship issues? These are all situations that raise our stress hormones, causing our body to be in constant alert mode.
When this constant stress turns chronic, that’s when we start feeling overwhelmed and under a lot of pressure, with an inability to fully focus on the task at hand. Sometimes, it can lead to very shallow breathing and potentially peak as something more serious and scary like an anxiety attack.
Even though getting to the point of an anxiety attack builds up over time, the more we allow for stress to govern our lives, the greater the possibility of experiencing it. Stress and anxiety may be two different things, but they show up in our bodies in almost the same way. They’re both powerfully emotional and mental reactions in the human body that have a strong impact on our health and wellbeing, causing inflammation and lowering the function of our immune system.
Stress may be triggered by an outside situation or event, but anxiety builds from the inside, exacerbated by a stressful or traumatic event. When we don’t know how to deal with these strong experiences, we allow them to wreak havoc on our entire system.
Studies have shown the potential of CBD in helping ease anxiety and reduce stress, and it’s one of the main reasons people use it in today's world. When we should be relaxing and unwinding is when we’re struggling the most, and it shows up in our sleep quality and other relaxing activities such as yoga.
Many people use CBD to help them sleep better and studies show how it has a positive effect on insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder, and excessive daytime sleepiness disorder. Those who take CBD on the regular really do experience improved sleep quality and duration, with reduced restlessness and insomnia, and a greater ability to fall back asleep once they’ve awoken.
That’s why we’re seeing more and more CBD consumers using this wonderful plant-based compound for other relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, and even Netflix and chill.
The main components of yoga can be divided into physical and mental. The physical aspect involves the actual movement and asanas, some of which you hold for longer periods of time and some of which you move through, allowing for the flow to generate through your body and move energy in a positive way.
The goal of the physical is to cleanse the body and clear the mind, leaving nothing but a healthy environment for energy to freely flow. This is further stimulated by a hot room as a novelty that was introduced to yoga in early 1970. As a practice, yoga has been around for thousands of years, helping cleanse the body to access the spiritual and mental components.
Even if you’re not in it for the mental clarity, it’s one of the unintentional side effects you are bound to experience. If you really focus on staying in the present moment by allowing yourself to fully breathe, you will find the relaxation so intoxicating, it brings you back on your mat session after session.
CBD can help you relax and ease the anxiety that accompanies you to class. It can help prepare you for your practice and allow you to focus on your breath to guide you through the poses. You'll be able to feel your shoulders finally relax and the space between your eyebrows lose tension.
It can also help reduce pain and inflammation, so if you’re doing yoga with the goal of increasing your flexibility, mobility, and easing painful joints, CBD can be a very efficient ally in helping you combat these uncomfortable sensations.
Lastly, it may help increase your serotonin levels and prolong the moments of peace and bliss once you’re in your shavasana. Shavasana is a pose you’re supposed to completely relax in and let go. Let go of expectations, let go of your to-do list, let go of stress, and even let go of the physically demanding class you just had.
Instead, when we’re stressed out and anxious, it’s a moment when everything comes flooding in, becoming extremely overwhelming and sometimes leading to intense emotions. That’s where CBD can be effective, helping you turn your focus to your breathing, sense what’s happening in your body at any given moment, and allow yourself to feel heavy on your mat like you’ll melt into the ground.
Yoga and CBD have the same goal in mind but work through different mediums. Using them together can really allow you to find some peace and relaxation, reduce your stress and anxiety, and calm down the racing mind allowing you to breathe deep into your belly and recharge your batteries for whatever happens next.
What type of CBD product you’ll go for depends on your experience, tolerance, and preference, but if you’ve never tried yoga with CBD before, start with a small sublingual dose and slowly increase over time or as needed.
