When my nine-year-old autistic son weighing 106 lbs started showing aggression and failing to sleep through the night for weeks in a row, I decided that it was time to introduce CBD into his life. Not because he was not a baby anymore to take it, but because I ran out of vitamins and herbs that could give him to make him chill again as he used to. As a proponent of non-traditional medicine, I started researching the best CBD gummy available on the market. The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 legalized the farming of industrial hemp, which contains less than 0.3% THC (THC is the chemical in cannabis that gets people high). Dozens of CBD start-ups started flooding the market the same year, offering CBD in different shapes and forms - gummies, creams, oils, sprays - to bring physical and mental relief to millions of people.
When I started reading one site after another, I realized that it is very hard to choose the brand as each blogger got paid to advertise a specific name. How did I narrow it down to the brand I use today?
I looked for a personal story. That captivating, emotional story that tells me why this gal or guy ( aka founder) entered this business. Were they in pain, or were they attracted by the possibility of making $$$? By reading the story and seeing the founder in action ( videos, photos), I connected with the brand more and gave it an extra point in the trust category. A story that has no name and no image is a red flag. No Story, just close the browser.
Founders/brands that give back and use their resources sustainably take another credit from me. They show that they take an extra step to fulfill their role as the citizens of this planet and the human beings who care.
Third-party lab results. Do not settle on a promise alone. Look for brands that provide lab results on their website.
Extensive FAQ. As a first-time user of CBD, you may have tons of questions. Look for brands that have a list of answers for you. The minimalistic and cute visuals of a gummy bottle were not enough for me. It's cool you have it that pretty but give me facts. I need to know you know what you are selling. I love minimalism, but I need to see data.
Data on quality of hemp, growth conditions, locations etc. The more you know where your gummy originated, the more confident you feel in buying the brand.
Finally, obviously, you will try to look for the best organic value. I priced a few top advertised brands, and they all come to be more or less the same. Some sell higher dosage; others will stick with low but the price per 10 mg will be very close.
Lastly, how many times did you come across an article that showcased the positive case of CBD and a small ending paragraph that said that CBD's use is still a gray area and it may have unknown side effects? Your pediatrician will most likely recommend not using it or being very cautious with it. Whichever their answer is, you are your child's best friend, caregiver, and doctor. Not that I urge you to make serious medical decisions but do what your inner gut tells you. I started my son on 10 mg a day, closely monitoring for any weird reaction. Always start small, cutting the offered dosage in half or even 2/3, and then gradually increase if needed. You may need to try different brands before you land on something that actually makes a positive change in your child's behavior. Follow the news for new research updates, and remember that you are doing a great job. Being a parent is already a huge task; caring for an autistic child is a triple challenge. Help your child as much as you can so that when they are happy, you can take a break and breathe.
Thank you for reading!
The info provided is self- expression of the author and is not intended to be taken as a medical advice. Stay sound and safe!
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