Today we have a long line of mainstream CBD products with alleged health benefits.
That’s because the contemporary CBD hype has rapidly shaken off the traditional stoner connotations and gowned itself in wellness outfit.
Some of these products, however, just sound eccentric.
A curious thing happened while I was researching the market to find the most unusual CBD products.
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As I delved into research, my list kept growing. Everything seemed weird. But after I reached the number 30, I realized I had to make a selection. Not everything was equally wacky.
I’m sharing this experience because I think it reflects how we perceive new products as a society: after a while, the bizarreness starts to fade, and we take it as completely normal to have a, let’s say, CBD hair drier.
Jokes aside (there really is no such thing – yet), the strict elimination process has left me with 10 products that are the very cream of the crop of weirdness.
Is there any science behind these unusual CBD products?
Before we get down to the list itself, there are a few things you should know, especially if you are thinking about buying some of these products.
Namely, CBD is a highly beneficial compound. With more and more studies being published each year, it’s safe to say that scientists are just starting to recognize the true scope of its therapeutic value.
But most of them are skeptical when it comes down to mainstream products:
“There are no observational studies about the lower-dose products people are taking right now. We have no idea how much they’re taking and why they’re taking it.”, said Dr. Chandni Hindocha, a research fellow with University College London, for The Guardian.
The problem lies in the discrepancy between the doses used in clinical trials and those that can be found in commercial products. Scientists usually use much higher doses of CBD and do so by injecting it directly into the bloodstream.
Now, there are, of course, other efficient ways of CBD administration and each has its own specific pharmacokinetics (the way it is absorbed and metabolized in our body). You can use inhalation, edibles, topicals, or CBD oils which you apply sublingually.
Having said that, I’m not sure how you could benefit from sleeping in CBD-infused bed sheets, to state just one example from my list. I’m not familiar with any research behind this product, nor am I sure that it is possible to absorb CBD this way.
To conclude my criticizing humdrum, it all comes down to doing your research before buying any CBD product, as some might not offer the value promised in their price.
List of the weirdest CBD products
Without any further ado, here are our odd birds:
CBD Toilet Paper
This was my absolute favorite, a weirdness at first sight.
However, I nearly scratched it off the list when I learned more about it. Namely, it is not a CBD product that aims to provide health benefits, but a more environmentally sustainable way of producing toilet paper.
Because hemp fibers are biodegradable, renewable, and economical, they provide an eco-friendly alternative to tissues made from trees. Not to mention the positive impact this line of production could have on saving forests.
Though the product is not really meant to do any medical wonders with its CBD ingredient, it is definitely purposeful and innovative, so I decided to keep it on the list.
CBD Suppositories
Also known as “weed tampons”, CBD suppositories might sound like a good idea, especially when we know that vaginal and rectal areas are highly absorbent due to the thick network of blood vessels.
The companies that produce them claim they can help with any type of pelvic pain, vaginal dryness, and fungal infections.
At the same time, many predict bright future for CBD suppositories, and expect them to be “the next big thing”.
However, some scientists have their portion of doubt: “There still needs to be formal testing done to confirm safety, side effects and adequate dosing,” said gynecologist Dr. Farid Abdel Hadi for Global News.
The bottom line is that you should always consult your gynecologist or urologist before applying anything in that sensitive area, especially if you are pregnant or on any other medications.
CBD Toothpaste
While CBD’s anti-inflammatory and protective properties could have a significant role in oral care, many still wonder whether we really need a CBD toothpaste.
Just like with the suppositories, it sounds like a good idea, but there is no scientific evidence behind it. Nor are we sure it is really a better option than applying this precious cannabinoid as oil, by rubbing it directly onto gums.
Meanwhile, our third CBD weirdo found its way to the market, promising improved teeth enamel, healthier gums, brighter teeth, and cavity reduction.
It might be worth a try if you’re experiencing oral health issues, but be sure to consult your dentist first.
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CBD Toothpicks
If we look at our next item, it will be clear that the oral care industry is determined to join the contemporary CBD hype.
If we doubt the need for a CBD toothpaste, what can we say about toothpicks?
They are small, portable, and discreet. All you have to do is suck or chew them for as long as the manufacturer recommends, thus absorbing the oil they were dipped in.
In short, cute little CBD misfits.
CBD Bath Bomb
If this list were a competition, the CBD Bath Bomb would win in the category for the most beautiful design. Its floral arrangement is reminiscent of the Woodstock era and simply spells relaxing enjoyment all over the product.
I’m not so sure about the chemistry of it all, but combining CBD and warm water doesn’t seem harmful. It is said to relax the muscles, reduce pain, and nourish the skin.
If you had a bad day at work, perhaps this CBD bomb could actually help.
CBD Mascara
The vast majority of CBD products on my initial list were CBD beauty products. There were so many of them that they didn’t sound all that weird anymore, so I erased most of them.
It seems that the beauty industry is all in the CBD trend.
However, I did decide to keep a mascara among CBD odd birds, even though there is no evidence that this compound can provoke a magical transformation of your lashes.
CBD Hand Sanitizer
The same applies to the CBD-infused hand sanitizer. I’m not doubting its ability to sanitize our hands on the go, but I am wondering if they’ve just added CBD into the formula to make a price go up?
And if so, should we try it out?
CBD-Infused Workout Gear (that goes hand-in-hand with CBD yoga classes)
The new trend of infusing clothes with CBD uses “microencapsulation technology” to trap the particles of this compound and release them gradually during your workout.
It is supposed to reduce inflammation and soreness before the workout even starts (although scientists are not sure this is a good idea).
If you want to be the judge, you’ll have to pay a pretty penny.
CBD Bed Sheets
Since CBD is praised for successfully fighting anxiety and insomnia, it was only a matter of time when it will crawl into our beds.
And it did.
The CEO of a company producing CBD-infused bed sheets explained that it was necessary for them to follow up on a new trend.
CBD Love Potions and Sexual Aids
According to the newest headlines, CBD has crawled into our beds with one more mission: to spice up our sex lives. There is a myriad of options out there: massage lotions, love potions, lubricants, passion pens, and even something that is called “sex chocolate beans”.
There’s a funny thing here: although gynecologists recommend caution with suppositories, it seems that sexologists enthusiastically prescribe CBD for spicing up our beds.
And if the experts are referring to suppositories as the “next big thing”, who knows what CBD has in store for our passionate experiences?
Final thoughts: where there is a demand for wacky products, there will be a supply
I would like to conclude with a disclaimer. My intention was not to diminish any brand (that’s why I didn’t mention any names), nor to dismiss any product as inefficient.
I was only dazzled by a variety of CBD choices out there.
All in all, our oddballs wouldn’t survive the fierce market if people didn’t buy them. Maybe the reason for their popularity lies in anecdotal evidence, the placebo effect, or efficient branding strategies.
Or maybe they really help? Share your experience with us, so we can find the answers together.