Types of CBD: Everything You Need To Know

Marijuana products keep getting more and more popular, especially with the legalizing of this plant in US states and other countries. CBD has been a big hit among consumers for years.

If you’d like to jump on board and try cannabidiol products, it’s imperative to get your facts straight first before you visit a local dispensary. This guide discusses different types of CBD and explains the potential benefits and drawbacks. Keep reading to learn how to choose the most suitable CBD type for your needs!

What Is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid found in the marijuana plant. This compound is only one from over 100 cannabinoids but one capable of delivering many benefits.

The potential advantages of using CBD include:

• Pain relief (regardless of the pain type and cause)
• Relaxation, stress, and anxiety relief
• Promoted sleep quality
• Better digestion

Cannabidiol works by interacting with the organism’s endocannabinoid system. It binds to the receptors to secure various benefits.

The legality of CBD is directly related to the type of plant it is derived from. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD that is derived from hemp and has less than 0.3 percent THC content is federally legal. CBD products that are derived from the marijuana plant and have higher THC content are only legal in the states that have legalized cannabis use.

Different Types of CBD

Before we can discuss CBD types, let’s explain how to get cannabidiol from cannabis. Manufacturers use four different extraction approaches:

• CO2 extraction. The most common method is using carbon dioxide to extract CBD oil from the plant. CO2 helps to keep a high cannabidiol quantity after separation.
• Solvent extraction. Some manufacturers go with this method to alter the extract’s flavor. While it’s an effective approach, it requires caution because the solvent residue is a health hazard.
• Steam distillation. That approach requires using steam to extract CBD oil. While CO2 is more effective, distillation is simple to apply.
• Lipid extraction. It’s a new method that became popular to avoid using solvents or carbon dioxide.

After using these processes, you get full-spectrum cannabidiol. But we can divide all types of CBD into three categories – full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolates. Each class contains cannabidiol, and the difference lies in other compounds included. You can find detailed information on each type in the following sections.

Full Spectrum

The first of the three types of CBD is full-spectrum cannabidiol. It’s the substance you get after using the extraction processes mentioned above. Full-spectrum CBD doesn’t require additional processing. It got the name because it keeps all substances you find in the marijuana plant.

Full-spectrum cannabidiol contains:

• Cannabinoids. Although you’ll find over 100 compounds of this type, CBD and THC are crucial. Cannabidiol is the main substance, but the product also contains THC. That cannabinoid is specific for its psychoactive effects that could get you “high.”
• Terpenes. The experts believe marijuana has at least 150 terpenes. They influence the plant’s color and smell. Terpenes deliver different effects, such as providing relaxation and stress relief.
• Flavonoids. Aside from terpenes, flavonoids also aren’t specific only for cannabis. You’ll find them in other fruits and veggies. Depending on the flavonoid, it could have various health-boosting properties.

Why Full Spectrum CBD Oil Is a Good Choice

Full-spectrum CBD oil is the easiest to make, so most manufacturers offer it. It depends on the brand and product specifics, but its price is often more affordable compared to other types of CBD.

Some experts believe you get the best cannabis benefits when using full-spectrum CBD. It’s because you use the complete potential of the plant. The compounds are allegedly most effective when working together.

The downside is the THC presence. In the US, it’s legal for CBD products to have up to 0.3% of THC. Those low amounts shouldn’t get you high, even if you are a first-time user. However, you can find different full-spectrum CBD products on the market. Apart from being psychoactive, the THC quantity even makes some full-spectrum products illegal in some states.

Broad Spectrum

Broad-spectrum CBD acquires additional processing to eliminate a major cannabinoid – THC. You won’t find THC in these CBD products since the manufacturers remove it completely.

However, it’s worth mentioning that other cannabis compounds are still present. That includes flavonoids and terpenes, although the structure depends on the strain.

Why Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Is a Good Choice

The main idea of a broad-spectrum CBD is to remove THC. It makes these products suitable for those afraid to consume the full-spectrum types because they worry about getting high. Although the lack of THC might lead to missing some euphoric effects, you can still count on other CBD benefits. That includes pain and stress relief, as well as a promoted optimal sleep pattern.

Isolate

If you are looking for the purest cannabidiol among all different types of CBD, go for its isolate. The word isolate indicates these products only contain CBD. Not only does it miss THC, but it also doesn’t have terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds.

Isolates are the crystal CBD form, and manufacturers often grind it to turn into a powder. You could call this a refined substance since it goes through additional processing after extracting CBD from the plant.

Why CBD Isolates Are a Good Choice

Isolates contain the highest CBD amount per unit. You should stick to reputable brands that have lab tests to confirm the substance’s purity. CBD isolates deliver a high level of effectiveness. They are suitable for users that aim for higher CBD doses daily. It doesn’t make them the best choice for beginners since experts recommend starting with low amounts.

Forms of CBD Products

You are now familiar with various CBD types, but are there different kinds of CBD products? You can find cannabidiol in many marijuana products. Here’s a brief overview to help you identify options that best fit your preference!

Smokables

Vape juices are the primary smokable option of using CBD. You need a vaporizer to inhale the substance. CBD smokables act quickly, and you’ll experience the effects in a couple of minutes. It’s important to follow instructions to avoid using too much daily, especially if you haven’t developed tolerance to marijuana products. We have prepared a guide on vaping CBD oil as well!

Topicals

A CBD topical is a solution you apply to the skin. It’s convenient since you don’t have to ingest it. The main purpose is to deliver pain relief to the localized areas. It acts immediately, but the effects last shorter than other product forms. Many athletes use it for strains and injuries. The products in this group range from creams and lotions to balms and ointments.

Oral

These are CBD products you ingest orally, and you can find a wide range of items available. You can try classic capsules but also go for edibles and juices. Desserts like gummies and candies are popular among users. You can experiment with many flavors, making oral CBD easy to consume. However, it could take up to two hours to experience cannabidiol effects after consuming it.