Breaking Down the Different Types of CBD

By Health

If you’re looking to try CBD (or even buy it yourself) for the first time, the shop might be a little overwhelming. There is a large variety of types and forms of CBD that you’ll be confronted with at the store, and if you don’t know what everything means, it’ll be hard to figure out what will work best for your needs.

The Three Types of CBD

There are three types of CBD that you’ll see when looking to make your purchase. It’s important to know the differences, so you know that you’re buying exactly what you’re looking for.

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD has all aspects of the cannabis plant in it. This includes THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. Full-spectrum CBD is often considered the premium product and is the most powerful of the three different types. The different aspects work together to have what is commonly known as the “entourage effect.” This is a theory that all aspects of the cannabis plant work better together and therefore give you better results when taken at the same time.

If you’re looking to get the best results from your CBD, this is what you’re looking for. If you’re worried about experiencing intoxicating effects from your CBD, this is probably not the best option for you. You’ll want something that has a lower or no amount of THC, which the other two types are better for.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum CBD when it comes to having a majority of the cannabis plant in it (terpenes, flavonoids, etc.). The main difference is that broad-spectrum CBD only has trace amounts of THC in it or no THC at all. This difference leads it to be slightly less powerful than full-spectrum CBD, but it still has a chance to induce the entourage effect.

If you’re looking to avoid intoxicating effects from your CBD, this is a great choice. You are less likely to experience those from broad-spectrum CBD, though it is not guaranteed to have zero THC in it due to how it’s made. If you’re looking for something with no THC for certain, CBD isolate is what you’re looking for.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is just what it sounds like–the CBD is isolated from everything else. There are no other compounds from the cannabis plant included, which means the likelihood of experiencing the entourage effect is nonexistent because there are no other compounds to form the “entourage.” It also means you aren’t going to feel any of the intoxicating side effects that come from THC.

CBD isolate is the least powerful type of CBD that you can take. However, that does not mean that it doesn’t have its usefulness. Its impact is a bit more subtle and focuses on a small number of processes in your body, so if you’re looking for something with less noticeable effects, CBD isolate is great.

CBD’s Forms

Alongside the different types of CBD you’ll be looking at, there’s also a wide variety of ways you can ingest CBD. Each is slightly different, and each person has their own preference.

  • Edibles: These are most commonly gummies or brownies, though CBD can be infused into any type of food if you want. It takes a bit longer to feel the effects from them due to their having to pass through your digestive system, but they also last longer in your body for that same reason.
  • Capsules: These work the same as edibles, except you’re not eating the fun treat alongside your CBD. Treating your CBD like medicine and swallowing a pill is great for some people, but if you have issues with pills, you should choose another form.
  • Oils and Tinctures: You can either drop the desired amount underneath your tongue and hold it there while it sinks in or swallow it. The effects tend to be felt faster but last a shorter amount of time compared to other methods. However, if you don’t like the taste of CBD, this probably isn’t the form for you.
  • Topicals: These are ointments, creams, and other items that you apply directly to your skin for the CBD to sink in and take effect. They’re great for localized pain relief.
  • Vape Liquids: There are a variety of ways that you can smoke CBD, similar to how you would smoke nicotine. This is a quick way to feel the effects of CBD, but the same risks to your lungs apply no matter what you smoke.