The world of cannabidiol (CBD) can feel overwhelming to newcomers. There are so many products available, from oils, tinctures, and salves, to patches and edibles. Not to mention all the sub-products in each of these categories! On top of that, you’ve got technical descriptions (including flavor and potency) to think about. To help you along the way and make sure you’re getting the right CBD, we’re breaking down the three types of CBD: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis. It’s one of around one hundred naturally occurring compounds (cannabinoids) derived from the stalks, flowers, and leaves of the hemp plant, a type of cannabis plant that contains mostly CBD (compared to its other cannabinoid content).
Unlike its cousin tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD doesn’t induce psychoactive effects; so it doesn’t make you high. Instead, it provides several health benefits. CBD is known to treat ailments such as:
●Epilepsy
●Seizures
●Anxiety
●Insomnia
●Chronic pain (e.g., inflammation, arthritis, neuropathic pain, etc.)
●Addiction
Is CBD Legal?
The legality of cannabis has always been in flux, with people arguing over the pros and cons of medical cannabis to this day. Some states have had medical cannabis available for years, but have only just recently approved the use of recreational cannabis - such as New York, who legalized cannabis only in March of 202.
As far as CBD goes, the consensus leans towards permittance. In 2018, the Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp nationwide; nowadays, CBD is available across the US, with all fifty states legalizing its use with varying degrees of restriction.
Three Types Of CBD
CBD is categorized into three types: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. These categories indicate the presence or absence of other hemp compounds alongside the CBD, specifically THC.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the components of the cannabis plant, including the full range of therapeutic cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and essential fatty acids. This means that it also contains THC, though often only amounts of 0.3% or less (or else it’s not allowed under the Farm Bill and is, therefore, illegal). Though this still can’t get you high, it might result in a false positive drug test if full-spectrum CBD is taken in high doses regularly.
Each of the components that come with full-spectrum CBD brings its own share of benefits. It’s believed that (as theorized in the “entourage effect”) if the compounds in the cannabis plant are taken together, there is a more potent effect and a higher level of relief amongst users.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is just like full-spectrum CBD, except the THC is removed entirely. Users can still enjoy all of CBD’s benefits with its cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and enzymes without any of the benefits or undesirable effects of THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD is extracted similarly to full-spectrum CBD, but the THC is later isolated and removed. This process can be very costly, driving up the prices of this type of CBD in the market.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. It doesn’t contain any other components of the cannabis plant, making it the safest bet for lots of people looking to enjoy the benefits of CBD alone. Though CBD isolate doesn’t induce the entourage effect, it’s still very beneficial and proven to be an effective option in all its forms.
How To Take CBD
CBD comes in many forms, making it accessible to people who prefer to use it in different ways. Generally, you can take CBD as:
●Oils and tinctures
●Pills and capsules
●Edibles
●Topicals
●Vape juice
You can find numerous forms of CBD to enjoy within the sub-products of each of these categories. You can even find CBD as bath bombs, baking powders, and even as CBD-infused sports bras!
What’s The Best Type Of CBD?
Each type of CBD provides its own set of benefits, and choosing the best type depends on several personal factors like your health and lifestyle. There’s no one-size-fits-all here, and it will likely take some cautious trial and error until you find the right type that works for you.