Anyone with an appropriate business license and the proper safety training can infuse the various types of CBD into chocolate, shampoo, bath salts, coffee, and even dog treats. Many of these products claiming that CBD can treat ailments ranging from nervous behavior to joint issues. But, with the diversity of the products available on the market, how do you know which type is best for your needs?
It’s easy for consumers to get confused when they’re faced with such a vast selection of products. Many people don’t even know that there are different types of CBD extract! In this article, we’ll aim to educate you on the mumbo jumbo you might read on product labels. There is a large difference between full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. If you know what to look for, your CBD experience will be all the better!
Table of Contents
What is CBD?
CBD is an all-natural compound that comes from hemp. It helps people relax and provides balancing effects to the body. CBD is non-intoxicating, so you don’t have to worry about it getting you high.
Why Do People Use CBD?
People use CBD for several reasons! CBD can help uplift your mood, ease physical discomfort, or boost your appetite. Since CBD is naturally calming, some people may use it to get a good night’s rest. You can even apply the compound topically to soothe minor skin irritations.
Unlike its cousin, THC, CBD does not directly bind to cannabinoid receptors, so it doesn’t produce intoxicating effects. CBD advocates claim that it can treat a wide variety of ailments, including, but not limited to:
- Nervousness
- Chronic soreness
- Low mood
- Skin blemishes
- Sleeplessness
- Muscle spasms
- Stomach issues
What Types of CBD Are There?
A simple question with a simple answer There are three different types of CBD available today: Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. The difference between the three lies in the percentage of THC, terpenes, and other cannabinoids present in the CBD.
For CBD newcomers, we understand that it is easy to mix up terms and end up all turned around when deciding what type of CBD is best for you. But worry not, we’re here to help! Below is a brief description of the three types of CBD that you’ll run into as you navigate your way through the beautiful world of cannabidiol.
Full Spectrum
Full-spectrum CBD extracts retain a complete profile of beneficial terpenes and cannabinoids from hemp. Often referred to as “whole-plant CBD,” a full-spectrum CBD product will contain minimal amounts of THC, but no more than 0.3%, which is not enough to get you high.
Broad Spectrum
Broad-spectrum CBD products are just like full spectrum, minus the THC. They lie in the middle between full-spectrum and isolate CBD.
Broad-spectrum starts as full-spectrum oil, offering the full range of beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes. It is then put through a refinement process that removes all the THC. The end product is THC-free CBD oil that retains its natural terpenes and other cannabinoids.
If you want to avoid THC for personal reasons, or maybe you have to take a drug test for work, then broad spectrum is the way to go.
Isolate
Isolate are a type of CBD that’s isolated (unbelievable, we know) from the rest of the cannabinoids and other compounds in the cannabis plant. In other words, it’s just CBD all by itself.
After being extracted and separated from the rest of the compounds in the plant, the CBD oil is then put through a winterization process. A manufacturer mixes the oil into ethanol and chills the mixture to separate the cannabinoids, terpenes, and waxes from the CBD. This process removes all the compounds from the oil, leaving behind pure CBD concentrate. The winterization process creates a product that typically tests as high as 99% pure CBD.
So, why choose isolate? Since CBD isolate contains no other compounds, it’s pretty much flavorless. This makes it perfect for mixing into your favorite foods and beverages! You can have fun making a mess in your kitchen preparing CBD-infused meals with isolate concentrate.
What Types of CBD Products Are Available?
There are CBD products to suit every lifestyle and need! In recent years, CBD has spiked in popularity because of its sensational soothing properties. Even your grandma may have some CBD stored in her bathroom cabinet!
But, the sheer quantity of available products within the CBD market can potentially overwhelm consumers who are just starting out on their CBD journey. Let’s break down the selection.
Ingestible
Put simply, to ingest CBD is to swallow a CBD product. Generally, this type of product will either come in the form of a pill, soft gel, gummy, or other edible.
When consuming CBD this way, the molecules first travel through your digestive system, then continue onto the liver, where they are broken down. This process is called the “first-pass metabolism.”
Once the CBD has been metabolized, the remaining compounds enter the bloodstream, resulting in a lower bioavailability. All this means is that your body takes in a bit less CBD. Despite this, consuming CBD in this way lasts longer than any other method. Popular ingestible products include:
- Capsules
- Gummies
- Brownies
- Honey Sticks
- Lollipops
Sublingual
This method is commonly known as the “sublingual application” application. For this application, you drop CBD oil underneath your tongue and hold it there for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing.
Once under your tongue, the mucous membranes and fine branching blood vessels in your mouth absorb the CBD. It enters the bloodstream directly, eventually finding its way to the endocannabinoid system.
This method of taking CBD ranks among the highest bioavailability in comparison to other forms of application. This is because the CBD molecules are sent directly into the bloodstream through the mouth’s mucous membranes.
If you’re looking for a quick CBD boost, sublingual application is the way to go. You’ll feel effects in 15-25 minutes, and they can last for three to six hours. The following are some examples of sublingual CBD products:
- CBD Oil
- Oral Spray
Topical
CBD topical products are a minimally invasive way for CBD newcomers (and long-time consumers) to ease mild physical discomfort. Topical CBD doesn’t have to travel throughout the body to work. These products are unique because they act on the specific body part you apply them to rather than being metabolized through your whole body.
When you apply topical CBD, it absorbs into your pores and epidermis, where it begins to work with the cannabinoid receptors found in the skin. Though CBD topicals have low bioavailability, they work fast! You can feel relief in as soon as five minutes, and the effects will last up to four hours. Here are some of the most common types of topical CBD products:
- CBD Body Lotion
- Lip Balms
- Hand Sanitizer
- CBD Salve
Vape
Through the magic of technology, many people have recently turned to vapes and e-cigarettes, using the device as a vessel for various smokeable products, including CBD. Vaping heats a liquid substance until it becomes aerosolized, allowing it to be inhaled by the consumer. The experience you will have is determined by what liquid you choose to put in your vape.
For example, some folks simply use a non-addictive flavoring liquid so they can enjoy the flavored vapor! And while CBD has become an ideal choice for many seeking soothing relief, consumers can also add other cannabinoids to their vape pen. When you vape CBD, you can feel effects instantly!
RELATED: How to Make Vape Juice From CBD Isolate
Suppositories
Suppositories are CBD-infused products made for vaginal or anal use. They are small round or bullet-shaped tabs that you can easily slide into your body. They’re often coated with gelatin or another ingredient (like cocoa butter) for painless insertion.
People may use vaginal suppositories to reduce pain during sex. Anal suppositories send CBD to your whole system, and they’re an option for those who can’t take CBD orally or through inhalation. Once inside the body, the suppositories dissolve and are absorbed into your bloodstream.
Uncommon CBD Products
For as young of an industry as it is, the CBD field has seen a genuinely staggering transformation. At the industry’s conception, CBD tinctures cornered the market as the industry standard. In time, topicals and capsules crept into the picture. Now, the CBD market seems nearly infinite, and you can find several types of CBD products ranging from shampoo to pillows!
As the industry continues to grow, more unique CBD items will continue to pop up on the market. We went ahead and compiled a list so you can take a quick look at some of the more innovative CBD products you might encounter!
- Toothpaste
- Pillows
- Sugar
- Shampoo
- Toothpicks
- Candles
- Blankets
Final Thoughts – Types of CBD
With so many types of CBD and CBD products on the market, being in the dark about how your products are made can make you feel lost or overwhelmed.
To quickly recap, isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum are the three types of CBD extract you should watch for. They’re each created through a different process, and each provides varying benefits and results. After reading through, we hope you feel ready to make safe and informed decisions while shopping for CBD.
