There are many different types of CBD products on the market, making it more difficult for consumers to know which one to choose.
To understand the different types of CBD oil, it’s important to understand what cannabinoids are.
Within the cannabis plant, there are several cannabinoids. Among these are CBD and THC, in addition to hundreds of others such as CBG, CBN, etc. These cannabinoids work together to enhance the benefits of each other, and each provides different benefits. For example, THC has been shown in research to be most beneficial for pain, whereas CBD has been shown to be beneficial for anxiety, epilepsy, and general inflammation.
There are typically three types of products on the market. Isolate, broad spectrum, and full spectrum.
CBD Isolate
This is the purest form of CBD which is produced by removing all the other compounds found in the plant, including terpenes, flavonoids, plant parts, and other cannabinoids (all of which have been shown to be beneficial for health).
CBD Full-spectrum
This extract contains all compounds found naturally occurring in the plant, including essential oils, other cannabinoids, and terpenes. These components of the plant work together to create what we call the “entourage effect”, enhancing the benefits of each individual cannabinoid. Research has shown that when subjects are given full spectrum CBD products, they received higher levels of relief.
CBD Broad Spectrum
Broad spectrum is the middle man of isolate and full-spectrum. It often contains some of the beneficial components such as other cannabinoids and maybe even added terpenes, but the THC is often removed. The idea behind taking this type is that you can get the benefits of the entourage effect, without the “high” from the THC.
What Type Should You Use?
It is very individualized, but we know that the full-spectrum contains more beneficial compounds if you don’t mind the THC. It’s important to ask the company for the certificate of analysis in order to ensure that the THC is below the legal limit if you are looking to avoid unwanted side-effects of THC such as drowsiness or have to abide by certain legal regulations. Broad spectrum is a great way to get many of the benefits without worrying about the THC- assuming the company is reputable and they can provide the certificate of analysis to ensure your product is free of THC.
Other Things To Consider
Different methods of taking CBD require different amounts of time to take effect.
Capsules and edibles have the slowest onset because they have to go through the entire digestive process.
Inhalation methods are virtually instantaneous, but come with side effects of inhalation into the lungs.
The fastest absorption method is placing CBD tinctures under your tongue.
I offer free consultations for anyone that is looking to find the right product for them and always provide a certificate of analysis for any of my products. To book a free call, use the link here and we can chat!