Did you know scientists have isolated over 500 compounds in the cannabis plant? Of these substances, over 100 are phytocannabinoids (often shortened to “cannabinoids”). Among these is cannabidiol (CBD), one of the most well-known and researched cannabinoids.
While there are three primary types of CBD, they share similar benefits. However, they also have pros and cons over the others. Which one to choose depends on what you want to use CBD products for in the first place.
This guide discusses CBD types and when to consider using them, so read on.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is an extract that comes from the entire cannabis plant. It contains all the compounds naturally found in the plant. These include essential oils, terpenes, flavonoids, and other types of cannabinoids, like THC.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the cannabis plant’s primary psychoactive compound. This is why full-spectrum, hemp-derived CBD products can only legally contain up to 0.3% THC. This psychoactivity also sets CBD vs. THC apart, as CBD doesn’t cause a “high.”
While THC gets a bad rap due to its mind-altering effects, users and studies claim it has health benefits. For instance, like CBD, it may help with pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
Since full-spectrum CBD contains all cannabis compounds, it may bring more benefits. This may occur due to the theory known as the “entourage effect.” It suggests the plant’s compounds work best together and enhances each other’s effects.
So if you’d like to see how the entourage effect works, you might want to consider full-spectrum CBD. But first, find a reputable source that carries out laboratory tests on all its products. CBDistillery, Kanibi, and Lucky Farms are some examples of such companies.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is almost like full-spectrum CBD, except it has little to no THC. Some products have no traceable THC, while others have less than 0.3%. However, it has all the other compounds of the cannabis plant, minus the psychoactive.
Broad-spectrum CBD may be an ideal choice if you’d like to try more than CBD but are uncomfortable with THC.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is the purest cannabidiol product; it only contains CBD, nothing else. It’s available in crystalline form, hence its other name, “CBD crystal.” However, it’s also common for manufacturers to grind the crystals and sell them as powders.
Most CBD isolates come from hemp plants with little THC content (often less than 0.3%). Thus, by using hemp, manufacturers can rest assured of the purity of their products.
So if you’d like to avoid THC at all costs but still want to test CBD, go with CBD isolate. Plus, it doesn’t smell or taste like anything, although some products have flavorings. By contrast, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD carry an earthy-like odor and taste.
Consider Trying All Types of CBD
Remember: Of the three types of CBD, isolate or crystal is the purest form, containing only CBD. By contrast, broad- and full-spectrum have other compounds.
So as a first-time user, consider sticking to cannabidiol isolate first. Then, once you’re ready to try other cannabis compounds, go with broad- or full-spectrum CBD.
For more tips, check out our guide discussing CBD gummies for anxiety and stress!
