What Are the Different Types of CBD?

Like any popular product that hits the market, terms evolve as science advances. Companies clarify and diversify product offerings. So it’s no wonder that a market as rapidly growing as CBD would have a lot of terminologies to learn and understand– full-spectrum, Isolate, Broad Spectrum, tincture, concentrate. There are many types of CBD. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is CBD?

CBD is cannabidiol, one of many plant substances called cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. While you may think of marijuana when we say cannabis, realize that not all cannabis plants can get you high. Some, like hemp cannabis, are much higher in non psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD and have only trace amounts of THC, the cannabinoid that causes the “cannabis effect”.

Modern science can separate CBD and other substances from the plant to create the types of CBD. They can then add this CBD into products for different uses. Both anecdotal (based on personal experiences) and some scientific evidence show that CBD may have certain benefits such as:

  • Reducing inflammation
  • Decreasing anxiety symptoms
  • Modulating pain
  • Improving sleep

Types of CBD by Composition

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is pure CBD extracted from a cannabis plant using a safe chemical reaction. It usually comes in a flavorless powder, making it ideal for food and drinks where even a subtle cannabis flavor might detract. People also use isolates when they need to take a precise dose of CBD, often for medicinal purposes.

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-Spectrum CBD is usually produced using CO2 extraction to remove the beneficial plant substances from the plant matter. This retains many other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and chlorophyll found naturally in the plant. Many of these other plant substances have their own potential health benefits and may enhance the effects of CBD through what is commonly known as the “entourage effect“.

It’s important to note that full-spectrum does retain trace amounts of THC within the federally legal limit and too little to cause any mental effects.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum is full-spectrum without any THC for those who recognize the entourage effect but want to steer clear of THC.

Types of CBD by Product

  • CBD concentrates contain very high levels of CBD. Many people use them orally or sublingually for a faster effect when it comes to sleep, pain, or anxiety.
  • Edibles are food and drink made with CBD and other food ingredients. Because they pass through the stomach first, the effects are often delayed but may last longer.
  • CBD Flowers are the slow-cured buds of CBD-rich hemp cannabis. Many people enjoy smoking them in a pipe or paper for relaxation.
  • Tinctures come in various concentrations, typically less than a concentrate. People use tinctures orally, sublingually, and topically.
  • Salve is a topical product that combines CBD with beeswax or similar to keep the salve in place on the skin for more prolonged effects. People often massage salves into a painful or inflamed area. But if you want something that completely rubs in, you’re looking for a CBD lotion rather than a salve.

Bottom line: There are many types of CBD, each with various uses. To find the right CBD products for you, it’s important to understand the terminology and types.