Types of CBD
Consumer sales of cannabidiol (CBD) in the United States are forecasted to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2022, a 50% increase from 2020. The popularity of CBD is rising not only in the USA but globally. With more people trying various CBD types, the terminology used to describe CBD products is becoming confusing. Manufacturers produce many forms of CBD products to stand out from the competition.
Thus we have created this guide to help you navigate the world of CBD and find the right products for you. We will talk about attributes that various CBD types have and how they are processed.
Consumer sales of CBD in the USA. Image source: Statista.com
Click one of the links below for quick navigation:
What Is the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana?What Is Hemp Seed Oil?
What Is CBD Isolate?
Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Nano CBD
Best Types of CBD for Different Purposes
Ways to Consume CBD Products
In What Forms Are Different Types of CBD Sold in the Market?
What Is the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana?
"Industrial hemp" or "hemp" is the common name of the cannabis Sativa L plant. The core difference between this plant and marijuana is the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) ratio. THC is the chemical that causes most of marijuana's psychoactive effects. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), it acts similarly to cannabinoid chemicals produced naturally by the human body. For some people, THC may create euphoria and interfere with how their brain processes information by stimulating the brain cells that release dopamine.
In 2018 the Farm Bill defined hemp and cannabinoids and their extracts as the cannabis plant with a maximum of 0.3% THC concentration on a dry weight basis. Thus, the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) removed the term "hemp" from the definition of marijuana.
As a result, under federal law, hemp is no longer a controlled substance. While having minimal THC levels, hemp has a high concentration of CBD, making it the best CBD supplement production source. If you were wondering whether CBD is safe, this research says that “the often described favorable safety profile of CBD in humans was confirmed and extended by the reviewed research”.
Types of CBD
To understand what kind of CBD products are right for you, you need to learn more about the different CBD types, including hemp seed oil, isolate, full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and nano CBD. Continue reading so that you can better understand how CBD is converted into consumable products.
Click the link below for a specific section or scroll to read about the most common type of CBD.
What Is Hemp Seed Oil?
Manufacturers produce hemp seed oil by cold-pressing the hemp seeds until oil is secreted. The unrefined hemp seed oil has a dark to light green color and a nutty flavor. Darker colored oils have a grassier taste. Don't confuse it with hash oil made from the Cannabis flower, which contains THC.
Hemp seed oil is produced only from the seeds, so it contains no THC or cannabinoids. As a result, it is non-psychoactive and has no impact on mood or mental state. This oil, however, contains beneficial fatty acids and other nutrients. Your skin plays a vital role in performing many essential tasks for your body, including working as a barrier to protect against injury, helping to fight off toxins, and regulating temperature. As such, treating your skin with care is important.
The research on hemp seed oil's possible effects on various skin conditions continues to progress; here is an interesting study that talks about the general effects of CBD on skin health. Another study talks about how the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD can be beneficial in treating skin concerns like inflammation, dryness, and free radical damage. These findings make hemp seed oil a popular ingredient in many cosmetics such as soaps, washes, and lotions. Manufacturers often combine it with other natural ingredients with proven skin-soothing properties, such as shea butter, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.
What Is CBD Isolate?
When it comes to cannabis plant extraction, CBD isolate is the second, more refined state after a distillate, which is very costly. Manufacturers remove several components from the hemp plant, including THC. After that, through the separation process and a series of washing, they isolate the CBD compound from the rest of the extraction. The winterization process that follows the initial wash removes the waxes, lipids, and fats from the extraction. It is then followed by the elimination of unwanted particles and other impurities. Manufacturers use heat and pressure to separate solvents from the compounds.
This process results in the production of pure CBD in crystal form. The crystals may then be ground to produce a powder to make the product easier to consume. CBD isolate is stark white, tasteless, and does not have a distinctive smell. Isolates can contain more than 90% cannabidiol and are the most potent form of CBD.
Actual CBD isolates consist of pure CBD and should not contain any THC. However, sometimes hemp-derived CBD oil can contain up to 0.3% THC and thus will not get you high as a traditional THC product would. There are many ways to consume CBD isolates, including sublingually and topically (by mixing it with carrier oils). Some people also ingest CBD isolates by consuming them in the form of capsules or pills. The advantage of this method is that you can measure the dosage more accurately. Isolates can also be mixed with various ingredients to create CBD-infused drinks or food.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil
CBD distillates are produced by heating hemp oil under a vacuum until it starts to evaporate. Then the condensate is collected to form the distillate. High-quality distillates are made at low temperatures to prevent the degradation of active components, like CBD. CBD distillates can be full-spectrum and broad-spectrum.
In full-spectrum CBD, all the compounds work in harmony. It contains essential fats, vitamins A, C, E, and B, and up to 20 amino acids in addition to flavonoids and terpenes. It also contains compounds from the cannabis plant, including CBD, cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and up to 0.3% THC. Full-spectrum CBD comes in many forms, including capsules, balms, tinctures, and salves.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
The difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD is that the latter does not contain any trace amounts of THC. Broad-spectrum CBD does contain a range of other cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBC, and cannabinol (CBN)).
Nano CBD
To produce Nano CBD, manufacturers break down CBD into tiny particles and then coat it using micro-carriers to release particles into the targeted areas slowly. One of the most used carriers are nano-liposomes - bubbles shaped vesicles made of lipids or fatty acids. Nano-liposomes allow your body to absorb the CBD easier. As a result, your body can absorb the CBD easier. As a result, some people consuming nano CBD could feel the effects more rapidly. That's why this CBD type is used in many edibles, oils, and hemp products.
Best Types of CBD for Different Purposes
Now that you've learned all about different CBD products, you should know which one to choose to fit your personal goals. For example, CBD isolates and broad-spectrum CBD are perfect for those who would like to experience CBD's potential wellness effects without even the smallest trace of THC.
You should keep in mind that CBD effects can vary from person to person. It may depend on your genetic makeup, nutrition, lifestyle, physical health, or body composition. Nonetheless, here we have covered the most common benefits of each CBD product type.
CBD Isolate
The safety of cannabidiol on body function in several studies; here is a recent review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/ CBD isolate could be an option for some people who have to refrain from having any THC in their bodies. Always read the labels and contents carefully.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Its most significant trait, as mentioned previously, is that it could potentially work longer to maintain well-being than isolated CBD. Full-spectrum CBD's "team effect" is long-lasting because the cannabinoids are bundles to work in harmony. It could offer some users more effective and sustainable options.
Full-spectrum contains terpenes and flavonoids that will enhance your comfort and personal goals. However, it carries the natural flavor and aroma of hemp, which is pretty strong. If you're not a fan of its taste, then we recommend going for flavored products like this Pina Colada CBD Tincture.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Many people find themselves in a position where they cannot have any THC in their system, so broad-spectrum products are becoming one of the most popular forms of CBD. A real broad-spectrum CBD will have no trace amounts of THC but will give you an otherwise full cannabinoid profile, allowing you to maintain the "entourage effect" or the synergistic effect that occurs when the whole plant of cannabinoids, terpenes, and botanical compounds are consumed together. For some people looking to get restorative benefits without being concerned about the plant's psychotropic component, these CBD products are the most conservative choice.
Another reason why you might want to choose a broad-spectrum product would be due to having a job where you have to go through drug screening regularly. Numerous people fall into this category, from bus drivers, nurses, government employees, and construction workers. If you are one of them, you should be careful when choosing the right CBD products.
Ways to Consume CBD Products
Some people seeking CBD effects often find the product’s versatility appealing, as there are many different ways to consume it. Depending on your preferences and the results you are trying to achieve, here are the various ways to consume CBD products:
Sublingual Method
It is one of the most common ways of using CBD. You can directly apply the CBD oil tincture or the powder of CBD isolate under your tongue, allow it to absorb for about 60 to 90 seconds, and then swallow. With this method, the mucous membranes absorb the CBD and deliver it directly to the bloodstream, bypassing the liver and digestive system to provide more immediate and efficient relief. The effect could last for several hours, and is a good option for people who seek quick and long lasting soothing effects.
Inhalation
For even faster availability and absorption, you could choose inhalation. This way, CBD bypasses the digestive system and enters the bloodstream through the lungs. Some consumers enjoy this as a carry-with-you-always type of product for tranquility on the go.
Some people mix the CBD isolate with terpenes to create homemade CBD concentrates that could be vaped or dabbed. Or make the isolate into crystal slabs to dab on a traditional oil rig.
Ingestion
Nowadays, edibles are a popular method of consuming CBD. There are many different forms in the market to choose from, but with products like oils and isolates already available, some prefer making their own.
It's an excellent way to get a daily dose of CBD while enjoying a tasty experience and benefitting from the longest-lasting benefits amongst CBD methods. Once infused, the process starts in your digestive tract and spreads through the body via the bloodstream. Due to the nature of ingestible and consumables, it could take up to 2 hours for the body to process the CBD before you could start feeling potential benefits.
If you have a CBD isolate in the form of crystalline, you could measure it out and put it into capsules or pills. This way, the dosage is measured precisely. You could also mix CBD isolate with a variety of ingredients to create CBD-infused food and drinks.
Topical Approach
Topical application could be the most effective way to notice the effects of CBD on revitalizing skin. With this application method, CBD avoids the bloodstream entirely and is absorbed directly into the skin and muscle tissue. While research on the benefits of CBD continues, here is a 2019 study that deals with topical applications of CBD and discusses how it has potential as a non-invasive alternative for improving the quality of life in patients with some skin disorders.
When trying to determine how to use CBD products, you should consider your lifestyle and select a method that works best for you. For example, if you have a tight schedule that leaves you with little to no free time, applying CBD oil under your tongue could be the quickest way to deliver CBD to your system. If you'd like to incorporate CBD into your already established day-to-day routine, adding it into your usual meals or even your morning drink could work great.
How Much Should You Consume to Experience CBD Product Effects?
How much CBD you take is just as relevant as the type of product you choose and the sourcing of the hemp. If you are using too little, the impact could be not as strong as you'd like. The amount of CBD is expressed in milligrams (mg), while the overall quantity of products is typically in grams for a solid or ounces for a liquid.
When starting any new habit, some people begin with a low serving and slowly work the way up as needed. Many oils come in one milligram per drop concentration, so increasing dosage is relatively straightforward. However, be careful to read product labels closely to ensure you know what amount each drop provides.
In What Forms Are Different Types of CBD Sold in the Market?
Now that you know the ins and outs of all CBD types, you might be curious about what products to try. You can find different forms of CBD in stores that usually fall under one of these categories:
- CBD Oils and Tinctures: Taken sublingually, CBD oils could maximize the amount of active CBD compound available for use by the body's cells. Even though some people don't like the taste, it is the right choice for some people who can't take pills or capsules.
- CBD Pills/Capsules: If you’re looking for long lasting effects in an easy to use configuration, CBD pills/capsules are the way to go. Keep in mind that the time from ingestion to onset of effect can take a while.
- CBD E-liquid and Concentrates: If you are looking for the fastest way to experience effects, CBD vapes could be a way to go. The difference between the two is that CBD E-Liquids use a CBD isolate, and Concentrates contain a full-spectrum distillate. Both are consumed by vaping and usually have flavors added to them for a better experience.
- Topical CBD Forms: Best for spot treatment, these CBD products come in the form of lotions, oils, creams, balms, serums, gels, salves, sprays, and even lip balms. Some manufacturers combine CBD oil with other essential oils.
- CBD Edibles: They are available in different flavors, strengths, and formulations. You can choose CBD gummies, cooking oils, chocolates, candies, drinks, shots, and many more.
Conclusion
In this article, we have covered the basic concepts of each CBD product type, their effects, consumption methods, and forms they appear in on the market. Here is the takeaway to make sure you've got it all covered:
- The difference between marijuana and hemp is in the THC ratio - the chemical that causes marijuana's psychological effects. Hemp is the CBD supplement production source, containing up to 0.03% THC.
- Hemp seed oil contains no THC or cannabinoids, although it has beneficial fatty acids and other nutrients that soothe various skin conditions.
- CBD isolate is a single strain of CBD removed from a cannabis plant and "isolated" from other marijuana-based compounds. It is the most potent form of CBD and contains no other cannabinoids.
- Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis plant, including THC.
- The main difference between isolates and full-spectrum CBD is intensity and longevity. Isolates have a relatively weaker impact and shorter shelf duration.
- Broad-spectrum CBD has multiple cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis plant but doesn't contain THC.
- Nano CBD is used in many edibles, oils, and hemp products.
- For some people looking to get positive benefits without the concern of the plant's psychotropic component, broad-spectrum CBD products are the right choice.
- Forms in which you can find different CBD products in stores are CBD oils and tinctures, pills or capsules, e-liquids, concentrates, topical forms, and edibles.
The critical thing to remember is that CBD effects depend on your unique body chemistry, your weight and your lifestyle.