As the cannabis industry expands, product offerings have expanded as well. Cannabidiol can be a remedy for all sorts of medical complaints, from muscle soreness to stomach issues. More people are trying cannabis-based products to treat all kinds of ailments, and the more they try, the more diverse the product offerings are becoming. Understanding the different uses for CBD based products can open customers’ eyes to new options for treatment and new ways they can find relief.
CBD oil is often used as a catch-all term, but there are dozens of different strains, strengths, and formulas for these products. One common misconception is that these products will lead to a “high”, similar to the one you would get by using marijuana. This is not the case, however, as CBD has different properties than THC. CBD products contain only trace amounts of the hallucinogenic part of cannabis strains, making them a completely viable medical treatment that won’t in any way mimic the effects of drug use.
Before you make a decision on buying CBD products, see which one will be the best option for you.
Types of CBD Oils Overview
When you’re trying to find the best CBD product for your particular medical complaint, you’ll want to be able to make an educated decision about different oil types. To understand what you’re looking at, you’ll want to know the terminology typically used for different types of cannabis products. These products include Isolate CBD, full-spectrum CBD oil, pure-spectrum CBD, and broad-spectrum CBD. Honest Botanicals, our most popular brand when it comes to CBD oil, carries these products and provides in-depth information on the benefits & effects of each.
Isolate CBD
All CBD oil products all exist on a spectrum starting at Isolate CBD. This refers to 100% pure CBD oil with no THC, additives or other ingredients. Manufacturers filter and process CBD extensively until it’s at peak purity and only includes the exact cannabinoids desired by the consumers.
Full-spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is also known as pure-spectrum CBD, which includes a full range of cannabinoids. There is any number of combinations that these full-spectrum products can be comprised of, but typically there are a few major players. These common chemical breakdowns include the following:
- Cannabidiol (CBD)- Of course a full-spectrum CBD oil will include cannabidiol. This refers to the non-psychoactive cannabinoid is the most sought after aspect of CBD and can be used for a host of daily applications.
- Cannabigerol (CBG)- Cannabigerol is another key ingredient in CBD-based products. It’s very useful in its own right, and there is current research suggesting it could be used for a wider array of benefits. It’s usually found in quantities of less than 3% in CBD based oils.
- Cannabichromene (CBC)- CBC is one of the 6 most abundant cannabinoids but is usually only found in very small amounts in a full-spectrum product.
- Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV): This strain is usually found only in very tiny qualities in full-spectrum CBD products.
Even full-spectrum products don’t contain any more than .3% THC. THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid that makes marijuana a hallucinogenic. No full-spectrum CBD product cannot include more than .3% THC by law. In addition, full-spectrum CBD products can come in tinctures, capsules, gummies, or vaping products.
The Entourage Effect
CBD isolate is pure cannabidiol and typically comes in the form of CBD powder or crystalline. The reason people might opt for a full-spectrum CBD oil instead of CBD isolate boils down to a factor called the “entourage effect”. Basically, this theory boils down to the idea that cannabinoids work better in conjunction with each other rather than on their own. When a formula includes a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes, the results tend to be more beneficial than the results of CBD alone.
Terpenes are the chemicals that release certain smells depending on the strain of cannabis. These terpenes can also indicate what type of effect the strain promotes. These can range from relaxation to focus or even stress-relief.
For those who are concerned about random drug testing or consuming THC in general, CBD isolate powder is probably the best way to go. Fortunately, there are plenty of reasons to use CBD isolate powder. It can be very beneficial for a whole array of complaints.
Choosing Your Full Spectrum or Isolate CBD Oil
CBD products vary widely across the spectrum of possible formulas. Although it might seem confusing, it is actually quite simple.
CBD isolate is pure cannabidiol with only trace amounts of THC. It can be used for anxiety, nausea, or reducing inflammation, among other things that are still being studied.
Full-spectrum CBD oil includes multiple compounds and terpenes. Plenty of users prefer these products because of the combination of compounds and terpenes. The entourage effect suggests that full-spectrum CBD has more positive effects. There’s also more variety in the product options since there can be different combinations and levels of cannabinoids.
Depending on what you’re planning on using the CBD product for, it’s likely that you’ll be able to find a one that is specifically tailored to your needs rather than a more one-size-fits-all option such as CBD oil. Of course, either one might work for you, it’s a completely personal decision. However, knowing your options is an important step in making an informed decision about the best CBD treatment for your needs.
In addition to the types of CBD to THC ratios, there are dozens of options for CBD products, ranging from pills to topically-applied CBD creams and lotions, to indigestible CBD gummies, all of which provide different benefits & take different amounts of time to feel the effects. Depending on the effect you are looking for and how quickly you want these CBD benefits taking effect, you might want to consult a doctor before trying a new CBD product. In addition, online dispensaries will often have more insight into the types of products that their customers have had the best results with. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the products you’re about to try! And don’t be afraid to try multiple products before you make a final decision on the best option for you.
The cannabis industry is growing around the world. CBD products are now available to any age consumer who wants to try them for any medical complaint, and the benefits are scientifically backed. If you’ve tried multiple treatments and still aren’t getting the relief you need, CBD oil could be the perfect option for you.