With so many cannabidiol (CBD) products out there, it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you. If you’re looking to explore CBD—whether to promote restful sleep, alleviate everyday aches and pains, or mitigate mild anxiety—you’ll want to understand what forms of CBD and types of CBD products are out there. In this article, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know before purchasing a CBD product, including the three forms of CBD, an overview of the types of CBD products, and the most important things to look for when buying CBD products.
Forms of CBD
The three forms of CBD you’ll come across are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences.
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Full-Spectrum CBD is often called “whole-plant” CBD as it preserves and retains all compounds found in the hemp plant’s leaves, flowers, and stalks. This includes all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. For federally legal full-spectrum CBD products, this includes a very small amount of THC (<0.3%), other cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC), in addition to terpenes and flavonoids.
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Broad-spectrum CBD is almost identical to full-spectrum but is further refined to remove the THC (though trace amounts are possible).
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CBD isolate is pure, isolated CBD and does not retain any additional cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids.
When you take a full-spectrum CBD product, the companion cannabinoids and terpenes are believed to create an entourage effect, meaning they work together to enhance CBD’s effects and your experience.
Types of CBD Products
Once you’ve figured out what form of CBD is right for you, it’s time for the fun part—choosing what type of CBD product you want to use. Here’s a look at the three most popular types of CBD products:
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Edibles (gummies, capsules, softgels, baked goods, beverages, etc.) are consumed orally.
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Oils and tinctures can be consumed orally or sublingually. Sublingual consumption refers to placing the oil or tincture under your tongue, holding it there for 30 seconds, then swallowing it. Additionally, due to the absorption through the buccal membrane in the mouth, melts act similarly to sublingual products.
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Topicals (salves, balms, lotions, creams, etc.), are applied directly to the skin.
The main differences between your experience with each of these three types of CBD products will be:
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Bioavailability (how much CBD is absorbed and can be utilized in your body)
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Onset time (how long it takes to feel the effects)
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Duration (how long the effects last)
*Note: the bioavailability of topical CBD has not been thoroughly studied, so there’s no specific number available. However, the bioavailability of topical CBD is believed to be quite low, as fat-soluble cannabinoids (like CBD) are repelled by the water-soluble layer of skin and cannot be absorbed into the bloodstream.
What To Look for When Buying CBD Products
Whether you’re buying your CBD products online or in a store, there are a few important things to look for:
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Most importantly, you want to make sure the product you’re consuming is safe, of high quality, and is what you paid for. Always ask for a Certificate of Analysis (third-party testing results). This testing should look at things like cannabinoid and terpene profile, potency, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, microbiological contaminants, and residual solvents.
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If you’re hoping to enhance the effects of CBD, consider trying a full-spectrum product, as these are believed to produce an entourage effect.
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Ingredients matter—opt for CBD products that use pure, natural ingredients. Make sure to take a look at the label to see the ingredients list, watching out for things like coloring, fillers, added chemicals, fillers, and byproducts.
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CBD can be extracted in a few different ways, and some are better than others. Currently, CO2 extraction and lipid-based extraction are the two cleanest and purest methods of extraction.
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Look for USDA-certified organic tinctures.
Feals: Premium Full-Spectrum CBD Products Delivered to Your Doorstep
At Feals, we’re dedicated to providing you with a better way to feel better. Our USDA organic full-spectrum CBD oil and CBD mints are made with only the purest ingredients and are designed to help you find balance and feel at your best.
If you’re new to CBD or need guidance choosing between types of CBD products, our customer service team would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Just give them a ring.
To learn more about the types of CBD products or about what Feals can do for you, call our CBD hotline at 844-311-9090 or check out our products today.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
