
Key Takeaways
- Full-spectrum CBD contains all components of the cannabis plant – cannabinoids, terpenes, THC, and flavonoids – and is known to produce the entourage effect.
- Broad-spectrum CBD contains all the components of the cannabis plant except THC – a psychoactive compound.
- CBD isolate is the purest and safest form of CBD since it does not contain any other compounds found in the cannabis plant.
- Nano CBD is a relatively new technology – a CBD particle coated with small particles like liposomes or lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that help the substance move faster and more effectively in the bloodstream.
- Depending on the purpose of use and personal preferences, CBD can be used in a variety of forms – gummies and capsules, oils and tinctures, edibles and topicals, and even vapes.
If you have entered the CBD world and want to know about the types of products available in the market, you are at the right place.
We have compiled a detailed CBD guide for all beginners or seasoned users who want to further increase their knowledge about this miracle ingredient.
Keep reading to find what types of CBD products you can find and which ones you should choose.
Table of Contents
Types of CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of 120 phytocannabinoids extracted from the hemp or cannabis plant.
It is a non-psychoactive component of the plant known for alleviating symptoms of anxiety, easing discomfort, happy mood support and helping you get a balanced state of mind.
CBD makes up 40% of the plant’s composition and comes in four main forms.
These are:
- Full Spectrum
Full-spectrum CBD contains all components of the cannabis/hemp plant. It contains cannabinoids, terpenes, THC, and flavonoids.
Full-spectrum CBD is known to cause an entourage effect to give you the maximum benefit of the plant.
- Broad Spectrum
Broad-spectrum CBD contains all the components of full-spectrum CBD, except THC.
It is preferred by people who want to experience the benefits of the plant without getting high. Since THC is a psychoactive compound, only 0.3% of it is legalized by the government.
- CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is the purest and safest form of CBD.
The CBD extract has to go through winterization, filtration, decarboxylation, distillation, and crystallization process.
Since it has no other components of the plants, it is not as effective as the other types as you cannot take advantage of CBD’s entourage effect.
- Nano CBD
Nano CBD is a relatively new technology. It is a CBD particle coated with small particles like liposomes or lipid nanoparticles (LNPs).
It helps CBD move faster and more effectively in the bloodstream.
Types of CBD Products
There is a wide variety of CBD products to suit different needs.
Here are the most common ones that you can find on shelves and their advantages and disadvantages:
Gummies
CBD is available in several edible forms. One of the most common forms of these edibles is CBD gummies. These sweet, chewy treats infused with CBD or spray CBD particles on top.
They come in a variety of flavors and colors. Some CBD gummies are sweet, while some are sour. They are ideal for beginners and people who do not like the natural flavor of hemp.
CBD gummies usually come in fruit flavors, but some also contain a touch of spice.
Depending on the product’s potency, you can have two to three gummies per day. They will add the benefits of CBD to your life and satisfy your sweet cravings.
Most CBD gummies contain natural fruit flavoring, but some may contain artificial flavoring and dyes. Nevertheless, they can be a delicious way to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and allow your body to relax while enjoying a yummy treat.
Pros
- Have a delicious fruity flavor
- Easy to use for beginners
- Last longer than CBD topicals
Cons
- Absorb at a slower speed
- Can melt in warmer climates
Oils/Tinctures
CBD oil and tincture are some of the most effective CBD products. It is a mixture of hemp extracts with carrier oils.
Common carrier oils are coconut oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, and hemp seed oil.
These oils are taken sublingually, meaning you must keep them under your tongue for a while. CBD oils are the most common way of orally consuming hemp extracts.
They are available in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolated forms.
CBD oils are easy-to-use and quite versatile. You can easily add them to different baked treats, salads, smoothies, and shakes. Some CBD oils are infused with delicious fruity flavors to make consumption easier for beginners.
Some CBD tinctures also have an alcohol base that evaporates quickly, allowing CBD to enter your bloodstream faster.
Pros
- Work faster and more efficiently
- Easy to find on shelves
- Convenient to consume for seasoned users
- Can be used in a variety of ways
Cons
- Have a strong flavor
- Can cause digestive issues
Snacks
CBD snacks are sweet treats that contain a low dose of CBD extracts. Snacks like chocolates, cookies, brownies, candies, cereal, nut butter, and even popcorn are the most common form of CBD snacks.
Most snacks contain CBD oil or CBD isolate that can boost relaxation without getting you high. They are ideal to consume throughout the day. You can also find CBD-infused carbonated drinks to quench your thirst.
Besides that, CBD-coated nuts and fruit cocktails are also a part of these snacks. CBD gummies are also considered snacks, but since they are common among beginners and CBD enthusiasts, they are now considered a separate category.
You can also make CBD snacks by incorporating CBD in different recipes.
These products will give you a small fix of CBD while you have a filling snack.
Pros
- Delicious and come in a variety of forms
- Do not get you high
- You can make these snacks at home
Cons
- Contain a shallow dose of CBD
- It can be hard to find
Capsules
Also known as CBD softgels, they are soft capsules filled with CBD oils. People who do not like the taste of CBD oil but still want to consume it because of its potential benefits can opt for CBD capsules.
They come in different potencies that serve different purposes. You can consume CBD capsules with water like any other food supplement.
After consumption, the gel dissolves in your stomach, allowing the CBD oil to absorb in your bloodstream.
The best part about these capsules is that they come in pre-decided doses, so you don’t take more than what’s recommended.
Also, unlike CBD oils, you do not have to keep these capsules under the tongue.
The softgel coating is made up of gelatin filled with CBD oil.
If you like CBD oil, you can keep them in your travel bag but can’t travel with liquids.
Pros
- Come with the exact dose of CBD in each capsule
- Easy to travel with
- Provide the goodness of CBD oil without the strong taste
Cons
- It can be a bit hard to swallow
- Have a longer onset time
Topicals
CBD topicals include everything from salves, balms, creams, masks, exfoliants, and cleansers.
These are skin and body care products that contain different potencies of CBD.
For example, everyday products like cleansers and moisturizers have lower CBD.
On the other hand, healing products like balms and salves contain a higher dose of CBD. You can apply these products topically to targeted areas to relieve the symptoms.
These products have a relatively slower onset time and are not long-lasting. However, they can efficiently target specific problems in a short period.
CBD topicals are ideal for people who do not want to consume CBD orally.
You can use transdermal CBD patches for longer results as they may last 12 to 20 hours.
Pros
- Easy to use and do not require oral consumption
- Directly target specific areas
- Quick on-the-go solutions for pain relief
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Vapes
Vaping is the most common way of consuming cannabis plant flowers or CBD oil.
They require a standard vaporizer, vape pen, or glass pipe to inhale the CBD smoke. People who use medical marijuana or CBD for recreational purposes prefer using vapes.
It allows CBD to enter your bloodstream quickly so you can experience the result within minutes. There are different CBD liquids that you can use with electric vape pens.
These vapes are also known as e-cigarettes and are used by people who want to stop smoking tobacco. Taking high doses of CBD through vaping can cause adverse effects like drowsiness and decreased appetite.
So, it’s better to determine a safe dosage for CBD vapes before using it on your own. You can also consult your doctor to stay on the safe side.
Pros
- Provide the fastest onset
- Vape juices and oils are easy to find
- Come in a variety of flavors
Cons
- Vaping can have side effects
- Not easy for beginners to consume effectively
Which CBD Product Should You Choose?
What CBD product you choose depends on your preference and why you are taking it.
For beginners, flavored CBD edibles like gummies and snacks can be a great option.
Also, CBD oils have a strong taste that most people dislike. If it’s the same case with you, you can mask its taste by mixing it with different types of foods, or simply in your regular meals.
Particularly, non-flavored CBD products have an earthy hemp flavor which most beginners don’t prefer.
However, if you are a seasoned CBD user, you can easily opt for high-potency oils, tinctures, and softgels.
These products will deliver fast and accurate results needed for relaxation, pain relief, or anxiety management.
If you don’t want to consume CBD orally, try CBD topicals. Products like CBD-infused salves, creams, balms, and masks target specific areas to deliver pain and inflammation-relieving benefits.
It’s the best option for beginners to start including CBD in their routines.
For the quickest result, vaping is the best option. It is recommended for experienced CBD users as vaping ensures CBD hits the bloodstream within a few minutes.
Lastly, make sure to incorporate some of the best CBD buying practices before deciding to purchase. This routine will ensure that you get the safest and highest product quality.
Conclusion
You can choose from several kinds of CBD products available in the market.
Oils and tinctures are the most effective CBD product but can be pretty unpleasant for beginners to swallow.
You can experiment with different products to choose the one you like the most. Start with flavored edibles and gentle topicals to see how your body reacts.
The key is to identify the right amount of dosage for your body. Start with a small dosage, then gradually increase it and enjoy more benefits of CBD.
Happy wellness shopping!