Types of CBD Oil: There is more than one?
When I was introduced to the world of cannabidiol, CBD, products I was unaware that there were more than just ‘CBD oil’. I, like many other consumers, believed that CBD oil was all the same. Interestingly, this is not the case. CBD oil can be found in three different types and each offers exclusive differences and benefits.
The CBD Overview
Cannabidiol or CBD, is one of the many compounds found naturally in the Cannabis sativa plant. When cannabis is brought to a discussion, the very popular product, marijuana, is thought of first. CBD and THC are two compounds among many that are products of the cannabis plant. During this time in their rediscovery, CBD and THC are the most identified by people.
THC is a much different cannabinoid compound. Unlike CBD, THC contains a psychoactive property that gives the user the ‘high’ that is associated with marijuana.
CBD oil products have begun to sell in many markets and gained popularity with the consumer. The magic comes from the human body’s own ability to produce cannabinoids, similar in structure to the cannabinoid compound found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoid compounds help the body with maintaining homeostasis. CBD is believed to beneficially interact with the body to level out the imbalance and support general health and wellbeing.
When choosing a CBD oil product, it is important to understand the three types of CBD oil. Once the three types are identified, the consumer can identify what product form is effective for them.
Types of CBD Oil
At first it may seem confusing as you learn about the types of CBD oil. In a nutshell, the three types come down to what each type contains and how it was processed. The cannabis plant is full of many cannabinoid compounds that have beneficial properties. As the CBD is processed, desirable attributes are filtered for the finished product to contain different compounds.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil (Whole Plant)
Full spectrum products can be explained as including the whole cannabis plant flower, including all cannabinoids and THC. Since full spectrum includes the full extract, THC can be detected. In order to stay legal as a hemp product, the THC must be less than 0.3% in the final product.
Benefits of full spectrum, the whole plant, CBD oil is that it contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, as well as other parts of the cannabis plant that are beneficial. The homeostasis is maintained if the cannabis plant is enjoyed in the full spectrum CBD oil.
Along with incredible benefits, there does include some concern. Full spectrum CBD oil looks good on a product label but unfortunately, labels can lie. When looking at full spectrum CBD oil products, it is crucial the consumer looks for proof of third party testing. Third party testing is done by a non-affiliated party and results are public. The overall concern with full spectrum is that the THC levels create a liability. To be legally sold, the THC level must not exceed 0.3%. Seeing lab results from a third party testing site will allow the consumer to feel more comfortable purchasing full spectrum products.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil (Whole Plant...Almost)
Broad spectrum tends to be a modern term in the cannabis industry. The whole plant is addressed including the flower and almost all additional cannabinoids. During the extraction, THC is removed entirely from the final product. Similar to the full spectrum products, purchasing products that have been third party testing will ensure the validity of a broad spectrum.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil tends to appeal to many consumers for the benefit that it does not contain THC. Consumers still want the benefits of the cannabis plant but either choose not or cannot have CBD oil that contains even traces of THC.
The concern of broad-spectrum revolves around the mislabeling of final products. Not only does complete removal of THC cost more for the industry, it can cost more for the consumer. Third party testing can determine if the label of the CBD oil product is misleading or exact.
Isolate (CBD)
Isolate CBD oil is very much like the word it is derived from. The singular compound cannabidiol is extracted from the flower without any other cannabinoids. If a consumer has any concerns about possible THC in the CBD oil product, isolate is the safest choice. To be labelled isolate, there lies assurance that THC is not in the product. Its flavourless profile makes isolated CBD very useful to daily additives in a consumer's life.
Some industries in the market argue that isolated CBD oil is less effective because it does not contain all the beneficial cannabinoids. Since each consumer in the market has individual and unique needs, isolate CBD oil is beneficial to some.
Conclusion
The three types of CBD oil, full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate allow many options for consumers in the CBD industry. It comes down to how the cannabidiol and other cannabinoids are extracted from the cannabis flower. There is no solid evidence that one type is more effective than another since the consumers have varying needs and concerns. Other than being a natural compound, cannabidiol has many options for those who need it.
Please note that this article does not offer or suggest any medical advice. If you have any inquiries concerning CBD oil, discuss your options with a healthcare provider that knows your medical history.