The 3 Main Types of CBD

CBD is everywhere these days, but how much do you know about CBD? Do you know there are three main types of CBD? Most people seem to have general knowledge about CBD. They know it comes from the hemp plant, but most people don’t know there are 3 main types of CBD or what makes each type of CBD different.

The three main types of CBD are full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.  While they all contain CBD extracted from the hemp (or cannabis plant), some contain other compounds from the cannabis plant.  Understanding the differences in each type of CBD will help you select the best type of CBD for your needs.

3 Main Types of CBD

CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the many active compounds contained in the cannabis plant. However, CBD products contain very little to no THC, the chemical that gives you the “high” feeling. This is also why all of the types of CBD are federally legal. (The government requires all CBD products to contain less than .03% THC.)
The FDA has recognized the potential benefits of CBD, though they still maintain it needs further study. People take CBD for a wide variety of reasons, but the most common are:

• Stress & Anxiety
• Insomnia 
  
• Pain relief/management 
• To improve appetite or mood

Now that you know the very basics of CBD, let’s get into the three main types:

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full Spectrum CBD contains all of the compounds from the cannabis plant and also contains a trace amount of THC,  somewhere around .3% or less. While THC is present in full-spectrum CBD, it’s important to note that the amount of THC in full-spectrum CBD is so minute that it does not cause any psychotropic effects (or make you feel high). 

A full-spectrum CBD also contains terpenes and flavonoids. These latter two compounds are what make it “full” spectrum. Terpenes are what give the plant its fragrance.  Flavonoids, as their name suggests, contain flavor elements. Both terpenes and flavonoids have been shown to have therapeutic benefits.

Combining all the cannabinoids and compounds from the cannabis plant creates what is called the “entourage effect.” Basically, this means that the compounds work better when taken together than independently.  

Some research suggests that CBD’s therapeutic benefits are strongest when combined with the other cannabis compounds mentioned above. Additionally, other research suggests that the low levels of THC contained in full-spectrum CBD strengthen its pain-relieving effects. 

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD contains nearly everything that full-spectrum does, except that it removes the THC entirely. So, you keep the terpenes and flavonoids with broad-spectrum while leaving out the THC. Broad-spectrum CBD gives you many of the same benefits as full-spectrum CBD.  However, it may not be as effective for pain relief as full-spectrum CBD. 
 
Nonetheless, you still get the benefits of the “entourage effect,” because broad-spectrum CBD contains most of the compounds found in the cannabis plant.  If you prefer to take CBD with no THC in it at all, but still want as much of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis as possible, broad-spectrum CBD may be the option for you.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is pure CBD –without any of the other compounds. With CBD isolate, not only will you avoid THC altogether, but isolate doesn’t contain terpenes or flavonoids either. While you may miss out on some of the benefits you get from a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD, one advantage of isolate is that you can take higher doses of CBD in isolate form. 

It is also great for making your own CBD lotions, creams, or soap. CBD isolate still provides the same anti-inflammatory properties and other benefits, it just strips away the other compounds. CBD isolate is often the preferred CBD product for pets, as it may be better tolerated by animals.

Which TYpe of CBD is right for you?

Which type of CBD you prefer is honestly up to you. Many people believe that full-spectrum CBD is the best type of CBD because it contains all of the compounds from the hemp plant. While others prefer CBD with zero THC in it.

If you are concerned about THC, you can always start with a broad-spectrum CBD. However, if you find you are not seeing the benefits you had hoped for, you may want to switch to a more complete form of CBD and try a full-spectrum CBD product.

Whichever type of CBD you choose, always start with the lowest recommended dose. If you don’t notice improvement, gradually increase your dosage.  Figuring out which type of CBD works best for you may require a little bit of experimenting.  

If you are not sure which type of CBD to start with, you can always give us a call for a free consultation. We can answer any of your questions regarding the types of CBD and which products might be best for you. At CBD Store of Michigan, we carry a wide variety of CBD products including full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, CBD isolate, and other cannabinoid products.