The world of cannabidiol (CBD) may feel a little convoluted when first faced with it. There are so many terms and acronyms to know. It can feel truly intimidating. So, we here at Panacea Life Sciences wanted to provide you with a quick guide to help you know what you are dealing with when you start on your CBD journey.
CBD: what it is
All cannabis plants, including hemp and marijuana contain a specific kinds of chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. There are many different cannabinoids in cannabis plants. One is, of course, CBD. There is another cannabinoid that you may have potentially heard of before. That would be tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The reason you have likely heard of THC before is that it has a particular effect on its users. That is, it is psychoactive. This means that it creates the intoxication, more generally referred to as a ‘high,’ that is often associated with marijuana. The fact often leads people to believe that CBD is also psychoactive. Afterall, they are both cannabinoids. However, this is a flawed way of thinking. CBD is not psychoactive and does not cause any sort of intoxication. So, if that has been a concern of yours then there is nothing to worry about.
Research on CBD has found many different, exciting potential benefits associated with its use. Some of these studies have concluded that CBD may be helpful in fighting acne. Other studies have found that CBD may be helpful in managing a nervous disposition. One particularly popular area of study has led to many studies finding that CBD could be useful in dealing with joint health.
Different CBD extracts
When CBD is extracted (usually from hemp instead of marijuana) it is common for the extract to contain other components of the hemp plant. Other cannabinoids and compounds are usually in the extract with CBD. However, not all CBD products contain these extras. Some extracts filter out some or all of the other compounds and cannabinoids. That defines the differences between different CBD extracts. So, when shopping for a CBD product, you are likely to see the following terms on the labels. Let’s talk about what these terms mean.
Full spectrum
Full spectrum is the least processed form of CBD extract. It contains every single compound and cannabinoid that comes with the CBD in the extraction processed. This includes THC. However, if the CBD has been extracted from hemp, then the THC level will be no more than 0.3%. This is not nearly enough to cause a high, so it should not be cause for concern.
Broad spectrum
Broad spectrum is very similar to full spectrum. However, it has one very telling difference. It does not contain any THC. All of that particular cannabinoid has been completely filtered out. The reason that many people lean towards using full or broad spectrum is something called the entourage effect. This is when compounds work together to create a stronger effect. Broad spectrum provides that without the worry of THC.
CBD isolate
CBD isolate is exactly what you may have already guessed. It is a CBD extract that contains only CBD. There is nothing else in the extract, no other compounds, no other cannabinoids. CBD isolate’s effects may not be as strong as some of the other cannabinoids. However, the effect may clearer without the other cannabinoids and compounds to muddle it.
CBD products
Now that we have gone over your options for CBD extract, let’s talk about the products. There is a lot more than just CBD oils out there, but those are still a very good option. We will go over the broad categories, as there are many different subcategories in each, and that would take quite some time to go through.
Topicals
CBD topicals are the only kind of CBD products that you do not take orally. They are anything made with CBD that you use on your skin. They could be anything from creams to salves, from lotions to patches. There are even CBD hand sanitizers and cooling patches. Topicals will not provide the overall effect that oral products are likely to give. This is because the CBD usually does not reach the bloodstream. It absorbs in through the pores and provides the user with a focused effect in the application area.
Oils & tinctures
These are the CBD products that you have likely seen before, as they are some of the most common. CBD oils and tinctures are made by combining CBD extract with a carrier oil, like coconut oil. They are rather versatile, offering you a few different ways to take them. You can go the more direct route, which is placing a drop or two directly under the tongue. This is the quicker way, as the thin skin under the tongue absorbs the CBD into the bloodstream readily and easily. The other way is by mixing the oil in with food or drink to make your own edible. The problem with this route is that it takes longer for the CBD to start working as the food needs to digest.
Tablets & capsules
These are a good choice for those who would rather that their CBD be in pill form. Most CBD tablets are in the form of sublinguals. That means that instead of swallowing them like a regular pill, you allow them to dissolve under your tongue. This works in a similar way as the oils that you place under your tongue. CBD capsules are mostly soft gels. They are made with liquid CBD and digest when swallowed much more quickly than hard-packed pills.
Edibles
These are any sort of food or drink that has been made with CBD extract as one of the ingredients. They are probably the most popular CBD product out there. This is because they are easy to take and taste great. However, they do take the longest to take effect because the food or drink needs to digest.
There you have it. A general overview of all things CBD. There is still a lot more to learn about the cannabinoid and its products. However, this is a good base to start your CBD journey off of. This way you know what you are looking at when shopping for a CBD product.
