With numerous unfamiliar terms surrounding CBD oils, it’s easy to get confused. You might have come across different CBD oil designations such as full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate.
In this article, we’ll cover the various types of CBD oils and their benefits. While there is no definitive answer to which one is the best, we will discuss the properties of each type to help you choose the right one for your lifestyle.
How Many Types of CBD Are There?
Though there can theoretically be hundreds of different CBD oil types, depending on their cannabinoid content and extraction process, there are three primary types you will likely encounter:
- CBD Isolate
- Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
- Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil
CBD Isolate
As the name suggests, CBD isolate is an isolated form of cannabidiol, or CBD. It is the purest form of CBD oil, containing no other cannabinoids or natural compounds from the cannabis plant. This purity is achieved through an extensive extraction process that removes all other plant compounds except for CBD.
High-quality CBD isolates are usually over 99% pure. This level of purity is a significant benefit as it allows you to maintain the potency of CBD even when added to other substances such as foods, lotions, or shampoos.
CBD isolate is ideal if you want to avoid THC altogether, as it does not contain any other cannabinoids, including THC. This makes it a popular choice for people who must undergo drug testing, though there is always a slight possibility that trace amounts of THC may still be present.
CBD isolate might also be right for you if you prefer a flavorless and odorless product, though you can find CBD isolate oils with added flavoring if you prefer.
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains CBD along with small amounts of THC (up to 0.2%), terpenes, and flavonoids. Some people prefer full-spectrum CBD oil due to the “entourage effect” theory, which suggests that taking CBD and THC together, along with other cannabis compounds, may be more effective than taking CBD alone.
Most full-spectrum CBD oils contain a wide range of terpenes and flavonoids, which can have their own beneficial effects. This type of CBD oil is suitable if you prefer a less refined product and don’t mind its earthy flavor, though flavored full-spectrum varieties are available.
It’s worth noting that due to the Novel Foods act, this type of CBD might no longer be available for purchase in the UK starting April 1, 2021, as it contains small amounts of THC and other cannabinoids, making it challenging for CBD brands to get licensed.
Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad-spectrum CBD sits between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD. This type of CBD oil contains mostly cannabidiol along with small amounts of other cannabis compounds, but it doesn’t contain THC. However, some products may still contain trace quantities.
Like full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD may also produce heightened effects because it contains additional components that work together. Commonly added compounds include cannabinol (CBN) and terpenes like limonene, myrcene, and pinene.
People who want to benefit from the entourage effect without consuming THC usually prefer broad-spectrum CBD.
What Is the Best Type of CBD Oil?
Not enough scientific research has been conducted to determine which type of CBD provides the best benefits with the least side effects. Therefore, the best type of CBD oil will depend entirely on your lifestyle, personal preferences, and what you use CBD oil for.
Other factors might also influence your decision. For instance, if you’re an athlete, you will likely want to stick to THC-free products.
If you prefer a refined product that can be added to various substances without losing its potency, you might opt for CBD isolate. If you don’t mind small amounts of THC, you could benefit from full-spectrum CBD for enhanced effects, though this type might soon be unavailable in the UK due to regulatory changes. Therefore, broad-spectrum CBD is probably your best bet for a CBD oil that can produce heightened effects.
Remember, CBD oil supplements are not a one-size-fits-all solution, so you may need to experiment to find what works best for you, including determining your optimal CBD dosage.
For more information on CBD regulation and legality, check out our latest articles on CBD legality in the UK and other related topics.
