CBD-based products—i.e., those containing cannabidiol—are becoming increasingly popular. They appeal to people who want to explore natural ways to improve their wellbeing and reduce symptoms of various health issues. As more brands join this sector, they offer customers high-quality products, but newcomers might find it challenging to pick the right option. Which CBD oil works best? What concentration should you choose? Below, we address these and other common questions.
Which CBD Oil Should You Choose?
As a potential user, you can decide not only to opt for CBD in oil form (instead of, say, hemp flower) but also choose its concentration, the producer, and finally the store where you’ll make your purchase. Since CBD products are so popular, many companies are adding them to their offerings.
However, it’s essential to pick only trusted, reputable products. They should come from a reliable source and hold certifications to prove their authenticity and quality.
What CBD Oil Concentration Should You Pick?
Some people go straight for a high-concentration CBD oil, but trying out oils with lower CBD content first can be quite sensible. This lets you test how well the product meets your expectations, gauge which dosage is right for you, and then gradually increase it if needed.
If you’re still unsure which CBD oil concentration to choose, you’ll find options ranging from 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and even higher. There are also crystalline forms of CBD more suited to inhalation. Meanwhile, many oral-use CBD oils come in lower concentrations of cannabidiol.
Types of CBD Oils – Which One to Pick?
Modern CBD-based oils can generally be divided into three main categories:
- Isolates
- Broad Spectrum
- Full Spectrum
Isolate
“Isolate” refers to pure CBD without other cannabinoids or plant compounds.
Broad Spectrum
“Broad spectrum” contains a wide range of phytocompounds but has no detectable THC—it’s removed during the extraction process.
Full Spectrum
“Full spectrum” includes all the compounds found in hemp with minimal processing. It’s the least refined and richest version, leveraging the “entourage effect”—where all the plant compounds work together for potentially enhanced benefits.
Full Spectrum CBD Oils
Full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD oils typically have a similar consistency and come in similar bottle packaging to standard CBD oils, but the key difference lies in the range of compounds.
- Full spectrum contains all naturally occurring hemp compounds. Aside from CBD, you may find over 100 additional cannabinoids, plus flavonoids and terpenes.
- Broad spectrum is similar but with THC removed.
- Pure CBD oils (isolate) contain just cannabidiol on its own.
Because full spectrum products include terpenes, they often have a noticeable aroma. They also contain a small, legal (and therefore safe) amount of THC. Such products can have anti-inflammatory effects and may help in managing conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Naturally, the differences in formulation lead to slightly different effects, so choosing the best type of CBD oil depends on your specific goals. You might prefer full spectrum if you want the combined synergy of all hemp compounds.
Which CBD Oil Flavor Should You Pick?
Despite the many benefits of CBD oils, some people find the earthy, bitter taste off-putting. You can mask it by having something sweet beforehand or even brushing your teeth. Alternatively, you can opt for a flavored CBD oil, which may contain mint, chocolate, or other pleasant-tasting additives. These are not 100% pure in formula, but they do make daily use more palatable.
Final Thoughts
Those interested in the potential of cannabidiol should gather enough information before making their first purchase. Questions to consider include:
- Which concentration should I go for?
- Do I want a pure CBD isolate or a full spectrum product?
- What dosage is appropriate for my needs?
Once you’ve thought these points through, you can begin experimenting. In a relatively short time, you might find that investing in CBD is indeed worth it.
Disclaimer: The information presented here is for educational purposes and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on using CBD products.