People can buy online cannabidiol (CBD) isolate, broad-, and full-spectrum gummies, oils, and topicals. We break down how each type differs and list products for people to consider.
- Best medium-strength CBD oil: CBDistillery Ahhh Distilled Full Spectrum CBD Oil, 500 mg | Skip to review
There are three types of CBD, containing different compounds and concentrations:
- Full-spectrum: This includes all parts of the cannabis plant. Full-spectrum products contain less than
0.3% THC . - Broad-spectrum: This contains most of the cannabis plant compounds. Unlike full-spectrum, broad-spectrum products contain trace amounts of THC.
- Isolates: These only contain CBD, with no other cannabinoids or THC. Products that contain CBD isolate may not produce effects as strong as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD varieties.
CBD is a chemical compound in the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce the “high” that many people associate with the drug.
Learn more about the differences between CBD and THC.
Companies manufacturing CBD products use different methods to extract the compound from the plant. The varying diffusions result in a range of CBD types.
What does the FDA say about CBD products?
The
Federal law allows people to take CBD containing less than 0.3% THC. However, not all states allow brands to sell CBD. A person could check their local laws before buying or taking CBD.
The FDA does not regulate any other claims of benefits. It states that some CBD brands may make misleading claims about the use of their products. The FDA can investigate health claims and safety concerns, and people can use caution before ordering any type of CBD.
CBD oil manufacturers often advise users to place the oil under the tongue and then swallow it. The dose, potency, and price can vary depending on the brand. Dosing can start as low as 5 or 10 milligrams (mg).
CBD oil absorbs faster than gummies. If a person is looking for quick results, they may wish to choose an oil over a gummy.
Learn about the best CBD oils.
Topicals are products that a person applies to the skin. Examples include CBD-infused creams, ointments, lotions, balms, and tinctures.
Potency varies between products. With most topical products, a person needs to rub the product into the desired area, and brands often claim they can help relieve pain and muscle soreness.
Topical CBD products also often include carrier oils and other ingredients in the formula. People with sensitive skin and those with concerns about allergic reactions should read ingredient lists carefully.
A person may wish to choose a topical CBD product over an ingestible one, as it may provide more targeted relief, such as for pain.
Learn more about CBD topicals.
Gummies contain an edible form of CBD and are available in different shapes, flavors, potencies, and prices. Lower doses tend to start around 5 mg. Capsules contain CBD and are swallowable.
People interested in using gummies and capsules can start at lower doses and work up to larger doses. However, they should avoid exceeding the recommended dosage for their chosen product.
Since the FDA does not regulate CBD gummies or capsules, a person needs to use caution when selecting and consuming edible products.
If a person wants a more precise dose, they may wish to use gummies or capsules rather than an oil. Gummies and capsules may also be more convenient.
Learn more about hemp and CBD gummies.
A person needs to look for independently tested products. Some companies provide a certificate of analysis (COA), which shows the results of third-party testing of a product’s ingredients, dosage, and purity.
People can also consider the dose of CBD in their chosen product. Those new to CBD can start with a small dose and work up, never exceeding the product’s recommended dosage.
Brands will also use different types of CBD, including isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. Each of these will contain different amounts of THC. However, full-spectrum may produce stronger effects than CBD isolate due to the entourage effect.
Safety and health considerations
Scientists do not know much about the long-term safety of using CBD products. The
However, a
Side effects observable in different studies included:
- tiredness
- changes in weight or appetite
- diarrhea
CBD may provide several health benefits. According to
- chronic pain
- anxiety
- sleep and insomnia
- inflammation
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- nausea and vomiting
- resistant pediatric epilepsy
However, it is important to note that CBD is not a reliable treatment or cure for any of the above conditions. Research into CBD benefits and risks is ongoing.
Learn more about the potential benefits of CBD.
The table below summarises common terms when discussing CBD:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CBD | A compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use. |
| THC | A compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use. |
| Full-spectrum | A full-spectrum product will contain all of the natural compounds in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, THC levels must be no more than 0.3% to comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation on full-spectrum CBD products. |
| Broad-spectrum | Broad-spectrum products contain natural compounds of the cannabis plant. However, while manufacturers remove all or most of the THC in broad-spectrum CBD, it may still be present in trace amounts. |
| CBD isolate | This is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC. |
| Cannabinoids | The compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are |
| Terpenes | Another compound of the C. sativa plant, terpenes typically give plants their specific aromas. Some terpenes, such as limonene, may have specific health benefits. |
| Certificate of analysis (COA) | Reputable manufacturers of CBD products should ensure a COA is available for inspection. A COA provides information on the third-party testing that independent labs conduct on a particular product. Sometimes, products have a scannable smartphone code directing people to the COA online. |
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
CBD products come in several forms. The main types of CBD products include:
CBD is also available in many other forms, including capsules and pills, vaping liquid, mist sprays, and more. Some companies also produce CBD products for pets.
Learn more about the different types of products available to buy online below.
The following table compares the CBD products in this article on type, price, strength, and more.
| Type | CBD type | Strength | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBDistillery | oil | full-spectrum | 500 mg | $45 |
| NuLeaf Naturals | oil | full-spectrum | 900 to 6,000 mg | $49 to $249 |
| Joy Organics | topical | broad-spectrum | 500 to 1,000 mg | $54.95 to $79.95 |
| Spruce | topical | full-spectrum | 300 mg | $39 |
| CBDfx | gummies | broad-spectrum | 1,500 to 6,000 mg | $54.99 to $114.99 |
| Cornbread Hemp | gummies | full-spectrum | 300 to 1,500 mg | $39.99 to $74.99 |
| Medterra | capsules | isolate | 750 mg to 3,000 mg | $49.99 to $99.99 |
We selected these CBD products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
- the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
- any third-party certifications
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- any lab test results
- marketing claims
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
The three different types of CBD are full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum includes all parts of the cannabis plant, and products contain less than 0.3% of THC. Broad-spectrum CBD includes most of the cannabis plant but not all. It only contains trace amounts of THC. CBD isolate only contains CBD, with no other added cannabinoids. It does not contain any THC.
Full-spectrum CBD is likely to have the strongest effects, and higher doses will have more noticeable effects than low doses.
The type of CBD that is best for a person will vary depending on their needs. The main things to consider when choosing a CBD product include the type of CBD, such as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum, form, such as gummies or oils, THC content, and strength.
People could consider what they are using CBD for and decide what type of CBD product would be best for that purpose. For example, if a person has pain in a specific area, they may benefit most from choosing a topical product for targeted pain relief rather than a gummy, which will affect the whole body instead of a specific area.
The three cannabidiol (CBD) types include isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum varieties. Different product forms are available, including topicals, oils, gummies, and more. When buying CBD products, people can consider the CBD type, strength, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content.
The CBD industry is not regulated, so people must exercise caution when selecting a CBD product. Those considering CBD products for treating health conditions can seek advice and recommendations from a doctor.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.