With all of the hubbub around CBD in the past few years, you may have begun to ask yourself is CBD right for me? With so many users reporting benefits assisting conditions ranging from anxiety to pain relief and a variety of other minor and life-changing ailments it is no wonder. In fact, maybe you have stumbled on to this while determining if CBD is the right fit. There are hundreds of CBD products available on today’s market and it can be hard to figure out which is the best. First, we should talk about the difference between hemp and marijuana and the difference between types of extracts.
What is Hemp?
Hemp or sometimes called industrial hemp is the lesser-known cousin to the intoxicating plant more often called marijuana. Whereas marijuana is strong in tetrahydrocannabinol also called THC, hemp is better known for making things such as rope and paper. It is also very low in THC and high in cannabidiol also called CBD. In recent years the cannabis plant as a whole has gained notoriety in its supposed benefits to health.
What Is CBD Distillate?
CBD distillate is an extract made from the whole hemp plant. It generally contains CBD along with a host of well-known cannabinoids. CBD distillate comes in a variety of “flavors.” There is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Full-spectrum generally means as close to the plant in nature as you can get. It contains a full complement of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Full-spectrum is as close to the natural plant as you can get. On the other hand, broad-spectrum is a distillate that lacks any detectable THC. Whereas full-spectrum contains around 0.3% THC a broad spectrum distillate contains non-detectable or 0%. A broad-spectrum extract still benefits by having other compounds that are beneficial from the hemp plant present.
What is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolates is made when either a full or broad-spectrum CBD extract is put through a secondary process called crystallization. With this technique, we remove all the other compounds and the final product is 99% pure CBD. CBD isolate is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless form of CBD. Pure CBD isolate has the appearance of freshly fallen snow and sparkles with a radiance. CBD isolate is 99% pure cannabidiol and has no other flavonoids, terpenes, or other cannabinoids from the plant. It is the most basic and purest form of CBD on the market.
What is Best for CBD products?
This can oftentimes depend on what you are looking for out of a CBD product. If looking for a CBD product that is closest in chemical makeup to the original plant, then a full-spectrum would be best. If looking for something with no THC a broad-spectrum may suit your needs. But if looking for something with just CBD then a product with isolate would be the best.
What about edibles and topicals?
Edibles and topicals can contain either type. It helps to look at the description. If they say full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate it is safe to assume they are made with that type of extract. For example, if a product says full spectrum gummies it can be assumed that they have less than 0.3% THC. If they say broad-spectrum, they contain all the other cannabinoids but no THC. And if they say isolate, they have nothing from the hemp plant but CBD. It is worth mentioning that a product made with isolate will usually lack the earthy, bitter tones of one made with a full or broad-spectrum extract.
But Wait? What’s Best?
With a lack of significant research, it is truly hard to say what is best. The best is to do your research. There is a myriad of CBD products out there that claim relief from one thing or another. If you are truly curious as to how CBD can help your life, remember that CBD itself has shown no adverse effects on the human body and only causes discomfort in very high doses. It is best to start by asking your doctor if CBD can help you with serious conditions. But otherwise if taking as a supplement like a multivitamin, we believe there is no reason to fear it.
Great Places to Start
Edibles can be a great place to start a CBD regimen. Not only do they taste delicious by masking the earthy taste of CBD extract, but they come in specific doses. This can be great as it is easier to tailor a specific amount to how you feel. An added bonus to edibles is they are discreet and can be carried just about anywhere. Whether taking it at lunchtime or on a hike in the mountains CBD can be enjoyed just like a multivitamin.
Another excellent application of CBD is topicals such as lotions, bath bombs, and anti-aging creams. These products have been shown to help a variety of skin conditions from dry skin to acne. If looking for great, youthful-looking skin, look no further than CBD products. With their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties you can be sure to get your glow back!
