THE THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CBD
The world of cannabidiol (CBD) can feel overwhelming to newcomers. There are so many products available, from oils, tinctures, and salves, to patches and edibles. Not to mention all the sub-products in each of these categories! On top of that, you’ve got technical descriptions (including flavor and potency) to think about. To help you along the way and make sure you’re getting the right CBD, we’re breaking down the three types of CBD: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.
WHAT IS CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most prevalent active ingredient in cannabis. It’s one of around one hundred naturally occurring compounds (cannabinoids) derived from the stalks, flowers, and leaves of the hemp plant, a type of cannabis plant that contains mostly CBD (compared to its other cannabinoid content).
Unlike its cousin tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD doesn’t induce psychoactive effects; so it doesn’t make you high. Instead, it provides several health benefits.
CBD is known to treat ailments such as:
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain (e.g., inflammation, arthritis, neuropathic pain, etc.)
- Addiction
THREE TYPES OF CBD
CBD is categorized into three types: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. These categories indicate the presence or absence of other hemp compounds alongside the CBD, specifically THC.
#1 FULL-SPECTRUM CBD
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the components of the cannabis plant, including the full range of therapeutic cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and essential fatty acids. This means that it also contains THC, though often only amounts of 0.3% or less (or else it’s not allowed under the Farm Bill and is, therefore, illegal). Though this still can’t get you high, it might result in a false positive drug test if full-spectrum CBD is taken in high doses regularly.
Each of the components that come with full-spectrum CBD brings its own share of benefits. It’s believed that (as theorized in the “entourage effect”) if the compounds in the cannabis plant are taken together, there is a more potent effect and a higher level of relief amongst users.
#2 BROAD-SPECTRUM CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is just like full-spectrum CBD, except the THC is removed entirely. Users can still enjoy all of CBD’s benefits with its cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and enzymes without any of the benefits or undesirable effects of THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD is extracted similarly to full-spectrum CBD, but the THC is later isolated and removed. This process can be very costly, driving up the prices of this type of CBD in the market.
#3 CBD ISOLATE
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. It doesn’t contain any other components of the cannabis plant, making it the safest bet for lots of people looking to enjoy the benefits of CBD alone. Though CBD isolate doesn’t induce the entourage effect, it’s still very beneficial and proven to be an effective option in all its forms.
HOW TO USE CBD
CBD comes in many forms, making it accessible to people who prefer to use it in different ways. Generally, you can take CBD as:
- Oils
- Flower
- Edibles
- Topicals
- Vape juice
WHAT’S THE BEST TYPE OF CBD?
Each type of CBD provides its own set of benefits, and choosing the best type depends on several personal factors like your health and lifestyle. There’s no one-size-fits-all here, and it will likely take some cautious trial and error until you find the right type that works for you.
Is CBD Oil Legal in Australia?
CBD oil is legal in some European countries and can be purchased by almost anyone for recreational and medicinal purposes. But in Australia, you need a medical prescription to purchase it in the country. This is because CBD oil is still a schedule 4 controlled substance in Australia. But that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your CBD oil vape pen if you can’t get a prescription. You can import little quantities of CBD oil from other countries.
In, July 2019, the Australian government announced a revised SAS scheme which will make it easier for more doctors to become eligible for prescribing CBD oil to patients. This means that with time, it will be easier for you to access CBD oil in Australia.
Vaping CBD oil won’t make you high, so you can drive even after you have vaped it. But be careful of some CBD oil that have a higher than usual amount of THC.
Can I Take CBD Vape Oil Orally?
No. You shouldn’t do that at all. CBD vape oils contain vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol and other ingredients that make it unsafe for consumption.
Can I Vape Orally Prescribed CBD Oil?
Most CBD vape juice is made with food-grade ingredients, so they are suitable to take orally. Just remember, it doesn’t work the other way around; you can’t vape a CBD oil tincture.
Can I Pass a Drug Test After Vaping CBD Oil?
It depends. Most CBD oils contain a tiny percentage of THC so you will likely fail a drug test after vaping them. If you are wary of a drug test, buy CBD isolate oils. CBD isolate oils have 0 THC content. They do not contain any other marijuana compound apart from CBD.
CBD Oils Made Specifically for Vape Cartridges
We now have special CBD oils that are made specifically for vape cartridges. They contain additional ingredients like vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol which gives them a resemblance to e-liquids.
The added ingredients give the CBD oil better flavor and make them produce thicker vapor clouds.
How CBD Oil Vape Pens Works
There are no specially made vape cartridges for CBD oils. So, you can use a regular low wattage vape kit and fill up the tank with the CBD oil. The vape pen is a safer, healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes. Some call it an ‘e-cigarette.’
The CBD oil is stored in a tank in the kit. Oil is drawn from the tank to the atomizer coil through the cotton wicking material. The atomizer coil heats up and vaporizes the liquid. The vapor then flows up to the mouthpiece for you to inhale it.
Buying a CBD Oil Vape Device
You can buy disposable and refillable CBD oil vape cartridges. Disposable CBD oil vape cartridges are cheaper, and they come preloaded.
Buy a refillable vape cartridge if you are looking for something that will last you for a long period of time.
You need to look out for a vape device with good battery life. Good CBD oil vape device's have a battery higher than 750mAh. They also have strong power output levels with a wattage of at least 30W.
Where can I get a Prescription?
There are many suggestions online available for a prescriber of Medicinal Cannabis. We have had many customers recommending Alternaleaf.
Find their link here: Alternaleaf | Natural Plant Alternatives.
