It is a common misconception that all CBD oils are made the same and offer the same effects. There are many different types available, from varying strengths to the differing type of CBD that they contain.
It is common for people who are new to the world of CBD to simply visit their local pharmacy and choose the oil with the most appealing label. There is nothing particularly wrong with this method, and there are benefits to be gained from most CBD oils. This method of choosing, however, is unlikely to yield the most effective results.
It is worth taking a little time to understand the different types of CBD oils on the market and how they are made. Being able to tell them apart helps you make an informed decision about which oils are likely to be the most effective for a given person and the desired results.
An excellent place to start when differentiating between products is with the CBD type they contain. The type of CBD is likely to have the most noticeable impact on the effects.
Full-Spectrum CBD Oils
Full-spectrum oils are among the most common types of CBD tinctures and are characterized by their rich blend of natural cannabinoids and terpenes. PureKana CBD oil is an excellent example of how full-spectrum CBD can be used to create an enjoyable and practical supplement.
Most of the compounds that naturally occur within hemp plants are retained with full-spectrum oils. Only mild filtration methods are needed to remove excessive levels of THC and ensure that the resulting oil conforms to the legal THC limit of 0.3% in the USA.
It is arguable that there are benefits to choosing full-spectrum oils over other options as a result of the different cannabinoids and terpenes that they contain. There has been some evidence to show that the cannabinoids and terpenes found within hemp plants can work well together within the body, triggering the entourage effect and enhanced effects.
CBD Isolate Oils
Isolate oils are different from full-spectrum oils in that they only contain one cannabinoid: CBD. To isolate the cannabidiol, rigorous filtration methods are used to ensure that all other plant compounds and cannabinoids are removed.
One of the main benefits of isolate oils is that they are guaranteed to be free from THC, with even trace amounts removed. Some people also prefer CBD isolate oils as it is easier to keep track of the exact cannabinoids being consumed.
Broad-Spectrum CBD Oils
Broad-spectrum oils are a middle ground between full-spectrum and isolate CBD oils. In order to make broad-spectrum oils, some of the cannabinoids found within hemp plants are removed. The result is an oil that contains a mix of cannabinoids and terpenes, but not to the same extent as full-spectrum oils.
It is not just the type of CBD within an oil tincture that can vary according to the brand and how they are made. The strength, flavorings, and form that the oil comes in are also essential factors that can help to distinguish one oil from another.
Flavored and Unflavored Oils
Both flavored and unflavored CBD oils are widely available, giving customers the ability to choose flavor profiles that they find enjoyable. In most cases, the flavor of oil will not impact its effectiveness. Flavored oils can, however, make the experience of using them more enjoyable, resulting in them being used more consistently.
Each brand has its method for flavoring its CBD oils. Unflavored oils can be made using a simple blend of CBD extract and a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive. In unflavored oils, the terpene content is allowed to shine through, resulting in a mild herbal taste.
Flavored oils require a few additional ingredients to give them the desired flavor profile. Some CBD brands choose to use natural fruit and vegetable extract as flavorings.
CBD Oil Strengths
Most CBD brands offer their oils in at least a few different strength options. Having other strength oils is essential as it gives the consumer the ability to choose the right oil for their tolerance levels and desired effects.
The strength of the oil does not affect the ingredients it contains or how it is made. The only difference is the ratio of CBD to carrier oil found within the final solution. Standard options include 5% and 10% oils, with the percentage referring to the CBD it contains.
Traditional Tinctures and Pre-Measured Drops
CBD oils traditionally come in small tinctures and are designed to either be used in drop form or added to foods. It is also becoming increasingly common to purchase CBD oils in ready-to-use, pre-measured droppers for a quick and hassle-free dose of CBD.
With both droppers and tinctures, the same recipe tends to be used during manufacturing. The main difference occurs in packaging, with some oil going into a glass bottle and the rest being measured out and placed into droppers.