Hemp 101 - Different Types of CBD Oil / CBD Oil Buyer’s Guide

Looking to buy CBD oil or a CBD-based product? It’s important to know that you’ll have a lot to choose from—and that not all of those options are created equal. As a consumer, it’s crucial to be able to sort through the different types of CBD and pick the right one for you. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but don’t! Just keep reading for what you need to know about each. 

Full-Spectrum CBD
You’ll notice that some products are labeled “full-spectrum.” This means the product contains more than just CBD, typically including some small amount of THC, other cannabinoids like CBN and CBG, and terpenes and essential oils. But do you really want this extra stuff in your CBD oil? It might seem counterintuitive, but yes. According to a concept called the “entourage effect,” all the ingredients in the plant work together to increase CBD’s safety and efficacy, especially when compared to a CBD isolate.

CBD isolates
You’ll often find products—especially edibles and topical products— with the words “CBD isolate” on them. This means they contain the CBD compound alone, which has been isolated from the terpenes and other cannabinoids. Isolating the compound in this way typically means you need a higher dose of CBD to get the same effects, leading to safety concerns and medication interactions. Because of this, CBD isolate is not typically recommended for everyday consumers. But that doesn’t mean it’s totally devoid in value! In fact, there’s an FDA-approved drug that’s made from 99% pure oral CBD extract.

Broad-Spectrum CBD
If you see a product labeled “broad-spectrum” it means it’s full-spectrum but all of the THC has been taken out. Hemp-based full-spectrum products will have very low levels of THC (less than 0.3%, to be exact) already, but some people want to avoid THC entirely. If you fall under this category, opting for a broad-spectrum product is a great option.

Cannabis oil
Cannabis oil is a very general term, referring to any oil that’s been made from the cannabis plant (which as we know can be hemp or marijuana). When used on labels without any more specifics, this can be very confusing for consumers. Typically, a hemp-based CBD oil will be labeled “hemp extract” or “CBD oil” instead of cannabis oil. Products that you find at a dispensary in states with medical or recreational marijuana laws will label their high-CBD products “cannabis oil”—and they might contain intoxicating levels of THC. Make sure you do your research before buying.

Hemp seed oil
Don’t stop reading now because this last one’s important: Hemp seed oil and CBD oil are not the same. Mistaking one for the other is a common mistake—one that you don’t want to make! Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant (Yes, the same ones you sprinkle on your yogurt and smoothies!), which are virtually devoid in cannabinoids. Hemp seed oil is still a healthy ingredient, containing beneficial antioxidants, amino acids, and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, but it doesn’t have any CBD.

- GRETCHEN LIDICKER