The fast facts
- There are three types of CBD: broad spectrum, full spectrum, and isolate. They are defined by how many and how much of the additional ingredients are also extracted from the cannabis plant.
- These three types of CBD are available in many forms, such as oil tinctures, topicals, gummies, and capsules.
- CBD isolate is best for those who don’t want any traces of THC, terpenes, or additional plant compounds.
If you’re new to cannabidiol (CBD) and are unsure what product to use, read on. This guide will teach you about the three types of CBD, the different forms they take, and how to take each.
- Full-spectrum CBD: This type of CBD retains all components of the cannabis plant, including a small amount of THC (less than 0.3%) and other cannabinoids like CBG and CBN. It also contains terpenes — which contribute aromas and taste — as well as flavonoids, which add antioxidant properties. This range of compounds in full-spectrum CBD creates what’s known as the entourage effect. (More on this below.)
- Broad-spectrum CBD: This has all components of the cannabis plant that full-spectrum CBD does but in more trace amounts, meaning it won’t be as potent. Broad-spectrum CBD may contain only trace amounts of THC.
- CBD isolate: This is pure CBD, with no other compounds from the cannabis plant. However, like broad-spectrum CBD, it could contain trace amounts of THC, which could show up on a drug test.
In addition to the three types of CBD, you can find many forms.
| Oils and tinctures | Ingestibles | Capsules | Topicals | Vape liquids | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What they are | CBD-infused liquids (oil or alcohol) | gummies (most commonly) | CBD-containing pills or softgels | creams, lotions, salves, balms, patches, or ointments | CBD-infused liquids |
| How you take them | sublingually (under the tongue) | taken by mouth | taken by mouth | applied to the skin | inhaled with a vaporizer |
| Pros | rapid onset if held under the tongue rather than swallowed, easy to find | discreet, easy to dose | easy to dose | provide direct relief to a specific spot on the body | fastest onset time |
| Cons | some people don’t like the taste | longer onset, gummies may melt | longer onset, may be hard to swallow | difficult to dose | may pose health risks, |
| Product recommendations | Best CBD oils | Best CBD gummies | Best CBD capsules | Best CBD topicals | we don’t recommend |
Some research states that the compounds of the cannabis plant, which include cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) as well as other organic compounds, such as terpenes and flavonoids, are more effective when they’re taken together. This is called the entourage effect.
Just be aware that a large enough dose of a potent CBD product means greater exposure to THC. Euphoric effects are possible but unlikely.
If you want to avoid any chance of experiencing an intoxicating effect, opt for a broad-spectrum or isolate product. However, you might not reap the full benefits of CBD from these forms.
| Type | What’s in it | How it can affect you |
|---|---|---|
| Full-spectrum CBD | contains all plant compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), terpenes*, and flavonoids** | may result in entourage effect |
| Broad-spectrum CBD | contains fewer plant compounds; may contain only trace amounts of THC or no THC at all | less likely to result in entourage effect |
| CBD isolate | contains only CBD and no other plant compounds | no entourage effect |
Don’t get fooled by hempseed oil
“CBD” products sold on Amazon are often made of hempseed oil, not CBD oil. Hempseed oil and CBD oil are not the same thing.
Keep in mind that CBD can be purchased online directly from CBD companies. But it’s not for sale on Amazon.
Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
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 legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so 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.