CBD is a chief compound in the hemp plant. Due to its abundant health benefits, its usage is growing with numerous forms and types in today’s market.
In this article, you’ll be introduced to the different types and forms of CBD; their uses, and optimum doses.
Forms of CBD
- Full-spectrum CBD comprises all the chemical compounds that are in the hemp plant; including CBD, terpenes, fats, and proteins. It also contains more than 0.03% THC, so it’s recommended to check if it’s legal in your state.
- Broad-spectrum CBD consists of all the biochemical compounds that are extracted from the hemp plant; except THC. These compounds collected provide the entourage outcome for superior effectiveness.
- CBD Isolate is a pure form of CBD that contains no other compounds. Being concentrated, it’s effective with lesser doses.
- Nanoenhanced hemp oil uses nanotechnology to shrink CBD particles to a very small size (about 100 nm). This provides the particles with greater skin penetration abilities.
In short, As it has all the compounds from hemp, full-spectrum CBD can provide strong effects. But, it can be illegal in some states. Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD is popular in many CBD products because it has a combined effect. Keep in mind that CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, which means it’s very useful when large doses of CBD are needed.
Types of CBD
CBD Oils
CBD oil is the simplest type of CBD. It’s formed by heating the plant in oil. However, major manufacturers use a procedure called supercritical CO2 extraction when the gas is liquefied under high temperatures and pressures to extract the CBD from the hemp plants. This process is very safe and becoming the mainstream.
When is it typically used?
- Pain relief. CBD can interact with the endocannabinoid system in your brain to achieve the analgesic effect.
- Depression. CBD has the ability to stimulate the receptors of serotonin — the happiness hormone — leading to a better mood.
- Cancer symptoms. CBD can improve many cancer-related symptoms, e.g. reducing nausea and vomiting.
- Multiple sclerosis. CBD can help with pain and muscle rigidity.
It’s the best choice for users who need fast and effective results with small doses. As CBD oil is typically consumed by putting some drops under the tongue, it makes use of this large area of capillaries for faster absorption. It’s also suitable for different methods of consumption e.g. vaping or with food and recommended if long-term consumption is needed.
Dosage:
The right dose of CBD depends on your condition and the desired effects. Generally, it’s recommended to consume 1–6 mg CBD for every 10 pounds of your weight. Start with a small dose that increases gradually until you achieve your goal.
CBD Tinctures
CBD tinctures are the result of immersing hemp buds in heated alcohol. Flavors can be added to the CBD for better taste.
When is it typically used?
- Pain relief. Tinctures can offer fast and effective analgesia.
- Anxiety. CBD can have a soothing effect on your anxiety, reducing its severity and frequency.
- Multiple Sclerosis. CBD can alleviate both the pain and muscle stiffness associated with MS.
- Heart health promotion. CBD can help with stress-induced elevated blood pressure.
It’s the best choice for users who don’t like the feel of oil under their tongue.
This is because tinctures are water-soluble with a wide range of flavors.
Dosage:
Generally, the dose could be 1-2 droppers per day according to your daily dose of CBD and the concentration of each bottle of CBD tincture. You may need to do some calculations.
CBD Pills and Capsules
CBD pills and capsules are forms of CBD that are swallowed — not chewed. They have fixed doses and are available as over-the-counter supplements. The recommended dose is 1–6 mg CBD for every 10 pounds of your weight, which may be 1-2 capsules according to their concentrations.
When is it typically used?
- Pain relief. However, they need to be absorbed by your intestine after ingestion making them slower.
- Heart health promotion. CBD can relieve stress and associated increases in blood pressure.
- Neuroprotective. CBD can promote the health of your nervous system by protecting against brain disorders e.g. epilepsy.
- Anxiety. CBD can have a calming effect on your anxiety.
It’s the best choice for users who want to consume CBD discreetly in public or around co-workers without drawing their attention. They are also of fixed doses which makes them a good option if you don’t like to calculate your dose.
Dosage:
The dosage of CBD capsules is very convenient. They come in pre-dosed forms e.g. 25 or 50 mg capsules. If your daily dose, for example, is 50 mg, just take one 50 mg capsule.
CBD Sprays
Some CBD oil sprays are usually bottles with a nozzle that disperse CBD in droplet form. They are available as mouth sprays while others are meant to be applied locally on affected areas.
When is it typically used?
- Headaches. Oral CBD sprays can be effective in reducing tension headaches.
- Local pain relief. For example, sore muscles after exercising.
- Local infections. CBD has the ability to stimulate the immune system to combat infections.
- Inflammations. For example, mouth inflammations and oral ulcers.
It’s the best choice for users who need a convenient CBD product that is suitable for localized aches and inflammations.
Dosage:
The suggested dose will depend on the condition and the area that you need to apply the spray to. Generally, you’ll need to use 1-2 sprays each time.
CBD Topicals
CBD topicals are available as creams, lotions, and lip balms that are put directly on your skin. They provide mainly local effects with only minimal amounts absorbed into the circulation.
When is it typically used?
- Skin conditions. The anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD lead to the improvement of many skin illnesses e.g. psoriasis as well as acne.
- Local pain relief. CBD can help relieve muscle soreness after exercising as well as joint pain like in arthritis.
- Local infections. CBD can interact with the immune system and stimulate it to fight infections.
It’s the best choice for users who desire rapid local effects for pain and inflammation.
Dosage:
The dose of topical CBD products depends on the severity of your condition — rather than body weight. You may need to apply it anywhere from one time daily to every two hours.
CBD Edibles
CBD edibles are foods that contain CBD and are available in various forms and tastes from CBD gum to CBD honey. There are even CBD gummies for kids
When is it typically used?
- Sleep improvement. By relaxing your body and mind, CBD can be effective in relieving insomnia.
- Reducing migraines. It helps with the pain or soreness connected to migraines. It also reduces nausea and vomit
- Pain relief. CBD has comforting effects on bowel pain.
- Anti-anxiety. It can help with various forms of stress e.g. social phobia.
It’s the best choice for users who want their CBD to taste delicious and want to use CBD conveniently and discreetly in public. However, they take time to be absorbed from your intestine and are affected by your liver metabolism and food intake.
Dosage:
The recommended starting dose is 1–6 mg CBD for every 10 pounds of your weight. You can consume it with a single meal or divided throughout the day.
CBD Beverages
CBD beverages are tasty drinks mixed with CBD that are available in many forms like CBD tea or CBD smoothies. They have many flavors and can be consumed throughout the day.
When is it typically used?
- Relaxation. Try CBD beverages before going to bed, but avoid caffeinated ones at night.
- Pain relief. However, they’re slower than other types because they take time to be absorbed from the intestine.
- Heart health promotion. CBD can prevent increases in blood pressure due to stress.
- Anxiety. CBD can reduce your anxiety.
It’s the best choice for users who want their CBD to taste delicious and want to use CBD conveniently and discreetly in public.
Dosage:
Starting with 1–6 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of your weight is a good strategy. It’s also better if you divide the dose throughout the day.
Vape Oil
Vaporizing devices e.g. vape pens heat a small quantity of CBD oil into vapor. The inhaled vapor is absorbed by the lungs into the circulation. This provides a wide surface area for absorption leading to a fast effect; it reaches its peak in 10 minutes. However, it needs a good inhalation technique. Also, it’s recommended to use a solvent-free vape oil to avoid lung irritation. However, some vapes are solvent-free.
When is it typically used?
- Epilepsy. CBD is believed to reduce the severity and frequency of attacks.
- Nausea and vomiting. For example, associated with cancer treatment.
- Analgesia. CBD can provide fast and effective pain alleviation.
- Anxiety. CBD can reduce feelings of anxiety and decrease panic attacks.
It’s the best choice for users who want rapid effects and are used to smoking.
Dosage:
1–6 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of your weight is the recommended starting dose. To determine the right dose, you’ll need to know the amount of CBD per oil cartilage and how many puffs it takes to finish it.
CBD Powder
CBD powder refers to CBD isolate which is the purest form of CBD. After extraction from the hemp plant, other compounds are removed and the CBD is filtered down to the highest concentrations. It’s the most potent CBD product that can be consumed in many ways, for example, you can put it directly under your tongue or add it to your drink.
When is it typically used?
- Epilepsy. CBD can improve seizure control in epileptic patients.
- Cancer. CBD can help with pain, low mood, nausea, and vomiting.
- Analgesia. CBD offers fast and effective pain alleviation in severe conditions.
- Depression. CBD can help make your mood better.
It’s the best choice for users who need a large amount of CBD for long periods due to severe conditions e.g. cancer patients. This is because it’s highly concentrated and small doses of it can produce great effects.
Dosage:
Start with a small dose — 1–6 mg CBD for every 10 pounds of your weight — and increase it gradually to achieve the desired effects.
CBD Joints
Some users consume smokable CBD like CBD joints. These pre-rolled cigarettes are useful for pain relief, anxiety, and GIT problems e.g. nausea and vomiting. Besides, CBD has addiction-reducing qualities which means it can help smokers quit smoking cigarettes.
When is it typically used?
- Pain relief. CBD can interact with the endocannabinoid system in your brain to reduce pain.
- Depression. CBD can stimulate the serotonin receptors, improving your mood.
- Cancer symptoms. CBD can improve nausea, vomiting, and pain.
- Epilepsy. CBD is believed to reduce the severity and frequency of convulsions.
It’s the best choice for users who want a fast route of taking CBD. It’s also suitable for users who want to quit smoking cigarettes.
Dosage:
The number of joints will depend on the dose of CBD per joint and your condition.
CBD Buds
CBD buds are parts of the hemp plant. Compared to other parts of the plant, buds are the highest in CBD content; They can be smoked, ingested, etc.
When is it typically used?
- Pain relief. CBD can help relieve chronic pain e.g. arthritis.
- Cancer symptoms. CBD can help with the side effects of chemotherapy e.g. the vomiting.
- Depression and anxiety. By stimulation the receptors of serotonin, it can lead to a better mood.
It’s the best choice for users who want a CBD product with high concentration and multiple ways of consumption.
Dosage:
The dose will depend on your condition and body weight. Generally, 1–6 mg CBD for every 10 pounds of your weight is a good starting dose.
CBD Inhalers
CBD inhalers are an innovative method to take CBD. CBD particles come out of inhalers to be breathed in by the user. They offer an effective and rapid way of absorption.
When is it typically used?
- Depression. By activating the serotonin receptors, CBD has the ability to make your mood better.
- Anxiety. CBD can reduce anxiety.
- Pain relief. By interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors in your brain, CBD can provide pain relief.
It’s the best choice for users who want a method of CBD consumption that is comparable to vaping in speed; and without smoking.
Dosage:
The inhalers are pre-dosed and the number of puffs will depend on the condition and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Other Types of CBD
CBD for pets. These products can help if your pet has anxiety around strangers, insomnia, and bowel disorders
CBD for baths. Hemp soaps are products that can be added to your bath-water and are optimized for maximum skin penetration.
CBD toothpaste. These products can help you have better oral hygiene and fresher breath.
CBD vaginal suppositories. These products offer you optimum health care, especially during menstruation.
CBD massage oil. They can be used for maximum relaxation.
CBD for hair care. Hemp seed oil for hair and CBD shampoo can provide your hair with multiple refreshing benefits.
To Wrap Up
Choosing the most fitting product for you relies greatly on your condition and personal preferences. If you’re a beginner, start with the type you think you’ll be happy with. CBD oils and tinctures can be very convenient. However, if you don’t like their taste, it’s better to try CBD edibles, beverages, and capsules. If you don’t mind smoking, you can get great benefits from vaping or CBD joints. Finally, CBD isolates and concentrates are the most potent and are preferred in serious diseases e.g. cancer, or when large doses are required for long periods of time.