Your Beginner’s Guide to CBD Products: Get Started Here on Learning a Little Something About Them.
Become educated on the options and their benefits.
CBD 101
If you’ve Googled CBD, you’ll find that there are many different hemp and CBD products out there. It can be a little overwhelming to browse through them, especially if you’re not familiar with all the terminology.
To help you, we’ve put together a quick guide to choosing the right kind of hemp or CBD products for your needs!
Heading #1: Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate
Hemp and CBD products can be divided into three groups: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. But what exactly do these words mean?
The difference between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate is which cannabinoids and terpenes they contain. Cannabinoids are the chemicals found in hemp and cannabis plants — CBD is one such cannabinoid — while terpenes give hemp strains their unique aromas.
Full-spectrum hemp / CBD includes all cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant, including THC. The exact cannabinoids will vary depending on the strain of hemp it comes from. In other words, no cannabinoids or terpenes are removed.
Broad-spectrum hemp / CBD is like full-spectrum CBD, except some of the cannabinoids — usually THC — have been removed.
CBD isolate contains CBD and CBD alone. You’ll find that it’s possible to get CBG and CBN isolate too: they both contain the pure cannabinoid only.
Many experts believe that broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products work better because of the entourage effect. This is the idea that certain compounds in cannabis work better when used together. However, you might want to opt for an isolate if you’re after one particular cannabinoid.
In summary, no one product is necessarily better than the other. While full-spectrum hemp is best for some, isolates and broad-spectrum products are more suitable for others. It depends on your own needs and individual biology. Feel free to experiment with different products to see what works for you!
Heading #2: Gummies, tinctures, topicals, and more
There are a wide variety of ways to take hemp and CBD products. These delivery systems, as they’re called, can include:
Gummies, edibles, and beverages
Tinctures and oils
Topicals
Capsules
Water-soluble
Vapes
Hemp/CBD flower (which is smokable)
The delivery system you choose is up to you. They all have their benefits and possible drawbacks. For example:
Gummies, edibles, and beverages are tasty and convenient, but they might take longer to kick in as they have to travel through your digestive system.
Tinctures are very popular, but many people dislike measuring out and using a tincture every day.
Topicals, which include creams and lotions, are better suited for skincare or comforting swollen, sore muscles and joints.
Capsules are as easy and convenient as regular capsules, but, like edibles, they might take longer to kick in as they have to travel through your digestive system.
Water-soluble products are great for mixing into coffee, juice, or food, and it’s super bioavailable, but it can be costly.
Vaping CBD gets into your system fast, and it can be fun, but many people don’t enjoy putting smoke into their lungs.
CBD and hemp flower is much like a bud of cannabis, except it’s high in CBD, or other cannabinoids like CBG, but very low in THC. Smoking hemp flower makes it very bioavailable, but it might take a toll on your chest, and many people dislike the taste and smell.
The most effective form of medicinal hemp is the one you’ll actually use — there’s no point in getting a gummy if you hate the taste and don’t use it as often as you should.
Rather opt for something you’re likely to enjoy using. If you remember to take your capsules every morning, go for capsules. If you love vitamin gummies, try CBD gummies. If you regularly use lotions and balms, try one of our Astraèa lotions or balms.
Heading #3: Other cannabinoids
As mentioned, CBD is not the only cannabinoid found in hemp and cannabis. In fact, over 100 cannabinoids have been identified.
You’ll find that CBD is often combined with other cannabinoids to create health products. These cannabinoids may include CBN, CBG, and more. CBG is generally used to support swelling and discomfort, but also offers support for focus, concentration, and energy. CBN on the other hand, is generally used to soothe stress and calm your body and mind. Try Astraèa’s heavy CBN line before bed!
Heading #4: Which hemp/CBD product should I choose?
There are a wide variety of hemp and CBD products out there, but you don’t need to feel overwhelmed. Aim to purchase quality CBD products that you think you’ll enjoy using.
You might need time to get into the habit of using the product, and it might take a while before you notice a difference in how you feel: many people report noticing a difference after only a week or two of consistent use. So if you’ve taken one or two doses and you haven’t noticed a difference, be patient.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different products. You can also use a combination of our Astraèa products if you want to benefit from the entourage effect.