What Forms Does CBD Come In?

“What forms does CBD come in?” is a question that we see a lot as a CBD retailer. If you’re new to CBD, or if you’re just trying to learn a bit more about how to choose the best kind, then understanding the different kinds of CBD is key. And since we always want to make it as easy as possible for you to find the CBD product that’s right for you, we’ve put together this quick glossary to differentiate between CBD oil terms. We hope it helps answer some of the questions you might have about where to start when it comes to selecting an optimal CBD product.

Essential CBD Terms

Knowing these CBD terms will go a long way toward clearing up any confusion about what you can expect from different CBD products.

Broad spectrum CBD

Somewhere between CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD refers to CBD that has had some but not all plant compounds removed. It generally contains no THC.

CBD isolate

An isolate is the purest form of a compound, meaning CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. Sold in crystals or a powder, CBD isolate is what you get when you remove all compounds from the hemp plant except for the CBD, including any THC and terpenes.

Decarboxylation

Applying heat or drying methods to raw hemp extracts to make compounds like CBD easier for your brain and body to process.

Distillate, or distillation

Using heat to separate terpenes from cannabinoid oils and create a richer and more refined CBD product. These products contain around 80% pure CBD.

Filtered

CBD products where decarboxylation has been used to remove all plant parts and create a hemp oil with a higher concentration of CBD. It is easier for the body to absorb than full spectrum CBD, but does not have the same strength of effects (or in CBD terms, the same entourage effect).

Flavonoids

Compounds that provide plants with their aroma, flavor, and health benefits. Cannabis has about 20 different flavonoids, many of which are also found in things like teas, berries, and red wine.

Full spectrum CBD

Full spectrum CBD is produced in such a way as to maintain the integrity of the hemp plant, and thus has a load of healthy compounds in addition to CBD, including CBN, CBG, and CBDa, all of which have their own unique and beneficial properties. It may contain THC as well.

Hemp seed oil

Be wary of this term, since while hemp seed oil does come from the hemp plant it does not contain CBD and thus does not have its same therapeutic properties. Legitimate CBD products will mention “hemp oil,” not “hemp seed oil”—keep an eye out so you don’t spend money on a product that isn’t what you want.

Terpenes

Terpenes give plants their smell, among other things. When found in CBD products, they can help amplify the benefits of the hemp oil and provide a stronger and more all-encompassing effect.

Zero THC (or THC free)

CBD products where THC has been reduced to non-detectable levels, below the 0.3% that is allowed.

Why Knowing CBD Terminology Is So Important

There’s more to understanding CBD terminology than just better informing your purchasing habits. The CBD industry is booming, and still relatively new. With so many products constantly introduced to the market it’s crucial that you can make sense of all the varying claims and ingredients—both for peace of mind that you’re getting what you’re paying for and for your safety.

We only sell products that meet our strict expectations in terms of the quality of their ingredients, their process, and their benefits. Shop full and broad spectrum CBD oil tinctures, and browse additional products too, including zero THC/isolate CBD and CBD supplements for pets.