CBD is the short-form for "Cannabidiol", which is the second most active ingredient in cannabis. CBD, an essential component of medical marijuana, is derived from hemp / cannabis plants. Unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating in nature. When consumed, CBD is known to interact with neuroreceptors present in the endocannabinoid system and prevent the breakdown of a chemical in the brain that helps control one's pain and mood. 

Check out our blog, ‘CBD: A hindrance or a solution for health’ for more information about CBD.

From topicals to medical consumption, CBD is slowly and steadily gaining popularity in India. It has proven to be effective in the treatment of skin conditions and other health problems like pain, inflammation, anxiety, sleep disorders, etc.

What are the different types of CBD?

Depending on the cannabinoid content and extraction process, there are three different types of CBD. They include 

• Full Spectrum CBD
• Broad Spectrum CBD 
• CBD Isolate

• Full-Spectrum CBD - Full-Spectrum CBD refers to the type of CBD that also contains other compounds, such as terpenes and flavonoids, which are naturally present in the hemp plant, along with small amounts of THC. The presence of terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils, and other cannabinoids in full-spectrum CBD creates an entourage effect, wherein all the compounds present in the plant work together to produce better effects than when taken separately.
  
  
• Broad-Spectrum CBD - Broad-spectrum CBD sits between full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. Broad-spectrum CBD is very similar to full-spectrum CBD, with the only difference being that there are minimal traces of THC since it undergoes an additional extraction process to remove all THC. It is referred to as “nearly THC-free” CBD.
  
  
• CBD Isolate - CBD Isolate is an isolated form of CBD. It corresponds to the purest form of CBD, as it does not contain any THC or other natural compounds from the hemp plant. As a result, CBD isolate is unable to produce the entourage effect. CBD isolate is known to be over 99% pure.

What are the different forms in which CBD is available?

CBD products come in different forms and are found in different items, including food, oil, skin products, etc. The common forms of usage / consumption of CBD include: 

• Oils and tinctures
• Edibles (gummies, capsules, pills, etc.) 
• Mist sprays 
• Topicals (creams, lotions, ointments, balms, etc.)

Difference between Full-Spectrum CBD, Broad-Spectrum CBD, and CBD Isolate.

The difference between the three forms of CBD depends on the chemical compounds they contain. The following table explains the difference between them:

 Which type of CBD is right for you?

• If you want a flavourless and odourless CBD product, want to avoid THC completely, or must submit to drug testing, CBD isolate may be the most suitable option.
• If you want the benefits of the "Entourage Effect" which makes taking the compounds in the cannabis plant together more effective than taking them separately, full-spectrum CBD may be right for you. 
• If you want the health boost of CBD and want to avoid THC, broad-spectrum CBD can be the appropriate fit. 

Please Note: Currently in India, only Full Spectrum CBD is legal and available as per the Ayurveda regulatory guidelines. 

While choosing the right CBD product seems overwhelming, your decision will be easier with the right knowledge of the types and forms of CBD available in the market.

At Oreka, we offer reliable and high-quality Ayurveda approved CBD products.