If you’ve ever shopped for hemp products, you’ve likely wondered: what are the different types of CBD? What’s the difference between full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate CBD? And what are the differences between different forms of hemp products such as topicals or gummies? 

Here at Proleve, we make it easy to decide which type of CBD is best for your needs. Below, we explain everything you need to know about the different types of CBD, including key differences between CBD products with and without THC. 

First, we cover three different categories of CBD products--full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate--which differ based on THC content and other cannabinoids and terpenes. Next, we cover the various different types of CBD product categories, covering the difference between hemp topicals and ingestibles.

What are the Different Types of CBD? 

There are three different forms of CBD: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. CBD is the main ingredient in each of these categories, which can be used to create all forms of CBD products, from tinctures and topicals to hemp drinks and gummies. 

The difference between these forms of CBD comes down to the additional ingredients they contain. Though CBD is the main compound in the hemp plant, it’s accompanied by hundreds of other, naturally-occurring cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Each of these compounds produces a slightly different effect, and when combined in CBD products, they can amplify hemp’s therapeutic properties for certain purposes.

Full Spectrum CBD

Full spectrum hemp products contain the full range of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes found in hemp, including trace amounts of THC below the legal limit of 0.3%. Though this isn’t enough to produce a “high,” these trace THC levels are believed to reinforce some of CBD’s upsides in full spectrum products.

In addition to CBD and THC, full spectrum products contain “minor” cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, and CBC. They also contain terpenes and flavonoids, which occur naturally alongside cannabinoids in hemp, and can enhance their therapeutic effects. 

Researchers have suggested that in full spectrum products, these compounds produce a synergistic “entourage effect,” working together to amplify CBD’s therapeutic properties. For this reason, 

Broad Spectrum CBD 

Broad spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids and terpenes found in hemp, except for THC. This allows CBD to synergize with other, natural compounds believed to amplify its effects and benefits.

Broad spectrum CBD products are created using a different extraction method than full spectrum CBD. Specifically, they go through an additional phase of processing to remove all trace amounts of THC found in the hemp plant and raw CBD distillate. 

Though broad spectrum products contain 0% THC, they still contain other terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids believed to enhance hemp’s value, and to contribute their own therapeutic properties to a product’s overall effects. 

CBD Isolate 

CBD isolate contains CBD only, in a highly-purified white powder. Like broad spectrum CBD, products created with CBD isolate are THC-free. To create CBD isolate, additional purifying techniques are included in the extraction process, eliminating all additional compounds from the final product. 

CBD isolate is a great option for those who experience side effects from full or broad spectrum CBD, and for those who prefer THC-free CBD products due to drug testing or other purposes. 

What are the Different Types of CBD Products?

In addition to these three different categories of ingredients, there are various different categories of hemp products. All of these categories can be created using either isolate, broad spectrum, or full spectrum hemp, but they differ based on product format and route of ingestion. 

Common forms of CBD include:

• CBD Ingestibles. This category includes products that are consumed orally, such as CBD tinctures and gummies, which can be created with or without THC. 
• CBD Inhalables. These refer to products that can be inhaled, such as smokable CBD flower or CBD vapes. 
• CBD Topicals. CBD topicals can take the form of creams, lotions, salves, balms, roll-ons, or bath bombs. They’re applied directly to the skin, and are often used for pain, inflammation, sore muscles, stiff joints, redness, itching, or irritation. They can also be used for common skincare purposes such as moisturizing and rejuvenating dry skin.

CBD ingestibles are typically the best option if you’re looking to harness hemp for both physical and mental health. CBD topicals, on the other hand, don’t enter the bloodstream; instead, they produce effects restricted to the area where they’re applied directly, rather than working through the inside of the body. If you’re seeking to maximize CBD’s effects for pain and inflammation, we recommend combining CBD topicals with an ingestible of your choice.

The Bottom Line: Which Type of CBD Is Best for Me?

Proleve offers full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate across all hemp product categories. 

When you’re deciding what type of CBD to choose, you should ask yourself two questions. Do you want your CBD product to include THC? And what are your health and wellness goals? 

When deciding whether to choose full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate, consider whether you want a CBD product with THC. If you’re not opposed to trace amounts of THC, you may want to start with a full-spectrum product that provides extra support for issues such as pain or sleep. If you prefer CBD without THC, you can opt for broad spectrum or isolate products that are THC-free. 

When you’re deciding between forms of CBD products, such as topicals or ingestibles, you’ll want to choose based on your wellness goals. CBD ingestibles, such as hemp gummies and tinctures, provide support for mental health, as well as for pain and inflammation. Topicals, on the other hand, are limited to localized pain, inflammation, or skin problems.