Curious about CBD? You’re in the right place. Learn about the three types of CBD and their different forms, and see some of our editors’ favorite products.
If you’re new to cannabidiol (CBD) and are unsure what product to use, read on. This guide will teach you the basics of CBD, including the three types of CBD and the different forms they take, and help you understand how to shop for CBD products.
We’ve also share our favorite CBD gummies, oils, topicals, and capsules to get you started.
- Full-spectrum CBD: This type of CBD retains all components of the cannabis plant, including a small amount of THC (less than 0.3%) and other cannabinoids like CBG and CBN. It also contains terpenes — which contribute aromas and taste — as well as flavonoids, which add antioxidant properties. This range of compounds in full-spectrum CBD creates what’s known as the entourage effect. (More on this below.)
- Broad-spectrum CBD: This has all components of the cannabis plant that full-spectrum CBD does but in more trace amounts, meaning it won’t be as potent. Broad-spectrum CBD may contain only trace amounts of THC.
- CBD isolate: This is pure CBD, with no other compounds from the cannabis plant. However, like broad-spectrum CBD, it could contain trace amounts of THC, which could show up on a drug test.
Some research states that the compounds of the cannabis plant, which include cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) as well as other organic compounds, such as terpenes and flavonoids, are more effective when they’re taken together. This is called the entourage effect.
Just be aware that a large enough dose of a potent enough CBD product means greater exposure to THC. Euphoric effects are possible but unlikely.
If you want to avoid any chance of experiencing an intoxicating effect, opt for a broad-spectrum or isolate product. However, you might not reap the full benefits of CBD from these forms.
| Type | What’s in it | How it can affect you |
|---|---|---|
| Full-spectrum CBD | contains all plant compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), terpenes*, and flavonoids** | may result in entourage effect |
| Broad-spectrum CBD | contains fewer plant compounds; may contain only trace amounts of THC or no THC at all | less likely to result in entourage effect |
| CBD isolate | contains only CBD and no other plant compounds | no entourage effect |
In addition to the three types of CBD, you can find many forms.
| Oils and tinctures | Ingestibles | Capsules | Topicals | Vape juices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| What they are | CBD-infused liquids (oil or alcohol) | gummies (most commonly) | CBD-containing pills or softgels | creams, lotions, salves, balms, patches, or ointments | CBD-infused liquids |
| How you take them | sublingually (under the tongue) | taken by mouth | taken by mouth | applied to the skin | inhaled with a vaporizer |
| Pros | rapid onset if held under the tongue rather than swallowed, easy to find | discreet, easy to dose | easy to dose | provide direct relief to a specific spot on the body | fastest onset time |
| Cons | some people don’t like the taste | longer onset, gummies may melt | longer onset, may be hard to swallow | difficult to dose | may pose health risks, |
| Product recommendations | Best CBD oils | Best CBD gummies | Best CBD capsules | Best CBD topicals | we don’t recommend |
Still wondering about the best type and form of CBD to try? You might consider starting with one of these, which are hand-picked by our editors for their high quality, safety, and effectiveness.
We selected these CBD products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. We also test CBD products from month to month to provide feedback on taste, texture, and how they affect us.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
- the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
- any third-party certifications
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- any lab test results
- marketing claims
You can find many CBD products online and in some stores. But this does not mean they’re all from reputable companies and are safe or effective for use. Here’s how to shop for CBD.
Check the COA
A current and comprehensive certificate of analysis (COA) is a sign that a product is third-party tested by an outside laboratory. COAs are often found via a QR code directly on the product label or the product website.
At a minimum, make sure to check the cannabinoid potency and see if the amount of CBD and THC advertised matches what the lab found. Also check whether the product passes tests for contaminants, including pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Check for FDA warning letters or lawsuits
A quick search online will tell you whether a particular CBD company has received any Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letters or if they’re involved in any lawsuits.
Reputable CBD companies also include an FDA disclosure on their websites that notes their products aren’t intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Check the brand’s reputation and customer reviews
What are customers saying on the website and on third-party review platforms? If you want to use CBD for a particular purpose, you may want to scan reviews from people similar to you and see what they have to say.
Don’t get fooled
Keep in mind that CBD can be purchased online directly from CBD companies. But it’s not for sale on Amazon.
“CBD†products sold on Amazon are often made of hempseed oil, not CBD oil. Hempseed oil and CBD oil are not the same thing.
While CBD is generally considered safe, there may be some side effects, according to
Reported side effects include:
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite or weight
It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before trying CBD, especially if you’re currently taking any medications. CBD may interact with some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, dietary supplements, and prescription medications.
If you’re using a topical CBD product, start with a test patch to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction before you use it more broadly.
Potency varies from one product to another, so determining the right dose is important. Manufacturers provide general dosing guidelines, but factors such as your body weight and body chemistry also play a role.
In general, the best approach is to start with a low dose and go slow.
The FDA recognizes the potential benefits of CBD, but the agency is quick to note that more research is needed.
At this time, there’s only one FDA-approved prescription CBD medication, Epidiolex. It’s for the treatment of a severe form of epilepsy.
That means any OTC CBD product you choose to buy and use isn’t regulated by the FDA in the same way as an OTC vitamin or supplement.
On occasion, the FDA does send warning letters to companies making false claims about the efficacy or scope of their CBD products. It’s up to the consumer to ensure they’re carefully vetting a CBD company and its products when they shop.
This is still up for debate.
However, if  you’re comfortable consuming small amounts of THC, consider a full-spectrum CBD product to benefit from the entourage effect.
This is a theory that all the compounds of the cannabis plant, including CBD and THC and other compounds like terpenes and flavonoids, are more effective when they’re taken together.
Potency levels can vary widely from 10 mg per serving to 100 mg per serving, depending on the CBD product. Your experience with CBD may also affect what you consider high potency.
You can look for lower potency products if you’re new to CBD. It’s also a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional for guidance on potency.
Many people find success with CBD products. But it’s important to do your research before you start shopping.
Be clear about why you’re considering CBD to help you zero in on the right company and product for your needs.
Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
“â€â€â€â€â€â€â€â€â€â€â€â€â€â€â€â€â€