If you’re just beginning your journey with CBD, you might find wading through all of the conflicting information online a bit confusing. How do you find the best CBD on the market? And what type of CBD product is right for you? 

The popularity of CBD products has skyrocketed in recent years, as more and more people begin to discover this wonderful and unique compound for themselves. Originally used to control seizures in epilepsy patients, CBD has now been claimed to have benefits for a wide variety of conditions, ranging from nausea and upset stomachs, to anxiety and depression, to arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. And while in the early days there was something of a stigma against CBD due to its origins in the cannabis plant, it has thankfully become much more mainstream in the last few years, now being used by people of all ages and all over the country. 

While the increased popularity of CBD is certainly a good thing, it’s also led to an explosion of material all across the internet, some of it contradictory and confusing. Indeed, some businesses that sell CBD products have turned out to be less than reputable, peddling low-quality versions of this otherwise amazing compound.

We’re here to help navigate the difficult landscape of CBD product types, so that you can find the one that suits you best personally and begin to reap the many benefits. 

What Is CBD, Anyway?

CBD is short for cannabidiol, and is one of the active compounds in the hemp plant. When consumed, this compound binds to the body’s cannabinoid receptors, affecting the central nervous system in a variety of beneficial ways. 

The other most well-known compound in hemp is THC, better known as the active ingredient in marijuana. Unlike THC, however, CBD is not psychoactive; at least, not in the same way marijuana is. While THC affects your body’s ability to function, getting you “high,” CBD’s effects tend to be much more subtle: studies say it primarily works by reducing inflammation. 

What Is It Good For?

While a certain amount of inflammation is natural, many illnesses and diseases trace back to an inflammatory response. Some of these are obvious, like arthritis: the soft tissues in your body will physically feel sore and inflamed. However, there are a number of other conditions that medical professionals say begin with inflammation. These include allergies, many skin conditions, asthma, ulcers, and even depression and anxiety.

CBD has been claimed to aid sufferers of these, and many other conditions. This is probably as a result of its purported ability to reduce inflammation. It has been used by athletes to aid in sports recovery, by elderly patients to reduce the pain associated with arthritis, and many sufferers of chronic insomnia have claimed to find relief through the use of the right CBD products. 

What Type of CBD Products Are There?

CBD takes effect when it binds to the body’s cannabinoid receptors, which it does once it enters the bloodstream. You can choose to consume your type of CBD in various ways. Selecting the right one for you is largely a matter of personal preference. 

Some candy, chocolate, or other edibles contain CBD.  With these, you can just eat a nice treat to consume the compound.  Many people prefer this method. However, it can potentially take longer for the product to work when used in this manner. This is because your digestive system must be absorb the CBD before it can enter the bloodstream. 

You can also place CBD into the mouth and absorbed by the tissue underneath the tongue; this is another quick method of absorption. This is the method that allows the most “bioavailability.” When CBD is used for localized pain, it can also be used as a topical, being rubbed directly onto afflicted body parts, such as arthritic limbs. 

The Different type of CBD Products

There are two main types of CBD products that are currently available: Full Spectrum, and Clear Solution. Full Spectrum CBD oil is so named because it isn’t filtered or distilled in any way: it contains not only CBD, but a variety of phytocannabinoids and terpenes that occur naturally within the hemp plant. These include CBC, CBG, CBN, limonene, pinene, caryophyllene, and humulene. Researchers say these compounds  work in synchronicity with CBD to achieve additional beneficial effects. 

Full Spectrum products have a darker color and an earthy taste. Though it contains the naturally occurring compounds mentioned above, this version of CBD Oil still does not contain THC and has no psychoactive effects. 

Clear Solution is clear: It is pure, distilled CBD oil, mixed with an organic MCT oil to facilitate the absorption process. Many people prefer Clear Solution because it has a milder taste. It is usually a slight coconut flavor from the MCT Oil.  It also may absorb into the body faster due to its purity. 

How To Choose The Right CBD Oil

Choosing between Full Spectrum and Clear Solution and deciding how you will consume your CBD is largely a matter of personal taste. However, there are a few things you should always keep in mind when shopping for CBD products. 

Often, government bodies poorly regulate the CBD industry.  So, be sure to find a CBD company that tests all of its products. They should be able to furnish lab results to ensure their product is pure and free from contaminants. 

Good CBD oil is also organic, and should be cold-pressed. The heat generated by most industrial blenders and similar equipment actually destroys nutrients. Therefore, seek out for the cold-pressed label on your CBD products to ensure that all of the hemp’s beneficial compounds are intact.