Whether you’re a long-term CBD user, or someone who is discovering the benefits of CBD products for the first time, you’ve probably had to navigate dozens of different products, researching, sampling, and otherwise learning as much as you can about them.  From this, you know that there are multiple types of CBD oil with distinct differences. 

How to Choose Between Types of CBD Oils

Which product you choose depends a lot on your personal tastes, as well as your specific needs and your reasons for using CBD oil in the first place. You may have a specific way you prefer to consume CBD products. Some people prefer edibles, while others opt for vaping or using a topical cream containing CBD. There’s really no wrong way to do it, provided you are getting the results you desire. 

Nevertheless, because everyone has different needs and tastes, as well as a desire to get the best bang for their buck, it’s worth educating yourself as much as possible about the different options out there. 

One commonly asked question about CBD products is about the difference between Full Spectrum and Clear Solution CBD Oils. There is a difference: while these two products have many similarities, they are not the same. 

Read on to learn a little bit about understanding the difference between full spectrum and clear solution CBD oils: 

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD, which stands for Cannabidiol, is derived from the hemp plant. CBD itself is one of the active ingredients in the plant itself, and is the compound that is generally credited with all of the beneficial effects that the hemp plant has. It bonds with the body’s endocannabinoid system and seems to help with a lot of different conditions that people suffer from. 

CBD has been touted as helping with a variety of conditions, many of them connected to inflammation: everything from nausea, to anxiety and depression, to arthritis and headaches. The science behind this is still in its infancy, but each year, more studies come out that seem to back up what many satisfied CBD users already know. 

There are several ways that the compound is extracted from the hemp plant. CBD products don’t usually contain THC, which is the other active compound found in hemp. Besides CBD and THC, however, there are a variety of other naturally occurring compounds in the plant, which are known as phytocannabinoids. These phytocannabinoids may have health benefits of their own, and in some cases, they are preserved during the extraction process. In other cases, CBD is distilled until it is nearly pure; there are no phytocannabinoids or other compounds in the finished product.

Full Spectrum CBD Oil

If the CBD product hasn’t had all of the phytocannabinoids and other micronutrients distilled out of it, it’s called “Full Spectrum.” It has usually only been treated in a minimal way, and may contain trace amounts of THC (although never enough to be psychoactive.) Many people swear by this version of CBD oil, because they consider the presence of other naturally-occurring compounds from the hemp plant to be highly beneficial. These micronutrients are believed to work in a synergistic manner with the CBD itself, helping to boost the overall benefits of the product. 

Because Full Spectrum CBD oil is derived from a plant and has been minimally distilled, you may note that it has an opaque green color, as well as an earthy, herbal taste. While many people really enjoy this natural taste, it isn’t for everyone, and they opt for a different method of consuming their CBD oil. 

Clear Solution CBD Oil

The description of this product is also right there in its name: “Clear” Solution means that the product doesn’t have the green, opaque appearance of Full Spectrum CBD oils. That’s because it’s been distilled much more heavily, isolating the active CBD ingredient to the exclusion of all the other compounds in the hemp plant. This distilled CBD is then added to a sustainably sourced MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) oil and can be consumed in the same way that any other CBD product can. The MCT oil is derived from coconuts and has a number of health benefits of its own. 

Unlike Full Spectrum CBD Oil, Clear Solution usually won’t contain trace amounts of THC, or any other phytocannabinoids. You’re just getting straight CBD (and some MCT oil), and all of the benefits that go along with that. Because of the distillation process, there’s no herbal or earthy taste with this type of CBD Oil. It’s got a smooth, clean taste, and for this reason, it’s often better for using with edibles if you don’t like the taste of Full Spectrum CBD products.

Which Type of CBD Oil Should I Choose?

As we mentioned earlier in this article, which CBD product you ultimately settle upon will largely be a matter of personal preference. It’s not that one version of CBD is better than the other; you’ll be able to reap the benefits of either one. But you may find that you prefer the taste of one product over the other, or you may discover that you prefer your CBD pure. Conversely, you may find that you receive more benefits from the synergistic effect of all of the micronutrients and phytocannabinoids in a Full Spectrum CBD product.

Figuring out which one works best for you is usually a matter of trial and error. Get both products and try them, one at a time, gradually working a drop or two into your nightly routine. Keep a journal during this time, making note of how each product makes you feel, and whether or not you enjoy the taste of it. You can also make notes of how you prefer to consume your CBD. Experiment with vaping, making edibles, and simply consuming drops of the various CBD products sublingually. Ultimately, you’ll discover which method of consuming CBD works best for you, as well as which version of CBD oil you prefer to use.