CBD Oil is made from a dark, smelly cold-pressed oil from hemp plants, usually mixed with a carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil. It is called ‘full spectrum’ oil because this method of cold-pressing plants also retains other active cannabinoids in hemp plants, such as CBN, CBG and even trace amounts of THC. These complimentary chemicals help CBD provide more well-rounded systemic effects in the body. The carrier oil allows better control of the dosage, and also makes the oil less strong-tasting and easier to ingest. Most people take this type of oil directly under the tongue, but it’s light taste makes it inoffensive when mixed into food too!

CBD paste IS the dark, smelly cold pressed oil we mentioned in the previous method. This is the oil sold in its raw form without a carrier oil so it appears as a thick, dark paste.

CBD Capsules are essentially the same thing as the full-spectrum oil (the lighter one in a carrier oil). The only difference being that with capsules the dosages are pre-measured for you in a gel cap. This can be great for people who want the easiest option available, and don’t want to have to worry about measuring their own doses. The downside to this is, of course,  you can’t take less than is in the capsule, and if you want to up your dose, you can only do so incrementally by taking another capsule.

CBD Isolate are pure CBD crystals, concentrated down from pure CBD oil. The process of concentration into crystals removes most of the other active cannabinoids in the product. This means that while CBD isolate likely has a much higher percentage of CBD (up to 99% in an extremely pure product!), it won’t necessarily feel much stronger than oil, paste or capsules, as the other cannabinoids present in those products round out the effect and make it more noticable.

Topical CBD products are designed to be used outside the body. There are new topical products being invented all the time; from lotions and balms to lip glosses, bath balms and even lubricants. If you are trying to find relief for irritated or red skin, stiff or sore muscles, or any other condition which might benefit from a localised product, topicals are a good thing to try first. Topicals can also be a good first CBD product to test out and see if CBD benefits you, especially if you are nervous about full-body effects.