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.
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, including lung injuryTrusted Source |
| Product recommendations | Best CBD oils | Best CBD gummies | Best CBD capsules | we don’t recommend |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 research from 2017Trusted Source.
Reported side effects include:
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.
