What are the different types of CBD?

You may have seen full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD and pure CBD when you have been looking at CBD. So what do these common pieces of terminology mean? Knowing the different types of CBD will help you get the exact product you are looking for. Before you buy CBD, read this comprehensive breakdown of how different CBD types differ, and why each has its own importance.

Types of CBD

Whole Plant CBD

Where some CBD products solely extract the CBD, whole plant utilises the entire spectrum of hemp compounds, including essential terpenes, flavonoids, waxes and oils. This makes it a premium product, however it is often too thick and unrefined for regular use.

Whole plant CBD products can include CBD oils, CBD edibles and even premium CBD e liquids. Whole plant CBD does not necessarily contain illegal amounts of THC and they can be found in the UK. However, whole plant CBD is rarer to find and only appeals to a small percentage of hemp fans.

Full Spectrum CBD

Full spectrum CBD doesn't have the waxes and oils found in the whole plant, but it still retains trace elements of THC. Full spectrum products are more common in countries with relaxed laws around THC. Where full spectrum CBD products are legal, you will find an assortment of products with CBD oils and CBD vape liquids proving popular.

Full spectrum CBD is not legal in the UK due to the presence of THC in quantities greater than 0.2%. Most CBD users however, will not be looking for full spectrum CBD due to its psychotropic properties; zero THC is a safer and much more popular way to take CBD.

Broad Spectrum CBD

Broad spectrum CBD products contain 0% THC and retain additional cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, whilst removing the waxes and oils. This is a popular form of CBD across the UK and is commonly found in CBD balms and CBD vape liquids.

Broad spectrum CBD products offer a more ‘complete’ hemp experience but don’t offer any particular advantages for users looking for CBD. The presence of terpenes and flavonoids also create a more ‘hempy’ flavour in oral products, which may not be to the taste of many.

Pure CBD

Pure CBD products,also known as CBD isolate, only extract CBD from the hemp plant. Pure CBD contains 0.0% THC, does not retain the additional hemp compounds found in the other categorisations, and works well when blended with specially curated ingredients.

CBD Extraction: Natural Precision

If a CBD product describes itself as ‘whole plant’ or ‘pure CBD’, it’s referring to the way the CBD has been processed and what it now contains. Whilst the phrasing "whole plant" conjures up images of a giant blender where thousands of hemp plants are thrown in, in fact it’s far more complex.

In Whole Plant CBD for example, a CO2 process forms the core of the product, while ethanol extraction is carried out simultaneously. This specifically extracts key waxes and oils that are too thick and stubborn for a supercritical extraction to procure.

Whether it's pure CBD, broad spectrum CBD or even whole plant, it's important that the correct extraction method is used. That way, the best quality CBD can be obtained that retains the inherent natural benefits of CBD. For more information about how to obtain CBD, checkout our useful CBD extraction guide.

Respecting Natural Cannabidiol

The natural world as we see it today is the result of many millions of years of evolution. Every blade of grass, every feather, and every opposable thumb is the result of countless organisms and biological systems gradually developing alongside each other.

Whilst modern horticultural methods allow for further honing and tweaking, Vitality CBD believe that the best CBD comes from respecting and working in conjunction with that natural order. Properly harnessing this natural balance is part and parcel of our Pure CBD products.

Learn More About CBD

At Vitality CBD, we have complete faith in each of our products because we understand the science behind them, but simply telling you that isn’t enough. We believe that a well-informed user is a happy user, which is why we’ve assembled and curated an extensive CBD knowledge base at the tip of your fingers.

If you have any unresolved questions about any of the forms of CBD, our experienced team are always on hand to field any questions. Reach out to us on our CBD contact page. We want you to feel confident when you buy cannabidiol.