For all but the most in-the-know CBD consumer, the labels on CBD tinctures can be a bit confusing. Is 15 mg per serving good for me? Is 50 mg per day considered a lot or a little? And then there's the big one - just what exactly are the different types of CBD? You'll find different descriptors on each bottle, but what do these descriptors mean? What makes the broad spectrum different from isolate? This article will touch on each type of CBD and then explain more in-depth about broad-spectrum CBD options.

What Are the Different Types of CBD?

There are three different types of CBD, and to understand them, we need a little background on CBD itself. CBD is the acronym for "cannabidiol,” one of hemp's many beneficial plant compounds. It's a close relative of THC, but unlike THC, it does not have a psychoactive effect on the human body.

CBD can be processed in many ways, including CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, and alcohol extraction. What comes out at the end depends on how highly the hemp is processed.

• Full Spectrum CBD is the least processed. It is the first fruit of extraction and offers the full spectrum of plant compounds. This includes terpenes, cannabinoids, essential oils, and omega fatty acids.

• Broad Spectrum CBD takes an extra step to remove all THC from the compound.

• CBD Isolate is the most processed form of cannabidiol. The extraction process takes it down to its molecular form and leaves nothing but pure CBD.

Is Broad Spectrum CBD a Good Choice for Me?

Broad-spectrum CBD is an excellent medium choice for the CBD consumer. There are pros and cons to CBD isolate, and full-spectrum and broad-spectrum sort of meet them in the middle.

Full-spectrum CBD offers the best potential benefits due to what scientists call "the entourage effect." The many cannabinoids, terpenes, fats, and oils of the hemp plant work together synergistically in your body to maximize results. But full-spectrum has trace amounts of THC. On the other hand, CBD isolate certainly has not even a trace of THC - but it also doesn't offer the wide variety of plant compounds that enhance and uplift the efficacy of CBD.  

Broad-spectrum CBD offers enough of the other plant compounds for the entourage effect but removes the THC for those who don't want it in their blend. This is a good option for THC-averse or people worried about their employment status.

THC amounts in full-spectrum (less than 0.03%) are not enough to cause a high or be illegal but can cause a false positive on a THC drug test in higher amounts. Sometimes it's better to be safe than sorry.

What to Know About Broad Spectrum CBD Tincture

Now we'll take a look at 3 essential points about broad-spectrum CBD tinctures that will help you select the right type for you.

1. It Comes in Different Strengths

You can purchase broad-spectrum CBD tinctures in a variety of strengths. This allows for greater flexibility in dosing. Some less potent options come in 10 mg-25 mg per serving. Other higher-potency options will offer as much as 50 mg-200 mg per serving.

Because the FDA does not regulate CBD, there's no official dosing chart. And this is okay because, honestly, your dose is a pretty individual thing. If you're new to CBD, the best practice is to start small (10 mg-25 mg dose) and see how it makes you feel. You can dose up as needed.

CBD has a good safety profile and has only a few mild possible side effects. To give you an idea of how much CBD is considered typical, take a look at these numbers (these are based on a person weighing about 150 lbs):

• A low dose of CBD is around 15-30 mg

• A moderate dose of CBD is around 31-75 mg

• A high dose is anything 75 mg or above

It's best to talk to your doctor about starting a CBD regimen. They may be able to help you come up with an effective dosing schedule.

2. It's Easy to Take

CBD products come in many forms, from soft gels to gummies. But oil tinctures are an extremely versatile way to get your CBD. It comes in many flavors that lend themselves to sublingual (under the tongue) dosing. Simply fill the dropper to the desired amount, squirt under the tongue, and hold for about 30 seconds. Or you can even get a bit more creative.

• Mix CBD oil in a cup of tea or a glass of morning juice

• Add CBD oil to a fruit smoothie

• You can use CBD oil as a substitute for oil used in baking to create a variety of tasty CBD edibles. CBD brownies, anyone?

3. Not All Broad-Spectrum Tinctures are Created Equal

Broad-spectrum CBD oil tinctures are a great way to get your CBD, but not just anyone will do. In a vast, unregulated marketplace, it's crucial to make sure you purchase a product from a trusted brand. Here are a few things to look for when buying a broad-spectrum CBD oil tincture:

• Look for third-party test results from independent labs. This is the only way to ensure that the company selling the product is being honest about the potency and purity of their product.

• Find a company that is reputable and well-known for quality. Look for awards, accolades, and mentions in mainstream publications.

• Check the reviews. Look at the reviews on the company website and search for mentions in third-party reviews.

• Don't be pulled in by brands that offer dirt-cheap products. Quality ingredients and third-party testing cost money. If you have trouble affording CBD products, look for brands that offer loyalty discounts or assistance programs.

With these guidelines, you should easily find a brand of broad-spectrum CBD that works well for you. Happy hunting!

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