The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Health site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them.
The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Cbd Disposable Vape
A recent Forbes Health Survey survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by OnePoll found 60% of respondents have tried a cannabidiol (CBD) product and believe CBD has health and wellness benefits, including the potential to improve sleep, reduce anxiety and/or relieve pain.
Yet one-third of respondents said they don’t fully understand the differences between full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate.
It may be tempting to buy the first bottle of CBD oil you find, but to make an informed CBD product purchase, it helps to understand the different types of CBD and the various forms in which you can consume CBD.
You May Also Be Interested In CBD Oils From Our Featured Partner
Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture
Sleep Synergy CBN + CBD Oil Tincture
Daytime Synergy CBG + CBD Oil Tincture
(Note: Product details and price are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.)
CBD is largely derived from hemp, a type of cannabis sativa plant. CBD products can contain detectable amounts (no more than 0.3% by dry weight) of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in cannabis plants known for causing intoxicatingly psychoactive effects.
However, consuming CBD won’t get you “high.” Instead, CBD interacts with receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, potentially calming the central nervous system, alleviating anxiety, improving sleep quality and/or reducing inflammation and chronic pain symptoms.
Understanding the differences between the three types of CBD—full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate—can help you choose the best type for your specific needs and preferences.
Full-spectrum CBD refers to a hemp extract that contains CBD and other compounds naturally present in the hemp plant, such as terpenes (compounds responsible for the way a plant smells) and minor amounts of THC, says Jeff Chen, M.D. co-founder and CEO of Radicle Science, a wellness clinical research organization in San Diego, and founder and former executive director of the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, one of the first multidisciplinary academic programs dedicated to the study of cannabis and cannabinoids.
CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils and other cannabinoids contained in full-spectrum CBD products can work synergistically to create what’s known as the “entourage effect,” which some research indicates may increase therapeutic benefits of CBD compared to when it’s used alone.
Broad-spectrum CBD is a hemp extract similar to full-spectrum CBD, with the exception that it typically undergoes an additional extraction process to remove all THC while leaving the remaining compounds naturally present in the hemp plant intact. With that said, testing reveals that some broad-spectrum CBD products retain minimal traces of THC, so it’s safest to refer to them as “nearly THC-free.”
As the name suggests, CBD isolate, or pure CBD, doesn’t contain any THC or other compounds from the hemp plant, says Dr. Chen. Unlike full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD, CBD isolate cannot create the entourage effect because the extraction method isolates CBD from all other terpenes, cannabinoids and plant compounds naturally occurring in hemp.
There are four main ways to consume CBD:
“Each way absorbs a different amount, has [a] different time to [the] onset of effects and different side effects,” says Dr. Chen.
CBD oils and tinctures typically come in bottle sizes ranging from 1 ounce to 4 ounces. The bottle may have a dropper labeled with dose amounts as well, typically at .25-milliliter intervals. When applying CBD oil drops under the tongue, a consumer may feel the effects more quickly than with other forms of CBD. Also, more CBD may be absorbed into the bloodstream via sublingual consumption than with other administration methods.
“Tinctures and oils may be less convenient to take compared to edibles, gummies and capsules since you could spill tincture fluid and you need to look at the amount of tincture in the dropper to determine your dose,” says Dr. Chen. “On the other hand, tinctures may afford a more flexible way to dose.”
CBD gummies and other edibles, such as candies, cookies, brownies and other foods or beverages, don’t typically kick in as quickly as oils and tinctures.
When you eat gummies and edibles, they must first be processed by the digestive system, which means there is a delay in the onset of effects—and less CBD ultimately enters your bloodstream— says Dr. Chen.
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or servicesMedterra Daily Delight CBD GummiesCrafted with 5 mg of THC and 25 mg of CBD per gummyCreated to take the edge off whenever and wherever you need toThird-party tested and non-GMOMulti-flavored gummies in each container Shop NowOn Medterra's Website
CBD is also available in oral capsule form. As with gummies and other edibles, when you take CBD capsules, there is typically more of a delay in the onset of effects since they must be processed through the digestive system first, says Dr. Chen.
Many people seeking potential relief for chronic pain and various skin conditions apply lotions, salves, ointments and other CBD-infused topicals to the affected area.
“With topical forms of CBD, such as lotions or creams, only minimal amounts reach the bloodstream and thus may avoid some of the potential side effects of CBD that does reach the bloodstream, such as diarrhea and lethargy,” says Dr. Chen. However, consumers seeking relief for non-skin conditions like pain, insomnia or anxiety tend to benefit more from CBD when it reaches the bloodstream and should use a non-topical product instead, adds Dr. Chen.
You May Also Be Interested In CBD Products From Our Featured Partner Relax Blend Mushroom Tincture Shop Now On CBDfx’s Website 66mg of CBD per serving Broad spectrum CBD Reishi, Maitake and Turkey tail for stress and wellness Antioxidant-rich elderberry Original Mixed Berry CBD Gummies Shop Now On CBDfx’s Website 50mg of CBD per serving Broad Spectrum CBD All-natural ingredients Natural mixed berry flavor No added active ingredients Ultimate Chill Blend Shop Now On CBDfx’s Website 50mg of CBD per serving Full spectrum CBD Coconut-derived MCT oil for greater absorption Organic, non-GMO & vegan Wellness Tincture Shop Now On CBDfx’s Website 33mg of CBD per serving Broad Spectrum CBD With proven antioxidants Curcumin & Coenzyme Q10 Proprietary terpene blend for increased absorption and efficacy CBD Gummies with Apple Cider Vinegar Shop Now On CBDfx’s Website 50mg of CBD, 1000mg of apple cider vinegar per serving Broad spectrum CBD 80mg of organic pomegranate, an effective antioxidant Vitamin B12 for energy & immune function Daily Microdose Blend Capsules Shop Now On CBDfx’s Website 25mg of CBD per Serving Full spectrum CBD Coconut-derived MCT oil for greater absorption Organic & gluten-free
You May Also Be Interested In CBD Products From Our Featured Partner
Original Mixed Berry CBD Gummies
CBD Gummies with Apple Cider Vinegar
(Note: Product details and price are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.)
CBD vapes come in slim, pre-filled or refillable cartridges, or “pens,” where CBD oil is administered via inhalation. You can also smoke dried flowers from the hemp plant to consume CBD.
Consuming CBD via vaping or smoke inhalation typically results in a faster onset of effects and increased absorption of CBD in the bloodstream. “However, inhalation of CBD by vape or smoking flower has a theoretical risk of damage to the lungs, makes it harder to control dose and has not been well studied,” says Dr. Chen.
There are other risks to vaping, too. Vaping can cause inhalation of vitamin E acetate, heavy metals or other compounds present in the oil or solvents used to make the CBD oil vapable, such as propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin. These additional compounds can cause pulmonary or systemic negative health effects.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved any over-the-counter (OTC) or consumer CBD products and has only approved one prescription drug called Epidiolex, which is used to treat seizures associated with certain forms of epilepsy and tuberous sclerosis complex, a rare genetic disease.
In fact, the FDA has issued warning letters to several CBD manufacturers, finding that many products don’t contain the levels of CBD listed on their labels. The letters also addressed companies’ illegal claims that their CBD products can prevent, diagnose, alleviate, treat or cure certain diseases, as well as their marketing of CBD products as dietary supplements.
With those FDA warnings in mind, consumers can take certain steps to ensure they’re using CBD as safely as possible. Most potential CBD benefits are based primarily on anecdotal reports because human clinical data is limited, says Dr. Chen, who stresses the importance of CBD dose.
“Most consumers are taking well under 100 milligrams of CBD a day, and although the effectiveness of CBD in this dose range hasn’t been well studied, CBD appears to be safe at the serving sizes recommended by most consumer product manufacturers,” he says. The risk is low, but possible side effects of CBD at these lower doses may include diarrhea and lethargy, he adds.
“In general, my advice on dosing any product is to find the lowest dose that is effective and doesn’t cause any intolerable side effects,” says Dr. Chen. “Consumers should start at a low dose and gradually increase, paying close attention to possible effectiveness and side effects.”
CBD may also interact with certain drugs, including antidepressants, antipsychotics and opioid medications, potentially causing adverse or side effects.
“Consumers should avoid taking CBD with medications that carry a grapefruit warning, such as certain blood thinners and anti-seizure medications, since CBD and grapefruit interact with similar medications,” says Dr. Chen. “CBD should also be avoided by anyone with liver disease or during pregnancy.”
Consumers can go one step further to investigate individual CBD products by checking the certificate of analysis (COA) for the lot number of that particular CBD product. If the manufacturer offers access to the product’s COA, it may be posted on its website.
The COA lists what’s contained in a CBD product based on an analysis performed by a third-party laboratory. Generally, the COA includes hemp extract concentration, percentage of THC and other cannabinoids, and whether the product contains yeasts, molds, bacteria, pesticides or residual solvents.
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or servicesFull Spectrum CBD SoftgelsContain 30 mg of hemp-derived CBDUS hemp authority certified 60-Day satisfaction guaranteeMade with fractionated coconut oil for better absorption Lab-testedShop NowOn CBDistillery's Website
Because the FDA has approved only one prescription product containing CBD, most health care providers have minimal formal education on CBD, says Dr. Chen. However, many holistic health practitioners, such as naturopathic doctors, are experienced in CBD and its effects on their clients.
“There are ‘cannabis clinicians’ in states that have legalized cannabis who have undergone additional training and/or have significant experience overseeing cannabis use in their patients, including the use of CBD,” he says. “You can find such clinicians through organizations like the Society of Cannabis Clinicians.”
Make Any Moment Delightful Crafted with 5 mg of THC and 25 mg of CBD per gummy, Medterra's Daily Delight gives you permission to think about wellness not as a strict routine, but as a method to make time for yourself or elevate any social experience. Shop Now On Medterra's Website
Crafted with 5 mg of THC and 25 mg of CBD per gummy, Medterra's Daily Delight gives you permission to think about wellness not as a strict routine, but as a method to make time for yourself or elevate any social experience.
Forbes Health covers CBD and cannabis products in accordance with FTC guidelines. Learn more about Forbes Health’s practices and policies regarding how we cover CBD and cannabis as a publisher.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Deb Hipp is a freelance health and medical writer and editor who lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She is a former investigative reporter with more than 25 years of experience as a journalist and writer. She specializes in health and wellness, medical aging, long-term care, caregiving, retirement and a variety of other health and retirement topics.
HnB Devices Dr. Myles Spar is a double board-certified medical expert in personalized and performance medicine, men’s health, advanced testing and integrative medicine. He’s also an author, teacher, clinician and researcher. As a specialist in integrative men’s health, Dr. Spar has advised NBA players, celebrities and executives on maximizing performance through optimizing health. He has contributed articles to the L.A. Times and Men’s Journal and has appeared on multiple national media outlets, and he serves as a clinical faculty member of the University of Arizona School of Medicine. Dr. Spar is also the chair of the American Board of Integrative Medicine and a veteran of Doctors Without Borders—both as a field worker and board member. He practices medicine in person in New York City and virtually across the U.S.