So you’ve decided you want to try CBD oil. Great! But now comes the hard part—choosing the right CBD oil for you. There are several brands, concentrations, and delivery methods for all types of CBD oil. Knowing the differences between these oils can make for a better CBD oil experience.
Let’s take a closer look. The three main categories of CBD oil are:
- Raw
- Decarboxylated
- Isolate
This post will explain these three major categories of CBD oil so you can narrow your choice down to the best product for you.
Types of CBD Oil
Raw CBD Oil
Raw oil is oil that has been extracted from the plant and not processed any further. Because it’s unfiltered, it contains other compounds in it such as microscopic plant material, lipids, chlorophyll, and terpenes. Raw oil does not actually have CBD in it but CBDa, the acid precursor to CBD that only becomes CBD when it is heated by decarboxylation. The color of this oil will usually be dark green to black and have a thick consistency. Raw is popular for those who want the “full spectrum” benefits of the whole plant.
Decarboxylated
When raw oil undergoes a heating process called decarboxylation, the cannabinoid CBDa turns into CBD. The non-acidic CBD molecule binds more readily to our natural CBD receptors. This type of oil will also be dark green to black and thick at room temperature. Decarboxylated CBD oil is not heavily filtered like the isolate oils.
Isolate
CBD isolate will typically be decarboxylated and filtered to remove the microscopic materials such as chlorophyll, lipids, and other non-CBD plant parts. Isolate CBD oil is available in a variety of concentrations. This pure oil commands the highest price tag because it is much more processed, but it still remains the most in-demand because it has no contaminants and is a higher concentration of CBD.
Delivery Method
Almost as important as choosing the right type of CBD oil is the delivery method. CBD products come in dropper bottle form, vaporizer cartridges, topical lotions, food products, sprays, and capsules to name a few. There are pros and cons for each of them. It depends on your lifestyle and your goals.
Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil
Some CBD products describe themselves as “hemp oil,” but in some cases, manufacturers use that term to mean CBD oil, which is rich in CBD that is made mainly from the leaves, resin, or flowering tops of hemp. But “hemp oil” refers to oil made from the seeds of the hemp plant, and contains only very small amounts of CBD. Always be sure to check the lab results for any cannabis-derived product you buy to make sure you’re getting what you pay for!
We’ve shared why you should always get your CBD oil at a dispensary—and of course, if you want our expert opinion, that means getting it at your nearest Have a Heart! Find the closest dispensary to you below!
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