Bath bombs, salves, tinctures, sticks, creams and lotions, drops, capsules, gummies, oil, roll-ons and more…
So many products, so many different types of CBD delivery systems.
The CBD marketplace is as bewildering to the uninitiated as Borat’s stroll down the dairy aisle of an American supermarket.
Why the need for so many different types of CBD products?
There are two reasons that there are a myriad of products with extracts from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD).
The first reason explains why reputable CBD companies (like this one) are hoping that either the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) or Congress enacts guidelines or regulations for the CBD industry in much the same way as dietary supplements and food ingredients. Doing so will help to clear the marketplace of unscrupulous companies that make unapproved or false medical claims.
Some companies who sling products with hemp—the plant from the cannabis family from which legal CBD is extracted—falsely advertise the amount of CBD in their products. Sometimes, products contain way less CBD than what is actually listed, and in some instances third-party testing reveals that there’s no CBD at all in the product.
The lack of federal regulation over CBD in part explains why there are so many CBD products. Just like the Gold Rush era of the mid-19th century, people want in on the Wild West Days of the Green Rush. Stroll into any chain convenience store, gas station, supermarket or neighborhood bodega and you can find a product with hemp extract.
(It’s important to note that nutritional hemp seeds contain no CBD; but they are an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids.)
As of yet, it’s still unclear when or if the FDA will approve CBD as a dietary supplement. Because the agency has already approved CBD as the active ingredient in a drug—Epidiolex—for two rare forms of epilepsy, the FDA may balk at approving CBD as a dietary supplement in the same way vitamins and herbs are treated.
In the meantime, it’s up to individuals to do their own diligence and know how to sift through the myriad types of CBD products and choose a reputable brand—for their specific health concerns.
Different Health Concerns, Different CBD Products
The other main reason there are so many different types of hemp-based products on the market is more well-intentioned.
Some health concerns are better addressed with a specific delivery system.
For example, if you have localized discomfort in your muscles or joints, a roll-on bottle consisting of full-spectrum hemp extract, essential oils and other plant-based ingredients may provide more benefit than a CBD gummy.
(‘Full spectrum’ means all the chemical constituents in the hemp plant are included for maximum therapeutic potential.)
Then again, if occasional sleeplessness is why you’re interested in CBD, perhaps the gummy will do the trick.
But when it comes to rebalancing the body and driving all systems (cardiovascular, immune, nervous, etc.) towards homeostasis, out of all the different types of CBD products, full spectrum CBD oil is recommended by experts.
(Confused by the difference between CBD oil and drops? They’re basically the same thing; the former describes the delivery system while the latter can be viewed in the context of dosage, i.e. for general wellness, take 10 drops of CBD oil per day.)
Capsules Vs Oil: Which is Better?
For someone with virtually no knowledge of CBD, shopping for a product online can be very confusing. “Should I buy this bottle of hemp oil capsules or CBD Drops (straight-up oil that’s extracted from the flowering components (buds) of the hemp plant)?
Some people may find it very difficult to ingest the oil, therefore capsules may be a wiser choice for supporting the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate the body’s myriad functions and systems.
However, if your goal is to have CBD interact with your endocannabinoid system much more quickly, using CBD oil sublingually (under the tongue) is better.
Are CBD Creams & Lotions Effective?
The short answer is that it depends on the brand. However, many creams and lotions do not use premium hemp extract (organic, full-spectrum grown using regenerative farming techniques). Furthermore, some lotions and creams that claim to include hemp extracts include very little or sometimes even no CBD whatsoever. (Caveat emptor!)
Many consumers in the past have tried a cream or lotion that supposedly contained CBD for stubborn stiffness and achiness but didn’t notice any positive effects. Consequently, these consumers have a negative association with CBD and may be unlikely to ever try a CBD product again. This speaks to the lack of regulation in the industry; hopefully one day in the near future labelling standards will be more stringent because of FDA or Congressional intervention.
But thanks to the latest CBD roll-ons, there’s really no need to use creams or lotions with dubious hemp extracts. For instance, Max & Steven’s Full Spectrum CBD Roll-On contains premium hemp phytochemicals, aloe leaf juice, menthol crystals, capsicum, and 20 botanical oils.
CBD roll-on, among all the different types of CBD products, is best for topical use, and can also be used in place of a salve.
What About CBD Bath Bombs?
Like CBD Roll-On, bath bombs are infused with hemp extracts and essential oils. These fizzy balls are designed to promote relaxation while pampering yourself with a soothing soak in the tub. There’s certainly nothing wrong per say with CBD bath bombs. But just like any other type of CBD product, you have to research the brand to make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for. (Here’s a handy reference guide to what to look for when buying a reputable CBD Oil product.)
But if you’re on a strict budget, you may just want to take a bath with Epsom Salt.
Different Types of CBD Products: Conclusion
When it comes to buying the best types of CBD products for overall wellness and calmness, you can’t go wrong with pure CBD oil and use a roll-on for the best topical application.
Choosing a reliable CBD product when you haven’t yet tried this non-intoxicating cannabinoid can be disorienting. Hopefully, this article will lead you on the way to successfully choosing the right CBD product for your specific health concerns.
