A guide to choosing the right CBD

    Published by Justin Dumas on October 22, 2024
    A guide to choosing the right CBD

    To relieve stress, improve well-being and sleep quality, or alleviate symptoms associated with chronic pain, CBD has become a go-to option. However, with the abundance of products available on the market, it can be difficult to know how to choose the right CBD for your needs. Here's a guide to help you make the right choice.

    Type of CBD: isolate, full spectrum or broad spectrum?

    Derived from the cannabis plant, CBD, also known as cannabidiol, has no psychotropic effects. It is renowned for its relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties. CBD-based products come in three main forms:

    • CBD isolate or full spectrum This type of product contains only pure CBD. It is devoid of the other compounds naturally present in hemp, such as terpenes or cannabinoids. If you're looking to avoid THC altogether (even in trace amounts), isolate is the best option. Beware: isolate is a synthetic product;
    • Broad-spectrum CBD: It contains CBD as well as other cannabinoids and terpenes present in the plant, with the exception of THC. It allows you to benefit from the "entourage effect", i.e. when hemp compounds work together to maximize therapeutic effects;
    • Full-spectrum CBD: This product contains all the cannabinoids, including a small amount of THC (less than or equal to 0.3% in France). This type of CBD offers a more powerful entourage effect, but may not be suitable for those wishing to avoid THC.

    > Read also: What is full spectrum CBD?

    Extraction method

    The quality of CBD depends largely on the method used to extract it from hemp. There are several methods of extracting CBD:  

  • Vegetable oil extraction: simple and inexpensive, this type of extraction uses oils such as olive oil to extract CBD. Although more natural and safer, it is less effective in obtaining high concentrations of CBD. In addition, products extracted in this way are less stable and have a shorter shelf-life;
  • Supercritical CO2 extraction: this is the most advanced and effective method of extracting CBD. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is subjected to high pressure and temperature, transforming it into a supercritical state, halfway between gas and liquid. In this state, CO2 acts as a natural solvent, extracting cannabinoids and other compounds from hemp without leaving chemical residues. This technique preserves the integrity of terpenes and other cannabinoids, while producing a pure, clean, high-quality extract;
  • Ultrasonic extraction: this method uses ultrasonic waves to break down the hemp plant cells and release the active compounds. Although promising in terms of speed and yield, it is less common than CO2 extraction, and still needs further optimization before it can be widely used.

    • Extraction with supercritical CO2 is generally considered the best technique, as it extracts cannabinoids without leaving harmful solvent residues. Products derived from this method are often purer and safer to consume.

    Hemp source and quality

    CBD quality also depends on the source of the hemp. Choose products made from hemp grown organically, without pesticides or herbicides. A good indicator is the transparency of brands on the provenance of their raw materials and the farming practices used.

    At cb'dé, our products come from France or Switzerland and are grown from 100% natural, organic hemp, guaranteeing product quality and safety.


    In addition, a quality CBD product must be accompanied by tests carried out by independent laboratories. These tests guarantee that the product contains the advertised quantities of CBD, that it is free from contaminants such as heavy metals or pesticides, and that THC levels comply with legislation. At cb'dé, this analysis is available below each product description, ensuring total transparency.

    Product shape

    CBD-based products come in various forms: oils, capsules, creams, resins, flowerscandy, etc. The choice depends on your preferences and the desired effect. For example CBD oils offer rapid absorption, while capsules are easier to dose. Visit creams are ideal for topical application to painful areas.
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