With countless brands, formulations and means of consumption, it can feel daunting to figure out what type of CBD oil is right for you. I’ve tried CBD here and there. But, without knowing much about it or if it was “working”, my experiences have been short lived. Recently, we were introduced to the Canadian health and wellness company Plant of Life, who offered us the opportunity to try their products. Based in Ontario, Plant of Life carries naturally sourced, third party lab tested CBD products both for long-term use and for fast relief (great for muscle pain, sleep issues, etc.).

Before sharing our thoughts on the products we’ve been taking, we thought we’d take advantage of some of the resources Plant of Life shares with their customers. Ultimately, their goal is to provide education and support so people can feel empowered to incorporate CBD into their holistic healing journey.

What exactly is CBD?

CBD is one of the 113 distinct cannabinoids (naturally-occurring compounds in all species of cannabis plants) found in hemp. The two most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD. But unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. In other words, CBD does not promote mind-altering effects. Instead, its primary function is to encourage a sense of wellness. Specifically, it’s known to reduce anxiety, stress, inflammation, and support our endocannabinoid system (ECS).

How Does CBD Work?

Hemp contains phytonutrients (nutrients found in plants) and cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, CBG THC and many more. Each cannabinoid is unique and has different effects on the body. These compounds interact with the body’s own ECS, a network of receptors throughout the body that maintain homeostasis (the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment). They also regulate bodily functions such as sleep, immune system response, pain and stress.

What’s the Difference Between Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and CBD Isolate?

When you see a label that says full-spectrum CBD, it means it contains all the botanical elements within hemp, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The unique aspect of full-spectrum CBD is that it also has 0.3% THC. If you want to experience the most natural form of CBD, full-spectrum CBD products allow you to experience each compound’s holistic effects (the entourage effect). Broad-spectrum CBD products on the other hand are similar to full-spectrum CBD except that they lack THC. If you do not want to consume any form of THC, but you’d like to experience the therapeutic qualities of other cannabinoids and terpenes, broad-spectrum CBD is for you. Last but not least is CBD isolate, also known as zero-THC. CBD isolate is the most refined form of CBD available, and is exactly how it sounds — void of all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids except CBD.

When it comes to choosing the best CBD products, quality is really important. Plant of Life abides by a high standard of product development and uses organic, non-GMO, vegan, solvent-free, lab tested, and cruelty-free methods.

Our product reviews:

Kylie:

When deciding which products to try, I wanted something that could help with sleep and something I could apply topically when I get occasional upper back pain. Currently, I’m taking the Sleep Full Spectrum Organic CBD Oil, which in addition to CBD contains melatonin and sleep inducing chamomile, lavender, ylang ylang and valerian essential oils. While I’ve only been taking it for a couple weeks, I can definitely say that my sleep has felt more uninterrupted and a lot deeper than it has over the past few months.

When I experience upper or lower back pain, it can feel hot and inflamed. The Broad Spectrum Heal Stick+, which includes menthol crystals and arnica, in addition to hemp seed oil, arrowroot powder, arnica, comfrey and camphor, very quickly relieves the pain and heat sensation by promoting cool relief to the area, while loosening up the muscles so they can recover. This will now be a product I always have on-hand for fast relief.

Brianna:

I chose the THC Free Organic CBD Oil, Full Spectrum Organic CBD Oil and the Broad Spectrum Disposable CBD Pen. I love that all of Plant of Life’s products are third party tested, which ensures that the levels of CBD are not only what they claim, but you know that the products are clean and pure. You can also tell the high quality of the products based on the taste. With a lot of other brands, it can taste very strongly of olive oil, and with Plant of Life, it is virtually tasteless and very smooth.

I’ve been taking the products before bed to help me fall asleep more quickly and to have a deeper sleep, and I noticed the benefits right away. Sometimes it takes me a while to turn off my brain and fall asleep. These CBD products are a great alternative for me to melatonin, GABA or other sleep inducing supplements I’ve taken before. A personal tip when taking the CBD oils – I usually place the drops under my tongue and hold them there for a few minutes, which can help with absorption.

To learn more, head to the Plant of Life website here. Currently products are delivered (free!) within Canada. Use the code WELLDAILY15 for 15% off your first purchase.