Types of CBD Products and How to Choose

By Cenk Cetin, Founder of CBD.co.th

Thinking about trying CBD? One of the first questions I hear — and one I had myself when I started — is: What type of product should I even go with?

Oils, gummies, capsules, balms, drinks... there’s a whole shelf of choices. And honestly, that’s great. But it can also be a bit much. When there are too many options, most people just end up feeling stuck.

That’s why I wanted to write this — to make it simple. I’ll walk you through the types of CBD products we offer, what they’re like, and how to choose something that actually fits your lifestyle. Not just what looks good on Instagram.

Key Takeaways

• Different CBD formats suit different lifestyles — oils offer flexibility, gummies are easy and tasty, capsules are great for routines, and topicals work for targeted relief.
  
• CBD drinks are rising in popularity as a mellow, social alternative to alcohol or energy drinks.
  
• How long it lasts varies — oils may work for 4–6 hours, while gummies or capsules can last even longer; topicals work locally and drinks feel lighter.
  
• Bioavailability matters — oils absorb more efficiently, while edibles and capsules take longer and may need higher doses.
  
• Choosing full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate depends on your THC tolerance and health goals — there’s no one-size-fits-all.
  
• You can combine different products, but it’s smart to track your daily CBD intake to stay balanced.
  

Always read the label — look for CBD per serving, THC content, third-party lab tests, and Thai FDA compliance.

CBD Oils & Tinctures

This is the classic format. You’ve probably seen the little glass bottle with a dropper. You put a few drops under your tongue, hold for a bit, then swallow.

Why do people like it? For one, it kicks in faster — usually within 30 minutes. You can also adjust the amount easily depending on the day. Some folks start with half a dropper, others with a few drops — it's flexible like that.

I like oils when I need a clearer mind or better sleep. It’s not flashy, but it works.

CBD Gummies & Edibles

Gummies are the easiest on-ramp. No flavor of hemp. No measuring anything. You just eat it and move on.

Now, because they go through your digestion, they take a bit longer to kick in — sometimes over an hour. But when they do, the feeling tends to last longer too. Sort of like a slow burn.

These are great if you're the type who doesn’t want to overthink things. You pop one, carry on with your day, and let it work quietly in the background.

CBD Capsules & Softgels

This one’s for the supplement people. If you already take vitamins, just slide this right in. It looks and feels like any other softgel.

You don’t taste anything, the dose is locked in, and it’s super easy to build into a morning or evening routine. I know people who keep one next to their toothbrush — it’s just part of the day.

CBD Topicals (Balms, Creams, Roll-ons)

Here’s where it gets local. After running around Bangkok or hitting the gym, I reach for a balm. You rub it straight onto your knees, shoulders, back — wherever you feel tension or soreness.

This doesn’t go into your bloodstream, so it’s not about mood or sleep. It’s physical. Local relief. No guessing. And for people who lift, run, or just sit hunched at a desk all day — this hits the spot.

CBD Beverages

CBD drinks are catching on here — especially with folks who want something chill but social. We’ve got sparkling sodas, iced teas, even cold brew.

They digest like edibles, so it’s not instant, but they’re light and easy. I’ve had customers tell me it’s their go-to after work, instead of a beer. Just enough to take the edge off, but no fog, no crash.

How Long Do Effects Last?

Alright, here’s the part most people skip — how long it actually sticks around:

• Oils: usually 4 to 6 hours
• Gummies & Capsules: closer to 6 to 8, depending on your metabolism
• Topicals: depends — could be 30 minutes or a few hours, and you can reapply
• Drinks: around 2 to 4 hours, usually lighter in feel

This varies by person. I’ve had friends feel a gummy for hours, and others barely notice it. That’s why tracking how you feel helps.

Wait — What’s Bioavailability?

In simple terms? It’s how much of the CBD actually gets into your system.

Oils tend to have higher bioavailability because they’re absorbed directly under your tongue. Gummies and capsules go through your liver, so a chunk gets filtered out. That’s why you might need a little more with edibles to feel the same effect as a tincture.

It’s not about better or worse — just different.

Choosing Between Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, or Isolate

Here’s the quick breakdown:

• Full-spectrum: everything from the hemp plant — CBD, terpenes, minor cannabinoids, plus a tiny legal trace of THC (under 0.2%).
• Broad-spectrum: everything except the THC.
• Isolate: pure CBD. No THC, no extras.

I use full-spectrum at night — feels more grounded. Isolate’s great when I want zero THC in my system, like when traveling or just playing it safe.

Curious about the details? Read this: Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Based on What You Need

It really helps to work backwards from your goal.

• Can’t sleep? Try full-spectrum oils or capsules.
• Midday stress at work? Gummies or a calming drink can help.
• Sore from the gym? Balm or roll-on.
• Need clarity but no THC? Go broad-spectrum or isolate.

You don’t have to overthink it. Just ask: what’s my goal today?

Can You Mix and Match?

Absolutely. People do it all the time. I do.

Oil in the morning. Topical after a workout. Gummy before bed. The only thing to watch is your total daily dose. If you’re taking multiple products, just add up the milligrams so you’re not going overboard.

How to Read a Label (and What to Avoid)

Here’s the stuff to check:

• CBD per serving — not per bottle
• THC content — must be under 0.2% in Thailand
• Extract type — full, broad, or isolate
• Lab results or QR code — legit brands always include this
• Thai FDA registration — especially for peace of mind

If a product skips this info or just says “hemp extract” with no details? Walk away. Seriously.

This is exactly why we created CBD.co.th — so you don’t have to filter through that nonsense.

Final Thoughts

CBD isn’t supposed to be complicated. It’s meant to support you, not confuse you.

Don’t worry about getting it perfect. Start somewhere. Try one format. See how it feels. Your body will let you know.

And remember: we’re right here if you need help.

Explore the Options

Here’s where most people begin:

• CBD Oils & Tinctures
• CBD Gummies
• CBD Capsules & Softgels
• CBD Topicals
• CBD Beverages

Pick one. See how it goes. Then go from there.