CBD Isolate vs Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum: What's the Best Option?
The world of CBD can be a bit perplexing for newcomers. With numerous types of CBD products on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is the best choice for you.
Today, we’ll make your choice easier and save you the countless hours of contemplation.
What is CBD?
CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is one of over 100 naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it does not produce a “high” or the stoned effect associated with cannabis. CBD is largely known for its potential health benefits, and people have been using it for pain management, calmness, and combating inflammation.
What are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that can affect your brain and body in different ways. They’re produced naturally by your own body and also found in various plants like hemp.
Does that mean that other plants also contain cannabinoids?
Yes, some other plants contain cannabinoid-like compounds which can also be beneficial.
For instance Cacao, which is the plant from which we make chocolate, contains anandamide, which is a cannabinoid that binds to your C1 receptors and makes you feel happy and relaxed.
Our CBD only comes from hemp, which is a variety of cannabis plant that has very low levels of THC, but is rich in cannabidiol (CBD).
These cannabinoids interact with receptors in our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). There are more than 100 different cannabinoids identified so far, with CBD and THC being the most well-known and studied.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex system found in all mammals. It plays an essential role in regulating our body’s physical and cognitive processes like:
- Sleep
- Immunity
- Stress Regulation
- Pain Tolerance
- Appetite
- Memory
- Reproductive System
- and more…
ECS is also crucial in maintaining our overall health and balance. When the ECS is in a state of imbalance, or our body doesn’t produce enough cannabinoids, we can use the help of CBD.
Cannabinoids found in hemp plants mimic our body’s natural endocannabinoids and help to restore natural balance in our body, this state is called ‘homeostasis’.
Both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids (the ones found in hemp) bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are located throughout our bodies and support homeostasis.
The ECS consists of three main parts: cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes.
What is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD you can get, it contains only the CBD with no additional cannabinoids, terpenes, or other plant compounds.
It does not have any THC content, and is not detectable in drug tests.
THC Free CBD products are best for people who have to worry about regular drug testing in their profession and/or are allergic to THC.
CBD isolate is a crystalline solid or powder comprising pure CBD and nothing else.
How is CBD Isolate Oil made?
We use CO2 extraction, which is the best when it comes to removing any undesirable elements from CBD and considered the golden standard in the industry.
Once the CBD has been extracted, it goes through a purification process that involves further filtration.
This process removes any remaining plant material, waxes, and oils, resulting in a pure, crystalline powder that is 99.9% pure CBD.
THC content in CBD Isolate
CBD isolate does not contain any THC whatsoever.
This makes CBD isolate products the best option for people who do not want to ingest CBD because they regularly undergo drug testing or are allergic to THC.
Benefits of CBD Isolate
CBD isolate offers many of the benefits of CBD, but does not benefit from the ‘entourage effect’. Some of the reported benefits include:
- Better sleep
- Elevates overall health and wellness
- Improves mood and mental support
- Supports quicker recovery after intense exercise
- Does not make you feel “high” or show up in drug tests
What is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Definition of Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils.
Full Spectrum CBD products also have trace amounts of THC, (less than 0.3%) which is not enough to make you intoxicated, but just enough to get you the health benefits.
Full Spectrum CBD has an “entourage effect,” where all the different hemp compounds work together and make it more effective and beneficial than other types of CBD Products.
How is Full Spectrum CBD Oil made?
We use CO2 extraction for extraction. However, unlike CBD isolate products, the extracted CBD undergoes minimal filtration and further processing, retaining all of the beneficial compounds in the hemp extract.
THC content in Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD does contain trace amounts of THC, no more than 0.3% as mandated by the Farm Bill of 2018 which legalized hemp-derived CBD. This small amount of THC is not enough to produce a psychoactive effect or a “high,” but it may be detectable in drug tests, depending on individual factors and the sensitivity of the test.
What Are The Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD has several advantages over other types of CBD, including:
- The entourage effect, where all the terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids like CBG, CBN etc. work together to enhance and amplify one another’s benefits.
- A broader range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that may provide additional therapeutic benefits.
- May be more effective and potent.
- Can provide a more ‘natural’ experience, as it closely resembles the original plant composition.
What is Broad-Spectrum CBD?
Broad-spectrum CBD is a middle ground between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD. It contains a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds, but with one key difference: zero THC.
This type of CBD offers the benefits of the entourage effect without the presence of THC, making it an excellent option for those who want to avoid any trace of THC in their products.
How is it made?
Broad-spectrum CBD is made through a similar extraction process as full-spectrum CBD. After the initial extraction, an additional step is taken to remove the THC content, usually through a process called chromatography or selective distillation. The result is a THC-free product that retains many of the beneficial compounds found in full-spectrum CBD.
THC content in Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD has no detectable levels of THC. This makes it ideal for those who want to experience the benefits of the entourage effect without any exposure to THC, either due to personal preferences, legal restrictions, or employment-related drug testing concerns.
Benefits of Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD offers a variety of advantages, including:
- The entourage effect without the presence of THC, allowing for a range of potential therapeutic benefits
- A wide array of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds that may provide additional wellness advantages
- Suitable for individuals who want to avoid THC entirely, while still benefiting from the cannabis plant’s diverse components
- May be particularly effective for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and inflammation, due to the synergistic action of the various plant compounds without THC
How to Choose the Right CBD Product for You
When choosing a CBD product, consider the following factors:
- Personal preferences and needs: Consider your reasons for using CBD and whether you prefer a THC-free product, like CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD, or if you are open to a small amount of THC, as found in full-spectrum CBD.
- Quality and purity: Look for reputable companies that provide third-party lab testing results to ensure you are getting a high-quality, pure product.
- Desired effects: Different CBD products may provide various effects, so consider which type of CBD may be best suited for your specific needs and desired outcomes.
- Taste: If you are sensitive to the taste of cannabis, you may prefer a refreshing flavor you like, like Lemon CBD Oil or Peppermint CBD Oil.
- Consumption method: Consider which consumption method suits you best, whether it be tinctures, capsules, edibles, or topicals.
- Potency and dosage: Determine the appropriate potency and dosage for your needs, taking into account factors such as individual tolerance, body weight, and the condition you are addressing.
