Full Spectrum CBD vs. Broad Spectrum CBD vs. CBD Isolate: Explaining the Differences
There are three different types of cannabinoid spectrum: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. Understanding these terms is essential when identifying the cannabinoid components in your CBD oil. Each type offers unique benefits depending on your preferences.
CBD oil does not necessarily contain exclusively cannabidiol compounds. Cannabis sativa produces over 140 phytocannabinoids, with CBD and THC being two of the most well-known cannabinoids in the scientific community.
Each spectrum identifies various other components that work alongside the CBD molecules to enhance the beneficial CBD benefits. When raw hemp goes through the extraction process, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes are removed from the material and then incorporated into a carrier oil. However, the cannabinoid profile of your CBD oil may vary depending on the strain of cannabis used during the process.
For example, hemp-based extracts typically contain less than 0.2 percent THC, making them non-psychoactive, and contain high amounts of CBD. In other cases, cannabis extracts are derived from strains that have an equal CBD to THC ratio.
Each CBD manufacturer's decision about what to do with the extracted cannabinoids determines whether the final product is labeled as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum cannabinoids - and in some cases, just CBD isolate. Here's what each cannabis spectrum means:
- Full-spectrum CBD : Full-spectrum CBD contains small amounts of all the components of the cannabis plant. This means it may contain trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Legal full-spectrum products always contain less than 0.2 percent THC. In countries where cannabis is completely legal, you may also find full-spectrum products with higher THC levels.
- Broad-spectrum CBD : This type of CBD doesn't contain THC. However, it also contains other components of the cannabis plant, so it's not 100 percent CBD alone. Think of it as the middle of the three CBD options.
- CBD Isolate : Their pure CBD product, isolate, contains no other compounds found in cannabis other than the CBD itself.
Exploring the cannabinoid spectrum
As you've probably figured out, the spectrum of cannabinoids contained in the product determines whether it is full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate.
How does this work exactly?
To create a CBD product, the cannabinoid content is extracted from the cannabis plant using methods such as CO2 extraction. During this process, other compounds found in the plant are also extracted, including terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids.
Depending on the strain and classification used for extraction, the composition and cannabinoid profile differ. For example, hemp, a classification of cannabis sativa, contains little to no THC compared to the cannabis indica strain Pennywise, which has a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio.
Depending on the purpose of the final product, companies choose to extract from a cannabis strain that best suits their needs. After extraction, the company can refine the extract to contain only certain cannabinoids and plant parts.
The level of refined extract determines whether the CBD extract is full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate. Now let's discuss what each term means and help you figure out which term is best for you.
How about full spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD means that all the secondary plant substances contained in Cannabis Sativa are used. This includes cannabidiol as well as terpenes, essential oils and other cannabinoids, i.e. THC. However, the THC content can still be less than 0.2 percent.
Even though the THC content of full spectrum CBD oil for sale is negligible, full spectrum CBD can cause a false positive drug test result if you regularly consume high doses of it. But you may never feel the psychoactive effects of the trace amounts of THC.
The active compounds extracted from hemp and incorporated into full-spectrum CBD work together to enhance the benefits of each cannabinoid. When these compounds and cannabinoids work synergistically in this way, they create what is known as the entourage effect.
What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect refers to the interaction of cannabis components to enhance or intensify the benefits of hemp. In addition to CBD, full-spectrum extracts contain other cannabinoids such as cannabinol (CBN), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabichromene (CBC).
In full-spectrum CBD, the added terpenes and cannabinoids can affect cannabinoid receptors – either by blocking or allowing other cannabinoid molecules to bind to or communicate with the connectors.
In a 2015 study, scientists concluded that full-spectrum CBD produces better effects at higher doses because it uses compounds from the whole hemp plant rather than isolated CBD. Participants in the study who used full-spectrum CBD reported more significant relief compared to a CBD isolate.
So what is CBD isolate?
Scientifically speaking, an isolate is the purest form of a compound, created by extracting that compound individually from its environment and isolating it from all other compounds. However, CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, created by removing all other compounds found in the plant, including terpenes, flavonoids, plant parts, and other cannabinoids.
CBD isolate is typically derived from hemp due to its low to no THC content.
What is broad spectrum CBD?
Broad spectrum CBD is a type of blend of full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. As with full spectrum CBD, the other compounds found in the plant are retained in the extract; however, THC is completely removed. Because broad spectrum CBD contains multiple cannabinoids, it can provide the enhanced benefits of the "entourage effect" without the risk of psychoactive effects from THC.
What type of CBD should you use?
Now that you have a general understanding of each type of CBD, you're probably wondering why someone would choose one over the other; and more importantly, which type you should choose.
First of all, none of the guys are better than the others. This isn't a race, okay?
Every person has different needs, and this will determine which type of CBD is best for their individual ailments. To help point you in the right direction, I've put together some pros and cons of each type, as well as situations they're typically best suited for.
Full spectrum CBD
CBD that has been extracted from the cannabis plant along with all other compounds and cannabinoids.
Who is this for?
- Those who have been recommended a specific THC-CBD ratio
- Those with more serious conditions or conditions that CBD isolated and Broad Spectrum could not relieve
- People who live in places where cannabis is legal
Advantages:
- Goes through fewer processes to produce
- Provides the full “entourage effect” of the cannabis plant
Disadvantages:
- May cause psychoactive, sedative or other undesirable side effects
- Can show up on drug tests
- May have a strong natural taste and smell
Broad spectrum CBD
CBD extracted from the cannabis plant along with all other compounds and cannabinoids except THC.
Who is this for?
- People with illnesses that cannot be alleviated by CBD alone
- People with sensitivity to THC
- People who live in places where strict THC laws apply
- First-time users who are hesitant about THC
Advantages:
- Provides the full “entourage effect” of the cannabis plant
- No risk of psychoactive effects
Disadvantages:
- There is less research and availability
- May have a strong natural taste and smell
CBD isolate
The purest form of CBD with all other plant compounds and cannabinoids completely removed.
Who is this for?
- Those who have been advised to take high doses of CBD
- People with sensitivity to THC or other cannabinoids
- Those who undergo regular drug tests
- Those who prefer light flavors or no flavor
- Those who live in places where strict THC laws apply
- First-time users who may be hesitant about other cannabinoids
Advantages:
- CBD in its purest form
- secure
- Tasteless and odorless
- Never tests positive for THC
- No risk of psychoactive effects
Disadvantages:
- It does not have the full effect of the entire cannabis plant
Now that you know more, you can choose which of these products is right for you!
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