When shopping for CBD, you’ve probably come across products labeled as full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate.
While the three terms may sound similar, they are far from the same.
So, what do they mean and how are they different?
In a nutshell, they are used to define the cannabinoid content that is used in a product. Each type presents important factors to consider, and understanding the difference is essential for every CBD user.
In this article, we’re going to shed some light on this important subject by explaining that difference and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Let’s start by discussing the factor that defines each type.
What Are Cannabinoids, and Why Do They Matter?
Within the Cannabis plant, there is a classification of compounds known as cannabinoids.
Among these are CBD, CBG, CBN and THC, along with over a hundred others which scientists have discovered naturally occurring within different Cannabis strains.
Now, here’s why these are super important:
In 1995, researchers discovered that, by interacting with receptors in the human Endocannabinoid System (ECS), cannabinoids like CBD have particular interest.
For example, while THC delivers the psychoactive effects associated with “getting high,” CBD does not and actually is classified as non-psychoactive.
With various ranges of effects delivered by other cannabinoids like Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabinol (CBN), the full collection of cannabinoids forms what is referred to as the “cannabinoid spectrum.”
Exploring the Cannabinoid Spectrum
As you’ve probably figured out, the cannabinoid spectrum range contained within a product is what determines whether the product is full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate.
So, how does that work exactly?To create a CBD product, the cannabinoid content is extracted from the Cannabis plant, using methods such as CO2 extraction or hydrocarbon extraction.
During this process, other compounds found within 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 will differ.
For instance: Hemp, which is a classification of Cannabis Sativa, contains little to no THC, compared to the Cannabis Indica strain, Pennywise, which contains a 1:1 CBD to THC content ratio. In the case of CBD products, industrial hemp is used which contains less than 0.3% THC.
Once extracted, the company can then choose to refine the extract to contain only specific cannabinoids and plant parts.
The contents of the refined extract are what determines if the CBD extract is full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate.
Now let’s discuss what each term means.
What is CBD Isolate?
In scientific terms, an isolate is the purest form of a compound, which is produced by singularly extracting that compound from its environment and isolating it from all other compounds.
With that being said, CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, which is produced by removing all other compounds found in the plant including terpenes, flavonoids, plant parts, and other cannabinoids.
CBD Isolate is typically extracted from Hemp, due to its low to non-existent THC-content.
What is Full Spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD is an extract that contains all compounds found naturally occurring in the plant, including terpenes, essential oils, and other cannabinoids.The full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils extracted from the plant work together in ways that no individual cannabinoid works on its own. This is commonly referred to as the “entourage effect“.
What is Broad Spectrum CBD?
Broad spectrum CBD is a bit of a mix between Full Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate.
Like Full Spectrum CBD, the other compounds found within the plant are preserved in the extract; however, like CBD Isolate, THC is completely removed.
Because Broad Spectrum CBD contains multiple cannabinoids, it can deliver the entourage effect, without the risk of psychoactive effects of THC.
CBD Isolate
The purest form of CBD, in which all other plant compounds and cannabinoids have been completely removed.
Pros
- Purest form of CBD
- No Risk of Psychoactive Effects
- Generally Considered to Be Safe
- Tasteless and Odorless
- Will not test positive for THC*
Cons
- Does not deliver the enhanced benefits of the entire Cannabis plant
Best For:
- Individuals who were recommended to specifically take high doses of CBD
- Individuals with sensitivity to THC or other cannabinoids
- Individuals who regularly undergo drug screening tests
- Individuals who prefer light flavors or no flavor
- Individuals living in states that have strict THC-laws
- First-time users that may be hesitant about other cannabinoids
Full Spectrum CBD
CBD that has been extracted from the cannabis plant along with all the other compounds and cannabinoids.
Pros
- Offers the full benefits of the Cannabis plant (Entourage Effect)
- Undergoes fewer processes
Cons
- May have psychoactive, sedative, and other possibly unwanted side-effects
- May show up on drug tests
- THC-content may cause legal complications
- May have strong natural flavor and odor
Best For:
- Individuals who were recommended a certain THC:CBD ratio
- Individuals living in states where Cannabis is legal
- Individuals looking for a product with the least amount of processing
Broad Spectrum CBD
CBD that has been extracted from the cannabis plant along with all other compounds and cannabinoids, except THC.
Pros
- Offers the full benefits of the Cannabis plant (Entourage Effect)
- No risk of psychoactive effects
Cons
- Less Research and Availability
- May have strong, natural flavor and odor
Best For:
- Individuals with sensitivity to THC
- Individuals living in states that have strict THC-laws
- First-time users that are hesitant about THC
- Individuals who don’t want THC but also don’t want the processing involved with CBD isolate
Final Thoughts on the Different CBD Spectrums
In closing, I want to reiterate that any one type isn’t better than the others. In the end it all comes down to personal preference and what each individual is looking for.
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