What’s the difference between Broad, Full Spectrum, and Isolate?
As the use of cannabidiol (CBD) becomes more prevalent among mainstream stores and consumers, more questions arise regarding what the difference is between Full Spectrum CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate, as well as which type is more benecial.
While there is no denitive answer as which type is “best,” it is important for each user to understand the differences to discover which type is best for them.
In order to understand the differences of Full Spectrum CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate, it is necessary to understand how CBD interacts which your body. Our bodies are designed with a biological system made up of endocannabinoids called the endocannabinoid system. Endocannabinoids are internal lipid-based neurotransmitters that have the ability to combine themselves with cannabinoid receptors located throughout our body. The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in helping regulate an array of physiological and cognitive processes, including memory and mood.
Researchers discovered that different cannabinoids, found in the cannabis plant, interact with our bodies in sophisticated and unique ways. Among the number of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, THC and CBD are the most familiar and widespread ones. THC can produce psychoactive effects, whereas CBD does not. In addition to THC and CBD, other cannabinoids like Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabielsoin (CBE) and more come together to create the “cannabinoid spectrum.” When the CBD is extracted, other compounds are also extracted from the plant, including terpenes, avonoids and other cannabinoids. Depending on the strain and type of extraction used, there will be different cannabinoid proles for each product – Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum or CBD Isolate.
CBD Isolate
CBD Isolate is the purest form of CBD and contains 99% CBD. It is typically extracted from Hemp because of its low to non-existent THC content. CBD Isolate is produced by removing all other compounds from the plant – terpenes, avonoids and other cannabinoids, including THC – to leave just the CBD for the consumer. This form of CBD is best used for those that are concerned with drug testing at their place of employment or have a sensitivity to THC, and do not need the benets of other cannabinoids.
Full Spectrum CBD
Full Spectrum is the most commonly purchased CBD oil in the market today. With a Full Spectrum CBD oil, you receive a “full spectrum” of cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils and even trace amounts of THC from the plant that are pulled out together during the extraction process. The combination of these components is called the “entourage effect.”
Many people nd that Full Spectrum is the most benecial for them because of this “entourage effect” and keeping the whole plant properties intact. As compared to CBD Isolate, Full Spectrum CBD is able to provide the consumer with a more robust oil due to the power-packed combination of components from the plant. Full Spectrum CBD is best for those that want the full benets of the entourage effect and do not mind trace amounts of THC in their CBD product.
Broad Spectrum CBD
In looking at the composition of Broad Spectrum CBD, it is a mix between Full Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate. Similar to Full Spectrum CBD, the user is getting the benets of the entourage effect because it contains multiple cannabinoids. However, just like CBD Isolate, the THC is completely removed from Broad Spectrum CBD. This extraction of CBD is best for those that want more than just CBD Isolate, but are either hesitant to have any THC in their product or live in states with strict THC laws.