There are three types of cannabidiol, or CBD. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. Full-spectrum CBD contains other compounds from the cannabis plant such as terpenes or cannabinoids. Broad-spectrum CBD is the third type.
CBD is used for many reasons. Although more research is needed to confirm their reported benefits, evidence shows that CBD products may be able to treat certain conditions.
This article will help you understand the differences between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD. We will discuss the benefits and differences between both forms.
The differences between CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD are due to the content of each form.
Full-spectrum CBD products contain multiple cannabis plant extracts. These include essential oils and terpenes.
Full-spectrum CBD products could also contain 0.3% of Tetrahydrocannabinol, the cannabinoid found in cannabis plants that causes the ‘high’ feeling. This low level of CBD isn’t enough to cause significant psychoactive effects.
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD. It does not contain any other cannabis plant compounds. It is usually derived from hemp plants that typically have very low levels of THC. CBD isolate is a crystal-form of CBD. It is usually ground up and sold in powder form. You may also call it CBD crystals.
Each product’s CBD extraction process is the same, but usually involves:
carbon dioxide extraction
steam distillation
solvent extraction
Lipid extraction
CBD isolate, however, is a more refined product that goes through additional processing.
CBD is legal? The 2018 Farm Bill eliminated hemp from the definition of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act. Some CBD products derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC were made federally legal. CBD products with more than 0.3% THC are still illegal under federal law, but they can be legal under state laws. Check state laws before you travel. Keep in mind, however, that nonprescription CBD products have not been approved by the FDA and some products could be incorrectly labeled.
CBD isolate is the purest form. This product is suitable for those who are first time CBD users and want to explore the health benefits without any interference from other cannabis compounds that may affect the results. CBD isolate is also refined so that it does not have a distinct taste or smell.
An animal study in 2015 concluded that CBD isolate might have some health benefits but may not be as noticeable as full-spectrum CBD products. Research also suggests that CBD isolate may have limited effects on pain and inflammation. This contrasts with full-spectrum CBD products, which have effects that increase with increasing dosage.
CBD isolates may be preferred by people who want to consume high levels of CBD. This is not necessarily a bad quality for CBD isolate. Some people might prefer CBD isolate without THC or may be sensitive to it.
CBD isolate skin benefits
This substance does not contain THC and should not be detected in drug tests. People should be cautious when buying CBD products. THC may still be present in products that have a THC-free label. To avoid any adverse effects, it is important to carefully read labels and packaging.
Full-spectrum CBD is a blend of all the cannabis plant compounds and may be more potent than pure CBD. Multiple compounds from the cannabis plants may have more health benefits than CBD. Research suggests this. Researchers call this the ‘entourage impact’.
THC is present in full-spectrum CBD products, but it is usually low at 0.3%. However, as CBD is converted into a concentrate, the THC levels may rise during manufacturing. Before purchasing CBD products, it is important to do your research and verify independent testing results.
Full-spectrum CBD has a variety of health benefits. Some examples:
anti-seizure
Muscle spasm relief
Antianxiety
Pain relief
Treatment for psychotic disorders
Antioxidant
anti-inflammatory
Find out more about CBD’s potential health benefits here.
A 2018 study showed that CBD compounds could also be neuroprotective.
A 2018 study found that full-spectrum CBD has a higher pain relief rate than CBD isolate due to the combination of CBD and THC.
Full-spectrum CBD has another advantage: it is more natural and less processed than CBD isolate.
Broad-spectrum CBD has many similarities to full-spectrum CBD, in that it contains additional cannabis plant compounds.
Broad-spectrum CBD products contain no or trace amounts THC. However, full-spectrum CBD products should contain less than 0.3%.
Because of the entourage effect, full-spectrum CBD products might have a greater chance of producing positive health effects than CBD isolate.
Research has shown that CBD products with a broad spectrum and full-spectrum CBD may have an entourage effect.
But, there is still much to be done on the health benefits and effects that all three CBD types have.
CBD isolate may be a viable option for people who want to avoid THC. Unregulated CBD markets could mean that the substance may still be present in trace amounts even though labels claim it is THC-free.
Both CBD isolate as well as full-spectrum CBD products offer their benefits. Before purchasing CBD products, it is important to read the labels and talk with your doctor about using it.