Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs CBD Isolate
The CBD industry has bloomed over the last few years and as a result, there are tons of CBD products out there for you to choose from. However, making the decision as to which CBD product is best for you can be an overwhelming one when you consider the numerous types of CBD products available.
So, what are full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD and how are they different from CBD isolates? Keep reading to find out more about each type so that you can decide which is the best for you.
The Entourage Effect
Before we move on to discussing the differences between the three types of CBD, let’s first discuss the entourage effect.
The Entourage Effect is the term used to describe the fact that when cannabinoids are taken together, they enhance each other’s effects and act synergistically. Thus, if you were to take cannabinoids individually, their effects wouldn’t be as potent or strong as if they were taken together.
Thus, the entourage effect simply states that cannabinoids have a greater cumulative effect when taken together than when consumed individually.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are natural compounds present in the hemp plant that are similar in structure to the endocannabinoids found inside the body. They influence the endocannabinoid system in the body and exert its beneficial effects.
There are over a hundred cannabinoids present in the hemp plant, the most abundant of which is CBD. Other cannabinoids that are very beneficial include CBG and CBN.
CBG may even have anti-cancer properties and could slow down the growth of certain cancer cells. Moreover, CBG has potent soothing effects and can work to eliminate stress and anxiety.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Now, let’s come to full-spectrum CBD!
Full-spectrum hemp or full-spectrum CBD contains all of the chemicals extracted from the hemp plant. These include all of the cannabinoids present in the plant including CBD, CBG, CBN, THC, and many others. Moreover, terpenes and other fatty acids from the hemp plant are also present in full-spectrum hemp oil.
Thus, full-spectrum hemp oil gives the entourage effect and may be more beneficial for pain-relieving purposes.
The THC content in full-spectrum hemp oil is still less than 0.3% according to the laws of Canada.
However, full-spectrum hemp oil does show up on a drug test because of its low THC content. It won’t make you high but does show up on a drug test.
Since full-spectrum CBD is the least processed of all types of CBD, it has a strong natural hemp flavor and scent. If you don’t like the flavor of hemp, this may not be the best product for you.
Do you need your drug test to be clean but still want the entourage effect? Well, head over to the next section, broad-spectrum CBD oil.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum hemp oil contains all of the compounds derived from the hemp plant except THC. Thus, with broad-spectrum hemp oil, you get the entourage effect as well and you don’t have to worry about the THC concentration either. Win-win situation, isn’t it?
The THC is completely eliminated in broad-spectrum hemp oil. Thus, it requires a lot more processing than full-spectrum oil but the end product is free from THC.
Owing to these reasons, broad-spectrum hemp oil is usually preferred by athletes who need a clean drug test. It gives you the best of both worlds!
However, broad-spectrum hemp oil is also very difficult to find. Broad-spectrum hemp oil, too, has a strong natural hemp flavor and scent.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate, like its name suggests, is the purest version of CBD available in the market. This product is processed to remove all other cannabinoids and terpenes in the hemp plant. The final product can be as pure as 99% CBD!
CBD isolate come in many forms like crystals and powders and are used by those individuals that only want the benefits and effects of CBD in their body.
However, CBD isolate do not produce an entourage effect. They have benefits but their benefits come in slowly and steadily.
Moreover, CBD isolates are flavorless and odorless, which means you can easily add them to your favorite food without altering the taste of the food. It’s pretty versatile and has many different uses as pet supplements, skincare products, and even edibles.
CBD isolates are perfect for new CBD users that don’t want any THC in their product. You can also carefully adjust the dose of CBD with these products to suit your needs.
Bottomline
None of the CBD oil types discussed above can give you a “high” because the level of THC in them isn’t enough for that purpose. Thus, what you need to consider when choosing the final product is the effect you want. If you’re looking for a product that can provide strong pain-relieving properties, you should go for full-spectrum CBD but if you’re just looking for general health benefits, CBD isolates are good to go.
