Difference between CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD
There are three main forms of cannabidiol (CBD) extract. The CBD isolate is the pure form of CBD, while the full spectrum CBD extract contains other compounds from hemp, such as terpenes and other cannabinoids. The third type is broad-spectrum CBD.
People use CBD for a variety of health reasons, such as its effects on pain and anxiety. Although more research is needed to clearly confirm the benefits that users themselves talk about, some evidence already suggests that CBD products can indeed help in no small way with certain ailments.
The purpose of this article is to shed light on the terms CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD. We will explain the differences and potential benefits of both forms.
What is the difference between them?
The difference between CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD is related to the content of the individual substances.
A full-spectrum CBD product contains more substances extracted from hemp, including essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids such as cannabinol (CBN).
Full-spectrum CBD products may also contain up to 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which produces psychoactive effects in humans. However, this amount is not sufficient to produce psychoactive effects.
CBD isolate is a completely pure form of CBD. It contains no other compounds from cannabis. It is usually obtained from cannabis, which contains only very low amounts of THC. CBD isolate is a crystalline form of CBD that is often crushed and sold in powder form. It is also sometimes referred to as CBD crystals.
The CBD extraction process is mostly the same for these products and usually involves the same steps:
- carbon dioxide extraction (in the so-called critical state)
- water vapour distillation
- solvent extraction
- lipid (fat) extraction
However, CBD isolate is a much more thoroughly purified product and undergoes further processing.
Benefits of CBD isolate
Is CBD legal? CBD products derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC are legal, and from the beginning of this year even 1% THC content will be legal in the Czech Republic. Beware, however, that in some countries all products containing CBD are still illegal. When travelling between countries, it is therefore best to check local legislation.
CBD isolate, as the purest form of CBD, may be a good product for users who are just starting out with CBD or want to experiment with its potential health benefits without the interference of other cannabis compounds that can alter the overall effects. CBD isolate is completely pure, so it has no distinct taste or odor.
A 2015 animal study concluded that CBD isolate may have some health benefits, but they may not be as pronounced as taking full-spectrum CBD product. Research also suggests that the anti-pain and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD isolate only kick in at a certain dose. This is in contrast to full spectrum products where the depressant effects simply increase with increasing dose.
So if someone wants to take high doses of CBD, they will probably prefer CBD isolate.
Because it does not contain THC, this substance should not appear in any drug test results. However, users should exercise caution when purchasing CBD products. Products labeled "THC-free" may still contain traces of this compound. Carefully checking the information on packaging, labels, and test results from independent laboratories can help you get all the information you need to avoid side effects.
Benefits of full spectrum CBD
Because full-spectrum CBD contains all of the hemp compounds, it may have a stronger effect than pure CBD. Research suggests that the health benefits of CBD may be more pronounced when more compounds from the cannabis plant are present. Scientists call this the "entourage effect."
Full-spectrum CBD products contain some amount of THC, but usually less than 0.3%. However, during the manufacturing process, the THC level may rise as the CBD is converted to a concentrate. So ideally, you should do your own research before purchasing any CBD product. Responsible manufacturers always have the results of independent lab tests on their products, which will tell you which substances a particular product contains and in what amounts. You can see what these tests look like at any of our products.
Using CBD from a full-spectrum extract can have a number of health benefits. Among its often sought-after effects are the following:
- reduction of muscle spasms,
- relieving anxiety,
- anti-seizure effects,
- pain relief,
- treatment of psychotic disorders,
- antioxidant effects,
- anti-inflammatory effects.
A 2018 study found that CBD may also have neuroprotective effects.
Another 2018 study suggested that full spectrum CBD is more effective than CBD isolate on pain, due to the combined effects of CBD and THC.
Another advantage of full-spectrum CBD is that it is a more natural and more natural product than CBD isolate.
Broad spectrum CBD
Wide-spectrum CBD is very similar to full-spectrum CBD in that it contains additional compounds from the hemp plant. However, unlike full-spectrum, broad-spectrum CBD products contain no or only trace amounts of THC.
Like full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum products may provide stronger beneficial health benefits than CBD isolate, due to the accompaniment effect.
Summary
Research suggests that the effects of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products may be enhanced by the entourage effect. This means that the cannabinoids and other substances contained in the extract interact with each other and contribute to the resulting effect.
Further research needs to be done on all 3 forms of CBD to delve deeper into the effects and health benefits.
If users are interested in a product that is absolutely THC free, they should try CBD isolate. Both CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD products have their benefits. People should always read labels carefully before purchasing them and consult a doctor about CBD use.
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