Full-Spectrum CBD Oil vs CBD Isolate: The Differences Explained
Welcome to the CBD world. We believe in CBD oil healing properties and are looking forward to help educate more people into understanding what CBD can do. When shopping for your favorite CBD oil product, you may have come across products labeled as full spectrum, CBD isolate, or broad spectrum. These terms are far from the same although they sound similar. These terms are often used to define the type of CBD used in a specific product. Understanding the difference between these terms is essential for every organic CBD oil user as each type represent an important factor to consider.
In this article, we will shed the light on the difference between full spectrum CBD and CBD Isolates and their advantages. First off, let us start by discussing the defining factor of each type of CBD.
What are Cannabinoids?
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. CBD is found in both hemp plant and in marijuana. Most CBD products come from hemp which has been legalized in all the 50 states. THC is also highly present in cannabis and is the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” feeling. While THC delivers the euphoric effects associated with “getting high” CBD counteract these effects. The full collection of cannabinoids forms the cannabinoid spectrum which determines whether the product is full spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolate.
Different methods are used to extract the cannabinoid content from cannabis including the CO2 extraction method. Other compounds within cannabis which are also extracted include terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids. However, the composition and cannabinoid profile will differ with regards to the strain and classification used for extraction. For example, Hemp which is under the Cannabis Sativa classification contains little to no THC, while the Cannabis Indica strain contains a 1:1 CBD to THC content ratio.
CBD companies will chose a strain of cannabis from which to extract from depending on their needs. Once extracted, the product will be refined to only contain specific cannabinoids and plant parts. The refined extracts contents determine whether the type of CBD product is full spectrum, CBD isolate or broad spectrum.
Full spectrum CBD oil
Full spectrum CBD oil are CBD products which contain CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids such as CBC, CBN, CBG, THC, and THCV. The exact ratio of these compounds will vary depending on the amounts naturally occurring within the plants from which they came from. The amount of THC in full spectrum CBD is very small (less than 0.3%) and does not produce any psychoactive effects.
Full spectrum CBD oil has an advantage over broad spectrum and CBD isolate in that it has the “entourage effect.” This is where the cannabinoids and terpenes work in synergy with each other increasing its benefits. Full spectrum cannabinoids work together to magnify the therapeutic benefits of each individual cannabinoid. Previously, it was believed that organic CBD oil isolate was more effective than full spectrum CBD but a study conducted in 2005 from the Lautenberg Center for General Tumor Immunology gave different results.
The researchers found out that the administration of full spectrum CBD oil provided higher relief on the subjects compared to administration of CBD isolates.
Pros
- Best for individuals recommended to use certain CBD to THC levels
- Individuals with severe conditions where broad spectrum CBD and CBD isolates fails to work
- Individuals in states where cannabis is legal
CBD Isolates
Isolate is defined as the purest form of a compound in scientific terms. Production is by singularly extracting the compound from its environment after which it is isolated from all other compounds. CBD isolate is thus the purest form of organic CBD oil which is produced by removing all the other compounds in cannabis including terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids. Due to the low non-existent THC content, CBD isolate is extracted from hemp. One advantage of CBD isolate is that it contains 0% THC and is the CBD product of choice for those concerned with drug testing.
Pros
- Best for individuals recommended to take high CBD doses
- Best for individuals sensitive to THC
- Individuals who undergo drug screening regularly
- Best for individual living in strict THC-laws states
Which Oil I Should Choose
Now that you have an idea of the difference between full spectrum and CBD isolates, you are probably wondering which type of CBD products I should choose. Each person has different needs. As such, the type of CBD best suited for our unique conditions tend to vary. However, full spectrum CBD oil has added benefits to the entourage effect where the cannabinoids work together to create a more beneficial product. The choice on which oil you should choose will entirely depend on your unique condition and the benefits that have been highlighted above.
Final Thoughts
Several factors determine the impact of cannabinoids in your body including chemical makeup, weight, age, and your metabolism. For some people, full spectrum CBD may be the best choice while for others a high dosage of organic CBD oil isolate may do the trick. With continued research, the future for CBD oil looks brighter.
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