It can be confusing trying to understand the different types of CBD. What is the distinction between Isolate, Broad-Spectrum, and Full-Spectrum CBD? What exactly defines how each type of CBD is classified? Also, some types of CBD can better at targeting a specific clement or isolated pain.
To make it easier for you to decide what is best for you, we have put together a summary to clearly clarify the differences:
What is Full-spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, botanicals, and compounds found in the hemp plant (including the flower and stem), along with CBD.
Because of this, full-spectrum CBD oil also contains a small amount of THC. The amount is nowhere near enough to get you high. However, this small percentage of THC may contribute to a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect”. This phenomenon proposes that CBD may work better alongside all the other cannabinoids and compounds found in hemp.
THC has health benefits, believe it or not, there are thought to be substantial medical gains of THC for the brain. Not only does the psychoactive protect brain cells, but it also stimulates brain growth and could possibly be used as part of an anti-tumor agent among other things.
More research needs to be done and the THC levels of any product need to be carefully monitored. THC has been linked with a number of psychotic disorders, especially when in association with people experimenting with it at a young age, before the brain has fully developed. However, the level of THC should be below the legal 0.2%, ensuring none of the side effects that THC entails in marijuana.
If you want to experience the full benefits of all the other compounds, terpenes, and cannabinoids along with the low level of THC then broad-spectrum CBD is the best option for you.
What is Broad-Spectrum CBD?
Broad-spectrum CBD acts as a half-way bridge between full-spectrum and isolate CBD. Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains all the additional cannabinoids’ compounds and terpenes, just with all traces of THC removed. This also means that you can benefit from the entourage effect. Broad-spectrum CBD oil is the perfect form of CBD for those who want to experience all of CBD’s beneficial cannabinoids but might have a sensitivity to THC. Or for those who are worried about consuming even small amounts for other reasons such as medication.
To make broad-spectrum CBD, THC-free, it has to undergo refinement and processing. However, while broad-spectrum CBD is processed, it is still less processed than isolate CBD.
Terpenes are hugely beneficial and have been used for decades in traditional medicines. They are definitely more than just an aromatherapy oil and shouldn’t be dismissed as just an aroma. Broad-spectrum is a great choice if you want to utilise all of the other great cannabinoids and terpenes that are naturally founds in CBD but you are a bit wary of there being any traces of THC. This being said you should always check that the brand you are buying from can supply the
What is Isolate CBD?
Lastly, isolate could be seen to be the purest form of CBD as it contains solely CBD. This is due to all the other cannabinoids and botanicals, terpenes, flavonoids, and plant parts compound having been removed. Isolate CBD can then be added to carrier oils to make CBD isolate oil. Common carrier oils that are used with CBD include coconut oil, olive oil, palm oil, and hemp seed oil.
While you won’t get the benefits of all the other cannabinoids, CBD isolate can contain much more potent levels of CBD. If you want a stronger CBD oil, isolate may be the best choice for you.
Isolate CBD is more commonly used in cosmetics and topicals. Due to isolate being thought as the most powerful, isolate is often used in topicals that are specifically designed to target specific pain or areas of the body. Isolate CBD will be found in many sports related balms and topicals, designed for muscles recovery.
Summary
It is essential to buy from a trusted brand with third-party lab tested certification. Legally any levels of THC must be less than 0.2% of the product to be sold within the UK. If a brand or retailer is not willing to show you their third-party lab tests, move on to the next brand. Look out for brands that list these documents willingly on their websites. Certificates of analysis should also be made available upon request.
There are a lot of rogue brands out there who are mislabeling their products and are not able to provide certification on their levels of THC. Some have THC amounts exceeding 0.2% but many may also have no CBD in their products at all. It is incredibly important to ensure you only buy CBD products from trusted suppliers. Whilst this minority may be giving the CBD industry a bad name, we cannot stress enough the importance of checking for third party lab tested certification.
