When you’re shopping around for CBD products, you’ll probably see the terms CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD quite a bit. While it may seem like these words are being thrown around interchangeably, the two mixtures are different. It’s important to understand the difference between the two, so you can make an informed decision about your CBD and what you are consuming.
Let’s go over the difference between the two and what factors to keep in mind when deciding to go full-spectrum vs CBD isolate.
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CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is 99% pure CBD. With CBD isolate, there are absolutely no other cannabinoids present in the oil. The isolate on its own appears as a crystalline powder. To form a CBD isolate, the CBD must be extracted and isolated from all other cannabinoids in a lab. CBD and other substances, including terpenes and cannabinoids, are extracted from the hemp plant. To make CBD isolate, the extraction process goes even further by removing the other cannabinoids and parts of the plant, so that only pure CBD remains. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD you can get. For this reason, CBD isolate is prevalent among people who want to avoid any traces of THC. Isolate is typically the option chosen by people who need to pass a drug test or are sensitive to cannabinoids.
You can buy oil infused with isolate, or you can buy the “raw” CBD crystals or powder. Now that the CBD industry is growing, you can also get many other CBD products like CBD edibles, capsules, and topicals.
Full Spectrum CBD
Full Spectrum CBD is hemp extract that contains other cannabinoids in addition to the CBD. These other cannabinoids remain within the CBD as they naturally occur in the plant.
Full spectrum CBD is not to be confused with broad spectrum CBD. Broad spectrums use an extraction process that preserves all of the components within the plant except THC. In full-spectrum CBD, the THC remains within the compound.
Full-Spectrum CBD is beneficial because it creates what’s called the entourage effect. The entourage effect is where all the cannabinoids within the CBD simultaneously work together with your endocannabinoid system to enhance each others effect. The unity of their efforts makes the impact of the CBD much stronger than that of CBD isolate. For this reason, many CBD users swear by full-spectrum products for it’s stronger medicinal effects. While there still needs to be more research done on whether the results are actually stronger with full-spectrum, it is a favorite among users with severe pain and anxiety disorders.
Which One is Better?
Full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate are different, but that’s not to say that one is better than the other. A reason some people choose CBD isolate over full-spectrum is that they need to pass a drug test. Since full-spectrum may contain small amounts of THC, some people avoid it to ensure passing a drug test or to prevent the effects of a stronger compound. On the other hand, full Spectrum CBD is usually used by people looking for a stronger effect from their oil. Full-spectrum oil can create a much stronger effect and allows the user to take a smaller dose to achieve that effect. CBD isolate, while limited in its therapeutic effects, is very easy to dose. Extremely high doses of CBD can be administered relatively quickly with isolate. Full spectrum CBD oil is a much more potent product and has much more recognizable effects when it is taken. It was previously thought that CBD isolate was the more potent compound, but studies have been recently showing the opposite.
So which one should you choose? If you are concerned about consuming THC, then CBD isolate might be the best option for you. In the end, the choice will be yours, but science has shown recently that full-spectrum CBD might be the clear winner for combating conditions. Regardless of which one you choose, you’ll still be able to enjoy the benefits of CBD in either capacity.
They both share similar qualities, but where you begin to see the difference is in the effectiveness of CBD in each dose. If you’re not concerned about THC content, then the best way to know which one is best is to try them both and see for yourself.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it! The ultimate guide to CBD isolate vs. full-spectrum CBD. Ultimately, the choice is yours. If it is a medical decision, be sure to consult your doctor before taking CBD. We hope that once you understand the basics, you’ll be able to make an informed, and educated decision about which form of CBD oil is best for you.