CBD Isolate vs. Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum CBD

In your quest for the perfect CBD oil for your needs, you may have come across the different spectrums of oil: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Understanding these labels is important so that you can make an informed choice about what you’re putting into your body and why you’re using CBD in the first place.

When determining what type of CBD is right for you — CBD isolate vs. full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum CBD— it’s essential to understand what makes each of these compounds different and how each might benefit a person. It’s worth noting that one groundbreaking study illustrated how a CBD-abundant whole-plant Hemp extract (cannabis sativa L) was far superior to a single molecule compound like you’d find in CBD isolate.

While the choice is up to you, each has its own distinct cannabinoid profile and a set of benefits and potential limitations that go along with it. Did you know that the cannabis Sativa plant can have over 100 different phytocannabinoids in it? Of course, the most popular of these phytocannabinoids are THC and CBD.

When the hemp plant goes through the extraction process, these three methods determine how much of the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes end up in the final product. While some new to CBD might feel “safer” with only a CBD isolate, understanding the benefits of these other beneficial plant compounds is worthwhile because of how good they are for the human body.

Let’s dive into the differences between full-spectrum CBD vs. broad-spectrum CBD vs. CBD isolate so you can put your best foot forward on your wellness journey.

What Is Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?

An easy way to remember the difference between full-spectrum CBD oil and, say, CBD isolate is that full-spectrum contains the full array of cannabinoids and other beneficial plant compounds found in the hemp plant. This could also mean that there is THC within the full-spectrum CBD oil, although it could still be below the legally required 0.3% THC. THC is the cannabinoid most famous for producing the psychoactive “high” associated with cannabis use.

Whenever you purchase a full-spectrum CBD oil, always check for third-party testing so you can see what the cannabinoid profile of the oil is. Some may contain higher amounts of THC that may trigger a positive on a drug test, and even some with lower amounts of THC may trigger a false positive if taken regularly and at higher doses. If the oil doesn’t offer test results, look for another brand. Third-party testing ensures that the product not only complies with regulations but that it is free from harmful heavy metals, herbicides, pesticides, and so on.

What Are The Benefits Of Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?

Just like broad-spectrum CBD, full-spectrum CBD may have the potential to offer a calming, relaxing experience for the user. If taken at lower potencies or with additional ingredients like guayusa and ginseng for energy, it can help boost energy. Many people consume CBD for its post workout recovery and muscle soreness and relaxation properties that may affect mood as well. When taking a full-spectrum oil, you’ll also receive the many benefits derived from the terpenes, flavonoids, and other chemicals found in the plant.

What Is The Entourage Effect?

Full-spectrum CBD oil harnesses the full power of all of the plant compounds naturally found in the hemp plant. You’ll likely find other cannabinoids like CBC and CBG, along with terpenes (the unique smell found in many plants, foods, and flowers) and flavonoids. This interaction of chemicals and cannabinoids is called The Entourage Effect.

It is the interaction of all of the plant compounds found in a whole plant extract that work together to magnify the impact of the compounds — the effect of the entire plant is greater than the sum of its parts. The hemp plant contains over 400 different compounds in it, which is a huge number. Essentially, this plant could be considered a superfood when consumed in its raw state. The Entourage Effect matters because it can’t occur in a single-molecule CBD oil like CBD isolate, where the only compound you’ll find in the entire product is cannabidiol.

What Is Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil?

Broad-spectrum CBD oil is almost identical to full-spectrum CBD oil except for one significant difference — one active ingredient, THC, is removed during the extraction process. Broad-spectrum CBD oil still contains all the beneficial terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids like CBC and CBG, but lowers the levels of the ingredient that causes the most trouble for some people, especially in states where THC use is punished heavily.

Whenever you seek out a broad-spectrum CBD oil, you want to ensure that the product offers third-party batch test results to know exactly what is in the oil. Broad-spectrum CBD is like the best of both worlds for some people, receiving similar benefits of a whole-plant CBD extract, but without the worries surrounding THC or the “high” that sometimes accompanies products that contain THC.

Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum CBD: Which Is Right For You?

Only you can determine whether full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD is right for you. Both are very similar, minus the THC aspect. And the THC may be the determining factor. While THC sometimes catches a bad reputation due to government propaganda that has circulated for the last decades, it has its own benefits and would join right into the Entourage Effect, providing its own advantages, especially when interacting with other cannabinoids like CBD.

But if you live in a heavily regulated area, you’re new to CBD use, or you’re afraid of any professional or personal repercussions that sometimes accompany THC use, it’s likely the safest option to go with a broad-spectrum CBD. Broad-spectrum CBD is definitely a step above CBD isolate. Yet, it remains in compliance with federal regulations at this time, so you can still enjoy the experience of CBD use without risking any aspect of your life due to specific laws and ramifications. Important note is that Broad-Spectrum CBD oil should be tested to be non-detectable for THC (< 0.01% ∆9-THC).

What Is CBD Isolate?

CBD isolate is exactly how it sounds — isolated CBD. CBD isolate doesn’t contain any other compounds found in the hemp plant like flavonoids, terpenes, or other cannabinoids. While this might be someone’s preference, they likely won’t experience a similar outcome as they would with a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD oil. CBD isolate is typically a higher concentration as well, but this doesn’t mean it is more beneficial or potent. In fact, creating CBD isolate requires even more processing to get to the finished product.

Many companies infuse certain compounds back into the CBD formula, but this process takes the final product even farther from its roots. Here at HempFusion, we aim to keep our CBD as close to its natural state as possible, never isolating the CBD from its sibling plant compounds.

What Type Of CBD Should I Take?

It’s up to you, as the consumer, to decide what type of CBD you should take. Much of your decision is dependent on your lifestyle, beliefs, where you live, what type of work you do, and so on. Some people may not notice a difference between CBD isolate vs. full-spectrum CBD, and some may choose a broad-spectrum CBD over a full-spectrum CBD to take in more of the good without the 0.3% THC.

There are likely plenty of factors driving your decision, so it’s best to educate yourself and then make an informed choice armed with the facts. Our biggest piece of advice when purchasing any type of CBD is to ensure it’s from a reputable brand that provides third-party, ISO-certified lab results so you can be sure of what you are consuming. HempFusion is committed to transparency and producing the highest-quality, broad-spectrum, like CBD tinctures and capsules on the market, and we think you should never settle for less than the best.