The Difference Between CBD Isolate and Full Spectrum: Is One Better than the Other
If you’re interested in CBD oils, you’re probably searching for something that may help you feel calm, relaxed and well-balanced. But as you begin to shop for the best CBD oils, you’ll likely begin to wonder about the difference between cbd isolate and full spectrum. Or about cbd isolate vs broad spectrum. There are a lot of CBD oil varieties out there and the choices can be confusing or even downright daunting.
Getting some solid details on these CBD oils will help you decide which one is best for you and–bonus points!–will help make your shopping experience easier, too.
The Difference Between CBD Isolate and Full Spectrum Explained
The hemp world can seem complicated if you’re unsure about how CBD is commonly used. But the more you learn about the hemp plant and its many facets, the more exciting it gets. You’ll feel more empowered to make informed choices about what you’re purchasing, and you’ll also be able to discern which brands make the grade. So, let’s get started by demystifying some top terms in the CBD world.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is just as it sounds. It’s the isolated CBD chemical compound found in hemp and nothing more. Some people say CBD isolate is the best form of CBD because it only contains this cannabinoid, giving it stronger powers. But, this simply isn’t the case. For example, when you consume a plant, you don’t extract a single compound out of it and throw the rest away. You eat the whole strawberry, the whole piece of arugula, or the whole whatever else you have on your plate. CBD isolate is a very refined product, but that doesn’t mean it’s better.
Who might prefer CBD isolate?
Someone who is new to the CBD world and wants to gently dip a toe in the water might gravitate toward CBD isolate. (We believe there are better ways to start your CBD journey, and we’ll shed some light on that in a sec, so keep reading.). CBD isolate might be a comfortable option for CBD-hesitant people because it’s the most basic. Also, the isolated CBD compound is typically flavorless and odorless, which is a plus for some.
Full-spectrum CBD Oil
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all of the chemical compounds found in the hemp plant, including small amounts of THC. High-quality CBD oils will ensure they are compliant with federal law, which requires the delta-9 THC content to be less than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. But, even with these small amounts of THC, it’s not 100% certain that you would pass a drug test after consuming a full-spectrum oil, so be mindful of this when selecting your CBD product.
What About cbd isolate vs broad spectrum?
Broad-spectrum CBD oil contains a wide array of the naturally occurring plant compounds found in hemp including CBD, except for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) tested below .01%. THC is the chemical in cannabis that has psychoactive effects. In these oils, you’ll find a wide array of cannabinoids — hemp has over 113 different major and minor cannabinoids — as well as over 400 other distinct chemical compounds, including terpenes, flavonoids, omegas, and so much more. In nature, all of these hemp components work together in what we like to call “the Entourage Effect.” It’s a broad-based approach that you completely miss out on when you consume a CBD isolate.
Who might prefer broad-spectrum CBD oil?
Whether you’re new or experienced in the CBD oil world, broad-spectrum is one of the best options available. You get the benefits of hundreds of naturally-occuring hemp compounds working together in harmony without worrying about THC being present.
CBD Isolate vs. Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
If you think of your CBD options as a linear range of hemp components, then CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD are on the opposite ends of the line. The difference between cbd isolate and full spectrum, really, is simply that a CBD isolate doesn’t contain any compounds beyond refined cannabidiol. A full-spectrum CBD oil, on the other hand, contains all of the plant compounds found in hemp, including THC. Both can be beneficial for a person, but they might have different effects because full-spectrum oils contain more of the natural ingredients in the hemp plant working together.
CBD Isolate vs. Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil
If you’re considering taking CBD isolate because it feels “safer” than a product that intentionally contains THC, it’s worth trying out a quality broad-spectrum CBD instead. You won’t have to worry, as much, about the THC content and you also won’t have to short-change yourself by excluding all of the other beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more.
Other Important Considerations for Your CBD Oil Decision
There’s certainly more to consider beyond just the difference between cbd isolate and full spectrum, or cbd isolate vs broad spectrum. Regardless of what type of CBD oil you decide to try, make sure you choose a trustworthy brand with quality practices in place–from soil to oil. That means:
Farming practices–Committed to USDA Certified Organic standards, which avoids the use of pesticides, herbicides and GMOs.
Careful extraction processes–Solvent-free C02 extraction is a gentle yet effective process that yields a diverse, high quality hemp extract.
Certified manufacturing practices–FDA-registered facilities that are independently sanctioned as cGMP compliant mean the CBD oils are handled with care and meet rigorous standards for quality manufacturing.
Testing & validation–Look for products that are tested both at the raw material and finished product level. This will ensure that the CBD oil you buy is free of chemicals and solvents you don’t want and includes the cannabinoid and terpene profile you do want.
HempFusion is an industry leader committed to top quality in all of our CBD products and processes, as well as complete transparency with our testing results. In fact, you can access our third-party batch testing results right online. That’s quality you can count on! Learn more about our quality commitment here.