Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, Isolate - What Do They Mean?
As diverse creatures with diverse experiences, it should be no surprise that our bodies respond differently to different types of CBD. Available in a seemingly endless array of products, from oils to edibles to topicals, and beyond, all CBD is manufactured into one of three key types - full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. So what are the differences, and how do you decide which type is right for you?
The nitty-gritty of it is, finding the right product may require a bit of patience and mindful experimentation, but hopefully this article will serve as a roadmap to deciding on that first (or next) purchase.
CBD Isolate: The Basics
If you’re nervous about passing a drug test, sensitive to THC (full-spectrum CBD contains less than 0.3% THC, but some folks are sensitive to it nonetheless), or just plain overwhelmed by the growing amount of information about CBD, then a CBD isolate product is the perfect place to start!
CBD isolate is exactly what it sounds like - CBD only. This means that all other plant matter - cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, etc. - have been extracted, leaving nothing but CBD.
CBD isolate is a white, crystalline powder, and the purest form of CBD. It also undergoes the most processes to produce this pure result. Ingestible CBD isolate products are typically tasteless and odorless, which appeals to those who are averse to the “grassy” essence of full and broad-spectrum products.
Benefits of using CBD isolate products include accessibility, no risk of THC sensitivity or failing a drug test, higher-strength concentrations, and a more palatable experience!
Our Happy Planet CBD Isolate Tinctures contain re-introduced botanical terpenes to mimic the “entourage effect,” as explained below.
Broad-Spectrum CBD: Everything but the THC
For folks wanting to maximize CBD benefits but are hesitant about or sensitive to THC, broad-spectrum products are here for you!
Simply put, broad-spectrum products contain all the naturally occurring therapeutic elements of the hemp plant - terpenes, flavonoids, and other major and minor cannabinoids - only without the THC. This absence of THC is the main difference between broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products. Other differences can include cannabinoid composition (there are 113 known cannabinoids), extraction method, carrier oil, and formulation process.
Because broad-spectrum products retain the majority of the whole-plant distillate (or in some cases a mixture of cannabinoid isolates), they also retain the whole-plant maximizing benefit known as the entourage effect.
Full-Spectrum CBD: The Whole Shebang
If you’re looking for CBD in its most organic state, have no issues with THC (again, less than 0.3%), and don’t mind a “grassy” taste, look no further than full-spectrum CBD.
Complete with all naturally-occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and fatty acids, full-spectrum CBD offers the entourage in full effect. Simply put, the entourage effect means that the healing potential of CBD is maximized through synergistic interactions between the plant’s compounds, and within the body’s endocannabinoid system, or ECS.
Benefits of full-spectrum CBD include: increased bioavailability, cost efficiency - effects are typically achieved at lower doses, and the maximum synergistic benefits from the entourage effect.
Our Sunnyville Farms full-spectrum tinctures are one of our best selling products!