To CBD or not to CBD - Isolate or Full Spectrum
The CBD industry has exploded with products and claims, but with massive growth comes minimal regulation and conflicting information on the subject. This makes it difficult for customers to choose what CBD is available and where it comes from and which product they need.
CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis comes in different forms commonly classified according to their chemical makeup. Hemp Sativa is cannabis that contains less than 0.3% THC. Cannabis Sativa is cannabis that has more than 0.3% THC.
CBD like THC is a class of chemical compounds that can be found in cannabis. CBD is present in both marijuana and hemp, most popular CBD products available are derived from hemp.
Unlike Cannabis, CBD extracted from hemp has no psychoactive effects, it can’t get you high. The effect CBD has is similar to a runner’s high, or of euphoria experienced after a period of exercise. The different forms of CBD are classified according to the compounds present in them, determined by the extraction method used, Co2 or alcohol extracted etc.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is a product that only contains CBD, with no THC or terpenes. For people concerned with drug screenings for THC, CBD isolate can be a great fit. The CBD is extracted through CO2 gas using pressurized carbon dioxide to extract the desired chemicals from the plant.
Because CBD isolate is a single-molecule CBD, it is much less potent and effective than other forms of CBD, meaning that you need a lot more product than full-spectrum.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD products contain CBD and other cannabinoids or terpenes, but no THC. Different methods are used to extract CBD, and broad-spectrum CBD is further distilled to remove traces of THC while leaving behind other beneficial plant parts. Broad-spectrum CBD offers many of the benefits of full-spectrum products, but without any concerns regarding drug testing.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD products contain all of the molecules that are present in hemp, including CBD, THC, and terpenes. Full-spectrum products produce a greater range of benefits than isolate products. Multiple cannabinoids working together, the entourage effect, has greater therapeutic benefits and effects.
To CBD or not to CBD – Isolate or Full Spectrum
CBD can be put into these three categories, so there’s some degree of overlap. If you’re looking for a product with no THC but stronger effects than other isolates, CBD isolate with added terpenes may be worth trying. Most manufacturers claim that the CBD they specialize in is the most effective or the extraction method they use is the most refined and pure. Pay attention to the dosage, the strength per ml/oz and do research on how CBD products will interact with any existing medication. If a medication has a Grapefruit warning, then a minimum of 2hours spacing is required between CBD and medication consumption.
Whole-plant therapy for those whose conditions require a higher level of relief, and are comfortable with a product that contains THC would be our recommendation.
