CBD Isolate, Broad Spectrum & Full Spectrum: The Main Differences And Advantages

When looking for CBD products, you have probably noticed there are various options to choose from. Isolate, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum are the three most common types of CBD products, and each of them is created differently. Since there is much debate on which CBD option is the best, it is essential to recognise their unique benefits and differences in the extraction process and cannabinoid profile.

If you are not sure which type of CBD oil might be suitable for you and your needs, this article will explain why you should opt for each particular CBD format.

What Is CBD?

CBD, which stands for cannabidiol, is a derivative of hemp and is classified as a cannabinoid compound that is found in the cannabis plant alongside THC. However, unlike THC, it does not have psychoactive components and is therefore legal in most parts of the world. In 2015, it was first introduced in UK medicine as part of the designation of The Misuse of Drugs Act, where CBD was ruled out as a controlled substance. In accordance with UK guidelines, CBD products must have a THC level no higher than 0.01%, and the cannabidiol must come from an EU-approved hemp strain.

How Are CBD Products Made?

CBD products are created by extracting cannabidiol from a hemp plant to separate it from THC, which is a controlled and illegal substance. This process may vary depending on the extraction method used with most CBD companies selling CBD isolate, full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products.

CBD Isolate

CBD Isolate is the purest form of natural CBD with products usually containing up to 99% cannabidiol. It is also known as CBD crystals due to the solid, diamond-like shape that it forms into before they are crushed into powder for quicker consumption. CBD isolate is made from filtered hemp extract through CO2 extraction to achieve the cleanest and purest CBD products.

The great thing about CBD Isolate products is that they offer the full benefits of cannabidiol without interference from harmful cannabinoids like THC. This means there are zero risks of experiencing a ‘high’ with an abundance of additional CBD benefits such as anxiety relief and improved sleep.

CBD Isolate products are odourless and tasteless, which means they are much easier to ingest, in comparison to other types which tend to have a bitter taste. They are also the preferred option in case you have been advised to take a higher dose of CBD for a serious illness or mental health issue.

Full-spectrum

If you notice a CBD product with the words full-spectrum on the label, then this means that it contains all of the phytochemicals that are naturally found in the hemp plant. This normally includes cannabidiol, essential oils, terpenes and traces of cannabinoids including less than 0.3% of THC compound.

The main benefit of using a full-spectrum CBD product is that it is the purest form of hemp extract, which provides what is known as the entourage effect. This basically means that a full-spectrum product is more effective as it not only contains the relaxing and therapeutic chemical cannabidiol but can also enhance health benefits with the added cannabinoid ingredients.

Full-spectrum CBD offers relaxation effects which are ideal for anyone suffering from mental health issues. The impact of CBD is also enhanced due to the terpenes within full-spectrum products, as terpenes such as linalool can actually help to induce natural sleep.

Broad-spectrum

Broad-spectrum CBD products are usually made with cannabidiol along with other cannabinoid elements apart from THC which is completely removed in the initial stages of extraction. It is also generally described as a mixture between CBD isolate and full-spectrum.

An advantage of choosing a broad-spectrum CBD product is that it also offers the entourage effect as it contains cannabinoid chemicals that work together to improve overall health and wellbeing. There is also no risk of a psychoactive response, as it includes no traces of THC.

Broad-spectrum CBD is ideal for anyone who experiences regular drug-testing in their workplace, as unlike the other extraction processes, this removes every element of THC, so there is no risk of a positive drug test. It is also great for beginners, as it eases you into using hemp-infused products.

If you are currently wondering which type of CBD oil is right for you, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a competition between the three options. Each body processes CBD differently, based on a variety of factors, including weight, individual metabolism, method of intake, lifestyle and health condition. The main recommendation here is to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences – instead of which can potentially be better than the other.