In a recent article, the CBD isolate was discussed, focusing on the production method and the different ways of using it. In this article, the main characteristics of CBD Isolate will be compared with broad-spectrum CBD and full-spectrum CBD.
CBD Isolate, broad spectrum and full spectrum: how does it work?
What determines whether a product is broad-spectrum, full-spectrum or isolated CBD is the presence or absence of a certain range of cannabinoids. To obtain a CBD product, extraction by CO2 under critical pressure is performed from the cannabis plant, through which other compounds (e.g. cannabinoids, terpenes) are extracted.
Depending on the needs of the producing company and post-extraction refining techniques, a decision will be made on which product to obtain according to the different types of use and market demands. One will then have a broad-spectrum, isolated or full-spectrum CBD product. Let us see them in detail.
What is CBD Isolate
CBD isolate, in contrast to broad-spectrum CBD, is a 99.9% pure extract of the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) that comes in the form of a crystalline solid or powder. It is generally extracted from hemp biomass. This type of product is suitable for those who
- prefer a product in which other cannabinoids are not present (or are particularly sensitive to this substance)
- prefer lighter flavours (CBD isolate – like all isolated cannabinoids – is odourless and tasteless)
- are new consumers who are approaching the use of these substances for the first time and want to use lighter products
Moreover, CBD isolate is mainly used in the pharmaceutical industry:
- to produce cosmetics as an anti-sebum, antioxidant, conditioner and protector.
- in food production as it is rich in plant proteins, amino acids, omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9.
Broad-spectrum CBD
This is a type of CBD extracted from the cannabis plant and containing all cannabinoids except THC. This substance is primarily intended for
- consumers who, due to particular health conditions, have been prescribed its use
- people who are sensitive to THC, or new users who do not want to use it
- who want to benefit from the entourage effect, without the risk of psychoactive effects of THC
- those who live in places where the use of THC is prohibited
Unlike CBD Isolate, broad-spectrum CBD offers the ‘entourage effect’ of the cannabis plant. As in the case of full-spectrum CBD, some research has suggested that broad-spectrum products may also provide health benefits due to the ‘entourage effect’ discussed below.
Full spectrum CBD
Full spectrum CBD is an extract of the cannabis plant in which all other compounds – such as terpenes and flavonoids – and cannabinoids are also present. This means that it can contain up to 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike the other two types of substances discussed in the previous sections, the preparation of full-spectrum CBD requires fewer steps and, more importantly, may have psychoactive effects and create complications from a legal point of view.
It is mainly intended for those who, due to certain health conditions, have been prescribed the use of a stronger substance.
In this case, since this substance contains all the substances present in cannabis, it is believed to have an even greater effect than products using only CBD, probably due to the combined use of THC and CBD.
Among the main effects:
- anti-inflammatory
- helps fight muscle pain
- antioxidant properties
- against anxiety disorders
It is also a more natural product than pure CBD; the extracts have a different flavour and tend to have a darker colour.
Differences between CBD Isolate. Broad-spectrum CBD, full-spectrum CBD
The main difference between the three types of products discussed in this article is the content of the chemical compounds present in each. As mentioned in the section on full-spectrum CBD, these contain all the cannabinoids and other components extracted from the plant, unlike broad-spectrum products that contain no THC, and CBD isolate that contains only CBD.
The terms used to refer to the substances listed – isolate, broad spectrum and full spectrum – refer to the types of cannabis extracts. They refer to the amount of therapeutic chemicals that are added to the primary cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. As for the entourage effect, explaining its meaning helps to understand the phytochemical diversity in product development. This effect refers to the synergistic work of cannabis components to enhance the benefits of hemp. Indeed, products with full-spectrum CBD have a greater effect in terms of relief than products with pure CBD.
