To answer this, we first need to understand the difference between Full Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate.
Full Spectrum CBD is considered the ‘gold standard’, the highest quality and most effective form of CBD available. What makes it stand out is that it is made from the entire hemp plant, from tip to root. This ensures that the oil contains not only cannabidiol (CBD), but also a full array of other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential nutrients found naturally in the hemp plant. It’s golden in colour and viscous .
CBD isolate is the opposite end of the quality spectrum. One of the most obvious indicators of CBD isolate is the clarity of the oil. It is almost clear when mixed with MCT oils and very pale if diluted in hemp seed oil. Many products now contain synthetic CBD, which lack the beneficial plant compounds that give Full Spectrum CBD its rich, dark colour and efficacy. These oils may be marketed as “pure,” but they are far removed from the hemp plant’s natural benefits.
Let’s look at the 3 main classifications of quality in the CBD realm:
Full spectrum explained.
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in hemp, including CBD, CBG (cannabigerol) and many others. These compounds work together in what’s often referred to as the “entourage effect,” meaning that the combined presence of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids boosts the overall effectiveness of the product. Terpenes like curcumin, which is also found in turmeric, add to the beneficial properties of Full Spectrum CBD. They not only contribute to the aroma and flavour of the product but also provide therapeutic benefits of their own.
The advantage of Full Spectrum CBD lies in its holistic approach. By consuming the entire range of compounds the plant has to offer, you allow these ingredients to work synergistically, enhancing the effects and offering a more comprehensive health benefit. This is why many people turn to Full Spectrum CBD for relief from conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and inflammation. In addition, due to the richness of compounds present, a smaller amount of Full Spectrum CBD can often go a long way, delivering more potent results than lower-quality alternatives.
Between full spectrum and CBD isolate is Broad Spectrum CBD – a middle ground.
Broad Spectrum CBD falls just below Full Spectrum in terms of quality and efficacy. It also contains a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, but with one crucial difference: Broad Spectrum CBD is processed to remove THC, the psychoactive compound that can cause a “high.” This makes Broad Spectrum products ideal for individuals who want to avoid any trace of THC while still benefiting from other cannabinoids and plant compounds.
While Broad Spectrum CBD retains some of the benefits of the entourage effect, it lacks the complete synergy that Full Spectrum CBD offers. However, it remains a solid choice for those who prefer to avoid THC altogether for personal or legal reasons.
And finally, CBD isolate, a.k.a. Pure CBD. While the term “pure” CBD might sound appealing, it can be misleading. Yes, CBD isolate is pure in the sense that it contains only cannabidiol, but it’s far removed from the plant’s original composition. When CBD is isolated from the hemp plant, you lose the other valuable cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that contribute to the therapeutic effects of Full Spectrum CBD. The absence of these additional compounds means that CBD isolate lacks the entourage effect, which can reduce its overall efficacy. CBD isolate is often used in products like clear CBD oils, which are typically MCT oils infused with synthetic or isolated CBD.
Synthetic CBD isolate
One concerning trend in the CBD industry is the increasing use of synthetic CBD isolate. Many CBD products on the market today, especially CBD drinks, are made with synthetic CBD rather than plant-derived CBD. Synthetic CBD is chemically engineered to mimic the structure of natural cannabidiol, but it does not come from the hemp plant. The most common method involves synthesising CBD from other compounds, like yeast or other bioengineered organisms, rather than extracting it from the hemp plant. The popularity of synthetic CBD amongst brands is because it’s a cheaper alternative to plant-derived CBD. The long-term effects of consuming synthetic cannabinoids are still largely unknown. There is growing concern that synthetic CBD may not be as safe or effective as plant-derived CBD, particularly when consumed over a long period of time.
So our advice would be to go plant-based and full spectrum where you can.
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