In this blog, you’ll learn the difference between CBD isolate vs full-spectrum. We will also explain a little about the third type, which is broad-spectrum.

The cannabis industry is one of the fastest-growing within the natural health sector. An increased amount of research-backed claims are coming into fruition, and laws surrounding high CBD with trace amounts of THC are becoming more relaxed. 

Cannabidiol (CBD), is the most popular cannabinoid within the cannabis plant. More and more products containing CBD are being released, and the choice is so vast it’s hard to decide which is best for you. Especially with terms like; whole plant extract, full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate being thrown around. This is the exact reason why we created this blog, to help make your decisions easier.

Firstly, a little about CBD. It’s a non-intoxicating molecule found in the cannabis plant. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids, all of which have different effects on the body. It does not get the user high as the stigma would suggest, there are trace amounts of the intoxicating molecule THC but nowhere near enough to get you high. 

CBD Isolate vs Full-spectrum

What is full-spectrum CBD oil?

As mentioned before CBD is only one of 100+ cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, along with these, there are also terpenes and other compounds. Full-spectrum or whole plant extract means the oil contains everything that is found within that plant. During the extraction from the flower, minimal refining happens which leaves most of the cannabinoids and terpenes intact. 

Full-spectrum CBD oil comes exactly the way nature intended with no chemicals added or taken away. 

What is CBD Isolate?

CBD and nothing else. This form has been studied the most as it can be made consistently with regards to strength which is why many think it is the best form of CBD. 

Sellers of CBD isolate market it in ways to make the consumer think it is most beneficial with labels stating; 99% pure CBD, or the purest form of CBD. This form of CBD ‘isolates’, only contains the single CBD molecule, so it has no other active cannabinoids or terpenes.

In its purest form, CBD is a white powder but is often mixed with carrier oils, placed in capsules, edible products, creams, this list is forever growing. 

What is broad-spectrum CBD? 

This is the middle ground between full-spectrum and isolate. A high-quality broad-spectrum product has high amounts of CBD, 0% THC, retains some of the terpenes, and cannabinoids. 

For all of the above, we recommend looking at 3rd-party lab results to ensure they are exactly what they claim to be. Also, note the there may be trace amounts of different molecules but they are still very effective.

So which should you use?

CBD and all the other cannabinoids help to keep our body in a state of homeostasis (balance) as it interacts with our Endocannabinoid System which spans throughout your entire body. 

Here at 7CBD, we’re huge advocates of full-spectrum CBD as they contain a wider array of cannabinoids and terpenes which contain much more therapeutic potential. There have been studies showing how cannabinoids can enhance the effects of each other. This is known as the ‘entourage effect’.

However, isolates shouldn’t be written off as they have been used in almost every clinical study. One thing to note is that the doses used were much higher than the average dose a person would have daily.