For several years, there has been a huge debate going on in the cannabidiol industry. People who use CBD products and those that make them seem to always be talking about the differences between full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate.
While both of these products are similar, they are two separate compounds. Today, we will learn more about each of these products and find out what they are best used for.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of over 100 cannabinoids that naturally occur in the cannabis plant. It’s found in both hemp and marijuana strains of the cannabis plant, but unlike THC, which is another cannabinoid, it doesn’t cause psychoactive effects such as getting high.
Instead, it has a variety of potential health benefits that make it an appealing option for people seeking relief from pain, inflammation and other symptoms without feeling anxious or paranoid (the way marijuana can make you feel).
There are three types of CBD: broad-spectrum, full-spectrum and isolate. Broad-spectrum CBD is the most common, with full-spectrum CBD being the second most used form of CBD. Finally, CBD isolate has been found to be the most potent form of CBD. All three forms have their own benefits and can be used in unique ways to suit your needs as a patient or user.
In this article, we’ll explore full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate and how they are used so you can make sure to purchase a product that’s right for you.
What is CBD Isolate?
In the past, the budding cannabidiol industry considered CBD isolate to be the golden standard. The reason behind this thinking was the fact that CBD isolate is pure CBD.
This white, powdery substance is void of any fillers or other active compounds. It was often used in non-psychoactive therapy and was thought of as being better than full-spectrum CBD.
However, people found that this was simply not the case. While CBD isolate is still a wonderful product, it has become less popular than it once was. Later, we will learn more about how CBD isolate is used. You can find bulk CBD isolate here.
What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Unlike CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD can contain other active compounds, including other cannabinoids like CBL, CBN, and CBCV. Other active ingredients that can also be present include aromatic compounds and flavorings.
Full-spectrum CBD has now become very popular and is used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Below, we will learn more about how this compound is used and how it may help you.
What Is CBD Isolate Best Used For?
Now that you know what CBD isolate contains, let’s take a look at what it is best used for. Generally speaking, CBD isolate products can be used in several ways, including topically or sublingually.
To take CBD isolate, you can add it to your favourite lotion or other cosmetic product and apply it to your skin. You can also add CBD isolate to beverages such as smoothies or coffee. Many consumers take a dose of CBD isolate under the tongue for quick absorption into the bloodstream.
Those who suffer from PTSD, chronic pain, and migraines have often found relief from their conditions when using this product. Others use CBD isolate to mix with coconut oil to treat skin conditions like dry skin and acne.
Arthritis sufferers can rub CBD isolate on their joints to ease the pain. As you can see, there are many different ways to use CBD isolate to treat ailments.
What is Full Spectrum CBD Best Used For?
Just like CBD isolate, people are using full-spectrum CBD products to treat medical conditions. Since full-spectrum CBD is mixed with other healing compounds, these products have a much broader selection of uses.
Some of these products contain rich amounts of vitamins, like niacin and B complex. These can be taken as dietary supplements in the same way that you would take a traditional multi-vitamin.
Others use full-spectrum CBD to treat depression instead of taking prescribed medications that often come with nasty side effects. Those who have a difficult time with anxiety can find relief using this compound.
People who have trouble sleeping at night and those who have chronic insomnia find that taking this compound before bed helps them to relax. There are many different types of issues that full-spectrum CBD products can help with. This is probably why it has become more popular than CBD isolate.
How To Compare CBD Isolate Vs Full Spectrum
How do you compare the two? Ask yourself these questions:
- What are you looking to use it for? Full-spectrum may work better for certain conditions, like epilepsy. CBD isolate is a better option for those who want to avoid THC.
- How much of a dose will you need? You’ll need to take more isolate than full spectrum to feel the same effects due to the lack of entourage effect. This means that less isolate is needed if you don’t want as strong of effects.
- How much do you want to spend? Isolate tends to cost more than full spectrum CBD, so consider your budget before purchasing.
- How do you want to consume it? Some people prefer tinctures or softgels, while others are fine with vaping or dabbing isolate extracts. If you want something that can be used in multiple ways – vaping, sublingually (under the tongue), and applied topically, then full-spectrum may be your best bet because it is more versatile.
Do you mind having some THC in your system? If not, then full-spectrum might be right for you. (Keep in mind that most products will contain trace amounts of THC.) Even though federal law prohibits CBD from containing more than 0.3 percent THC, different states have their own laws saying different things about just how much THC can exist in a product and still be legal under state law (some say none at all). So long as the product contains less than 0.3 percent THC, however small that amount is, federal law says it’s legal.
Efficacy and Strength
If you’re looking for greater potency, consider a full spectrum product. It is stronger than isolate because it includes other cannabinoids that may improve the effectiveness of CBD.
For example, a full-spectrum CBD oil may include THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is known to increase the overall effect of the hemp extract. While the THC content may vary from state to state due to local laws, in those states where medical or recreational marijuana is legal, you can expect to see a higher level of THC in full-spectrum products as compared with isolate products.
Side Effects
Both CBD isolate and full-spectrum have relatively few side effects. Drowsiness, dry mouth and low blood pressure are the most common. However, CBD isolate can lead to some more serious side effects such as fatigue, nausea, irritability and diarrhoea when consumed in excess or in conjunction with other medications.
In comparison, CBD full spectrum has been shown to interact with certain medications used for depression and anxiety disorders because of its inhibitory action on the enzymes that metabolize these drugs. This is why it’s important to consult your doctor before consuming any type of CBD product if you’re taking antidepressants or other medications.
With both of these options being fairly safe to use, you can feel confident integrating them into your daily regimen to reap their possible benefits which range from pain relief to reducing anxiety and inflammation.
Price
In general, CBD full-spectrum products are more expensive than CBD isolates. This is because it has all the other cannabinoids and terpenes found in hemp extract, making it more potent. On the other hand, isolates only contain one cannabinoid and can be refined even further to contain as little as 99% pure cannabidiol with no other ingredients at all.
Conclusion
Isolated CBD is, by far, the most potent and pure form of cannabidiol. It retains only CBD and no other cannabinoids or terpenes, which means that it’s more concentrated than other extracts. Full-spectrum products contain trace amounts of THC – even if less than 0.3%.
So if you’re looking for a product guaranteed to be free of THC, go with one that has been isolated. Keep in mind though that people often use full-spectrum (which contains traces of THC) because they believe it’s more natural and easier to produce.
† FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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This website contains general information about diet, health and nutrition. The information is not advice and is not a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.
