Full Spectrum vs. Isolate: CBD Types Explained

If you’ve been browsing the many CBD tinctures available in the Apotheca store, you’ve probably noticed the product description table. This is designed to answer questions about tinctures quickly and simply so you can spend less time shopping and more time enjoying excellent CBD products.

However, it’s not all self-explanatory for newcomers. If you’re new to CBD, the “CBD Type” column might be confusing. Even if you’re an avid consumer, you may have some misconceptions about what terms like “full-spectrum,” “broad-spectrum,” and “isolate” actually mean. Understanding these concepts is crucial in finding the product best suited for your needs.

However, it’s not all self-explanatory for newcomers. If you’re new to CBD, the “CBD Type” column might be confusing. Even if you’re an avid consumer, you may have some misconceptions about what terms like “full-spectrum,” “broad-spectrum,” and “isolate” actually mean. Understanding these concepts is crucial in finding the product best suited for your needs.

What is CBD?

If you're new to the world of cannabinoids, it's important to understand what CBD is. Short for cannabidiol, CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant, particularly in the hemp plant. It's one of over 100 cannabis plant compounds known as cannabinoids. 

Unlike THC, which is psychoactive, CBD doesn't produce a "high."  For more information on how CBD differs from THC, you can read about the differences between THC and CBD.

How CBD Interacts with the Endocannabinoid System

CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD may influence various aspects of wellness, which is important to consider when exploring topics like whether CBD can improve your sex life and how CBD can affect your pets. 

Our bodies have a complex network called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate vital functions like mood, sleep, appetite, and immune response. When you consume CBD, it interacts with the ECS by influencing endocannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) throughout your body. By modulating these receptors, CBD compounds may help maintain balance within your body's systems.

General Extraction Methods for CBD Products

Manufacturers extract CBD from hemp plants using several CBD extraction processes. The most common methods include:

1. CO₂ Extraction: This method uses supercritical carbon dioxide to pull CBD and other desirable cannabis plant compounds from the plant material. It's considered safe and efficient, producing high-quality full spectrum CBD oil.
2. Solvent Extraction: Using solvents like ethanol or butane, this method extracts CBD along with other cannabinoids and terpenes. Proper purification is essential to remove any residual solvents from the final product.
3. Oil Infusion: This traditional method involves steeping the plant material in a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, to extract CBD. While simple, it results in lower concentrations of CBD and is often used for homemade CBD oils.

What is Full Spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum CBD contains every phytonutrient extracted from the hemp plant. In addition to those phytocannabinoids, there are additional compounds called terpenes and flavonoids. All three of these compound varieties are most highly concentrated in unfertilized flowers of female hemp plants. Here’s a quick overview of those compounds:

• Cannabinoids: Some of the most well-known cannabinoids include CBD, THC, CBG, and CBN. These compounds are unique to cannabis plants and interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. For an in-depth breakdown of some of the most prominent phytocannabinoids, read this post.
• Terpenes: Unlike cannabinoids, terpenes aren’t unique to cannabis plants. These compounds are found in all plants, although they’re more common in coniferous trees and citrus plants. Some of the most common terpenes in hemp plants are limonene, pinene, and myrcene. There are about 140 terpenes, and each hemp strain has a unique combination of terpenes present. Many third-party lab results include terpene content, so always check those reports before buying a new product.
• Flavonoids: These compounds don’t get as much attention as phytocannabinoids and terpenes, but are valuable in their own right. Flavonoids are found in fruits, vegetables, flowers, bark, and tea and wine. These compounds have gained attention in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications thanks to research that suggest they have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.

The Entourage Effect

The "entourage effect" refers to the synergistic interaction between the various compounds in full-spectrum CBD. When CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are consumed together, they may enhance each other's effects. This concept is a key difference between CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD, as CBD isolates lack these additional components. 

What is CBD Isolate?

CBD isolate is exactly what the name implies: the CBD compound on its own, removed from all of the other phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Isolate tinctures are common, although powdered isolate is also available. This powder is typically 99% pure CBD, meaning one milligram of isolate powder has one milligram of CBD. This extremely potent product makes it easy to get high doses of CBD.

CBD isolate itself is tasteless and odorless. It’s an ideal product for people who are looking for the benefits of CBD but don’t like the plant-like taste that comes with whole-plant products.

The proliferation of CBD isolate is tied largely to regulation in the United States. It’s easy to forget, but CBD-only products were illegal for a long time, and even as recently as 2013 only a handful of states had legalized CBD products. As hemp legislation loosened with the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills, and those pieces of federal legislation codified the 0.3% limit on THC in hemp that is currently in place.

Comparing CBD Isolate and Full Spectrum CBD

When choosing between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD, especially for shisha products, understanding their differences can enhance your experience. In CBD isolate, all other cannabis plant compounds are removed during the CBD extraction process, resulting in a product that's typically over 99% pure isolate CBD.

On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD products retain all the naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant. The comprehensive composition makes full-spectrum CBD oil offer a more holistic approach compared to isolates.

Potential Benefits

CBD Isolate: Purity and Controlled Dosage

If you’re after the potential benefits, selecting products like CBD topicals, involves deciding between full spectrum vs isolate CBD to suit your specific needs. Opting for CBD isolate products allows for precise control over dosage. Since they contain only CBD, you can measure exact amounts of pure CBD without accounting for other variables. This purity is advantageous if you're interested in avoiding THC or other cannabis plant compounds. 

Full Spectrum: Enhanced Effects Due to Compound Synergy

On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD offers the potential benefit of the "entourage effect." The synergy between these components could make full-spectrum CBD products more impactful than CBD isolate and full of complementary compounds. If you’re planning to use CBD oil for dogs, the decision between CBD isolate and full spectrum is very important as well.

THC Content Considerations

When comparing full-spectrum vs. isolate CBD, it's important to consider THC content. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains trace amounts of THC, usually less than 0.3%, which is the legal limit set by the Controlled Substances Act for hemp-derived CBD products. While this amount is minimal, it's essential to be aware of local laws and regulations regarding THC in CBD products.

If you're sensitive to THC or undergo regular drug tests, CBD isolate might be the safer option. Since CBD isolates contain only CBD and no THC, they reduce the risk of THC showing up on a drug test. 

Knowing the difference between CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD is crucial when purchasing tinctures for your pets as well. Find out where to buy quality products in our guide Where to Buy CBD Tinctures for Dogs in the USA.

The THC-Free Option

This isn’t to say that full-spectrum products are the only way to go, though. In fact, broad-spectrum and CBD isolate products are preferable for some customers. The benefit of having so many brands and product types available in the best CBD store is everyone can find exactly what they need.

The main benefit of CBD isolate products is that they do not contain THC. While hemp products do not contain enough THC to have psychoactive effects, they may have enough to cause a customer to be flagged by an employee drug screening in some circumstances. While it is not likely, many people find that it just isn’t worth it to take a chance. 

Likewise, some customers are reluctant to give any amount of THC to children, pets, or themselves. CBD products for pets allow customers to receive the majority of benefits found in full-spectrum extracts while avoiding the one cannabinoid they don’t want.

In a similar vein, allergies and sensitivities may mean full- and broad-spectrum products aren’t an option. While it is possible to hunt down a strain that doesn’t have the particular compound that is causing an unpleasant reaction, it’s much quicker and easier to simply buy the best THC-free CBD oil product.

How to Choose the Right CBD Product

Here are some tips to help you select the best CBD products:

1. Check for Third-Party Lab Reports: Look for products that independent laboratories have tested. These reports verify the concentration of CBD and confirm that the product is free from contaminants. 
2. Review the Extraction Method: The CBD extraction process affects the purity and quality of the final product. CO₂ extraction is a preferred method because it preserves the integrity of cannabis plant compounds without using harmful solvents. 
3. Read Product Labels Carefully: Ensure the product clearly states whether it's a CBD isolate or a full-spectrum CBD product. Transparent labeling helps you understand the presence of other cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils in the product.
4. Consider Customer Reviews: User feedback can provide insights into the product's effectiveness and quality. Reviews can guide you in choosing between full spectrum vs isolate CBD options based on real experiences.

Types of Full Spectrum and CBD Isolate Products

Exploring different forms of CBD can help you find what's best suited to your preferences. Here's a brief list of popular CBD products:

1. CBD Edibles: Edibles like gummies and chocolates infused with pure CBD or full spectrum CBD oil offer a tasty and discreet consumption method.
2. CBD Flower: Hemp plant flowers rich in CBD compounds can be smoked or vaporized.
3. CBD Topicals: Products such as creams, balms, and CBD massage oil allow you to apply CBD directly to the skin.
4. CBD Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid extracts taken sublingually for quick absorption. They come in CBD isolate and full-spectrum formulations.
5. THC-Free CBD: If you prefer products without THC, THC-free CBD options provide the benefits of CBD without any psychoactive components.
6. Carts and Disposable Vapes: Vaping CBD oil offers rapid absorption. Carts (cartridges) and disposable vapes are convenient for those who prefer inhalation methods.

If you're exploring other options beyond CBD, you might consider trying other cannabinoids and natural products like CBG, Kratom, THCA, Mushrooms, CBN, Delta 8, Delta 9, THCV, or HHC.

Find the CBD Extract That Is Right for You

There isn’t a right and wrong option for hemp extract products, only what’s right or wrong for you. It’s important to research products extensively and understand the various phytonutrients present in each individual hemp strain, tincture, vape oil, or cream. You should also always check with your doctor before changing your diet or adding any wellness products to your daily routine, including hemp extract.

While it can certainly be a time-consuming task, extensive research will make it far more likely that you will purchase an extract that provides the desired effects. Check out lab-tested and quality cannabis products from Apotheca. We also offer a wide range of accessories and THCA edibles for sale.

Conclusion

CBD isolate offers a form of pure CBD that contains only CBD, free from other cannabis plant compounds. In contrast, full spectrum CBD includes a wide range of cannabis compounds, such as other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. This comprehensive profile in full spectrum CBD oil may provide enhanced effects due to the synergy of these compounds.

By considering factors like composition, potential benefits, and legal implications, you can make an informed decision between full spectrum vs isolate CBD. 

As you navigate the diverse world of CBD, remember to consult reputable sources and, if necessary, seek professional advice. For a detailed comparison between the forms of CBD, our article about the differences between full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD might be helpful.