CBD Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs Isolate

When shopping for CBD oil, it’s common to come across terms like ‘full spectrum’, ‘broad spectrum’, and ‘isolate’. This guide will look at what each term means and how they compare.

What Is CBD Oil?

Before looking in depth at CBD isolate vs full spectrum or full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD, it’s important to understand what exactly CBD oil is.

This oil, also sometimes known under terms like hemp oil or cannabis oil, is made from industrial hemp plants.

Cannabidiol, a chemical constituent of these plants, is extracted from them and then diluted into a carrier oil, such as MCT oil or avocado oil.

It can then be taken orally or inhaled, binding with cannabinoid receptors in the body and triggering a range of beneficial effects such as pain relief or lower anxiety levels.

CBD oil can be used to treat a range of different conditions, and terms like ‘full spectrum’ or ‘isolate’ are used to describe how the CBD oil is made and what it specifically contains.

What Is CBD Full Spectrum?

There are many different cannabinoids found in hemp plants. A full ‘spectrum’ of them, to be precise. CBD is one of the most beneficial cannabinoids, but others, like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN) can work together with CBD to help it act faster and be more efficient.

This is where full spectrum CBD oil comes into play. As the name implies, this type of oil contains all of the entire spectrum of naturally-occurring compounds and constituents from the hemp plant. This includes all of the cannabinoids, along with essential plant oils and terpenes.

What Is CBD Broad Spectrum?

Broad spectrum CBD oil is similar to full spectrum oil, containing more than just isolated CBD. It also contains other cannabinoids, terpenes, and compounds from the hemp plant. However, unlike full spectrum oil, it contains no THC.

THC is the part of cannabis sativa plants that can get people high. It’s only found in very low doses in full spectrum oil, so doesn’t actually pose any serious psychoactive risk. However, broad spectrum CBD differentiates itself by having no CBD at all.

What Is CBD Isolate?

CBD isolate, as the name implies, is a form of CBD that has been specially prepared to isolate the CBD entirely, without any other additives, compounds, terpenes, and cannabinoids. When you buy something like CBD isolate powder, you’re basically getting pure CBD, without any THC or other ingredients.

What Is the Difference?

The key difference between these three different types is how they’re made and what ingredients they contain. Full spectrum contains the most ingredients, including THC. Broad spectrum contains everything except THC. Isolate is nothing but CBD.

Benefits

Each of these different types of oils has its advantages and unique selling points. Read on to find out how they compare and what each option has to offer.

Benefits of Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Full spectrum CBD oil is generally considered to be the best option. It contains the most ingredients, including lots of naturally-occurring cannabinoids and essential oils that work together to have positive effects on the human body.

In the past, it was believed that isolating CBD was the best option, but a 2005 study from the Lautenberg Center for General Tumor Immunology showed that actually, full spectrum CBD is the best.

This is because of something called the ‘entourage effect’, in which the different cannabinoids work together to provide more effects than they would be able to if isolated and used individually. Due to this, spectrum oil typically acts the fastest and can have the strongest overall effects.

Benefits of CBD Broad Spectrum

The main benefit of broad spectrum is that it offers a similar ‘entourage effect’ to full spectrum, without any THC. So there are no risks at all of any psychoactive issues, and you won’t need to worry about things like drug tests after using this oil either.

It offers the full benefits of the hemp plant and is usually more potent than CBD isolate, making it a good compromise between the other two options. It’s also a good choice for places where THC laws are strict or people who have THC sensitivities.

Benefits of CBD Isolate

CBD oil isolate is regarded as the purest form of CBD. It has no THC, so no risks of psychoactive effects or drug test issues, and it’s completely tasteless and odorless too, unlike other forms of CBD.

It’s a very safe option since you don’t need to worry about sensitivities to other ingredients, and it can be a good option for those who live in places with strict laws about THC.

The three different forms of CBD all have their own ups and downs. There’s not necessarily a ‘best’ option out of the three, but each one has its own ideal uses. Isolate, for example, is a good option for first-time users or those with quite mild conditions, while full spectrum is generally classed as the most effective for people wanting quick, tangible results.

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