While the three terms may sound similar, they are far from the same.
So, what do they mean and how are they different?
In a nutshell, they are used to define which type of CBD is used in a product. Each type presents important factors to consider, and understanding the difference is essential for every CBD user.
In this article, we’re going to shed some light on this important subject by explaining that difference and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Let’s start by discussing the factor that defines each type of CBD — cannabinoids.
Within the Cannabis plant, there is a classification of compounds known as cannabinoids. Among these are CBD and THC, along with over a hundred others which scientists have discovered naturally occurring within different Cannabis strains.
Now, here’s why these are super important:
In 1995, researchers discovered that, by interacting with receptors in the human Endocannabinoid System (ECS), cannabinoids like CBD could deliver unique health benefits to the body. Later, they discovered that each cannabinoid could affect the body differently. For example, while THC delivers the psychoactive effects associated with “getting high,” CBD does not. In fact, CBD can actually counteract the psychoactive effects of THC.
With various ranges of effects delivered by other cannabinoids like Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabinol (CBN), the full collection of cannabinoids forms what is referred to as the “cannabinoid spectrum.”
Exploring the Cannabinoid Spectrum
As you’ve probably figured out, the cannabinoid spectrum range contained within a product is what determines whether the product is full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate.
So, how does that work exactly?
To create a CBD product, the cannabinoid content is extracted from the Cannabis plant, using methods such as CO2 extraction. During this process, other compounds found within the plant are also extracted, including terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids. Depending on the strain and classification used for extraction, the composition and cannabinoid profile will differ. For instance: Hemp, which is a classification of Cannabis Sativa, contains little to no THC, compared to the Cannabis Indica strain, Pennywise, which contains a 1:1 CBD to THC content ratio. Depending on the purpose of the end-product, companies will choose to extract from a strain of Cannabis that best suits their needs. Once extracted, the company can then choose to refine the extract to contain only specific cannabinoids and plant pants. The contents of the refined extract are what determines if the CBD extract is full spectrum, broad spectrum, or CBD isolate.
Now let’s discuss what each term means and help point you in the direction of which is best for you.
What is CBD Isolate?In scientific terms, an isolate is the purest form of a compound, which is produced by singularly extracting that compound from its environment and isolating it from all other compounds. With that being said, CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, which is produced by removing all other compounds found in the plant including terpenes, flavonoids, plant parts, and other cannabinoids. CBD Isolate is typically extracted from Hemp, due to its low to non-existent THC-content.
What is Full Spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD is an extract that contains all compounds found naturally occurring in the plant, including terpenes, essential oils, and other cannabinoids. The full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils extracted from the plant work together to magnify the therapeutic benefits of each individual cannabinoid. This is commonly referred to as the “entourage effect“. It was previously believed that CBD in its isolated from was more effective than Full Spectrum CBD; however, in 2005, this theory was debunked by a study from the Lautenberg Center for General Tumor Immunology in Jerusalem. In the study, researchers found that test subjects administered with full spectrum CBD were provided with higher levels of relief, compared to subjects administered with CBD isolate. In addition, the results showed that full spectrum CBD provided enhanced effects with higher dosages, while the effects of CBD maintained consistent with increased dosages.
What is Broad Spectrum CBD?
Broad spectrum CBD is a bit of a mix between Full Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate.
Like Full Spectrum CBD, the other compounds found within the plant are preserved in the extract; however, like CBD Isolate, THC is completely removed.
Because Broad Spectrum CBD contains multiple cannabinoids, it can deliver the enhanced benefits of the “entourage effect,” without the risk of psychoactive effects of THC.
What Type of CBD Should You Use?
Now that you have a general understanding of each type of CBD, you’re probably wondering why someone would prefer one over the other; and more importantly, which type you should choose.
First of all, either of the types isn’t better than the others.
Every individual has different needs, and this determines which type of CBD is best-suited for their unique conditions. To help point you in the right direction, I’ve put together some of the pros and cons of each type, along with situations each would typically be best for.
CBD Isolate
The purest form of CBD, in which all other plant compounds and cannabinoids have been completely removed.
Best For:
- Individuals who were recommended to specifically take high doses of CBD
- Individuals with sensitivity to THC or other cannabinoids
- Individuals who regularly undergo drug screening tests
- Individuals who prefer light flavors or no flavor
- Individuals living in states that have strict THC-laws
- First-time users that may be hesitant about other cannabinoids
Full Spectrum CBD
CBD that has been extracted from the cannabis plant along with all the other compounds and cannabinoids.
- Individuals who were recommended a certain THC to CBD ratio
- Individuals with more severe conditions or conditions that CBD isolate and Broad Spectrum could not alleviate
- Individuals living in states where Cannabis is legal
Broad Spectrum CBD
CBD that has been extracted from the cannabis plant along with all other compounds and cannabinoids, except THC.
Best For:
- Individuals with conditions that CBD isolate alone could not alleviate
- Individuals with sensitivity to THC
- Individuals living in states that have strict THC-laws
Benefits of Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum
Some cannabis purists will tell you that full spectrum is always the way to go, and the only type of CBD that will really help you. This is not true. No one type is superior to the others, and there are pros and cons to each, depending on your individual needs and situation.
With the THC present, obviously full spectrum CBD is more powerful than broad spectrum. It’s good for treating more severe conditions, as well as for situations where an individual was recommended a specific ratio of CBD to THC.
However, THC can also have certain physiological side effects, in addition to its psychoactive effects, neither of which the user may want to experience. Other users may be sensitive or allergic to THC, and want to experience the benefits of CBD without triggering a negative reaction. And first time CBD users may be nervous about the THC, and want to avoid it. In these cases, broad spectrum CBD is the way to go. It provides all the benefits of the entourage effect, without any of the negative effects of THC.
It should also be noted that there are places where CBD is legal, but THC still isn’t—or where it’s only legal in very trace amounts. If you’re concerned about the legal implications of THC, then broad spectrum CBD is probably a better bet.
The problem is, broad spectrum CBD isn’t as potent as full spectrum, and might not be as effective, especially in treating more serious conditions. There’s also less research available on its effects, benefits, and consequences than there is for full spectrum.
So which type of CBD or hemp oil is right for you? It depends on what benefits you’re looking for, and what risks you’re looking to avoid. Talk to an expert to determine which type will be more effective in your particular situation. With a bit of help and a bit of research, you can make sure you get the maximum benefit from CBD, while minimizing or eliminating the negative consequences.
First-time users that are hesitant about THCFinal Thoughts on the Different CBD Spectrums
In closing, I want to reiterate that any one type isn’t better than the others. There are many factors that determine how a cannabinoid will impact the body, such as the chemical makeup of the individual, the weight of the individual, and the individual’s history with other substances. For some, Broad Spectrum CBD may be the best choice as it delivers the full benefits of the Cannabis plant without the psychoactive effects of THC. For others, a high-dosage of pure CBD isolate may do the trick and others may need the benefits that only THC can provide. Research into the effectiveness of each spectrum at the individual level is still in its early stages, so it may take some time and experimenting to figure out which is best for you. As researchers continue to learn more about this compound, it may serve as a vital component in the future of medicine.
