Isolate vs Full Spectrum
If you want to start consuming CBD products, you should decide among isolates, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD. They come in various forms so that you can choose the most convenient consumption method. However, before trying them for the first time, you must know the isolate vs full spectrum differences and similarities.
Both forms offer a wide range of benefits, but you should know they have distinct composition, effects and THC content. Let’s explore the key product differences between isolate and full-spectrum CBD and help you choose the one that will provide you with the desired experience.
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Isolate vs Full Spectrum
The cannabis world is constantly offering new products. From selling only the traditional cannabis plant, the industry has evolved to make cannabis consumption more convenient with pre-rolls infused with the best infusion machine and various CBD products.
As much as product versatility is welcomed, users might struggle to choose the right CBD product. To assist you with your choice, here is an isolate vs full spectrum comparison of two highly demanded CBD products:
What is CBD isolate?
CBD isolate is the purest form of cannabidiol that can be produced. However, its purity can never be 100% because an insignificant amount of terpenes might be left behind during the extraction process.
CBD isolate is made by extracting all cannabinoids, terpenes, plant waxes, and other naturally occurring compounds from the hemp plant. The process uses solvents, which might differ from one manufacturer to another.
Yet, the most common are ethanol and carbon dioxide. Since it exclusively contains only CBD, it doesn’t cause a high.
When the compounds are extracted, the CBD isolate is initially in crystal form. Some manufacturers grind those crystals and offer their target group CBD isolates in powder form. Regardless of the form, the isolate has a white or off-white appearance and no flavor or smell.
What is full spectrum CBD?
A full-spectrum CBD is an extract from the cannabis plant that contains all of its compounds. The full-spectrum products contain THC, terpenes, and flavonoids.
Did you know that full-spectrum products can't legally contain a THC concentration higher than 0.3%? Even though full-spectrum CBD products have THC, it is in insignificant amounts that probably won't cause an intoxicatingly psychoactive high effect.
Full-spectrum CBD is easily recognized by its dark brown, gold, or black color. The color of full-spectrum CBD oils is because the product is a concentrated form of hemp.
As a rule of thumb, several factors determine the color of a full-spectrum CBD, with the extraction method, filtration, and the plant material having the biggest influence. In addition, the flavonoids and polyphenols from cannabis can also affect the color of the product.
Opposed to CBD isolates, full-spectrum CBD products have taste and smell. The terpenes of the full-spectrum CBD generally contribute to the product's scent, while the polyphenols might affect the flavor.
The most common tastes in full-spectrum CBD products include earthy, citrusy, herbal, and bitter tastes. Moreover, they come in various flavors, from fruity to chocolate options. Full-spectrum CBD can be found in different product types, such as edibles, oils, topicals, balms, capsules, drops, tinctures, etc.
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Key Differences Between Isolate and Full Spectrum
As two distinct CBD products, isolates and full-spectrum differ in their composition, effects, and THC content. Here are the main differences:
Composition
The first and most important difference between isolate vs full spectrum CBD is their composition. CBD isolates contain only CBD. In contrast, full-spectrum CBD products have CBD, THC, flavonoids, and terpenes.
But is CBD isolate more potent? If we define potency as a measure indicating the CBD content in the specific product, isolates are more potent than full-spectrum options.
Effects
Which form of CBD is most effective? Well, the answer to that question lies in your needs and desired experience. Due to the differences in their composition, CBD isolates, and full-spectrum CBD have different effects on consumers.
Common effects of CBD isolate
One study reports CBD isolates might be beneficial for stress management. In addition, research has shown that cannabidiol might have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
As a compound, CBD is also known for its antidepressant, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and anticonvulsant properties. In other words, CBD isolates might have the following effects:
Immune system boost
Fighting inflammation
Prevention of fatigue and vomiting
Assistance in nervous system recovery and regeneration
Anxiety reduction
Prevention and reduction of epilepsy seizures
Pain relief
Increasing appetite
Memory and mood improvement
Common effects of full-spectrum CBD
As full-spectrum CBD products also contain CBD, some of the effects that might occur are similar to the ones of isolates. This might include a reduction of pain, anxiety, inflammation, and epilepsy seizures.
The difference between isolates and full-spectrum effects is that the THC content in full-spectrum products increases the oral bioavailability of CBD. In other words, full-spectrum products might increase the overall effectiveness of CBD, as your system will be more exposed to the components of the hemp.
THC content
One of the biggest isolate vs full-spectrum differences is the THC content. CBD isolate products don’t have THC content at all. Full-spectrum CBD, on the other hand, has the psychoactive compound of hemp, THC.
However, since most CBD products are made from hemp and not cannabis, the THC levels are lower. According to the governmental regulations, full-spectrum CBD can contain a maximum of 0.3% THC.
Choosing Between Isolate and Full Spectrum
When you are choosing between CBD products, you should have several factors in mind. First, you should consider your tolerance. More specifically, if you don’t have any experience with cannabis products and respond well to THC, you can feel free to try full-spectrum CBD products.
On the other hand, if you have any history of THC sensitivity, it will be best for you to start with CBD isolate. CBD isolate should be a favorable option if you want to avoid THC consumption entirely while enjoying the benefits of CBD.
Next, you should think about the desired effect. Full-spectrum CBD is known to cause an entourage effect. With full-spectrum CBD, you will enjoy all the benefits of the hemp plant, not just the CBD. All things considered, full-spectrum CBD may offer a better range of therapeutic effects than isolate.
Yet, if you are interested in consuming only CBD, isolate is the obvious choice. In addition, if you are looking for a more potent CBD choice, you should go with isolate.
Lastly, you should consider whether you will be tested for drugs after consuming CBD products. Although the THC content in full-spectrum CBD is significantly low, it may result in a positive drug test.
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Conclusion
Whether you are a regular or recreational CBD consumer, you should know the isolate vs full spectrum similarities and differences. Being informed about the effects, composition and THC content will help you consume the product tailored to your needs and preferences.
If you prefer to consume a tasteless and odorless pure form of CBD, isolate is an excellent choice. Yet, if you want to enjoy different flavors, wouldn’t mind a low THC content, and want to consume the full package of CBD compounds, we would recommend full-spectrum products.
