What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum CBD is a product that is made out of an entire range of cannabinoids. After all of the cannabinoids are extracted from industrial hemp, the resulting extract is turned into a product you can buy. This means you can enjoy all of industrial hemp’s health benefits instead of focusing on just one.

The only issue with a full-spectrum product is that it can still contain trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. This generally is not an issue if the company making the extract is doing before and after lab tests and providing that information but some companies do not do this and their products have a much larger percentage of THC than is legally allowed. Check the “after extraction” lab results closely before using a full spectrum product to insure your not getting more than you bargained for.

Today, we know that all of the compounds in cannabis work together to create a synergistic effect, also knows as the entourage effect. If you want to treat a medical ailment, using the whole plant is a better option than just using an extract.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is the most basic version of CBD. It is made by processing cannabis to remove terpenes, flavonoids and other cannabinoids. This process ensures that the final product is completely pure.

To make pure CBD, you have to go through many different steps. The industrial hemp plant goes through an extraction process that separates the cannabinoids from the plant. Then, CBD is separated from the other cannabinoids. Because this process requires chemicals, the final product must go through a distillation step to remove any of the chemicals that were used along the way.

CBD isolate can be sold in a powder form, but are also sold as a resin, powder, shatter, crystal or wax. There are many edibles, capsules and oils available as well.

Should I Use Full-Spectrum CBD or an Isolate?

Once you understand the difference between an isolate and full-spectrum CBD, the next step is determining which option you want to buy. An isolate is the purest form of CBD and does not have any THC at all due to the extraction/isolation process. Since it is odorless and tasteless, it is ideal for cooking and eating. The main problem with isolates is that you will not get to take advantage of the entourage effect because there are no other cannabinoids present in the final product.

In comparison, full-spectrum products have the entire spectrum of different cannabinoids. If you want an efficient product that is chemically similar to an actual cannabis plant, this is the best option to pick. Since it does contain trace tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, full-spectrum CBD is not ideal if the product does not have verifiable lab results confirming they have not concentrated the THC levels above the legal limit. It may also not the best choice if you need to pass a drug test because there is a small amount of tetrahydrocannabinol present (quality products minimize this and the lab tests can verify the actual quantity. Because it has a stronger taste, full-spectrum CBD might not be a good option if you want CBD for making food, drinks or candy.