CBD (cannabidiol) is a widely researched naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant known as cannabinoids. There are over a hundred cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, an essential member of the cannabis family, to manufacture many CBD products. The hemp plant is preferred because it has lower THC, an illegal substance responsible for the “high” sensation associated with cannabis consumption.
CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD are the two categories of products available in the market. After you have convinced yourself to embrace CBD for all its promises, you could be faced with some minor hitches, such as choosing to go for either the isolate or full spectrum. There should be no headache here, and since you have opted for using CBD, which is a great choice, we should help you clarify all your doubts and confusions. Being faced with trying to resolve this question means that you already know of the existence of the two broad categories – CBD isolates or full-spectrum CBD. Let us also remind you that there is no superiority between the two product categories. It only boils down to choice and preferences.
Are There Differences Between the Two?
The difference is in the CBD content with other constituents of the plant. For some people, the distinction between these two categories is a peripheral issue. After all, CBD is CBD, so why bother yourself. For some others, having made up their minds to introduce this compound into their lives, it is important they know exactly what they are going for. Whichever divide you find yourself does not matter much as it’s our duty to attend to all CBD lovers’ needs. So let’s go ahead to tell you about them.
CBD Isolates
CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD. The hemp plant from which CBD is extracted, like every other plant, contains other chemicals such as flavonoids, terpenes, amino acids, and other cannabinoids. Isolates contain almost exclusively CBD (more than 90%) and are made by filtering hemp plant extract using the technique of supercritical CO2 extraction. This is a difficult process because extra precaution must be taken to purify the extract and sieve other unwanted substances to get the desired pure CBD.
CBD isolate can be in several forms, such as crystal, powder, resin, and wax, and is included in many products such as edibles, oils and cosmetics.
Full Spectrum CBD
In contrast to pure CBD, full-spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids like THC and phytochemicals like flavonoids and terpenes. There is no extraction of any single constituent; rather, the whole extract is introduced in CBD products, letting you consume a full dose of the plant’s naturally occurring content. The full spectrum CBD has one distinct effect known as the entourage effect, making it more endearing to some fans than the isolates.
Special Consideration
Even though the THC content of full-spectrum products is insignificant (below 0.03%), there are still users who do not want to do anything with THC. And so the pure forms enable them to enjoy their CBD while maintaining their stand against THC. CBD isolate is also ideal for athletes as it eliminates every possibility of testing positive for THC, which is still banned in sports.