CBD isolate vs Full-spectrum: Which One is more beneficial?

As the CBD sector continues to blossom and countless products are now available on the market, some questions are readily popping up every now and then about CBD products. One of these numerous questions pertains to CBD isolate vs CBD full-spectrum, which is more beneficial? What is the difference and similarities between CBD isolate and full-spectrum?

CBD isolate is known as the purest, and most concentrated form of the CBD cannabinoid, which further sparks the argument. Most people are concerned about using products containing THC, so CBD manufacturers chose to take the THC out of their solutions. But how do full-spectrum products compare to isolate products? Keep reading and you will get all the answers you seek.

What is CBD isolate?

CBD isolate simply means that the product contains only CBD and no other cannabinoids. Here, purified CBD is extracted from the hemp plant then isolated from other naturally occurring cannabinoids.

What is CBD full-spectrum?

CBD full-spectrum means that the product contains CBD and other cannabis compounds found in marijuana or hemp. CBD full-spectrum products also include other parts of the plant, such as terpenes (terpenes influences the smell and flavor of the extract) and essential oils.

Full-spectrum CBD advantages

CBD is only one of many exogenous cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. In fact, there are 113 others found in cannabis plants. If you select a full-spectrum product, you will benefit from this multitude of potentially beneficial exogenous cannabinoids and you’ll also benefit from the plant terpenes and flavonoids found in the original hemp plant. Using a full-spectrum product means that all of these compounds will be available in the same ratio as intended by nature. Other compounds found in a full-spectrum CBD product are:

• Calcium and magnesium
• All 20 essential amino acids
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin C, E, and A
• Phosphorus and Zinc
• Iron and potassium
• B complex vitamins

Many CBD experts believe that full-spectrum CBD products are more beneficial to your endocannabinoid system as well as your overall health. The full-spectrum CBD compounds are all synergistic meaning the compound interacts with themselves to enhance each component, thereby creating an entourage effect.

Advantages of CBD isolates

CBD isolate is a full-spectrum product isolated from the plant compounds using a process called chromatography whereby the plant materials are removed. The result is a whitish powder comprised of at least 99% CBD. The other plant terpenes and cannabinoids are removed. CBD isolate is odorless and flavorless.

So, in other words, CBD isolate is CBD in its purest form. There are numerous advantages to using an isolate over a full-spectrum product. These advantages are:

• Zero flavor to interfere with the taste of your edible products
• THC is potentially removed
• No odor of the original plant source
• Lower cost per milligram
• The potential for higher levels of CBD per dose
• More control of CBD levels of the finished product

CBD isolate vs full-spectrum: Similarities and differences

When it comes to the similarities of these two, there is one simple example— both contain cannabidiol. Also, there are a number of ways CBD can be extracted to make both isolate products and full-spectrum products. The CO2 extraction is one of the best methods.

Here is a simple breakdown of the difference between CBD isolate vs full-spectrum;

CBD isolates:

• Zero THC or other cannabinoids
• Pure CBD
• Processed further than full-spectrum CBD
• Doesn’t include plant compounds, such as terpenes

Full-spectrum CBD:

• Contains CBD and other plant compounds
• Undergoes fewer process than CBD isolates
• Contains less than 0.3 percent THC (when derived from hemp)
• Works synergistically with THC and other plant compounds 

In spite the fact that CBD isolate is a more concentrated form of cannabidiol, doesn’t mean that it has greater effects. In fact, some research shows that full-spectrum CBD, which is a combination of cannabinoids and plant compounds, has a complementary effect, known as the entourage effect.
Final thoughts

There is no straight answer to this question, even if CBD isolate contains more CBD, on the other hand, the lack of terpenes and cannabis compounds makes CBD full-spectrum more beneficial in some people’s book. So, take the time and find out for yourself which one is best for you. Both these products are available everywhere for purchase for you to buy and try them yourself. But keep these in mind: endeavor to check the dosage of your serving size so you don’t take too much or too little.

Lastly, check the list to make sure the extract is produced from the full hemp plant and not just hemp seeds.

This is a guest blog entry.