CBD Isolate vs. Full-spectrum vs. Broad-spectrum
In the world of CBD products, like CBD oils, CBD edibles, tinctures and vapes it is quite impossible to neglect terms like “CBD isolate,” “full-spectrum CBD,” and “broad-spectrum CBD.” These terms which define the different forms of CBD often accompany your CBD products and although they may sound similar, they are far from the same.
It is pertinent to note that CBD spectrum defines the combination of cannabinoids and THC content in your CBD products and you should pay attention, especially when you are considering CBD oils. The cannabis plant is endowed with different plant based chemicals including cannabinoids, terpenes and other minor elements that work singly or in consortium to provide the much needed effects in our body. Cannabinoids and terpenes are the most important chemicals in the cannabis plant.
What are cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are the phytochemicals (plant-based chemicals) readily found within the cannabis plant. They possess an arrangement of atoms that make them able to interact the cannabinoid receptors found in our:
- immune system
- brain
- central nervous system
- peripheral organs like the liver.
The endocannabinoid system is responsible for modulating cognitive activities such as :
- appetite
- temperature
- pain perception
- internal balance
Naturally, the body can produce cannabinoids, and it uses them to maintain balance in the body during homeostasis. The members of the endocannabinoid system, make this balance possible.
Cannabinoids regulate how cells communicate. They are super important because researchers in 1998 discovered that when they interact with the endocannabinoid system, they have profound effects on the function of the reproductive system, lactation, metabolism, and the endocrine stress axis.
There are over 100 different cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant with most research works focusing on CBD and THC. The research work has recently extended to other cannabinoids like CBC, CBN and CBG (the mother of all cannabinoids).
Basically, all cannabinoids have their unique effects when taken into the body. For example, delta -9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC for short) is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, while cannabidiol (CBD) has an anti-psychoactive impact. This is why most CBD products come as THC-free.
So, what is CBD?
“Cannabidiol” (CBD) is one of the over 100 cannabinoids. It is the second most popular member of the phytocannabinoids after the popular tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). What makes it stand out is its ability to produce a wide range of therapeutic benefits including those relating to antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant and anxiolytic properties. Research has found that CBD gives relief from pain and also helps with sleep and anxiety issues, while having no record of serving as a form of intoxication. It is a natural remedy with little or no side effects. Please note that all forms of CBD products are not intended to treat or diagnose any disease. Most of the medical claims are from research and customer testimonials.
Then, what is the CBD spectrum?
The CBD spectrum is the full collection of the cannabinoids. It includes many other cannabinoids, like;
- cannabigerol (CBG)
- cannabinol (CBN)
- cannabidivarin (CBDV)
- Cannabichromene
- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
The first step in getting any CBD product is extraction. During extraction, all of the flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids are stripped from the cannabis plant or hemp plants. The resulting mixture is known as hemp extract. Most times, they are dissolved in oil for easy storage. You cannot yet refer to this as your CBD oil.
It is the processes that take place after this initial extraction that help you to determine if the hemp extract is a CBD isolate, a full-spectrum, or a broad-spectrum oil.
The cannabinoid profile of your CBD oil depends on the kind of cannabis strain from which it is extracted. Simply put, the CBD spectrum determines THC levels and the number of cannabinoids that will be present in your CBD oil.
Now, let’s discuss another important factor that should affect your choice of CBD oil.
The entourage effect
The entourage effect was first proposed by professors Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat in 1998 where they reported the behavior of the cannabinoids. According to their reports, cannabinoids and terpenes can interact with each other to modulate the adverse effect of THC and other psychoactive cannabinoids. For instance, the presence of CBD and other cannabionds can reduce the psychoactive properties of THC.
Since there is a synergy achieved by the various components in cannabis, they can enhance the overall benefit of the plant. Each part of the over 100 components has a way of amplifying or modulating the benefits of the others while minimizing the potential side effects.
Terpenes, for example, have given the cannabis plant an enduring, evolutionary advantage. In fact, in September 2011, in the British Journal of Pharmacology, Dr. Ethan Russo gave the therapeutic attributes of terpenoids, among other components.
Knowing this, we can now check out the characteristics of the various kinds of CBD oil.
What is CBD isolate?
It is the purest form of CBD oil because the only ingredient present in it is CBD itself. So when you are using a CBD isolate, you can expect the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) only.
The purity level is at 99%, and it is extracted from hemp due to its very low THC content. CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD products and most the plant extracts for CBD isolates come from cannabis strains with high CBD concentration. With CBD isolate, the major disadvantage is that there is no entourage effect and is great for people who are interested in experiencing only the benefits of CBD. Please note that CBD isolates may be limited in their ability to produce the intended benefits since research has found that the presence of other cannabinoid help to enhance CBD activity.
You should use CBD isolate if:
- you can handle pure dose of CBD products.
- You are a new user and are hesitant about other cannabinoids.
- There are strict THC laws in the area where you are living.
- You are an individual that undergoes drug tests regularly.
- You are a person that prefers light flavors or no flavor at all.
- A medical expert has recommended that you take very high doses of CBD.
Why should you use CBD isolate?
- You have no risk of getting high
- You will be using the most concentrated form of CBD.
- It is safe for all types of CBD users.
What is broad-spectrum CBD?
In broad-spectrum CBD, you can find traces of all the compounds found within the plant with a very low trace of the psychoactive ingredient THC (about 0.04% only in our products). Because it contains so many cannabinoids, it delivers the full benefit of entourage effect without the risk of “getting high.” And here, it is safe and does not carry the robust natural hemp flavour since it is very refined. Broad-spectrum oil is the kind of all-around CBD oil that we at Kana Wonders offer. Our emphasis on broad-spectrum CBD products boils to THC content and the need for more THC-free CBD products.
So who should use broad-spectrum CBD oil? Virtually anybody, but quite importantly:
You should use broad-spectrum CBD oil if:
- You are sensitive to THC.
- You are a first time user afraid of THC.
- You require more than you can get from CBD isolates alone.
- There are strict THC laws in the area where you are living.
- You are an individual that undergoes drug tests regularly.
Why should you use broad-spectrum CBD oil?
- It offers you full entourage effect
- It undergoes less processing when compared to the isolate.
- You stand no risk of getting “high.”
What is full-spectrum CBD?
This extract contains all the compounds that are naturally found in the plant, including the cannabinoids, the terpenes, CBD, and even trace THC content. It is with this full-spectrum extract that you enjoy the best entourage effect because each compound present amplifies the impact of the other in the entourage effect.
The major challenge with this spectrum (full-spectrum CBD-products), however, is that it can give you a positive result to a drug test, especially if daily, you have to consume high doses of the full-spectrum CBD oil.
So, who should use a full-spectrum CBD oil? Use full-spectrum CBD oil if:
- You want the full benefits of the cannabis plant including the psychoactive effect.
- Cannabis is legal in your place of residence.
Why should you use full-spectrum CBD oil?
- You will enjoy the full entourage effects of the oil
- The presence of THC can improve the engagement of cannabinoid receptors. Recent research carried out on the potential benefits of full-spectrum cannabis extract have even highlighted some of these benefits.
Which is the best CBD oil spectrum?
Now that you have seen the pros and cons of the types of CBD, you must remember that none of these types is better than the other. And aside from the individual characteristics of the options available for you, there are still other factors that determine the way you will react to each of these products.
You will need to consider your body chemistry, weight, lifestyle, and even the history you have had with other substances to determine if you will need a full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate CBD oil.
Research into the effectiveness of each spectrum at the individual level is still at its infant stage, so while you may still be figuring out, we have you covered.
Why Kanawonders?
Here at Kana Wonders, we take great pleasure in giving you the best broad-spectrum CBD oil products, because we believe that you deserve the best. When you use our products, you will be enjoying the numerous benefits that come not only from the CBD content but also from other cannabinoids and terpenes, while ensuring that you are completely safe. You have no fear of being “high” whatsoever!
Browse through our collection of CBD oils or contact us if you have questions about CBD oils, and CBD spectrum. We will love to hear from you soon.
