Full Spectrum CBD Vs Broad Spectrum CBD Vs CBD Isolate Based Products
“Spectrum” seems to be an increasingly popular word amongst the CBD industry. But what is it referring too? And what’s the difference between Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and CBD Isolate Based products? While it may seem very confusing, I can assure you it’s not and will even break it down for you! But first let’s go into why there are various spectrums to begin with.
The cannabis hemp plant has been documented to produce a large spectrum of compounds (400+) with well over 100 of them being cannabinoids. Well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD aren’t the only “active” ingredients in the plant. Cannabis plants produce a large range of compounds besides cannabinoids that potentially have therapeutic uses. These other compounds found in hemp and cannabis are aromatic terpenes, flavonoids, proteins, phenols, and esters.
FULL SPECTRUM CBD PRODUCTS
A full-spectrum extract is a type of cannabis concentrate that aims to capture all of the therapeutic compounds of the raw cannabis plant at the moment that it was processed minus the organic material, fats and lipids. A true full spectrum extract will strive to maintain the other compounds of the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of the “high” cannabinoid THC. CBD is the primary component of a Full Spectrum extract but it should also contain CBG, other minor cannabinoids and all natural and aromatic cannabis terpenes.
You would want a Full Spectrum Based CBD product if you are a regular cannabis user or are looking for what people have been calling “the entourage effect”. Full Spectrum based products are among the most popular CBD products available.
BROAD SPECTRUM CBD PRODUCTS
A true broad spectrum extract should mimic a full spectrum extract in every way with the exception of the THC content. A really well made broad spectrum extract will typically contain 90% or more total Cannabinoids with roughly 80% of the total being the crowd favorite, CBD. The remaining portion should be terpenes and other minors like CBG, CBN and should never contain any traceable levels of THC. The flavor profile of a Broad Spectrum product should be similar to the taste of a Full Spectrum product if not a tad less earthy.
Broad Spectrum CBD products are by far the most popular CBD products available. This is because they contain zero THC and that allows them to be available in most countries in the world and are not subject to the “stoner stingma” because it contains no THC but does have comparable therapeutic effects! If you’re looking for a Broad Spectrum product I’d suggest starting here.
Buy Broad Spectrum CBD!
CBD ISOLATE BASED PRODUCTS
CBD Isolate, put in simple terms, is Pure CBD and nothing but. Literally Isolated CBD. These CBD isolate based products contain nothing except pure, isolated CBD. Unlike Full and Broad Spectrum CBD, there are no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids, just Cannabidoil! This kind of product is decent and can have some pretty awesome therapeutic effects without getting you high, however, most consumers prefer a Broad Spectrum blend because they are said to work better and have a wider range of targeted effects because of the “Broad Spectrum” of cannabinoids like CBG and CBN in it. Since CBD isolate is just CBD, it’s range of targeted effects are fewer if not just as effective.
Once the most widely produced type of CBD, CBD Isolate has quickly been outpaced by its Broad and Full Spectrum counterparts as consumers become more educated in the effects of the cannabinoids and terpenes not found in CBD Isolate based products.
WHAT KIND OF CBD IS BEST?
Now that you have more info about what each term means you can readily make your own decision on which type of CBD product is best for you and your needs. We have our own opinions of course but we’ll recap some major points below so you can decide exactly what blend is the best fit for your own needs!
Full Spectrum CBD Products
- -People who are looking to target more uses but don’t mind a slightly earthy flavor
- -People who live in states where cannabis is recreationally legal and have no fear of legal repercussions.
- -People who want to get the most out of their CBD experience and DO NOT have to drug test.
Broad Spectrum CBD Products
- -People who are looking to target more uses and experience less flavor
- -People who live in states where cannabis is NOT fully legal and may have reason to fear legal repercussions.
- -People who want to get the most out of their CBD experience without risking a failed drug test.
CBD Isolate Based Products
- -People who are looking to target a smaller range of effects or may have allergies to terpenes or other cannabinoids
- -People living in states with strict or zero tolerance for THC, or those who regularly undergo drug testing in their place of employment.
- -People who wish to cook or bake with CBD and want something with a little to no flavor and an easy method for mixing it in.