Full spectrum CBD vs. Broad Spectrum vs. CBD Isolate
Cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinoids, endocannabinoid system, entourage effect, full-spectrum oil, isolate…A range of strange words in which people considering CBD might not understand. It can be confusing, but it’s helpful to know what these words mean to make sure you are getting the right product from Down to Earth.
With this article, we’re going to shed a little more light on the subject of CBD oil types. We’ll explain the difference between full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate, and look at the cannabinoid system. However, to understand the differences, we first need to understand what cannabinoids themselves are, so let’s get started.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are certain extracts of the cannabis plant. To put it simply, they are chemical compounds. THC and CBD are just two known cannabinoids out of countless others found in the hemp plant. Many of these compounds found in the cannabis plant are also found in every mammal, which means they are in our bodies as well.
Science has found that different cannabinoids may act on the human nervous system in different ways via our own endocannabinoid system (ECS), but we will be focusing on the main ones in this blog as science has yet to explore all of them.
New studies with promising results are coming out every day on this topic which makes the future for CBD and its products exciting. In addition to THC and CBD, CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol) are the ones that currently attract most interest from researchers at this point in time.
The Cannabinoid Spectrum Briefly Explained
To manufacture a CBD product, only specific hemp plants are used. This hemp is naturally low in THC for legal cultivation as we’re only allowed to use plants that have a low THC content. After the extraction, it’s possible to isolate individual components which may provide the health benefits everyone is talking about these days.
In addition to cannabinoids, a hemp plant naturally contains many more terpenes and flavonoids, and these are just as interesting given how they may work with CBD products. Among other things, they are responsible for the aroma, and may improve the effectiveness of CBD. (If you’re interested, we’ve written about this, commonly known as ‘the entourage effect’, here.)
What Is an Isolate?
When an isolate is referred to in connection with CBD, it is pure and isolated CBD, like our ISO1000 and ISO2000.
As the name suggests, these products only contain pure CBD and no other cannabinoids or any other ingredients (apart from the carrier oil, of course). Due to the lack of terpenes, pure CBD isolates have a very mild aroma, and pure isolates are therefore particularly suitable for people who are sensitive to other cannabinoids, or perhaps are concerned about drug tests (which usually test for THC).
What Is a Full Spectrum Oil?
The full spectrum of cannabinoids, as the name suggests, are full spectrum CBD oils online that contain a lot more than just CBD, like our FD500, FD1000, FD2000, and FD3000.
In addition to the effective cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids are also used. Science has found that an interplay of ingredients from the hemp plant could achieve the best effects. The cannabinoids, terpenes and oils used work synergistically to create the so-called ‘entourage effect’ –which you can also see in our Entourage Gummies! CBD alone is an immensely powerful cannabinoid. The combination of all these elements has been known to achieve the desired health benefits even more reliably.
Full spectrum CBD oil online contains a touch of THC, though the hemp used naturally has extraordinarily little THC content. This means that the limit value is always adhered to at Down to Earth. Whether you buy from us, or elsewhere, it is important that the retailer show their independent laboratory certificates of analysis so you can be certain of exactly what you’re getting, like we do here.
What Is a Broad Spectrum Oil?
In addition to the pure CBD isolates and full spectrum CBD oil online, a third term appears: broad-spectrum oil. This is basically a mixture of the best of both worlds above, like our BS1000 and BS3000 oils.
In addition to CBD, a broad-spectrum product also contains terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds that may help to achieve the entourage effect (where different cannabinoids and terpenes may work together to deliver a stronger health benefit). As with the CBD isolate, however, there are no traces of THC to be found here, as it is completely removed.
So, you could think of broad spectrum CBD as full spectrum CBD, but without the THC! Our Broad Spectrum CBD happens to have very high ratios of CBN and CBG (those other cannabinoids, or plant chemical compounds, that we mentioned before). Each of these cannabinoids has been studied for different health benefits, so depending on what you may be looking to treat, these factors are important for you to consider.
Final Thoughts
The question of the right product has to be chosen by the individual. If you’re wary, it’s best to start with a pure CBD isolate. Those who have some experience, and who prefer to feel the full effect of CBD oil can choose the full-spectrum product. If you like what a full-spectrum extract can offer, but without the THC traces, choose a broad-spectrum product.
However, what it all boils down to for the best experience is that whichever provider you choose, or may choose in the future, they are reputable, offer good organic quality with lab certificates, and dosage guides, which should always be easy to see, like we have made clear here at Down to Earth. As always, though, be sure to consult your medical health professional prior to starting any new supplements, too.
No independent lab certificates –no purchase. That is our advice to you!
As always, if you have any questions about different oils and which may be best for you, please email us here. We pride ourselves on helping our customers, not just selling to them! And, if you have any comments about the different oils, drop us a line below! We’re always happy to hear from you.