CBD Isolate VS CBD Distillate: Which One Should You Choose?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one of many cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant.

Even though CBD comes from a plant, it cannot simply be picked and used. Instead, hemp, a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant known for its high CBD and low THC content, is harvested and processed to obtain the CBD oil.

But you might be asking yourself, what’s the difference between cannabis isolate vs distillate? What about CBD distillate and isolate? Can you isolate CBD oil safely? Well, read on!

What Is CBD isolate?

CBD isolate is CBD oil in its purest form, with a CBD content of 99% (or higher). The process used to make CBD isolate is that it removes all the ingredients responsible for the flavour and smell of hemp. This means that the CBD isolate has no taste or smell.

Does CBD Isolate Contain THC?

No, CBD isolate does not contain THC. In fact, a true CBD isolate does not contain any cannabinoids (other than CBD) or other compounds found naturally in hemp, including terpenes or resins.

The Potential Benefits Of CBD Isolate

Studies have shown that CBD oil contributes to better sleep quality, better management of certain types of pain, and the ability to relax more easily. These are just a few of the many potential benefits of CBD and, consequently, the reasons why people seek out CBD isolate products.

How to Use CBD Isolate?

Before using CBD isolate, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

The science behind efficient use of CBD is complicated. The rule of “the stronger the better” does not apply to CBD isolate, and some people may get greater benefit from lower doses.

CBD isolate can be combined with a carrier oil (such as coconut or hemp oil) to create CBD isolate oil.

It can also be used in various topical products, such as moisturisers, relaxation gels, nourishing balms, in food or in vaping. 

What Is CBD Distillate?

CBD distillate is a thick liquid that contains many compounds found in the cannabis plant. The consistency resembles that of honey or maple syrup. It can be brown, yellow or orange.

The distillate is what is left of the hemp plant after the extraction process has been done, and all harmful ingredients have been removed. CBD distillate contains CBD and all other cannabinoids that can be found in hemp.

CBD distillate is also used to make CBD isolate. After further processing of the CBD distillate, the individual compounds (such as CBD) can be isolated, creating CBD isolate.

CBD Isolate Vs Distillate: What’s the Difference?

CBD isolate and distillate are two very different things. For example, broad-spectrum CBD distillates can be used to extract CBD isolate, but a CBD distillate can never become a CBD isolate without further processing.

CBD isolate is CBD in its purest form. It does not contain other chemical compounds (such as terpenes or other cannabinoids) which can also be extracted from the cannabis plant.

CBD distillate, on the other hand, contains CBD and other cannabis-derived ingredients. However, it will not have any unnecessary or harmful components, such as solvents, heavy metals or moulds.

Which Is Better: CBD Isolate or Broad-Spectrum CBD?

The answer to this depends on how you use the product and why.

CBD isolates are perfect for people who may be intimidated by the idea of ​​using hemp-derived products, or for those who undergo rigorous drug testing at work (such as professional athletes or defence force personnel), as both broad-spectrum oils and full spectrum oils may cause a false positive.

So, what are the benefits of broad spectrum oils? Well, have you heard of the “entourage effect”? It is a phenomenon (explained well in a 2020 study) where CBD, when consumed with other compounds found in the cannabis plant, works better and gives better results.

This is because CBD may be able to work in harmony with these other compounds, amplifying the beneficial effects. This supports the theory that broad-spectrum CBD may be more beneficial than CBD isolate.

Final Thoughts

Now we know the difference between cannabis distillate vs isolate, you need to decide if it’s right for you. While CBD is generally safe, it may still cause some side effects, including nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness or low blood pressure.

Before using any CBD product, you should consult your doctor to ensure that CBD is right for you.

So what’re you waiting for? Check our Down To Earth’s products. We only sell premium CBD products, and you can find independent lab reports on our website, or take a look at our customer reviews.

For further information, check out our other blogs, or if you have any questions, drop a comment or contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We’re here to help!