When looking for CBD products, you may have noticed that the products usually come in one of two types of CBD: Full Spectrum and Isolate. But what do these mean? What are the differences? And which would be best to choose? Today, I will answer these questions.
WHAT IS FULL SPECTRUM CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Full Spectrum CBD is a product containing not only the cannabidiol but also the many other cannabinoids in the plant. This version is usually minimally refined, leaving the cannabinoids and terpenes intact in the oil.
Full Spectrum is sometimes referred to as "whole-plant" and contains the full plant extract, provided more of the plant's molecules in ratios, as well as the amounts that nature intended. This is also known as the entourage effect.
These contain THC, but due to regulations, the THC must be kept at a small amount, since this is the compound of cannabis that causes hallucinogenic effects (i.e. gets you high). In the UK, the allowable amount is 0.2 per cent and imported CBD can contain no traces or less than .01 per cent.
Cannabidiol is often used with some terpenes (another cannabis compound that’s found in dozens of other plants, such as lavender, pine, and citrus fruits ) work together to influence each other and overall lead to the benefit of the user. It can help when CBD is used with THC to reduce the effects of a high and influence the user's cannabinoid receptors.
The full spectrum CBD contains CBD and other cannabinoids as explained below.
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Cannabinol (CBN)
This variant of cannabinoids has the potential to offer good sedative effects, and research shows they may provide anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant properties.
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Cannabigerol (CBG)
This variant of cannabinoids possibly has vital anti-tumour, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also shown prospects in the treatment of skin diseases, inflammation, glaucoma, and even cancer.
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Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
This variant of cannabinoids has potentially anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, and anti-convulsion properties. They are also very effective in treating mood disorders and reducing pain. They are very effective in relief provision for people suffering from MS, HIV/AIDS, and Crohn's disease.
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Cannabichromene (CBC)
This variant of cannabinoids has great anti-cancer, antifungal, anti-depressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
These are all the potential benefits you will get from the full spectrum and much more. However, opting for the isolate might mean losing some of these important properties completely as they are not available at all in the isolate. For others, it could mean losing some significant quantity of the properties that would have provided better results as opposed to using only the smaller quantities available in the isolate.
With the full spectrum, you will be able to access Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin B, protein and essential fats in high quantities. You will also get some quantity of Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids as well as about twenty amino acids. Fatty acids are very beneficial to the health of the heart while amino acids make it possible for the body to produce more protein, thus aiding the time for recovery.
WHAT IS ISOLATE CBD?
CBD Isolate products contain at least 99% pure cannabidiol, with CBD being the only active ingredient. The product has, as the name suggests, isolated down to just the CBD molecule.
The product aims to produce therapeutic doses of CBD, isolated from other cannabinoids and terpenes. These products usually come as a white powder or a mix with a carrier oil for improved absorption. Common carrier oils include vegetable glycerin, olive oil, coconut oil, propylene glycol.
WHICH IS BETTER?
Since Full Spectrum CBD contains different cannabinoids and terpenes, they have the advantage of potentially helping more with your health. Studies found that the effects of full-spectrum CBD on treating inflammatory conditions were superior to isolate CBD. Terpenes alone have shown incredible effects on human health.
However, a CBD Isolate does make it easier to get more CBD, as well as providing assurance of your dosage. Pure CBD has the potential to help treat a multitude of ailments, from diabetes and inflammation to anxiety and depression.
Some people don't like the taste of hemp extract, so would prefer CBD isolate (or another way of taking CBD like gummies). The flavour may be a reason to mix it in with food or in a cocktail so you don't have to taste the CBD. Isolate CBD is definitely a better choice for this, as well as personal use for things like massage oil.
Isolate CBD can be more expensive than Full-Spectrum since the process of creating it is more thorough and requires more plant matter to get pure CBD.
Overall, it's your choice on what type of CBD you choose. Take a look at our extensive collection of CBD
