In the realm of CBD products, there are many forms of CBD. The two most popular, CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD, can be found in a variety of products, including tinctures, topicals, and edibles. But, choosing between the two can leave people feeling pretty confused.
While both products have many similarities, they also have several key differences that can affect their ability to be the right supplement for your needs. Ultimately, the choice between CBD isolate and broad-spectrum comes down to understanding what makes each unique.
Understanding Hemp Cannabinoids
To better understand the similarities and differences between CBD isolate and broad-spectrum hemp extracts, it’s important to first understand hemp plant compounds called cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are the natural chemical compounds found in different species of Cannabis sativa plants. Each species contains different cannabinoids and phytochemicals, and the effects that each plant produces can differ.
The two most well-known cannabis plant species are the THC-rich Cannabis sativa (marijuana) and the CBD-rich Cannabis sativa L (hemp plants). For CBD extraction, hemp plants (Cannabis sativa L) are the preferred choice because:
- They contain high concentrations of CBD and low amounts of THC
- They grow faster and easier than marijuana plants
- They require less water and land to grow
- And, perhaps most important, they are legal to use in products in the UK
Cannabinoids other than CBD harvested in abundance from hemp plants also include:
- CBG (cannabigerol)
- CBDa (cannabidiolic acid)
- CBGa (cannabigerolic acid)
- CBC (cannabichromene)
Each of these cannabinoids can stimulate endocannabinoid receptors in the body responsible for regulating several wellness-related functions, and the more cannabinoids, the potentially greater the entourage effect. But not everyone is looking for full-on stimulation of their endocannabinoid receptors, so the more you know about your cannabinoid options, the better.
How Are THC-Free CBD Oils Made?
The process of making broad-spectrum and CBD isolate products varies due to how cannabinoids can be extracted from hemp plants. However, the most common extraction methods used to create whole plant CBD extracts are:
- CO2 extraction: CO2 is passed through the hemp plant at high pressure and low temperature to pull out the desired cannabinoids. This method is considered to be gentle and produces a pure final product.
- Ethanol extraction: Ethanol (grain alcohol) is used to strip cannabinoids from the hemp plant. This method can be harsh and damage desirable cannabis plant compounds in the final product.
- Olive oil extraction: Olive oil is used to extract cannabinoids from the hemp plant. This is a gentler method but can take longer to produce results.
When hemp cannabis plants have matured and dried, they are sent to a processing facility where they undergo an extraction process. The type of extraction used will depend on the desired final product.
To start, the plant material is ground into a fine powder and then placed in an extraction vessel. Once placed, the extraction begins using CO2, ethanol, or olive oil to pull the desired cannabinoids from the plant material.
The initial extraction creates a full-spectrum CBD oil with a wide array of cannabinoids native to hemp plants, including small amounts of THC. At this point, the manufacturing processes differ to create a broad-spectrum or CBD isolate formula.
Broad-spectrum CBD is created by taking the full-spectrum CBD oil and putting it through another filtration process to remove all traces of THC. The final product will contain many cannabinoids contained in hemp plants, but will be completely THC-free.
CBD isolate is created by taking the full-spectrum CBD oil and undergoing an additional filtration and distillation process to remove all other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, leaving behind only CBD. This process is sometimes called winterization and results in a white powder that is 99%+ pure CBD.
Once each formula is created, it is batch tested to ensure safety and quality. All reputable CBD companies will post their third-party lab results on their website for you to review.
The extract may then be blended with a carrier oil like hemp seed oil or MCT oil which is derived from coconut oil to create the final formula. Some companies will add flavourings or other ingredients at this stage to create a more pleasant-tasting formula.
Why Choose Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil?
Those who choose broad-spectrum CBD products are typically looking for a product that offers the entourage effect without any tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC. The entourage effect is a term used to describe the synergistic relationship between cannabinoids found in the hemp plant.
Research suggests that this synergistic relationship can offer more potent results than taking CBD by itself. This is because cannabinoids are thought to work together to amplify each other’s effects, resulting in a more comprehensive final product.
Another common reason why people choose broad-spectrum CBD oil is that it offers peace of mind. With the lack of detectable THC, you have a much lower chance of failing a drug test from using this product.
But the entourage effect and passing drug tests aren’t the only reasons to choose broad-spectrum CBD oil over other formulas. Some people simply prefer the flavour of broad-spectrum CBD oil or find that it is more effective for their needs.
Broad-spectrum formulas also go through additional filtration processes that make users feel more confident in the quality of the product. And because the THC is removed, there is no risk of experiencing any psychoactive effects from using this type of CBD oil.
Why Choose CBD Isolate?
As the purest form of CBD, isolates offer many advantages for those looking for the most potent product possible. Chosen for its non-existent levels of THC, CBD isolate can be found as CBD tinctures, creams, edibles, and capsules.
While this pure hemp cannabis extract may not provide the synergy benefits of the entourage effect, it does provide a concentrated dose of pure CBD to stimulate CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
CBD isolates are mainly found in CBD creams and CBD edibles. CBD edible products like gummies are infused with a predetermined amount of CBD isolate to provide users with an accurate and reliable way to consume cannabidiol. CBD creams bypass the internal metabolisation of CBD for direct topical stimulation of endocannabinoid receptors found in the skin.
CBD isolate is also used in scientific research as it provides the most isolated form of CBD possible. This makes it easier for researchers to study the effects of CBD on the body without interference from other cannabinoids.
What Makes High-Quality CBD Isolate?
When searching for high-quality CBD isolate, you must keep an eye out for a few things. First, make sure that the product is made from organic, non-GMO hemp. This ensures that the CBD isolate has not been exposed to harmful pesticides or herbicides.
Next, look for a CBD isolate lab-tested by a third party. This guarantees that the product contains the amount of cannabidiol advertised on the label. It also ensures that the product is free of any harmful contaminants.
Sometimes CBD isolate may be blended with flavourings and other ingredients to create a more palatable product. However, be sure to check the label to make sure that these ingredients are all-natural and non-GMO. Also, make sure that the CBD isolate is the only cannabinoid in the product – if there are other cannabinoids present, it’s not pure CBD isolate.
What Makes High-Quality Broad-Spectrum CBD?
There are a few things to look for when searching for high-quality, broad-spectrum CBD. First, as with CBD isolate, make sure the product is made from organic, non-GMO hemp. This will ensure that the broad-spectrum CBD is of the highest quality and has not been exposed to any harmful chemicals that can compromise its purity.
High-quality, broad-spectrum CBD should also contain multiple cannabinoids in addition to CBD. Look at lab reports confirming the presence of popular hemp cannabinoids and terpenes, including but not limited to:
- Limonene
- Myrcene
- Caryophyllene
- Linalool
- Pinene
- CBG
- CBC
- CBDa
- CBGa
Finally, the hallmark of a broad-spectrum CBD is that it contains no detectable traces of THC. If you look at a COA and see even a tiny amount of THC present – usually indicated by a “<0.001%”, this is not pure broad-spectrum CBD. If there is any THC in the product, it means that the manufacturing process was not done thoroughly and some of the THC from the hemp plant was left behind.
Make the Best Choice for Your Wellness Needs
Choosing broad-spectrum or CBD isolate products over full-spectrum CBD products is a personal decision that is best made after considering your individual wellness needs. For example, CBD isolate may be the right choice if you want the most concentrated CBD product. However, broad-spectrum CBD is likely a better option if you are looking for a product that triggers the entourage effect.
Always research and purchase products from a reputable source to ensure that you get a high-quality product that best satisfies your daily wellness goals.
