Broad spectrum, full spectrum or isolate, you're finally going to learn all about the differences between them!
CBD, or cannabidiol, has gained popularity in recent years due to its potential health and wellness benefits.
Among the different options available on the market, there are 3 categories of CBD products: broad-spectrum extracts, full-spectrum extracts, and CBD isolate.
What do these names mean, what do they imply in practice, how to choose...?
The answers can be found in this article!
We will explore the differences between these three types of CBD. This will enable you to comfortably choose your products according to your needs and define the best option for you.
What is CBD?
First and foremost, let's go back to cannabidiol and its effects.
CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a complex network of neurotransmitters and receptors present throughout the body.
Once in our body, CBD binds to this system, helping to regulate a number of things...
The effects of CBD
Physically, CBD is often used to relieve pain and inflammation, particularly in people suffering from chronic pain. It can also help reduce the symptoms of certain neurological conditions, such as epilepsy.
Mentally, CBD is known for its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. Many people use CBD to relieve anxiety, stress, and mood disorders, without the side effects often associated with traditional medications. Most of the time, cannabidiol is also used to improve daily well-being: relaxation, stress relief, sleep quality...
A natural and effective solution if you are patient and know how to choose the right product!
Isolate, Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum: what are the differences between these three forms of CBD?
You know the benefits of CBD, which comes in different forms and appellations: CBD Isolate, Full Spectrum CBD, or Broad Spectrum CBD. How to choose among these strange names when you are not initiated? Let's start by defining these forms and their specificities to get a clearer picture.
What is CBD isolate and how is it made?
CBD Isolate extraction process
CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD, isolated from other compounds of the cannabis plant. Its name comes from the English word "isolate".
It is referred to as a "pure" form because CBD isolate contains no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids.
It is obtained through an extraction and purification process that removes all other plant compounds, leaving only crystalline cannabidiol.
These CBD crystals are then used to make other products, such as e-liquids, specific oils, and even gummies. The key thing to remember is that isolate contains only cannabidiol and nothing else.
Advantages and disadvantages
Since isolate contains only cannabidiol, it can be taken in very precise dosages and can meet a specific and targeted need.
Some people may be intolerant to other cannabinoids present in the hemp plant, even in minute quantities (CBCA, CBG, CBC, THC...). Hence the possible interest of isolate.
The major disadvantage lies in the principle that isolate does not benefit from the entourage effect (unlike broad or full-spectrum extracts). This synergistic effect between the different compounds of the plant enhances the benefits of CBD. Each compound stimulates and multiplies the effects of the others.
CBD isolate, as you have understood, cannot benefit from this effect, as it contains only cannabidiol. It would therefore potentially be interesting for people sensitive to other cannabinoids, but much less effective.
Full Spectrum CBD
What is Full Spectrum?
A full-spectrum product means that the CBD form contains all the cannabinoids naturally present in the cannabis plant, including THC (below 0.3% of course, as stipulated by law).
It also contains flavonoids and terpenes (also naturally present in the plant). These plant substances are as active as cannabinoids.
Terpenes are molecules (a family of natural hydrocarbons) responsible for the characteristic taste and smell of plants (of all plants, not just cannabis!). But that's not all! Terpenes are also recognized for their properties.
For example, Limonene, also present in citrus fruits, is often associated with antidepressant effects. Linalool, with a woodier scent, is known for its relaxing properties, helping to promote sleep...
As for flavonoids, they are responsible for the color of plants and also have potential medicinal properties. In cannabis, they are most often associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Terpenes and flavonoids therefore act synergistically with cannabinoids, making full-spectrum products very interesting and effective.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD products are very similar to Full Spectrum. They contain all the cannabinoids of the plant (with the exception of THC), as well as flavonoids and terpenes.
These products offer all the benefits associated with the hemp plant without the psychotropic effects linked to THC. Perfect if you need to undergo anti-doping tests, or for people intolerant to THC.
In our opinion, this is the best compromise: effective thanks to the entourage effect and free of THC!
One last thing to know, whatever the product, you will see a percentage displayed on the packaging and/or directly on the product. It indicates the concentration of CBD contained in the product. The higher the percentage, the stronger the concentration. Refer to our article How to dose your CBD? to find out more on the subject.
How to choose between CBD Isolate and Full or Broad Spectrum: factors to consider
You know more about these terms and, above all, you are beginning to understand the benefits of opting for one or the other of these extracts.
Choose according to your needs
Medicinal or recreational use of CBD
Often, it's all about objectives! Why take CBD? Some consumers may be looking for specific relief, such as stress or pain management, while others may be looking for more general well-being effects (relaxation, better sleep, concentration, creativity...).
It can also be a deeper need and in this case, it is necessary to discuss the matter and make an appointment with a healthcare professional!
Do not self-medicate. The doctor will guide you, not only on the dosage, but will also be best placed to check for possible interactions with other medications.
Sensitivity to the psychoactive effects of THC
You may be more sensitive to certain cannabinoids, especially THC. In this case, Broad Spectrum (THC-free) will be indicated. You benefit from the entourage effect, without the THC.
Choose according to your tastes
Aroma and smell
CBD isolate contains no terpenes. So no plant taste, and no smell a priori, except that of the oil with which it can be mixed in certain products.
Broad and Full spectrum products, on the other hand, may have a slight taste specific to the plant. And even then...
Let's quickly go back to CBD extraction. When cannabidiol is extracted from the plant, it is in a slightly "pasty" and greenish form called crude. This substance is then mixed with a fatty substance, most often oil.
CBD oil, for example, is a mixture of crude and hemp oil (rich in omega 3 and 6, as well as vitamin E, it brings a real plus to the product). The crude can also be mixed with hazelnut oil or apricot kernel oil (or other oilseeds). So the taste is inevitably variable. The same goes for other broad or full-spectrum products like gummies or distillates.
You may read as an argument that isolate has less taste, the truth is still nuanced!
Method of use
Methods of use vary depending on the product.
Sublingual consumption with oil, adding to food or drinks, or pre-dosed capsules with oil, vaping with distillate, "gummy" candies, massaging with topical oils or creams: the choice depends on your consumption habits.
Isolate can be used for manufacturing e-liquids (a form we do not promote). However, if you are looking for a vaping solution with CBD, you have 2 other more "complete" options, namely:
- CBD distillate (see our Distillate page for more information!).
- Vaping flowers for aficionados.
Again, it's up to you to test and listen to your body. Adapt your consumption according to your habits.
Check the products you consume, isolate/broad spectrum/full spectrum, it must be mentioned.
Isolate, Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum: Which one to choose and what criteria to base your decision on?
The quality criterion
Let's not beat around the bush, we recommend broad or full-spectrum products to benefit from the entourage effect and all the benefits of the plant!
However, we also know that some people may be intolerant to THC or other cannabinoids. But, before you set your sights on CBD isolate because of possible intolerances, here are 5 things to remember:
- 1. Choose a CBD product made from organically grown plants. (This is essential to avoid chemical additives!).
- 2. Check the CBD extraction method. CO2 extraction is the most natural method for extracting CBD; it is also the most respectful of the plant, preserving all compounds intact.
- 3. If you are subject to anti-doping tests, opt for broad-spectrum CBD, which is THC-free.
- 4. Start your CBD experience with a low dose and increase it by increments of 5 mg every 3 to 4 days until you achieve the desired effect.
- 5. Consult a healthcare professional
These 5 points are essential.
A poor quality CBD product can ruin your experience. It will either have no effect, or very little, or it can give you headaches.
Some consumers have switched to isolate for these reasons, whereas a good quality product would have had the advantage of being effective and providing all the expected benefits.
Dosage
We agree that the objective when using CBD is to find the ideal minimum dosage, i.e., without any side effects.
For a broad or full-spectrum product, the highest daily maximum dosage is 150 mg/day for responsible and cautious use (increasing doses incrementally as indicated in our article on the subject).
This maximum daily dose would be lower when consuming isolate. Hence the disappointment most of the time, because you increase the dose to feel the expected effect and you only get headaches and undesirable side effects. A counterproductive experience from every point of view (no desired effect and money spent for nothing!).
As you can see, we are more on the side of the broad spectrum or full spectrum team. Except in the proven case of a known intolerance, therefore prioritize full-spectrum extracts or broad-spectrum extracts. They are more effective thanks to the entourage effect.
The cannabis plant is full of natural benefits and properties. The molecules that compose it work together to act on our body and mind. It would be a shame to use only a tiny part of it.
Choose the form that suits you, you can find all kinds of broad or full-spectrum CBD products: distillate, oil, gummies, topical creams... To help you choose, consult our article on the subject here.
