Different Types of CBD Products Explained (Isolates, Broad, and Full Spectrum)

CBD has gradually become a prominent alternate health and wellness product sought by consumers across the globe. The cannabinoid offers a myriad of positive effects and therapeutic benefits. These include improved mental health, elevated moods, relief from pain and inflammation, alleviating nausea and vomiting, and promoting better and long-lasting sleep cycles. The cannabinoid achieves this through interacting with the human Endocannabinoid System. This system comprises neurotransmitters, receptors, and enzymes that work in unison to promote homeostasis/normal body functioning.  

As a consequence of the ever-growing popularity, the market is flooded with numerous CBD products, each promising to provide optimum benefits. Regardless of the brand or promised benefits, CBD products tend to fall within one of these three categories: full-spectrum, Broad spectrum, and isolate. Each of these products contains or lacks different cannabis compounds, which affects the product’s effects, quality, and potency. 

Consumers pick their ideal CBD products as per their needs and preference. To reap the benefits, you need to understand the differences between these three products. This piece examines the different CBD products and acts as a guide that will help you figure out which of these products most resonates with your needs. 

What is CBD?

CBD is an abbreviation for Cannabidiol, a chemical compound that occurs naturally in cannabis plants (hemp and marijuana). It is the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp and the second most abundant in marijuana plants. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and is associated with numerous benefits. CBD is safe and has minimal side effects. It is available in various forms, including vapes, edibles, oils, topicals, tinctures, and flowers.

Types of CBD products

CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes are found in large quantities in the leaves and flowers of cannabis plants. The extraction process is achieved through various extraction methods, such as CO2 supercritical extraction, solvent-based extraction, dry ice extraction, and olive oil extraction. Each of these methods has its set of pros and cons. For most large-scale CBD extracting companies, CO2 is the preferred method. It provides a clean, pure, and potent extract.

Full-spectrum CBD

Also referred to as a whole or full-plant extract, a full-spectrum CBD product contains a majority of all the chemical compounds found in hemp plants. These include cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils. None of the compounds is removed, even THC, the psychoactive compound. Full-spectrum products are sought for their ability to offer heightened benefits.

This phenomenon is referred to as the entourage effects, and it refers to the amplified effects offered to consumers when all the cannabis compounds work in synergy. Each of the native phytochemicals performs its function while supporting the operation of other compounds, thus modulating the overall effects. 

Pros 

• It offers all the benefits that phytochemicals have to offer 
• Undergoes little processing, hence highly potent 

Cons 

• It May have psychoactive properties due to the presence of THC
• There is a possibility of a positive drug test, depending on various factors, such as consumption frequency, the amount taken, and the potency of the product taken.

CBD Isolate 

Isolates are compounds in their purest forms. A CBD isolate is made through a series of processes – extraction, winterization, filtration, decarboxylation, distillation, and crystallization. The final product is a white powder, or sometimes it can be crystallized. The CBD is put under the tongue, mixed with a carrier oil or vaping juice, or incorporated with edibles for consumption. 

Due to the lack of other compounds (other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils), consumers get to benefit from CBD solely. This is the ideal product for consumers who want to harness particular benefits that CBD offers, such as pain relief or improved mental health. 

Pros

• Easy to determine the potency of CBD since it is the only compound present
• No psychoactive effects as THC is filtered out 
• No positive drug tests

Cons

• Consumers miss out on the entourage effect 

Broad-spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD is the middle ground between CBD isolates and full-spectrum CBD. It contains all the phytochemicals found in cannabis plants, except THC. The product is made in either of two ways: by reintroducing terpenes, essential oils, and other cannabinoids to a CBD isolate or by removing THC in full-spectrum CBD. The psychoactive THC is removed via selective distillation to ensure that the final product does not have any psychotropic properties. The product offers some entourage effects due to the increased number of phytochemicals. 

Pros

• Full  hemp benefits without the psychoactive effects
• Negative drug test
• Highly potent due to less processing

Cons

• It does not offer a full entourage effect without THC

Which is best?

As a consumer, choosing the right CBD product can be confusing, especially with many products on the market. Now that you know that all these products can be classified into three categories, your work is simplified. The choice of which one to choose entirely depends on your needs and circumstances. None of the CBD products is better than the rest. If your local laws allow for the sale of CBD products with 0.3% THC or less and you are not subjected to random drug tests, a full-spectrum product may be the ideal choice. If the circumstances are different, broad-spectrum CBD or isolates would be a better fit.