If you’re new to CBD and figuring out what will work best for you, it can be easy to get lost in a wormhole of information. Some companies boast being CBD isolate, while others act like full spectrum is the natural and pure way to go- but some people don’t know the difference between the two! There’s definitely a difference, and which you pick will be entirely up to how you view CBD.
What Is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate means that there is nothing but CBD in the product. No other cannabinoids are in it, meaning that there is zero chance of any THC getting into it. This version is best for people who use CBD a lot and worry about random drug tests. Although a lot of companies get their CBD isolate from plants themselves, some companies make their CBD in labs, creating a human-made version that’s never touched by any other cannabinoids. Don’t let this scare you away, though- most of these get derived from yeasts and sugars. They’re still pretty natural, just without the plant itself.
What’s Full Spectrum?
Full spectrum CBD gets made by keeping most of the cannabinoids from the original plant. Although this means there’s usually a trace of THC left, on average, it’s never more than 0.3%. Many view this as the more natural version since it’s still coming from the plant itself, but the main difference is the presence of the other cannabinoids. This version also means you can get products like hemp rosin drops that you know came from a plant. If you’re more into the natural vibes and don’t have to worry about random drug testing- then this would be for you.
Things In Common
They both contain CBD! That much is obvious; of course, they affect the body a little differently since full spectrum has more than just the CBD in it. Both get used for everything from treating anxiety, heart disease, depression, and dozens of other ailments and illnesses. There, unfortunately, haven’t been enough studies to show if one is more effective than the other, but the full spectrum does bring a lot more to the table.
Differences
Besides how they’re collected, and the additional cannabinoids in full spectrum- there are some other differences. Full spectrum picks up a lot more from the plant, including terpenes, chlorophyll, and waxes, which can be beneficial to some people. CBC Isolate, on the other hand, allows people who react poorly to the plant itself to enjoy the benefits without having to put themself at risk.
It comes down to a personal choice, and what fits in best with your world views and usage. If you’re still not sure which is best for you, a smart option would be to get a sample of both of these and give them a chance on their own. Some people report a huge difference and will stick with their favorites for life- while others report seeing no difference at all. Find what works for you, and from there, you can find dozens of options for how to use it.
Richard Clayton
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- CBD Isolate or Full Spectrum? What’s the Difference? - May 19, 2020
This really opened my eyes. The writing skill alone kept my interest. Thank you for sharing!
Super interesting.