Understanding Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, and CBD Isolate: Which CBD Oil is Right for You?
Author: Pavel Čermák
CBD oils are often labeled as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate. But do you know the difference between these terms? While all are types of CBD oil, they vary in their cannabinoid content. Understanding this terminology will help you determine which CBD oil is best suited for you or your pets.
The Three Types of CBD Oils
- Full-Spectrum - also known as "full-spectrum cannabinoids."
- Broad-Spectrum - also known as "broad-spectrum cannabinoids."
- CBD Isolate
What is the Difference Between Them?
The difference between broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and CBD isolate lies in the chemical compounds present in each product.
- Full-Spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids and plant compounds found in hemp, including THC (at legally allowed, non-psychoactive levels).
- Broad-Spectrum CBD contains all cannabinoids and plant compounds except THC.
- CBD Isolate contains only CBD, with no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or fatty acids from the plant.
CBD Oils with Isolate
CBD isolate oils contain only CBD (cannabidiol) and no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or plant compounds. These oils are made by mixing pure crystal CBD in a carrier oil.
Advantages:
- Lower price: Isolate oils are generally less expensive.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of the "entourage effect": The absence of other cannabinoids means missing out on the potential synergistic benefits when the full spectrum of cannabinoids is present.
CBD Isolate is also commonly used in vaping products. For CBD drops for dogs and other animals, products with undetectable THC content are recommended. Studies suggest that CBD oil with isolate is the safest product for animals, making it eligible for veterinary product labeling.
Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
Full-spectrum CBD oils include CBD and all other cannabinoids, terpenes, and fatty acids naturally found in the hemp plant. These oils maintain all the plant’s substances, with THC reduced to legal, non-psychoactive levels.
Advantages:
- Therapeutic properties: The full spectrum of cannabinoids and chemical compounds provides enhanced therapeutic benefits.
- Entourage effect: The combined effects of all cannabinoids and compounds create a synergistic benefit, known as the entourage effect.
A 2005 study concluded that CBD oil with whole-plant extract has greater therapeutic potential than CBD alone due to the presence of all cannabinoids and other chemical compounds.
Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad-spectrum CBD oil is the middle ground between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD oils. It contains all cannabinoids and other chemical compounds except THC.
Advantages:
- THC-free: Ideal for individuals in regions where THC is illegal or for those who want to avoid THC entirely.
- Entourage effect without THC: Still provides the synergistic benefits of the entourage effect, minus THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil is not as common as other types but is beneficial in places where THC is illegal, as it undergoes additional processing to remove THC.
Summary
The type of CBD oil you choose depends on your specific needs and circumstances:
- CBD Isolate is preferred in regions where THC is entirely banned.
- For maximum therapeutic effect, full-spectrum CBD oil is recommended.
- For pets, only approved veterinary products with undetectable amounts of THC (CBD isolate) should be used.
When purchasing CBD oil, always carefully select your supplier. Ensure that the product analysis and full information are available, including whether the oil is full-spectrum, isolate, or broad-spectrum.