What’s the Difference? : Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs CBD Isolate

When shopping for CBD, you may notice that there are actually different cannabinoid spectrum options to choose from. These are known as full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolates. These are used to define which type of CBD is used in a product and are all very different. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between the spectrums and what it means for your CBD product.

What is the importance of Cannabinoids?

We’ll begin by discussing the compounds found within a cannabis plant known as cannabinoids. There are hundreds of naturally occurring cannabinoids found in different cannabis strains, although the two main ones are CBD and THC.

As we know, there is a lot of research to suggest cannabinoids like CBD can have a positive effect when consumed, as it interacts with receptors in the human Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and brings health benefits to the body such as helping to reduce pain and inflammation. THC, however, has a psychoactive effect.

Essentially, different cannabinoids are able to affect the human body in different ways. The full collection is known as the cannabinoid spectrum and includes Cannabigerol (CBG) and Cannabinol (CBN).

The Cannabinoid Spectrum

The cannabinoid spectrum range within determines whether the product is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or CBD isolate.

To create a CBD product, cannabinoids are extracted from the cannabis or hemp plant. Other cannabinoids and compounds including terpenes and flavonoids are also extracted during this process, and depending on the strain and classification, the cannabinoid profile and composition will vary.

Hemp is a classification of Cannabis Sativa and contains very little THC if any at all. However, some Cannabis Indica strains will have a different composition with more THC. Some consist of an equal 1:1 CBD to THC content ratio.

It is possible to choose a strain of cannabis or hemp that will best suit your needs or intended ratio to extract from. The extract can then be refined to contain specific cannabinoids, and the content is what determines if the CBD extract is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or CBD isolate.

What is CBD Isolate?

CBD isolate can be found in a white powder form and is the purest form of CBD. It is produced by extracting the CBD from the plant, usually hemp, and then isolating it from the other compounds including terpenes and other cannabinoids.

At CBDology, our CBD Isolate is 99.83% contains zero THC and can be used to make other CBD based products.

Pros of CBD isolate are that there is no trace of THC and therefore no risk of regular consumers failing a workplace drug test or a roadside drug drive test. This means it is generally considered a safe option. It’s also the purest form of CBD and is both tasteless and odourless. Additionally, many people find that having a 1000mg bottle of just CBD works better for them than having a full or broad spectrum product that contains say 600mg CBD, 350mg CBDa, and then 50mg making up a bunch of other cannabinoids. After all, CBD has most of the proven benefits out of all the other cannabinoids.

What is Full Spectrum CBD?

Unlike CBD Isolate, Full Spectrum CBD is an extract that contains all of the naturally-occurring compounds found in the plant. These include the essential oils, terpenes and other cannabinoids, which then work together to enhance the health and therapeutic benefits of the individual cannabinoid. This is known as the “entourage effect”.

However, full-spectrum CBD from less trustworthy sellers may contain illegal amounts of THC content and cause a psychoactive effect when used.

What is Broad Spectrum CBD?

Broad Spectrum CBD is basically full-spectrum CBD with one or more of the cannabinoids removed. Many broad spectrum oils on the market are in fact just CBD with one or two other cannabinoids in them so are closer to CBD Isolate oils than full spectrum oils really.

Similar to full-spectrum CBD, all of the compounds found in the plant are preserved in the extract. However, like CBD isolate, the THC is also completely removed in broad-spectrum CBD.

As broad-spectrum CBD contains multiple cannabinoids, it too can bring the enhanced ‘entourage effect benefits and without the psychoactive effects of THC.

CBD Products at CBDology

At CBDology, we offer fantastic customer service and a wide range of high-quality CBD products to choose from. These include CBD Oil, CBD Edibles, CBD Isolate, CBD Herbs and much more.

Leave us a message using our online contact form or call (+44) 0333 044 0111 to discuss your CBD product options with our expert team.

For further reading we suggest checking out our Can CBD Oil Help with Aches and Pains? article.

Our products are sold as dietary supplements only and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. It is recommended to check with a doctor before starting a new dietary supplement program.

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