CBD Isolate vs Full-Spectrum (Part 2) - How to verify a product
Part 2: How Do You Know if a CBD Product is Really “Full Spectrum”?
You know the difference between the definitions of CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD, as well as the potential science of full spectrum CBD benefits, but now you’re left wondering…
“How can I tell which CBD products are which?”
As we hit on in our recent "CBD Lab Results Explained" blog series, it is often necessary to look beyond the label of your CBD product to learn the full truth of what it actually contains, as well as the safety and efficacy of those ingredients.
The best way to know if a CBD product is full spectrum is to look at the complete lab results for both the final product and the starting CBD source when possible.
Full-spectrum hemp products will contain not only CBD, but also:
an allowable concentration of THC (less than or equal to 0.3% by weight)
possibly minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, CBC or other lesser-known cannabinoids
2+ varieties of hemp terpenes, in most cases (though these may not be tested for or disclosed reliably in all states or all product types, based on current testing limitations).
Whenever possible, try to find out exactly what process is used to infuse your CBD product with cannabinoids to determine whether it is full spectrum or distillate/isolate in nature.
CBD companies with good manufacturing processes and adequate transparency should be able to tell you exactly how the cannabinoids are added to their products, and why they choose that infusion method.
For example, at Periodic Caramels we slow-simmer craft hemp flower in butter and coconut oil to capture all the naturally occuring cannabinoids & terpenes in the starting hemp in our final batches of house-infused hemp-butter and hemp-coconut oil.
The full spectrum compounds of the craft hemp are then transfered directly into our hemp CBD edibles using a simple, classic soft caramel candy recipe.
This ancient infusion method is one way to ensure minimal loss of active cannabinoids + a final edible that is as close to the organic chemical matrix of the hemp plant as possible.
While we’re advocates of full spectrum hemp infusions for obvious reasons, there are also several potential applications for CBD isolate as well.
CBD isolate is often added to CBD edibles as a flavorless crystalline powder as seen here, or CBD molecules suspended in oil.
If you’re concerned about drug tests or are extremely sensitive to THC’s euphoric effects, many sources in the hemp world will recommend looking for a CBD isolate product with no THC at all to reduce these risks.
However, it is important to note that it’s still risky to use pure CBD isolate products if you may be drug tested due to the possibility of undisclosed THC contamination leading to a positive drug test. So if you are required to be drug tested, it may be best to avoid CBD altogether.
That said, trying out a CBD isolate product can be a good way to mitigate the euphoric effects of THC for those who are particularly sensitive to intoxication, or those who have found full spectrum products they’ve tried before produce unwanted side-effects, which most likely come from THC or a possible terpene sensitivity.
CBD isolate is also a popular choice for infusing CBD edibles because it is completely flavorless, while full-spectrum infusions typically have a distinctive flavor from the terpene content + residual plant compounds.
This is ultimately a matter of personal preference that you will need to try for yourself. Some folks love the flavor of full-spectrum products & consider the taste to be a mark of high-quality hemp flower infusion, while some prefer the discreet flavorless nature of CBD isolates instead. Try both and see which one you like more!
Learn more about CBD Labeling & Testing requirements in your state
It’s important to remember that some states with strict hemp policies require CBD products to contain no traces of THC at all to be legally compliant with their hemp program.
This level of restriction effectively makes any kind of full-spectrum or whole-plant hemp product illegal, so it may be the case that only CBD isolate products are available in your home state’s CBD market.
You can learn more about the state-by-state CBD rules & what hemp products you have access to in your state in this article: CBD Laws by State
Conclusion: Find What Fits Your Needs by Careful Experimentation
There are benefits and possible concerns with both CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD depending on your usage & needs.
The best CBD product infusion for your unique needs will ultimately be determined by what you hope to use CBD for, what you can legally access in your state, and which product you find gives the best results for you after some careful experimentation with lab-tested CBD products of different infusion methods & formulations.
If you have specific questions about what CBD product might be ideal for your needs, please Contact Us using the Button below and we will be happy to guide you on your CBD journey.