CBD Isolate vs Full-Spectrum (Prelude) - What do these terms actually mean?
In the sea of CBD products, it’s hard to find the right type of product for specific effects & maximum benefit.
You may see CBD products labeled as Full-Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, CBD Isolate or CBD Distillate - but what do these terms actually mean?
We’ll explore the effects of full spectrum hemp products against the more-processed CBD isolates currently dominating the hemp market, contrasting the pros and cons of each CBD infusion method.
With this guide, you’ll be able to decide which CBD infusion method is most suited to your needs so you can start your CBD journey on the right foot!
CBD 101: What is Full Spectrum CBD vs CBD Isolate?
Full Spectrum CBD benefits
The definition of “Full Spectrum” CBD has been unfortunately muddied by shady marketing tactics in the unregulated hemp CBD market.
A truly Full Spectrum CBD product will simply strive to capture all of the active compounds found naturally in the starting hemp strain.
Preferably from craft hemp, as industrial hemp is naturally lower in CBD & the other beneficial compounds below.
These active compounds include:
CBD - the main active cannabinoid in hemp
THC - the euphoric cannabinoid (which must be below 0.3% by weight in hemp & CBD products)
Minor Cannabinoids - including CBG, CBN, CBC, and many other cannabinoid molecules similar in structure to CBD & THC. Click the hyperlink above to explore the individual effects & benefits of these other hemp cannabinoids.
Terpenes - nature’s powerful scent & flavor molecules are found throughout nearly all plants and have been used in traditional medicine for millennia. Modern craft hemp has a rich diversity of beneficial terpenes you may already be enjoying from other natural sources. Use the Hemp Terpene guide linked above to learn the effects, scents & health benefits of the common hemp terpenes.
So what does full spectrum CBD mean for you as the consumer?
In short, more potential benefits from additional active hemp molecules that are naturally designed to work together to support our health.
What is CBD Isolate?
As the name may suggest, the definition of CBD isolate is a single-molecule hemp product type which has been processed in such a way that only the non-euphoric cannabinoid Cannabidiol (called CBD for short) remains and all other molecules are removed.
True “CBD isolate” will contain zero THC, zero minor cannabinoids, zero terpenes - no other active compounds or residual plant material from the starting hemp.
This should be backed up by lab testing & proper labeling that ensures no cannabinoids besides pure CBD remain in the product.
You can think of CBD Isolate & Full-Spectrum CBD products as opposite ends of the cannabinoid infusion spectrum with regards to their chemical diversity.
So if you see a product marketed as “Full-Spectrum CBD Isolate”, this is a contradiction and a huge red flag that the company might be making dubious claims about the chemical makeup of their products.
Now that you understand the difference between CBD Isolate & truly Full-Spectrum hemp products, let’s examine some other CBD infusion marketing terms you might see.
CBD Science & Marketing Terms
Beyond the CBD Isolate & Full-Spectrum terms, you might see a product labeled as infused with “Broad-Spectrum” or “Distillate”.
If you see a CBD product marketed as “Broad-Spectrum”, this likely means that isolates of other cannabinoids and/or terpenes have been added in along with the CBD isolate to simulate a narrow portion of the full chemical matrix found in hemp.
However, these Broad-Spectrum products are distinguished from Full-Spectrum because not all compounds can be added back in. For instance, THC is frequently left out intentionally from broad-spectrum CBD products, while some terpenes may be reintroduced for taste or effects.
While CBD Isolate cannot be full-spectrum by definition, you may see products marketed as “Full-Spectrum CBD Distillate” instead.
So can CBD Distillate be Full-Spectrum?
Usually not, due to the natural loss of some active compounds in the extraction process due to high heat, pressure, or evaporation of the tiny volatile terpene molecules.
When in Doubt…
If a CBD product is labeled as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, distillate or isolate, check for available lab results on the starting hemp or CBD source, and the final CBD product, to confirm the presence of any and all cannabinoids + terpenes.
We’ll give you more tips on verifying your CBD product’s infusion method in Part 2 of this blog series, but first let’s explore what the current science says about the possible benefits of full spectrum CBD hemp products.