CBD products have become increasingly popular over the last few years, with various options available on the market. Three common types of CBD products include CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD, and broad-spectrum CBD.
These different types of CBD vary in composition and can provide different benefits depending on individual needs. Understanding the differences between CBD isolate, full spectrum, and broad spectrum can help consumers make an informed decision when choosing a CBD product that best suits their specific needs.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are any chemical substance that combines with cannabinoid receptors found in the body and brain. This applies to any substance, no matter its structure or origin.
The most common cannabinoids come from the Cannabis Sativa plant. This plant mainly produces two key cannabinoids: cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
There are 113 different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Each of those cannabinoids falls under five main classes of cannabinoids: CBD, THC, CBN, CBG, and CBC.
Each cannabinoid has a unique list of benefits. They then work with other cannabinoids in our endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help maintain homeostasis. Like humans, other mammals also contain an ECS. That is why CBD also works for animals like cats, dogs, and horses.
This system directs Cannabinoids to CB1 and CB2 receptors all over our body. These receptors are tied to our nervous organs and immune systems. These cannabinoids provide functions to assist with muscle and joint discomfort, support relaxation, and aid with mood and sleep.*
What Does Each Cannabinoid Do For The Human Body?
Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid in the hemp plant. It has been shown to support your body's naturally occurring endocannabinoid levels, allowing the ECS to function properly.
The ECS is an incredibly important bodily system that helps maintain homeostasis for several critical bodily functions such as mood, appetite, memory, digestion, respiration, the perceived sensation of pain and stress, sleep, and more.*
CBD may support overall wellness, health, and well-being.* Click here to learn more about CBD.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid found primarily in the Marijuana plant. However, the industrial hemp plant has only a small amount of THC. Our ECS typically use THC in correlation with our brain and nervous system. THC can affect how our body perceives mood, pain, stress, etc.*
The effects of THC consist of increased comfort and calm. Adversely, when taken in large doses, it will temporarily cause increased appetite, memory loss, and possible hallucinations.
THC is considered an illegal substance in most places. Here in the U.S., it is legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. Click here to learn more about THC.
Cannabichromene (CBC): CBC is one of the many powerful cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant and is mainly used to assist with pain and inflammation.*
CBD and CBC are highly effective when targeting the perception of discomfort in our body's nervous system and organs. Click here to learn more about CBC.
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It can help our brain and nervous system when mood levels are too high.*
An interesting fact about CBG is that other cannabinoids are formed from the breaking down of CBG. CBG is also found to possess benefits for supporting discomfort.* Click here to learn more about CBG.
Cannabinol (CBN): CBN is often sold as a sleep aid.* Anecdotal evidence shows CBN could be a powerful sedative when taken in large doses.
CBN is found in the cannabis plant in small concentrations. It is the most like THC but without the psychoactive effect.* Click here to learn more about CBN.
Now that we have more information about the different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant let's talk about the differences between isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum CBD oils.
Hemp Isolate vs CBD Isolate.
What is Hemp Isolate? Hemp isolate is not a legitimate, standalone product, as the term is often used incorrectly or misleadingly in marketing. The confusion arises because "hemp" refers to the entire plant, which contains various cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds. However, "hemp isolate" is typically a misnomer used to describe what is actually a CBD isolate, which is a single, isolated cannabinoid (CBD) derived from hemp.
CBD isolate is pure cannabidiol, extracted and refined to remove all other plant materials, leaving behind only the cannabinoid itself.
Differences Between Isolate vs. Full-Spectrum CBD And Broad-Spectrum CBD?
What is Full-Spectrum CBD Products?
For a CBD oil to be classified as Full Spectrum CBD oil, it must contain a full cannabinoid profile. That means the oil must contain every cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, including THC. As mentioned above, there are over 113 different cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
Many people claim that Full Spectrum CBD oil is the most effective oil because of its full cannabinoid profile. When all the cannabinoids are present in the oil, the entourage effect takes place.
What is the entourage effect, and how does it work? Each cannabinoid has unique effects and benefits, but its behavior may be enhanced or changed in the presence of other cannabinoids.
The biggest distinction that sets the full spectrum apart from the broad spectrum is the THC content. It's important to remember that not all full-spectrum CBD oils are legal to possess or use due to the THC content in the product.
Full spectrum CBD oils that contain trace amounts of THC and are treated much like marijuana would be treated. Products containing a THC level of 0.3% are technically legal at the federal level, but some states have zero THC tolerance laws.
So, if you are drug tested often, you will want to avoid this type of CBD. THC has been known to cause some adverse side effects when taken in large quantities.
What is Broad Spectrum CBD Products?
To be considered broad-spectrum CBD oil, there needs to be more than one cannabinoid present. Broad means that it contains various cannabinoids but not the full cannabinoid profile.
Most broad-spectrum CBD oils contain the full spectrum profile minus the exception of THC. The entourage effect still occurs in broad-spectrum CBD oil, but without the presence of THC, it may be less effective than full-spectrum CBD.
Most choose broad over full-spectrum CBD because their job or other reasons require them to be THC-free. Some choose to avoid THC, making broad-spectrum CBD the optimal choice.
What is CBD Isolate Products?
CBD isolate oil is classified as such because of the type of CBD in the product. Full and broad spectrum CBD is Co2 extract down to a syrup-like liquid. However, cannabis isolates are taken one step further. They are broken down even further into individual isolated forms.
To be considered a CBD isolate product, the product will only contain one cannabinoid or be made with these isolates. So, you could have a product with just CBD isolate or see CBD isolate paired with another cannabinoid like CBN isolate.
Most other CBD forms contain additional cannabinoids and natural compounds like terpenes and flavonoids retained during extraction, but these other compounds are sometimes lost during the isolate extraction process.
In the extraction process of cannabinoid isolates, you are left with fine crystals. These crystals are then reduced to a powder that can easily be added to food, oils, creams, or beverages.
Isolates are the most versatile type of CBD, but it is considered less effective than Full and broad-spectrum CBD products. This is because you only benefit from whatever cannabinoid singular cannabinoid is in the product.
Which CBD oil is the best option?
When it comes down to it, it depends on the individual. If you find that your body has lots of needs and you live in a state where THC isn't restricted, then Full Spectrum CBD oil would be best for you.
Broad Spectrum or Isolate CBD Oil will be the best option if you live in a state with THC restrictions. Learn more about picking the right CBD product in our blog "How to choose the right CBD product."
Sum It Up!
The only one who knows what's best for you is you. Hopefully, this blog helped clarify what to look for when starting your CBD journey and explained the differences between broad spectrum vs. full spectrum CBD vs. isolate CBD oil.
If you are still trying to decide which oil to try, we suggest starting with the safest one: our broad-spectrum CBD oil. CBD oils can be expensive, but that shouldn't stop you from finding the help you seek.
Why Choose Zatural CBD oils?
Zatural has years of experience when it comes to CBD. Zatural was founded by a naturopathic doctor who aims to provide natural remedies for her patients.
Zatural prides itself on supplying the best natural CBD product on the market today. Free from harmful chemicals, fillers, additives, and artificial ingredients, Zatural CBD is the purest CBD available.
Zatural is so confident in our products that we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Each CBD product contains a third-party lab test to prove its authenticity. If you are still trying to figure it out? Click on the image below to try Broad Spectrum CBD oil for free.
Still Looking?
Interested in Broad Spectrum CBD and the other cannabinoids like CBN, CBC, or CBG? Look no further than our Build Your Own Broad Spectrum CBD oil tinctures. These tinctures allow you to have larger CBD strengths and increase the number of other cannabinoids in the bottle.
Zatural CBD Products
For educational purposes only FDA DISCLAIMER
*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
4 comments
Hi Stevey, that’s awesome that you are giving our Full Spectrum CBD oil a try. I hope our product is the one you’ve been looking for! 🤞😁🤞
I ordered my first bottle of broad spectrum on Monday. I was hoping I would have it by now. I’ve tried about 17 to 21 different brands over the last 5 years and so far none have helped at all with my pain. I live in California so this is the first tine I was able to order it with a tiny bit of THC. I’m praying it works!! Wish me luck🙏🤞🏻
Hello Nomi,
Thank you so much for your inquiry and I am happy to help! Our CBC + CBD Isolate is called an Isolate because we make it by infusing both CBD Isolate and CBD Isolate together with our carrier oil. Each Isolate ingredient contains a single cannabinoid.
I hope this information helps!
Thank you and please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.
I’ve been taking your CBC isolate oil and have found it very helpful for pain and inflammation (and sleep too!). But I’m still confused about why it’s called an isolate when it has two cannabinoids in it—CBC and CBD. From this article: “In order to be classified as a CBD isolate oil, the oil can only contain one Cannabinoid.” Thanks in advance for clarifying.