Broad Spectrum Vs. Full Spectrum Vs. Isolate
When learning more about CBD, it seems like there’s always more to learn.
The field isn’t only still emerging—with more scientific studies and new information coming out on CBD all the time—but it’s riddled with confusing terms and similar-sounding scientific words and an alphabet soup’s worth of acronyms.
One of the biggest points of confusion for newcomers to the CBD world is the difference between “full spectrum,” “broad spectrum” and “isolate” products.
The terms may seem to add just one more layer of industry jargon to a jar of CBD oil, but they’re actually pretty easy to understand – and can make a big impact on the type of product that you decide to use.
What’s The Difference?
When it comes to placing CBD – better known as cannabidiol – on the spectrum, it mostly comes down to the way the product it’s being included in is processed by makers.
Aside from discoveries about the role CBD plays in our bodies and brains, there have been a number of advancements in the ability for scientists to isolate and extract certain chemical compounds from within a plant.
For cannabis, these methods have become particularly popular, as CBD is just one of more than 100 cannabinoids found within the plant. And that’s not to mention flavonoids[link] and terpenes – additional compounds found within cannabis-based products.
When putting their products together – for a number of reasons – some companies may not want all of those plant parts involved. So what you end up with is a product that’s somewhere along the spectrum.
Essentially, you can think of the spectrum stipulation as a reference to how many cannabinoids made the final cut – but, specifically, the terms refer to:
Full Spectrum
The full enchilada.
These are for CBD users who really want it all – every part of the cannabis plant, that is.
Full-spectrum CBD products have not been altered and include every cannabinoid, flavonoid and terpene found in that strain of hemp – including THC, though, in order to be legally sold, the level must be below 0.03%.
Many CBD enthusiasts consider these the superior type of CBD product, as each cannabinoid, flavonoid and terpene is thought to bring unique biological qualities to the table that add up to something called the entourage effect, making the final product greater than the sum of its parts.
Still, there’s rampant debate in the scientific community about the existence of the entourage effect. It officially remains a theory, for now.
And full spectrum products may also not be right for those concerned about consuming THC, no matter at how low a level.
Broad Spectrum
You may get the broad idea of something – without seeing the full picture.
So it goes with CBD products.
In this case, broad spectrum refers to a type of CBD product that contains some—but not all—of the components of the cannabis plant.
This most typically means a product that includes everything but THC, though there are some broad spectrum products that eliminate other types of terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids, in order to create a more “custom” mix. It’s best to read the label, if possible, to try to discern what is and is not included in a broad spectrum product.
Many CBD enthusiasts enjoy these custom mixes – and many more like the fact that they can have a THC-free product that still offers all the benefits of CBD plus many other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.
Broad spectrum is the type of CBD you get when you use Mr. Moxey’s products. We think it helps
Isolate
Isolates are the simplest kinds of CBD products – literally and figuratively.
The term refers to a product that includes CBD only, as the plant part has been isolated, extracted, and infused into an oil, pill or other type of product.
These products, of course, offer the benefits of cannabidiol, though many argue that the chemical compound offers a better kick when mixed in with at least some fellow cannabinoids.
Which Type Of CBD Product Is Right For Me?
As you can see, each type of CBD product has its potential benefits and drawbacks, and there’s no way to determine what’s best for individuals. What works for you may not work for someone else, for any number of reasons.
Aside from whether you want a broad spectrum, full spectrum or isolate product, you should also consider the strength of the formula (or, how much CBD is used per ounce or milliliter), and the delivery method. Some ways of consuming CBD will release the chemical into your body faster, slower, or all together differently than others.
The best way to determine which product will work best for you is to keep doing your research, whittle your choices down to the safest and best products you can find, and figure it out the old-fashioned way: By trying.
REFERENCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/full-spectrum-vs-broad-spectrum-cbd
https://www.mrmoxeys.com/blogs/news/what-is-cbd
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/full-spectrum-cbd-vs-broad-spectrum-cbd#differences
