What's the difference between Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolate?
Researching the best CBD oil for you can often lead to some confusion because there is more than just one type of CBD oil. Here is a brief overview of the three main types of CBD extract available and the differences between them. Hopefully this will help you decide which is the right CBD for you.
The 3 Main Types of CBD Extracts...
There are three main types of CBD extracts available: full spectrum, broad spectrum and CBD isolate.
1. Full Spectrum
The initial concentrated extract made from hemp plants results in an oil that has been minimally processed, and retains as many plant constituents as possible, intact and bio available. Constituents include all cannabinoids, terpenes, plant lipids and waxes, chlorophyll, antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins. A product made with minimally processed extract, like that of Chrysalis Earth Farm, is labeled as "Full Spectrum."
There are also products on the market labeled "Full Spectrum" that are made from concentrates that have been through a second extraction process called distillation. A hemp distillate extract has had the chlorophyll, lipids, and terpenes separated and removed, and usually have the terpenes added back in for flavor. The main motivation for putting the crude oil through a distillation is to make the flavor more bland and the color more light, as some brands believe a more neutral product is more appealing. Another reason to distill the crude extract is to remove pesticide/herbicide residues that can be present in hemp grown with the application of ag chemicals or in a field that may have ag chemical residues.
There are also products on the market labeled "Full Spectrum" that are made from concentrates that have been through a second extraction process called distillation. A hemp distillate extract has had the chlorophyll, lipids, and terpenes separated and removed, and usually have the terpenes added back in for flavor. The main motivation for putting the crude oil through a distillation is to make the flavor more bland and the color more light, as some brands believe a more neutral product is more appealing. Another reason to distill the crude extract is to remove pesticide/herbicide residues that can be present in hemp grown with the application of ag chemicals or in a field that may have ag chemical residues.
2. Broad Spectrum
Broad spectrum CBD is a distillation extract that has been through a further process to isolate and remove THC. Broad Spectrum CBD does not contain THC , and may also be lables at "THC- FREE." Broad Spectum does retain other minor cannabinoids and terpenes, so it may be a good choice for those looking for the ‘entourage’ effect of CBD without worrying about the THC content. More about the entourage effect in a minute.
3. CBD Isolate
CBD isolate has been through the most intensive industrial processes, and the result is a white crystalline powder whose contents are around 98% CBD molecules. A CBD isolate product may also be labeled as THC free.
CBD isolate contains no other cannibis plant compounds. CBD isolate has zero THC in it. Because there are no other compounds from the cannabis plant in CBD isolate, using CBD isolate will tell the person if CBD alone is effective in alleviating symptoms. CBD isolate is also the only CBD that can be used to make any water soluble products, such as bath bombs.
[Please Note: If a urine drug test is a concern, it is really important to check the labels and packaging carefully and to purchase CBD products from a reputable source.]
CBD isolate contains no other cannibis plant compounds. CBD isolate has zero THC in it. Because there are no other compounds from the cannabis plant in CBD isolate, using CBD isolate will tell the person if CBD alone is effective in alleviating symptoms. CBD isolate is also the only CBD that can be used to make any water soluble products, such as bath bombs.
[Please Note: If a urine drug test is a concern, it is really important to check the labels and packaging carefully and to purchase CBD products from a reputable source.]
The Entourage Effect
A phrase first introduced in 1999, the entourage effect refers to the synergistic action of all the parts of the cannibis plant, including THC, acting in harmony to provide the best experience and health benefits the plant can offer.
It is important to note that all CBD types have been shown to provide health benefits, which one you choose is dependent on your specific condition and response.
It is important to note that all CBD types have been shown to provide health benefits, which one you choose is dependent on your specific condition and response.
Product Standards
As the demand for CBD products grows, there are more and more brands available. Here are standards you should look for to ensure that what you are buying is legit:
- Testing by an iSO 17025 - compliant third-party lab
- Made with U.S. grown hemp
- Contains a maximum of 0.3% THC
- Has a certificate of analysis (COA) for passing tests for heavy metals, molds and pesticides
- Does not make any unsupported health claims
In conclusion...
- Full spectrum CBD = the full plant including legal levels of THC
- Broad spectrum CBD = most of the plant and no THC
- CBD isolate = pure CBD and nothing else
Hopefully the difference between 3 types of CBD extracts is now clear. If you have any other questions, please email us at chrysalisearthfarm@gmail.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Interested in trying our full spectrum CBD oil? Check out our online shop!