Broad Spectrum vs Isolate CBD: What's the Difference?
New to CBD? Who knew choosing CBD would get THIS complicated? We understand your struggles. As a beginner people may think CBD is just, CBD. A medicinal cannabinoid of the cannabis plant that is available in the market on its own.
But once you enter a CBD store, you get to know that it is not that simple. CBD products further have types of CBD that offer different effects and can have cannabinoids other than CBD.
Which CBD product shall work best? What is the difference between broad spectrum and CBD isolate? How to know what is going to work for me? We got you with all your queries regarding broad spectrum CBD and CBD isolate.
Broad Spectrum vs CBD Isolate
The difference between broad spectrum and CBD isolate lies in the presence of cannabinoids and terpenes. Broad spectrum, as the name suggests, covers a broad spectrum of cannabinoids, except THC, whereas CBD isolate is, well, CBD in its isolate form.
There is a difference between the concentration of CBD available in the products as well. The CBD isolate will have a significantly larger quantity of CBD than broad spectrum. The reason behind this shall be, again, the presence of other cannabinoids in the broad spectrum CBD which tend to affect the ratio.
What Is Broad Spectrum CBD?
Broad spectrum CBD is basically a product made by a solvent based extraction method in which the compounds present in the cannabis plant are extracted into the solvent. It is a broad spectrum and not a full spectrum because all the cannabinoids are not retained. It has a wide range of cannabinoids but not all the components of the plant. One cannabinoid that is especially removed from the product is THC, the cannabinoid known for its intoxicating, psychoactive effects.
Broad spectrum falls in the middle of full spectrum and CBD isolate. Since it has cannabinoids other than CBD, it has the potential to benefit the consumer with the entourage effect.
Benefits of Broad Spectrum CBD
Benefits of broad spectrum are basically the drawbacks of both CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD. broad spectrum is considered more beneficial than CBD isolate because it has other cannabinoids which means the effects shall be heightened.
It is considered better than full spectrum because it does not contain THC. So, even if the effects are heightened, they won’t produce an undesired high.
Related article: 4 Key Benefits of Using Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Instead of Regular CBD Oil
What Is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is basically CBD in its purest form. This extract does not contain any cannabinoid or terpene except cannabidiol. It is usually extracted in crystal form which is further grinded into powder form because it is easier to use CBD in powder form than in crystal form. The process called chromatography is followed in order to remove all other compounds of the cannabis plant and get a concentrated, pure CBD as an isolate.
Chromatography in simple words is the process of separating the components of a mixture. It is even known as washing the cannabis plant because liquid is injected in the cannabis plant in order to extract CBD.
Benefits of CBD Isolate
One of the main reasons why people use CBD isolate is because it offers CBD alone, in a pure concentrated form. CBD isolates are a go to p[roduct for people who wish to consume only CBD with no traces of THC or other cannabinoids.
Since there are no terpenes available either, the CBD isolate is neutral in flavor and aroma. This means it won’t alter the taste or aroma of the food and can be added to any and every meal one can imagine.
One of the most crucial points that needs to be noted is that CBD isolate does not show positive on a drug test.
However, there is no evidence that suggests CBD in its pure form has any added benefits or better effects on the body. But studies have found that the entourage effect can actually enhance the properties and effects of CBD.
Which Type of CBD Is the Best?
There is no one type of CBD that can be stated as “the best”. Every type of CBD has its own effects and benefits over the other one. So, which shall work best for one can be deduced to the health condition they have, and effects they are looking for.
To determine which type of CBD you should consider choosing for yourself, here are a few pros and cons of the different types of CBD that can come handy in making the decision:
CBD Isolate
- CBD isolate is pure CBD with no traces of any other cannabinoid of the cannabis plant. This makes the product hard to fail a drug test.
- CBD isolate has no smell or taste. It is absolutely neutral and can be added to anything.
- Since it has the properties and benefits of only one cannabinoid, it is usually cheaper than broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD.
- For athletes who cannot consume drugs of any sorts, CBD isolate can be a reliable medication for pain relief.
Broad Spectrum CBD
- Broad Spectrum CBD can offer you benefits of several cannabinoids along with CBD but without offering you any THC.
- It will produce the entourage effect and enhance the benefits and effects of CBD and other cannabinoids.
- Broad Spectrum CBD comes in a variety of products and can be consumed in a number of ways.
- If you are using a good quality broad spectrum CBD with no traces of THC, it would not show on a drug test.
Beginner Friendly Tips
In order to have a consistently satisfying experience even as a beginner, here are a few tips that will help you choose the right CBD every single time.
Know What CBD Is
Before choosing CBD as a treatment option, consider learning as much as you can about CBD and the cannabis plant. What CBD is, how it is derived, what are the effects, benefits, and side effects of CBD, how it shall help you, and if there is anything in your lifestyle that will alter or hinder the effects of CBD.
Choose a Delivery Method
CBD can be consumed in several ways. It depends on your condition which delivery method shall work best for you. You can choose to smoke, ingest, sublingually take or topically apply CBD. Every method works well with its own pros and cons but depending on your condition, lifestyle, and desired effects, the appropriate delivery method shall change.
Choose the Type of CBD
Depending on the desired effects and condition, again, you will have to choose a type of CBD. Explore, research, and decide if you want CBD alone or with other cannabinoids, and if you are fine with trace amounts of THC.
Choose a Reliable Brand
Not every CBD product available in the market is reliable. No matter what the description of the product or the brand itself claims. Always choose a product that has a third party lab test certificate, CoA to prove their claims are true. You can find this certificate either on the brand’s original website or in the form of a scannable QR code on the product.
Start Slow
Now that you have your hands on the CBD infused product, always remember starting slow will take you a long way. Watch your dosage and consider taking as low as 1 mg in the beginning. Increase dosage little by little as per your requirement but don’t forget to give it some time. Even though CBD is non intoxicating, it may offer undesired effects.
