CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD. What do these terms mean, and what’s the difference between these two types of CBD?
The primary difference between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD is that full-spectrum CBD contains other compounds from the hemp/cannabis plant, while CBD isolate is pure CBD.
In addition to CBD, full-spectrum CBD contains cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (less than 0.3% to comply with federal law), as well as terpenes, which are naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis sativa plant.
With CBD isolate, these secondary cannabinoids and terpenes have been stripped away, leaving just cannabidiol (CBD).
When you use full-spectrum CBD, you receive the entourage effect. The entourage effect is a phenomenon in which different compounds in hemp work together to produce therapeutic benefits that aren’t possible if you take cannabinoids in isolation.
While CBD isolate won’t give you the entourage effect, it is helpful if you cannot have THC in your system due to regular drug testing as a part of your job.
Beyond these basic differences, there are some practical considerations to be made when choosing between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD – that’s what we get into here.
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CBD Terminology: What’s In The Hemp Plant?
To fully understand different types of CBD, it’s helpful to understand what’s in a hemp plant.
- Cannabis sativa – An herbaceous flowering plant with a variety of potential therapeutic benefits. Commonly known as cannabis.
- Hemp – Defined by federal law as a variant of cannabis sativa that contains less than 0.3% THC. Apart from THC content, hemp is genetically the same as cannabis sativa.
- Cannabinoids – A class of compounds found in the hemp plant that bind to, or interact with, the endocannabinoid system in your body in various ways, thereby rendering various therapeutic benefits. Common cannabinoids include CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, and CBC.
- Terpenes – A class of compounds found in all plants, including the cannabis sativa plant, that are separate from cannabinoids. Many terpenes have significant health benefits.
- Flavonoids – A class of metabolites (substances made when food is broken down) found in the hemp plant, different from both cannabinoids and terpenes.
What is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is a type of hemp extract that consists only of CBD.
In the hemp/cannabis plant, CBD occurs along with other cannabinoids, such as CBG and THC, as well as terpenes and flavonoids.
When CBD isolate is produced, these other components are filtered out, leaving just CBD. This CBD can then be combined with other ingredients to make products like gummies and oil.
What is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD is a type of hemp extract that contains CBD along with all the other compounds that naturally occur in the hemp plant.
In its natural form, hemp contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. In essence, full-spectrum extracts present CBD in its natural form, with all of these other compounds present.
Among the cannabinoids that naturally occur along with CBD are CBG, delta 9 THC, CBN, and CBC, all of which have unique benefits and effects.
Because of the wide range of natural compounds that full-spectrum CBD blends contain, they’re typically more beneficial from a therapeutic standpoint than CBD isolate blends.
The phenomenon in which cannabinoid and terpene combinations are more beneficial than isolate cannabinoids is known as the entourage effect.
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CBD Isolate vs. Full Spectrum CBD: Key Differences
Although we’ve discussed the basic differences between CBD isolate and full-spectrum, it’s helpful to compare each type of CBD on certain dimensions so you can decide which is better for you:
THC Content
Full-spectrum CBD contains up to 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while CBD isolate contains no THC.
Secondary Cannabinoid Profile
Full-spectrum CBD contains smaller amounts of other cannabinoids, such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD isolate contains no other cannabinoids and is just CBD.
Therapeutic Benefits
Due to the presence of other cannabinoids, as well as terpenes, full-spectrum CBD is generally more beneficial from a therapeutic standpoint than CBD isolate is – this is known as the entourage effect.
Taste
Full-spectrum CBD extract has “the hemp flavor” because it contains terpenes, which are natural compounds responsible for the flavor, smell, and even some of the benefits of most plants, including hemp.
CBD isolate is tasteless since it contains no terpenes.
Benefits of CBD
Because of the compounds it includes, full-spectrum CBD generally renders therapeutic benefits to a greater degree than CBD isolate does.
However, research suggests CBD – in any form – may have therapeutic potential in many areas.
CBD may promote physical relaxation
Several studies and surveys suggest CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
In one clinical study, transdermal (topical) CBD significantly reduced joint swelling.
A research review examining several studies found that CBD may have beneficial effects for both chronic and acute pain.
Research has also looked at the potential benefits of CBD for autoimmune disorders and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS).
In the realm of firsthand experiences, scientists conducted a survey of 253 CBD users to understand how effective CBD was for pain.
59.0% of respondents reported that CBD helped their pain and 67.6% said it allowed them to reduce the amount of pain medications they were taking.
CBD may promote restful sleep
Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that CBD may provide a viable natural alternative to melatonin and other sleep supplements.
One research review found that CBD may provide therapeutic support for insomnia.
Anecdotally, many people use CBD to supplement or replace Ambien and other sleep medications.
Unlike most sleep medications, CBD can support sleep from multiple angles. In addition to creating calm, relaxing sensations, it has therapeutic potential in other areas that allow it to promote comprehensive wellness.
CBD may promote mental balance and relaxation
One study found that CBD reduced physiological and behavioral stress responses to anxiety and stress.
Another study found that CBD decreased negative feelings in people subjected to a public speaking test.
Research suggests that CBD may work similarly to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of medications commonly prescribed for anxiety.
Whether it’s through this mechanism of action or another, many studies indicate CBD has calming benefits.
CBD has therapeutic potential for depression
In addition to anxiety, depression is another common reason that SSRI medications are prescribed. CBD may have benefits here as well.
Research suggests CBD has therapeutic potential for depression, and many people use CBD for seasonal affective disorder.
CBD may have anti-seizure properties
CBD is FDA-approved as an anti-seizure medication for specific types of epilepsy, in the form of Epidiolex.
Epidiolex is CBD isolate. Clinical trials for this drug show that it may vastly reduce seizures for several forms of epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome.
Research also indicates that artisanal CBD products (the type we and other companies sell) may improve the quality of life for epilepsy patients.
Anecdotally, many people use CBD as an alternative to Keppra, a common epilepsy prescription.
CBD may help with addiction
There is research indicating that CBD has the potential to help people break their addiction to opioids, cocaine, and psychostimulant drugs.
The above study also shows that CBD may help with cannabis and tobacco addiction in humans, though more research is needed.
Pros and Cons of CBD Isolate
There are some benefits to using CBD in its pure, isolate form, however, there are also drawbacks.
Pros of CBD Isolate
- Won’t show up on a drug test – CBD isolate doesn’t contain any THC, so it won’t cause you to fail a drug test.
- Has no taste – Because CBD isolate doesn’t contain terpenes, it doesn’t give “the hemp flavor,” which you may not like.
- Is just CBD – If you’re new to CBD and unsure about using other cannabinoids, such as THC, CBD isolate allows you to consume just cannabidiol. Although you won’t benefit from the entourage effect, CBD still has many benefits when used by itself.
Cons of CBD Isolate
- Not as effective as full-spectrum CBD – Because isolate blends don’t also contain additional cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, they aren’t as beneficial as full-spectrum CBD blends, which do have these compounds. For example, CBG, a cannabinoid found in full-spectrum CBD, has potential benefits for inflammation and pain, as well as mentally energizing effects. THC has deeply relaxing effects. If you opt for CBD isolate, you won’t be benefiting from these other cannabinoids.
Pros and Cons of Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD also has unique benefits and drawbacks.
Pros of Full-Spectrum CBD
- Full-spectrum CBD is the most effective form of CBD – Due to the entourage effect, full-spectrum CBD is more beneficial than CBD isolate (as well as broad-spectrum CBD, which is full-spectrum CBD without THC) for therapeutic purposes.
- Undergoes minimal processing – Because the CBD in full-spectrum blends doesn’t have to be separated from the other compounds in hemp, you’ll get a product that’s been minimally processed.
Cons of Full-Spectrum CBD
- Will show up on drug tests – Full-spectrum CBD contains a small amount of THC (less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, to be federally legal in the US), so it may cause you to fail a drug test. However, the amount of THC in full-spectrum CBD is not enough to get you high.
- Has “the hemp flavor” – Because it contains terpenes, full-spectrum CBD may give a bitter, earthy flavor and smell. Some people don’t like it; you may enjoy it. It won’t be very noticeable in well-made edibles, but it will be obvious in many CBD oils.
CBD Isolate vs. Full Spectrum CBD for Anxiety
Although CBD will render mentally relaxing and calming effects no matter what form it’s in, full-spectrum CBD tends to be more beneficial for anxiety.
This is because other cannabinoids that full-spectrum CBD contains, cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG), in particular, also have calming and clarifying benefits.
CBD Isolate vs. Full Spectrum CBD for Pain & Inflammation
As with anxiety, full-spectrum CBD is more beneficial than CBD isolate for pain and inflammation.
Due to the THC and CBN present in full-spectrum CBD, it renders a deeper calming effect than CBD isolate. Due to the CBG, it has more therapeutic potential against physical discomfort than CBD does by itself.
CBD Isolate vs. Full Spectrum CBD for Dogs
Humans are one thing – but what about dogs? Which type of CBD is better for dogs, CBD isolate or full-spectrum?
From a therapeutic standpoint, full-spectrum CBD is the best for dogs, especially those dealing with physical discomfort or who require chronic pain management or palliative care.
The cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, and THC in full-spectrum blends may contribute to the benefits CBD has for your dog’s physical comfort.
However, there is a major upside to using CBD isolate with your dog: it’s tasteless. If your dog can’t stand the taste of CBD oil due to the hemp flavor, CBD isolate may be a better option (assuming CBD dog treats aren’t convenient because they’re hard to dose or your dog can’t or won’t eat them).
How to Shop for CBD Products
Before you begin shopping for CBD, whether online or at your local store, here are some things to keep in mind to find the highest-quality products.
Check Lab Reports
Only buy products that have a certificate of analysis (COA) from a 3rd-party lab. Lab testing is done to ensure the potency, safety, and authenticity of a product. When you review the lab report, be sure to look at the following:
- Cannabinoid profile: Depending on whether you’re buying CBD isolate or full-spectrum CBD, you’ll need to look for specific cannabinoids. CBD isolate should not contain THC; full-spectrum CBD should contain CBN, CBG, THC, CBC, and other cannabinoids.
- Potency: Check that the amount of CBD or other cannabinoids listed in the lab report matches what’s listed on the product’s label.
- Contaminants: Make sure the product passes the tests for heavy metals, pesticides, and mold.
Read Ingredients
Make sure the ingredients list for the product you’re interested in specifically says cannabidiol. If it says hempseed oil or cannabis sativa oil, it doesn’t contain any CBD.
Make Sure it’s Responsibly Sourced
Buy products that are made from organic hemp grown in the US.
Because US hemp is subject to regulation, it won’t contain more than 0.3% THC by law, so you can assume with high confidence that you’re getting a safe, high-quality product.
Conclusion: Which Type of CBD is Better?
Full-spectrum CBD contains small amounts of other compounds in hemp, terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids – including small amounts of THC. By contrast, CBD isolate only contains CBD. While full-spectrum CBD blends render the most benefits, CBD isolates may still provide therapeutic effects.
Unless you have to undergo regular drug testing for THC, we suggest going with full-spectrum CBD. The other cannabinoids it contains, as well as the beneficial terpenes and flavonoids that it includes, mean that it offers stronger, more comprehensive benefits than other types of CBD.
CBD Isolate vs. Full-Spectrum: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we frequently get asked by our customers about the differences between CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD.
Which is better, CBD isolate or full-spectrum?
CBD isolate is a good choice if you need to undergo regular drug testing, since it doesn’t contain THC. However, full-spectrum CBD renders stronger, more beneficial therapeutic effects than CBD isolate.
Why choose CBD isolate?
CBD isolate is a great option if you have to undergo regular drug testing and can’t have THC in your system. It’s also ideal if you’re a beginner and want to see how your body reacts to CBD before you try other cannabinoids. One last benefit of CBD isolate is that it’s tasteless.
Which form of CBD is most effective?
Full-spectrum CBD is the most effective type of CBD because it also contains cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and THC, as well as terpenes, natural hemp compounds. All of these compounds together render a greater therapeutic benefit than CBD alone, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
Is CBD isolate 100% CBD?
CBD isolate is a crystalline, flavorless powder (that can be added to products like gummies) that is 99%+ pure. All hemp plant matter and compounds have been removed.
