What’s all this fuss about spectrums? The labels and packing design make all CBD products look essentially the same, but the differences between full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolates are actually important to consider. 

Shopping for CBD can be confusing these days with so many new options available. Not all CBDs are made the same. In this brief guide we’ll explain the differences between full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate to help you make a better, informed decision when shopping for CBD.

What is CBD? What are Cannabinoids? And why are they good for us?

CBD is the abbreviation for Cannabidiol, one of many types of Cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are the natural chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant and scientists have identified over 113 of them so far.

Cannabinoids can play a role in our well-being because they interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is the primary regulatory network in all animals, including us humans. It is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters throughout the body, and it has a wide range of important biological functions such as memory, sleep regulation, pain perception, immune response, stress management, and mood regulation.

Cannabinoids can bolster our health and well-being by interacting with the ECS to strengthen the body’s natural processes. For example, better sleep in and of itself can address a number of health issues and lead to positive outcomes.

Research has shown that each cannabinoid has a unique relationship with the ECS and does different things. The most well-recognized example being that THC has been identified as the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis responsible for interacting with the ECS to induce the feeling of “getting high”.

On the other hand, CBD by itself is not intoxicating and does not have psychoactive properties. Instead, CBD interacts with the ECS to deliver a range of potential health benefits including but not limited to the relief or alleviation of pain, stress, and anxiety.

Notably, premium CBD products are sourced from industrial hemp cultivated for non-drug use. Hemp itself is grown to have very little THC, and the CBD extraction process helps to further strip away all other unwanted chemical compounds. As a result, CBD products extracted from hemp contain extremely little to no THC at all. The typical amount is below 0.3% and that makes these CBD products both non-psychoactive and federally legal in all 50 states as of 2018.

Other cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC) have their own set of unique interactions with the ECS and subsequent effects. The full set of all cannabinoids found within cannabis is what creates the “cannabinoid spectrum” which full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products refer to.

What is Full-Spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum extracts, as the name implies, contain all phytochemicals naturally found in the source cannabis plant. This spectrum includes trace cannabinoids, terpenes, and essential oils on top of CBD. The benefit of retaining all of these active compounds to create a full spectrum is known as the entourage effect.

The entourage effect refers to the synergy achieved by the full spectrum. The presence of each individual compound helps to amplify the therapeutic properties of the others while mitigating potential side effects. In this way, the full spectrum of active compounds found in the cannabis plant work together to enhance the overall efficacy and health benefits of CBD.

Full-spectrum CBD derived from industrial hemp will have very little THC content at or below 0.3%. That being said, even though full-spectrum CBD is non-psychoactive and negligible in THC content, users can still receive a false positive during drug screening because trace amounts of THC will show up on the test.

Users who routinely consume high doses of full-spectrum CBD oil are especially vulnerable to false positives on drug tests. This is why broad-spectrum CBD was introduced to the market.

What is Broad-Spectrum CBD?

Broad-spectrum CBD has all the bells and whistles of full-spectrum CBD except for THC which is completely removed from the extract. This makes broad-spectrum CBD, in theory, the perfect middle ground between full-spectrum CBD and pure CBD isolate.

By retaining a “broad” spectrum of cannabinoids and other important active compounds derived from the cannabis plant, broad-spectrum CBD extracts still produce the beneficial entourage effect without THC.

What is CBD Isolate?

Finally, CBD isolate is exactly what it sounds like: the purest, most concentrated form of CBD. Unlike full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD, in isolated CBD all of the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and etc. are completely filtered out and removed. The result is a CBD isolate that is typically 99% pure. In other words, 1 gram of isolate powder would contain 990 mg of CBD.

As a result, CBD isolate does not benefit from the entourage effect and only delivers the specific therapeutic properties of CBD (cannabidiol) alone.

Why is Full Spectrum Pricier Than Isolate?

Since full-spectrum CBD retains the benefits of the entire plant through the entourage effect, full-spectrum CBD products are typically priced higher than broad-spectrum and isolated CBD. It is harder to maintain consistent ratios when working with full-spectrum extract, in part due to the fact that full-spectrum CBD is the least processed form of CBD. Hence the overall of benefits of full-spectrum CBD is higher than other forms.

On the other hand, CBD isolate is cheaper to make because it is a more straightforward manufacturing process. CBD is extracted from the plant and all other compounds are filtered out. As a result, CBD isolate is also the most processed form of CBD unlike full-spectrum and broad-spectrum blends.

Which Spectrum is Right For You?

At the end of the day, only you can make the right call for yourself. Every person has unique needs and a unique response to CBD. To get the best treatment, you need to choose the CBD that will fit best with your individual circumstances.

Each of these different forms of CBD have varying pros and cons. None of them are inherently better than the other two. To close this discussion, here’s a little list of pros and cons to help guide you in making an informed decision:

Full-Spectrum CBD

Pros

• Benefits from the entourage effect
• Least amount of processing
• Retains terpenes and flavonoids for additional health effects

Cons

• Could result in a false positive for THC on a drug test
• THC content may conflict with local laws
• Has the strong, natural flavor and aroma of hemp

Recommended User

• Someone who wants to benefit from the trace amounts of THC leftover in the full-spectrum extract
• Individuals with severe symptoms that broad-spectrum and isolated CBD products do not adequately help with
• Anyone who does not have to worry about the THC content such as a resident of a cannabis legal state

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Pros

• Benefits from the entourage effect
• Less processing required than CBD isolate
• No THC and produces no psychoactive effects

Cons

• Limited supply and availability compared to other forms
• Less researched because it is relatively new to the market
• May retain the strong, natural flavor and aroma of hemp

Recommended User

• Individuals with severe symptoms that CBD isolate products fail to help with
• Individuals who want to avoid THC completely
• Individuals afraid of failing a drug test

CBD Isolate

Pros

• Most concentrated form of CBD
• No THC and produces no psychoactive effects
• Highly versatile, flavorless, and most affordable
• Does not result in false positives on drug tests

Cons

• Does not offer the full benefits of the entourage effect
• Requires more processing than full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD

Recommended User

• CBD users recommended to take very high doses of CBD for their conditions
• Individuals sensitive to other cannabinoids and who want to avoid THC
• New CBD users
• Individuals afraid of failing a drug test
• Users who want flavorless products

Conclusion

Now that you know what the differences are between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolated CBD, you can shop with more confidence. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing one spectrum over another. The unique characteristics of your body and life are some of the most important things to listen to. Think about the way your body responds and experiment to find the perfect sweet spot.