Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum CBD vs CBD Isolate

CBD is suddenly everywhere and is being presented in many different formats such as tinctures, lotions, edibles and more.  Because of the recent explosion in the popularity of CBD, there is a lot of confusion when it comes to the types of CBD hemp oil available. There is actually a big difference between full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD vs CBD isolate.

First, Let’s Define the Terms…

CBD stands for “Cannabidiol” and is one of 100+ natural compounds found in the cannabis plant (specifically the hemp strain) called “cannabinoids”

Full spectrum CBD refers to the full plant extract. It contains the complete profile of cannabinoids, terpenes and other natural compounds that occur naturally in hemp, including up to 0.3% of THC.

Broad spectrum CBD starts as full spectrum CBD oil that undergoes an additional process to remove the trace amounts of THC. It still contains the complete profile of cannabinoids, terpenes and other natural compounds that occur naturally in hemp, but does not contain any THC.

CBD Isolate is a singular extracted compound that contains pure CBD only. CBD isolate does not contain any other cannabinoids, terpenes or other natural compounds found in hemp.

What is the Entourage Effect?

The cannabis plant contains over 113 active cannabinoids, as well as terpenes, flavonoids, amino acids and other beneficial compounds. When consumed together, the many compounds found in the cannabis plant produce what is known as an “entourage effect”. This is the synergistic relationship between cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids and has been shown to increase the healing properties of one another. Think of the concept of an orchestra, where the whole is much greater than the sum of its individual parts.

Full spectrum CBD obviously offers the full entourage effect. Broad spectrum CBD oil offers all the entourage benefits associated with full-spectrum CBD, but without any chances of THC being ingested into the body. CBD isolate does not deliver the entourage effect since it is only a singular compound.

Researchers found that full spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD offers higher levels of relief than CBD isolate due to the Entourage Effect.

Are There Pros and Cons to Each Spectrum?

FULL SPECTRUM CBD

Pros:

• Offers the full benefits of the cannabis plant (entourage effect)
• Undergoes minimal processing
• Can offer greater symptom relief due to the full plant profile (including THC)

Cons:

• May contain psychoactive properties and unwanted side-effects for those who are sensitive to THC
• Some feel that full spectrum CBD has a strong odor and flavor that is unpleasant
• There may be adverse implications of consuming THC for some individuals due to employment restrictions, drug testing or any other reason
• While hemp oil was deemed legal in the US (if under 0.3% THC), there are still some grey areas in terms of consuming full spectrum CBD due to the trace amounts of THC

Best for:

• Individuals who are seeking a certain CBD to THC ratio
• Individuals with more severe conditions that CBD isolate and broad spectrum CBD could not alleviate
• Individuals living in states where cannabis is fully legal

BROAD SPECTRUM CBD

Pros:

• Offers the full benefits of the cannabis plant (entourage effect) similar to full spectrum CBD
• There is no risk of psychoactive properties or unwanted side-effects for those who are sensitive to THC
• There are no legal risks with broad spectrum hemp oil as it contains 0% THC

Cons:

• Some studies show that CBD and THC work best synergistically, enhancing one another’s beneficial properties
• Some feel that broad spectrum CBD still has a strong odor and flavor that is unpleasant

Best for:

• Individuals with conditions that CBD isolate alone could not alleviate
• Individuals who get regular drug tests for their jobs
• Individuals who are sensitive to THC
• Individuals living in states that have strict THC laws

CBD ISOLATE

Pros:

• CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD
• There is no risk of psychoactive properties or unwanted side-effects for those who are sensitive to THC
• There are no legal risks with CBD isolate due to the lack of THC
• CBD isolate is tasteless and odorless

Cons:

• Because CBD isolate is a singular compound, it does not deliver the entourage effect
• CBD isolate does not contain any of the other beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids found in the cannabis plant
• Although CBD isolates have been touted for their purity, research shows that when CBD is combined with other plant compounds, they can have complementary effects

Best for:

• Individuals who were recommended to take especially high doses of CBD
• Individuals who are sensitive to THC or other cannabinoids
• Individuals who regularly undergo drug testing
• Individuals who prefer light or no flavor
• Individuals living in states that have strict THC laws

So which is best Between Full Spectrum CBD vs Broad Spectrum CBD vs CBD Isolate?

The short answer is… it depends. Neither is better than the other, and each individual is different with unique conditions requiring different approaches.

For most, broad spectrum CBD is the best choice as it delivers the full benefits of the Cannabis plant without the psychoactive effects of THC. For others, a high-dosage of pure CBD isolate may be necessary, yet others may be interested in full spectrum CBD due to the benefits that only THC can provide.

Research is still emerging on the effectiveness of each spectrum, so it may take some experimentation to figure out which is best hemp oil for you.

Why we chose Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

We believe that it’s always best to consume whole plant products as close to their natural unaltered state as possible. This would mean that full spectrum CBD is the most holistic approach to consuming CBD. However, since our goal is to help as many people as possible achieve better health and wellness, and some people can not have THC in their system for a variety of reasons, we chose to launch with broad spectrum CBD products. Read more about what is broad spectrum CBD and why we chose it.

Always Read Labels and Lab Reports

As the popularity of CBD is growing, there is vast misinformation on CBD products and the terms used to describe them. Consumers must be aware that low quality CBD isolate is often added to MCT oil or hemp seed oil and sold as a “full spectrum oil”. Also, broad spectrum hemp oil has sometimes been used to describe a product that starts with a CBD isolate, and then other terpenes are added back in.

Both of these products are inferior to the high quality whole plant hemp extract that Tessera Naturals offers.

Whatever you put in your body, whether full spectrum vs broad spectrum CBD vs CBD isolate, always ensure that you only purchase high quality products from a reputable and trustworthy provider. You don’t want to cut corners when it comes to your health.

Be sure to review lab tests for CBD products that you purchase to confirm the actual content of CBD, as well as the quality and safety of the products. Buyer beware and as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for!

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Key Takeaways

• CBD is just one of 100+ natural compounds found in the cannabis plant.
• Full spectrum CBD oil includes the whole plant extract (including THC).
• Broad spectrum CBD oil includes the whole plant extract (except THC).
• CBD Isolate contains CBD only, and none o the other cannabinoids, terpenes or amino acids from the plant.
• Each has its pros and cons and will depend on your situation and individual goals.
• Always read labels, review lab reports and make sure you’re purchasing high quality products from a reputable source.