Know the difference between Full-Spectrum CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD, and Isolate
CBD (cannabidiol) is a popular compound found in the cannabis plant that has a variety of potential health benefits. When shopping for CBD products, you may come across terms like "full-spectrum," "broad-spectrum," and "isolate." Here's what each of these terms means:
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Full-spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum CBD products contain all of the naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, including CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). The THC content in full-spectrum products is typically less than 0.3%, which is not enough to produce any psychoactive effects. The idea behind full-spectrum products is that all of the compounds work together to enhance the potential benefits of CBD, a phenomenon known as the "entourage effect."
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Broad-spectrum CBD: Broad-spectrum CBD products are similar to full-spectrum products, but with one key difference: they contain no THC. This makes broad-spectrum products a good choice for people who want to avoid THC entirely, such as those who are drug tested for work. Like full-spectrum products, broad-spectrum products contain other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes.
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CBD isolate: CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD available. It is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and isolating it from all other compounds, including other cannabinoids and terpenes. CBD isolate products contain only CBD and no THC or other cannabinoids. Some people prefer CBD isolate because it allows them to get the benefits of CBD without any other compounds.
Ultimately, the choice between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate products depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you want to experience the potential benefits of all the compounds in the cannabis plant, full-spectrum products may be the best choice. If you want to avoid THC but still get the benefits of other cannabinoids and terpenes, broad-spectrum products may be a better fit. And if you prefer to focus solely on CBD, isolate products may be the way to go.
- Full-spectrum CBD:
- Gallily, R., Yekhtin, Z., & Hanuš, L. O. (2015). Overcoming the bell-shaped dose-response of cannabidiol by using cannabis extract enriched in cannabidiol. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 6(02), 75-85. https://doi.org/10.4236/pp.2015.62010
- Russo, E. B. (2019). The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain. Frontiers in plant science, 9, 1969. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.01969
- Broad-spectrum CBD:
- Nichols, J. M., & Kaplan, B. L. (2020). Immune Responses Regulated by Cannabidiol. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 5(1), 12-31. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0073
- Pamplona, F. A., da Silva, L. R., & Coan, A. C. (2018). Potential Clinical Benefits of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts Over Purified CBD in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: Observational Data Meta-analysis. Frontiers in neurology, 9, 759. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2018.00759
- CBD isolate:
- Huestis, M. A. (2007). Human cannabinoid pharmacokinetics. Chemistry & biodiversity, 4(8), 1770-1804. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.200790152
- Mechoulam, R., & Shvo, Y. (1963). Hashish—I: The structure of cannabidiol. Tetrahedron, 19(12), 2073-2078. https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-4020(63)85022-x
