If you’re shopping for CBD, you are probably wondering what the difference between full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate products is.
One of the biggest differences between CBD products is if the product is created as a full spectrum high CBD hemp product versus using a CBD isolate. Another key difference is what type of product it is, you’ll want to select the best product type for your needs.
Keep in mind that CBD isolate, and full spectrum products can both be used for the same health conditions, it is the formulation and recommended dosage that is different.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate products have only CBD as an active ingredient along with inactive ingredients necessary to create the product. CBD isolate in its pure form is a white powder, only containing CBD. CBD isolate does NOT contain other cannabinoids. CBD isolate is then added to products and can be found in many forms: pill, capsule, gummy, tincture, salve, lotion and more.
CBD isolate benefits supplies guaranteed zero THC and only CBD. With no THC to accumulate in your body over time, CBD isolate is the safest choice CBD product if you will be drug tested in the future and won’t qualify for a medical exemption on your THC testing.
Isolate is also very useful if you enjoy making your own CBD products. CBD isolate powder can be easily added to foods, beverages, capsules, topical products and cosmetics.
Full Spectrum CBD
Full spectrum products have CBD + other active plant compounds along with inactive ingredients necessary to create the product desired. One difference between CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD is that full spectrum CBD is not available in a powder form like isolate is.
Full spectrum products are created from whole plant hemp or cannabis plants.
There are multiple methods for creating products from hemp or cannabis plants. Some people choose to make their own from hemp or low THC cannabis plants. You can find full spectrum products in many forms: pill, capsule, gummy, tincture, salve, lotion and more.
Full spectrum products have other bioactive compounds in addition to CBD. You’ll find other cannabinoids (CBN, CBG, CBCVA, etc.) and terpenes (pinene, limonene, etc.). Cannabinoids have medicinal actions. Terpenes provide odor and flavor along with medicinal actions.
Full spectrum products may contain THC.
How much THC depends upon the THC concentration in the starting plant material, and the method used to create the finished product. WA state allows up to 0.3% THC in hemp CBD products that are sold over the counter.
It is very unlikely, but theoretically possible that a person using high dosages of full spectrum CBD with low THC levels over time could bioaccumulate a measurable amount of THC in the body. For this reason, you will want to use an isolate if you use high doses of CBD and are concerned about failing a drug test for THC.
Full spectrum benefits provide “entourage” effect with CBD by including other cannabinoids, terpenes. The other cannabinoids and terpenes supply added medicinal actions. If you have questions about other cannabinoids, we have information on CBG, CBN available. Full spectrum CBD is a less refined product than isolate. Full spectrum products may be available in a wider selection of products.
What’s the difference between CBD isolate and full spectrum regarding dosing?
Many users may need a higher dose of isolate than full spectrum, up to 2x for the same results. If you have used full spectrum CBD successfully, consider starting with the same dose in isolate and titrate up as right for you. Always adjust dosing to your needs and ask your doctor if you have questions.
At the Nature Plus Pharmacy we sell both CBD isolate and Full Spectrum CBD products.
Qwibil Natural Healing Clinic
Tacoma Naturopathic Medicine
Nature Plus Pharmacy
Meet Our Naturopaths
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram