You’ve surely read about the many benefits of CBD by now, but it can be a struggle to know what kind of CBD will work best for you. We get it! Here’s a simplified guide to help you make more informed decisions on your CBD journey.
To start, CBD is a naturally occurring cannabinoid compound. It interacts with the cannabinoid receptors and neurotransmitters in your body’s endocannabinoid system, regulating everything from mood to memory, pain to immune response, appetite to sleep health. The most common forms of CBD are full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate.
What is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD contains all phytochemicals from the cannabis plant, including CBD of course, but also terpenes (molecules that provide aromas and bind to the body’s receptors), other cannabinoids, and trace amounts (less than 0.3%) of THC. Full spectrum is the least processed form of CBD and it maintains the natural flavor and aroma of the plant. A benefit of full spectrum CBD is that it has a full profile of cannabinoids which can have a variety of therapeutic effects. Although the amount of THC in full spectrum CBD is not enough to make you high, it can be enough to show up in a drug test.
What is Broad-Spectrum CBD?
Broad spectrum CBD is full spectrum CBD that has been refined to remove THC. It contains all the good stuff (like multiple cannabinoids), but you can rest assured it won’t have the intoxicating effects (or positive test results) of THC. The fact that it contains a broad spectrum of cannabinoids with 0% THC is the benefit of broad spectrum CBD.
One advantage of both full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oil is that the range of cannabinoids and plant terpenes work synergistically. The hemp plant contains more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids, each with its own set of health benefits. When combined in different ways, these cannabinoids can work together, increasing each cannabinoid’s therapeutic effects. This phenomenon is known as the entourage effect.
Broad spectrum CBD tends to be less readily available, and because it is less processed than isolate, it can maintain a strong natural flavor.
What is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate, like it sounds, is CBD that has been isolated from other chemical compounds and is therefore CBD in its purest form. The refinement process removes THC as well as terpenes and other cannabinoids. CBD isolate can be seamlessly blended into a variety of products such as lotions, pain relieving creams, tinctures and more. Isolate is odorless and flavorless, which many people prefer, and it contains 0% THC, so you do not have to stress about passing a drug test.
Oregon-based inSupply Labs, for example, has proprietary equipment built to extract superior, 99% CBD isolate, a process that begins with farm-fresh hemp and ends with rigorous in-house and third-party testing. Wherever you purchase your CBD, a reputable company will label its products clearly and will always be able to provide a certificate of analysis.
CBD isolate will not produce the entourage effect, and it can take some trial and error to find your right dosage, but it’s an excellent choice for people who want pure cannabidiol without other cannabinoids, terpenes or THC. And because isolates are 99% pure, isolate products tend to have the highest concentration of CBD.
Which Cannabinoid Spectrum is the Right Choice for You?
As much as we wish we could tell you exactly what to buy, everyone is different, so finding the right spectrum for you may take some experimentation. We recommend keeping track of your symptoms, products and relief in a journal. Cost, effectiveness, and potential drug testing can all factor in as well. With your new knowledge of CBD spectrums, you’re well on your way to CBD expertise.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Sage Street Trading Co. products are not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or medical condition.
