Green Sky KC
- Jan 30, 2020
- 3 min read

What is the difference between CBD Isolate, Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum Oils?

The difference between CBD isolate, Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum oils can sound more confusing than it is! Keep reading and we’ll break it down for you…

After reading through this article, you will be knowledgeable about your different options

when shopping for CBD Oils.

By far, the most common types of CBD are Isolate, Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum. They are created by using different extraction methods. Extraction is the method that uses the entire hemp plant and creates raw distillate which than can be turned into oils, topical, indigestible…etc.

What is Full Spectrum CBD?

Full Spectrum CBD distillate is a form of hemp that has gone through an extraction process. It is the rawest form and has every cannabinoid the plant has to offer along with beneficial plant material and naturally occurring terpenes. There are over 100 cannabinoids found in the hemp plant such as CBD, CBN, CBG, CBDV...etc and trace amounts of THC. However, not enough THC to give you the "high" feeling. Full spectrum captures the natural cannabinoid profile the plant has to offer usually in ratios that were naturally-occurring and extracted from the plant.

Using Full Spectrum in indigestible CBD products enhances the effects of CBD since it is combined with other cannabinoids and terpenes. This is known as the Entourage Effect. Each of the different compounds reacts with each other to give the overall effects a boost.

In 1998, the Entourage Effect was discovered by a group of scientists under Dr. Mechoulam’s studies. A famous scientist in that group and currently in the medical cannabis research field is Dr. Ethan Russo:

“The case for Cannabis synergy via the "entourage effect" is currently sufficiently strong as to suggest that one molecule is unlikely to match the therapeutic and even industrial potential of Cannabis itself.”

What is Broad Spectrum CBD?

More recently, chemists have been using advanced extraction methods to obtain a CBD distillate with no THC but still maintaining a diverse cannabinoid profile with CBD, CBG, CBN…etc. Essentially, taking out the THC molecules while preserving the other naturally occurring cannabinoids and terpenes! This provides a Zero THC Broad Spectrum CBD oil.

With Zero THC, these products are typically the product of choice for those who have drug testing concerns or anyone sensitive to THC while still maintaining the benefits of the Entourage Effect.

What is CBD Isolate?

Before these advanced extraction methods were discovered, the only way to get THC out of the hemp oil was to extract the plant all the way down to a CBD isolate. Which is simply the isolated molecule by itself. Many people like cooking with isolate because it is odorless and tasteless. While there are many CBD products to chose from that use isolate, it is important to look at the purity of the CBD on the third party lab tests so ensure your purchasing high quality products. It should show 99%+ purity. There are products with lower purity out on the market (typically 99.5% or lower) that may still have small trace amounts of THC left however not anywhere near the amount full spectrum has.

What type of CBD oil is right for you?

Now that you know the difference between CBD Isolate, Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum, which one is the right one for you? For people that do not want any trace amounts of THC whatsoever, the Broad spectrum and Isolate may be the solution. For those wanting the full entourage effect with trace amounts of THC (again, not enough to get you high) then Full Spectrum is the way to go.

To dig a little deeper! A study was published in 2015 by the Department of Medicinal and Natural Products at a Jerusalem University favoring full spectrum CBD oil products over others because of the Entourage Effect.

Unfortunately there are still many people with concerns of THC showing up in drug tests by using Full Spectrum because the trace amounts found in these products may and usually will show up positive on a drug test. Fortunately with advances in extraction methods, we are now able to get the benefit of the Entourage Effect without THC by using Zero THC Broad Spectrum CBD oil products. Ultimately, however, it completely boils down to the individual and their specific circumstances.

Disclaimers:

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of this product has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your health care professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.