CBD Isolate VS Full Spectrum
With cannabis-derived products on the full rise, you will notice that some products have different terms such as CBD and THC. These are what we call cannabinoids or compounds found in cannabis that have a very profound effect on the human mind and body. With regards to CBD, there are a lot of different derivatives like CBD isolate or broad-spectrum. But, which one suits you best? A good way to tell is to determine what is CBD isolate vs full spectrum and how are they processed.
How CBD Is Extracted
To fully understand the meaning of the terminologies used in these products such as CBD isolate and full-spectrum, we need to understand first how CBD is extracted and processed from the hemp plant down to the bottle.
CBD along with many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant is extracted using supercritical CO2 extraction. There are other ways to extract these cannabinoids from the plant but this process is far more safer and convenient for many CBD producers. Next, the extract follows a process called winterization wherein the substance is filtered and other compounds are thoroughly removed. This purification process allows for the substance to remain only with the compounds that are needed.
Decarboxylation then happens after the purification process. Decarboxylation is a process that activates the dormant compounds found in the cannabis extract. It commonly uses heat. For most, this usually happens when you light up a joint or use the substance in a vaporizer.
CBD Isolate vs Full Spectrum
Once the CBD extract has been thoroughly processed as mentioned above, it now has all the necessary cannabinoid content that the user needs. A full-spectrum CBD is described as a product that has all the cannabinoid content including THC.
Meanwhile, a CBD isolate is an extract that is purely CBD and nothing else. CBD isolate still follows the same process as the full spectrum CBD however, it undergoes a few more steps to obtain and filter out the CBD content and remove the other cannabinoids and compounds found in full-spectrum CBD.
In creating a CBD isolate, once the substance undergoes decarboxylation, it is later processed for distillation. Alcohol is used to extract all the CBD compounds from the substance and ends up with almost 99% pure CBD content. The rest includes plant residue and other compounds that cannot be removed from distillation. CBD isolate can be produced in crystal form while others are either produced as tinctures and vape juices.
It is important to note which type of CBD content you would like to use as these products have different compounds in them that may affect the results of your blood and drug tests.
A full-spectrum CBD contains a good amount of THC even though it is derived from the CBD-rich cannabis plant. While it is still low on THC, there are still traces of that specific cannabinoid which may cause some hiccups if you plan to undergo any drug or blood tests. Most full spectrum has less than 0.3% THC but it could still pose a risk for your tests.
Uses of CBD Isolate and Full Spectrum CBD
Finding the right CBD product is key to determining how you want to use them. For example, if you are using a CBD product but you are about to take a drug test, it is always best to use CBD isolate in the first place and avoid the risk of failing your tests. However, there are still other uses of both CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD.
CBD isolate is commonly used by individuals who have a sensitivity to THC and many other cannabinoids. They are also used for users who regularly have drug tests. These products are commonly sold in states that have a tighter regulation against THC. This type of CBD is recommended for those who want to take high doses of CBD due to health concerns and medical reasons. Most of all, CBD isolate is commonly suggested to people who want to try only a certain type of cannabinoid and enjoy the experience.
One of the reasons why people choose to consume CBD isolate is that it has limited to no risk of any psychoactive effects on the mind and body. It is generally accepted to be safe for use even during intense physical activity. It has no taste or odor thus it can be infused in many other products or ingredients. The best part about using CBD isolate is that you will not run the risk of testing positive for THC especially if you live in states that have strict THC rules.
Full-spectrum CBD is highly recommended for those who have severe medical conditions that CBD isolate and other products cannot treat. The use of full-spectrum CBD encourages all the cannabinoid properties to work together to bring a healthier side effect on the user. It is also commonly used for those who have a regulated dose of THC and CBD. People who live in states that have loose THC laws or where cannabis is legal can enjoy the consumption of full-spectrum CBD.
Many people would rather choose full-spectrum CBD due to its health benefits. Since it has undergone fewer steps than CBD isolate, it retains most of its cannabinoids that work together to bring the full benefits of consuming cannabis. Those who have upcoming drug tests might want to steer clear from using this alongside those who do not have the affinity for the natural taste and odor of cannabis.
Conclusion
While many would argue about CBD isolate vs full-spectrum and which one has the best effects, it all boils down to its utility and its purpose. Many would choose to go with CBD isolate for its non-psychoactive effect while others would want to fully enjoy the wide variety of effects from full-spectrum CBD.
There are a lot of factors that may affect your decision but knowing the difference between CBD isolates vs full-spectrum is key to making a wise decision especially if you live in a state where THC is still regulated. Thanks to cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, more and more lives are made healthier from these natural compounds.
