If you have experience with CBD products, you've most likely heard of the terms isolate and full-spectrum. These two labels tell you which type of cannabinoid content the product has in its makeup. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the dozens of different cannabinoids.
Let's go a little deeper into what it means to get either full-spectrum CBD or isolate CBD. This will help you understand which one you prefer when you start shopping for CBD in Milwaukee or anywhere online.
Defining CBD Isolate
CBD is an isolate at the most basic form. This means the product has nothing except isolated, pure CBD. It excludes other terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids. You might consider this basic, but it's actually much more difficult to get CBD isolate from hemp. When companies put hemp through the extraction process, they extract every compound in the plant.
All of the terpenes and cannabinoids come out of the hemp plant. Manufacturers have to perform extra steps to isolate the CBD and separate it from any other compounds present. This makes isolate harder to make. Isolate also comes in many forms, and dabs are the most popular form of CBD isolate. To use it, you vaporize the compounds and inhale the vapor.
Dabs come in a few different forms like wax, crystals, powder, shatter, or resin. Since dabbing isn't for everyone's tastes, you can now see CBD isolate in the form of capsules, CBD edibles, and CBD oils.
Defining Full-Spectrum CBD
On the other hand, you have full-spectrum CBD. This product has a full range of cannabinoids in it. When a company extracts the hemp, they turn the entire contents of the extract into a product you can consume. In turn, you get a full dose of cannabinoids that were previously in the plant.
The main concern with this is the THC content because it's psychoactive. If you live in a state where marijuana isn't legal, or you don't want to experience the resulting high of consuming THC, you don't want it in your CBD products. However, federal laws and regulations state that all of these products have to have less than 0.3% of THC content. These trace amounts won't make you experience a high.
Should You Use CBD Isolate of Full-Spectrum CBD?
Now that you know what the difference is between full-spectrum and isolate, you might wonder which one is best between the two options. There is no black and white answer. Instead, you have to weigh the pros and cons of both to see which one is better.
CBD Isolate
This is the most potent and purest form of CBD available. It has zero risk for giving you psychoactive effects or a high. It's odorless and tasteless. Anyone who wants to cook with CBD or add it to their baking can do so with isolates because it won't change the flavor of your recipes. However, isolate won't create the entourage effect, and this is one of the main drawbacks.
CBD Isolate Works Best For:
- People who want a light flavor profile
- People who want to bake or cook with CBD
- People who live in states that have strict laws regarding THC
- People who have sensitivity to cannabinoids
Full-Spectrum CBD
One of the major benefits of full-spectrum is that it has the entourage effect. If you’re looking for CBD which is both powerful and efficient, try full-spectrum. It has less processing than isolates, so many people consider it to be closer to the hemp plant in general.
It does contain trace amounts of THC up to 0.3%. Additionally, it has flavonoids and terpenes, and these things will cause full-spectrum CBD to have a strong smell and taste associated with it. There are things you can do to help deal with the smell and taste, but it could be easier to try an isolate instead. This is especially true if you want to cook or bake with it.
Full-Spectrum CBD Works Best For:
- People who want the full CBD experience
- People who want to use CBD for a specific use like treating anxiety or depression
- People who live in states where using cannabis is 100% legal
Hemp Living USA Has High-Quality Products Available
No matter if you want full-spectrum or isolate CBD, Hemp Living has a broad range of high-quality products available. You can come to our CBD shop in Milwaukee and browse, or you can shop CBD online. We're happy to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you find the best CBD products for your needs today.