Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, CBD isolate – what do all these words mean?
If you’ve done any shopping for any kind of CBD extract, either online or in-person, then you’ve likely come across these terms. Most bottles don’t make any distinction between the three nor define what any of them mean. If you’ve been confused about all this terminology, then you’ve come to the right place; this blog will tell you all you need to know!
What Is the Entourage Effect?
Hemp and marijuana plants contain a wide range of terpenes and cannabinoids; even the ones intentionally bred to primarily contain either CBD or THC. For a long time, master extractors focused on refining away these compounds in order to create the purest form of a single cannabinoid. The thought was that purity would directly translate to quality. However, recent research into the entourage effect indicates that maintaining the cannabis plant’s natural cannabinoid and terpene profile through the point of extraction can actually create a more effective concentrate.
Basically, the entourage effect describes a phenomenon where cannabinoids and terpenes work together to increase their individual benefits. Learn more about the entourage effect here.
What Does Full-Spectrum CBD Mean?
Full-spectrum products have been created with the express purpose of keeping these natural cannabinoid and terpene profiles intact. When using Full-spectrum CBD, you’re getting much more than just CBD. The plant’s aromatic terpene molecules work with minor cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN to make the CBD an even more effective compound.
Full-spectrum products do contain trace amounts of THC, less than 0.3%. While this isn’t enough to make consumers feel intoxicated, people who want to avoid THC entirely should avoid full-spectrum CBD.
What Does Broad-Spectrum CBD Mean?
Similar to full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD still contains the terpenes and cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant. The only difference between broad and full spectrums is the presence of THC.
While full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC, broad-spectrum CBD contains none. This makes broad-spectrum a solid choice for users who may be concerned about drug-tests or who have a strong sensitivity to THC and want to avoid the compound entirely.
Even without THC, broad-spectrum products can still be effective at encouraging the entourage effect.
What is CBD Isolate?
One other option out there is CBD isolate. Isolate is the purest form of CBD and does not contain any of the beneficial terpenes found in full-spectrum or broad-spectrum. CBD Isolate is made by stripping away everything from the CBD, usually using a solvent such as BHO or C02. After the extraction process, all that’s left is pure CBD.
Because isolates don’t encourage the entourage effect or contain any other beneficial compounds, it’s often used as an affordable alternative.
Whole Flower Hemp = Full Plant Power
Full-spectrum and Broad-spectrum extracts are meant to simulate the benefits of using whole flower, but why fake it when you can simply get your cannabinoids straight from the plant itself.
Oftentimes extractors will Frankenstein together various isolated cannabinoids and terpenes to create a full-spectrum product, so you can’t be sure that they’re actually coming from the original plant. Using hemp flower ensures that you’re getting your cannabinoids the way nature intended.
Order a Starter Bundle today to get your elon® device, as well as our proprietary hemp blends in stelo™ and Ari53™. Experience the sublime power of natural hemp flower!
