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These days, it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t heard of CBD. It can be found in all kinds of shops, from pharmacies and health shops to big chain supermarkets. With a vast array of CBD products available, there is sure to be one to suit almost everyone; whether you’re looking for a topical product to soothe your skin or muscles, or an edible or tincture for a more well-rounded effect. But how do you know which product to choose when it comes to “full-spectrum”, “broad-spectrum”, and “isolate”?
We’re taking a closer look at the difference between these three CBD product types to help you choose the best option for you.
CBD - or cannabidiol, if you want to get technical - is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. It is one of the two most common cannabinoids, alongside delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Both of these compounds (and many others found in cannabis) have been found to possess a number of impressive therapeutic effects. However, unlike its abundant cousin, CBD does not produce any intoxicating effects. This characteristic has helped to make it extremely popular in the health and wellness world.
In recent years, CBD extracts have been added to all manner of products from CBD Skincare and topicals to CBD Oils, Edibles, and drinks. But not all CBD extracts are created equal.
When shopping around for CBD products, you will likely notice three common categorisations: Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. So, what is the difference between them?
As we mentioned above, the cannabis plant contains a wide range of active compounds. The most talked about of these compounds, cannabinoids, includes CBD, THC, and over 100 other ingredients. While CBD and THC remain the most well-known cannabinoids, many others have been found to possess health benefits, from anti-inflammation to antimicrobial!
Then there are terpenes - aromatic compounds that are found across the plant kingdom. These compounds contribute to the various scents, flavours, and health properties of many of our favourite plants, from citrus fruits to turmeric.
Finally, though not the bottom line when it comes to cannabis compounds, we have flavonoids. These plant-based pigment chemicals are also found in a wide range of plants, including many vegetables and fruits. Many flavonoids are known to possess therapeutic properties that contribute to the health benefits of many of these plants.
The wide-ranging potential benefits of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids may be further enhanced when consumed in combination. This phenomenon is known as the “entourage effect”.
So, now that we’ve covered all of the main cannabis compounds, let’s get to the bottom of those three types of extract.
CBD isolate is exactly what its name suggests: a formulation of CBD, derived from the cannabis plant and isolated from the many other plant compounds. This is usually achieved through a multi-stage process, which typically includes supercritical CO2 or ethanol extraction, followed by further refining of the solution.
CBD isolate products are the purest form of CBD. However, they may not offer the additional properties achieved through the entourage effect when combining different cannabis compounds.
Broad-spectrum CBD products are so-called because they contain a “broad spectrum” of cannabis derivatives - but not all of them! Importantly, broad-spectrum products tend to have all THC filtered out of the final formulation. However, other compounds, including other cannabinoids as well as terpenes and flavonoids, may also have been lost in the refining process.
Full-spectrum CBD extracts are the most representative of the hemp plant from which they were derived. They contain the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, including trace amounts of THC. But don’t worry - THC is present in such minuscule amounts that it does not cause any intoxicating effects. Moreover, high-quality and compliant brands will provide certificates of analysis to guarantee the amounts of all cannabinoids in their products.
There is no one-size-fits-all product when it comes to CBD. Some people will prefer CBD isolate products over full-spectrum products, while others will swear by their broad-spectrum choice. However, if you are looking to enjoy the synergistic effects of the hemp plant and its derivatives, then a broad- or full-spectrum product is likely the best option for you.
At Honey Heaven, we use hemp-derived, full-spectrum CBD extract, boosted with CBD isolate for the best of both worlds! Take a look at our wide range of high-quality CBD products today to discover the best product for you.
