Types of CBD: Full-Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, & Isolate

So you have decided to start using CBD, but are struggling to figure out how you want to take it, as there are multiple different cannabinoids to choose from. The 3 most common of course being Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate. In this blog, I’m going to break down the differences to help make your selection a little easier.

Full-Spectrum CBD

First off, we have Full-Spectrum CBD. If you choose a full-spectrum, that means it contains all phytochemicals that are naturally found in the plant including cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils and a low amount of THC content (below .3% THC to be exact!) Although the THC content is near 0 and Full-Spectrum CBD does not cause a non-psychoactive response (meaning it doesn’t intoxicate you), consuming high doses of this CBD daily can get you a false positive on a drug test.

All of the cannabinoids in full spectrum CBD work with the CBD for what is called the "entourage effect." This means that all chemicals work together to make the effects better than just CBD alone. Other cannabinoids that are found in full spectrum CBD are in much lower quantities than the CBD, but cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, CBC, and trace amounts of Delta 8 THC (as well as many others!) can be found in full spectrum CBD.

Find out more about Delta 8 in our article What is Delta 8 THC?

Broad Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD is another popular form of cannabidiol (CBD). Similar to full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD contains an array of naturally occurring compounds derived from the hemp plant, except for one cannabinoid—THC.

The removal of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) allows consumers to enjoy a full range of cannabinoids without having to experience the effects that even a very low amount of THC can bring on.

What separates CBD isolate from broad-spectrum CBD is the wide range of cannabinoids present. Within broad-spectrum CBD products, there are a variety of compounds, such as:

• CBL (cannabicylol)
• CBG (cannabigerol)
• CBC (cannabichromene)
• CBN (cannabinol)

In other words, broad-spectrum CBD is like taking full-spectrum CBD (minus the THC), CBD isolate and mixing it up.

Like full-spectrum CBD, you will be able to find this form of CBD in products such as gummies, hemp-infused drinks, and topicals.

Still, why would someone choose broad-spectrum CBD over CBD isolate?

Because CBD isolate only contains one compound—CBD—there isn’t the possibility of inciting the entourage effect.

While this effect is typically more noticeable in a full-spectrum mix, it still can occur after consuming broad-spectrum. It’s worthy to note that effects are not guaranteed and vary from person to person.

There are various reasons to choose broad-spectrum, but if you’re looking to experience hemp without the effects of THC, then this form of CBD may be for you.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is exactly what it sounds like—CBD that has been isolated from other compounds in the hemp plant.

Which makes CBD isolate the purest form of CBD you can buy.

CBD isolate can come in a crystalline powder or a crystal that is 99% pure CBD—sourced from hemp with all matter removed, including oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids.

To make this CBD product, it must go through a strenuous extraction process. After regular extraction, several compounds remain in the extracted oil. In this state, it is broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD oil.

The extracted oil undergoes a purification process to remove any remaining plant material and compounds. But we aren’t done quite yet.

Following this, the oil enters an additional process known as “winterization.”

Winterization is basically mixing the CBD extract with alcohol and freezing it. This procedure will separate the CBD from the other residual products in the oil, so it can then be decarboxylated and converted into crystalline power.

With this long process, there is no surprise why CBD isolate tends to be higher in price than other hemp products.

CBD isolate is as popular as it is because of its versatility. Consumers can place the powder right in their mouth to dissolve, throw it into a smoothie, or add it to a lotion to make their own CBD topical. 

Select Spectrum “CBD”

If you haven’t heard of Select Spectrum before, there’s a reason—we created it.

However, our line of Select Spectrum products aren’t necessarily a full-on CBD product, because of the notable amount of hemp-derived Delta-9.

We crafted this blend of cannabinoids, so we could promote the entourage effect.

A cannabinoid on it’s own is good, but when there are multiple they can can can have a synergy. Because of this phenomenon, we went to the drawing board and created Select Spectrum.

As of this writing, our Select Spectrum lines come in two mediums. Our Cocoa Squares—a decadent chocolate cereal made with gooey marshmallow to give our customers a artisan dessert packed with 300mg of CBD and 300mg of Delta-9 THC.

This hemp-derived combination will be with you for multiple sessions, and will surely please your sweet tooth.

Next, we have our Select Spectrum gummies.

With three fruity flavors to choose from, the possibilities are endless.

Sugar-coated with a burst of juicy flavor, after one bite, your pallet will be sent into overdrive.

Whether you choose the fresh taste of strawberries, the tropical tang of mango, or the refreshing profile of pineapple—each package has 10 gummies with a mix of 10mg of CBD, 10mg of hemp-derived Delta-9, and other minor cannabinoids.

Again, these effects are not guaranteed, but it’s exciting to hear feedback and read reviews from customers.

Remember, if you’re new to hemp or Select Spectrum, it is best to start small. Start by taking the gummy and cutting it up into small pieces.

From there, you can wait for the effects to begin, and if none arise, you can adjust as needed.

Summary

In summary, none of these products are necessarily better than the other, as they all impact the body in a specific way. It is really up to the individual to decide what they want, and that usually includes a bit of trial-and-error. Check out our variety of CBD products!