Understanding the Difference Between CBD Isolate
and Full Spectrum CBD:

As the world of CBD continues to expand, so does its formulas to fit the needs of wellness lovers who need different requirements. You might have seen words like CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD, and broad-spectrum on your CBD product packaging and thought wondered what it all means.’ While you might be familiar with CBD oil and CBD capsules, in this post we’re tackling the tricky but not completely complicated world of CBD formulas.

What are the three main types of CBD oil?

Full-spectrum CBD oil – contains a variety of cannabinoids ( incl. THC) and terpenes, flavonoids that naturally occur in hemp and cannabis.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil – same as full spectrum CBD but without THC.

CBD isolate – contains only CBD

First, it’s important to know that CBD – also known as cannabidiol -, is one of many cannabinoid compounds found in the hemp plant, that can be extracted and used to make CBD products.

The two most well-known cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but there are many others, including CBG, CBC, and CBN, that have their own effects.

To know more about CBD isolate vs full spectrum, we must first clarify what CBD and cannabinoids are.

What are  CANNABINOIDS?

A cannabinoid is simply a molecule that is specific to the hemp plant. A compound is just another way to say a molecule or chemical that makes up the plant’s chemical structure.

The cannabinoids in hemp are similar to molecules we also have in our bodies – called endocannabinoids. These native chemicals, work by interacting with the Endocannabinoid system.

When stimulated, this system is responsible for regulating several very important bodily functions that help you stay healthy, including sleep, pain response, immunity, stress and anxiety and more

Their main job is to react with the endocannabinoid receptors found in your brain, gut, and central nervous system to help maintain balance in the body. When your endocannabinoid system is deficient in endocannabinoids it can cause imbalances that can affect how your body functions.

When external cannabinoids like CBD are introduced into the body they can interact with your endocannabinoid system and help promote the production of more endocannabinoids and return the body to balance. 

Different CBD product formulas contain a varied spectrum of cannabinoids, which have been developed to accommodate certain customers’ needs.

That’s where products such as CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum come in.

What is CBD Isolate? 

The purest form of CBD is characterised as a substance that contains the isolated plant compound cannabidiol, otherwise known as CBD. Isolate is extracted from hemp plant extracts removing all other cannabinoids like CBC, CBG, CBN,  and plant waxes that give hemp its distinct plant smell and flavour. The extraction process leaves behind a white powder or crystalline substance that is 99.9% pure CBD. The purity of Isolate is often only 99.9% due to a small number of terpenes that are sometimes left behind.

The popularity of CBD Isolate has seen immense growth amongst those that seek alternative therapeutic remedies for their everyday health needs. Thousands of users every day are looking for new ways to incorporate it into their wellness and health regimes, popular for its adaptability and tasteless effects. CBD isolate is known for its purity, versatility, and strength. The uses are endless as you have control of exactly how much you receive in each dose.

CBD isolate it’s THC – free. Certain customers that want to take CBD without THC, can take CBD Isolate because it only contains CBD and all the other cannabinoids have been removed, including THC. Shop Grass and Co. range.

What is Full Spectrum CBD oil?

On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD contains a wide range of cannabinoids, minor cannabinoids, and even small amounts of THC (0.3%). Full-spectrum CBD oil maintains all the cannabinoids that are present in the natural plant.

This means it’s as close to the natural plant as possible. Multiple cannabinoids all work together in synergy with one another, in what’s known as the ‘entourage effect.’ This enhancing effect makes the benefits of each cannabinoid stronger. Learn more about entourage effect here!

Full-spectrum means the complete range of cannabinoids found in the natural plant are present in CBD oil. The products market full-spectrum maintains the full cannabinoid profile of cannabinoids, which includes CBD, CBN, CBG, and more.

It also contains many of the plant properties, such as plant waxes, terpenes, and flavonoids, which gives hemp its distinctive smell and taste. This is often why full-spectrum extracts tend to be darker in colour and have a hempy smell because they still have the plant properties left in. Shop NuLeaf Naturals CBD range here!

What is Broad Spectrum CBD?

After learning about CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD oil, let’s talk about broad-spectrum CBD.

This is a hybrid of the two. Broad-spectrum CBD oil also contains a broad range of cannabinoids without THC. Broad-spectrum solves the problem of maintaining a broad profile of cannabinoids, such as CBD, CBN, CBG and other 100 Cannabinoids. 

As shown in the chart below, each cannabinoid offers different benefits for a wide variety of ailments.

Note: CBD offers most of the benefits of each cannabinoid combined.

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Reviewed by Miracle Leaf Editorial Team

Our editorial team researches CBD, cannabinoid education, product quality and UK compliance standards to ensure content is accurate, transparent and easy to understand. Articles are reviewed for clarity and responsible consumer education before publication.