What’s the difference between Full Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate?

Summary

CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD (~98-99%) and devoid of THC and all the other cannabinoids found naturally in the cannabis plant. Full spectrum CBD, on the other hand, contains the many other natural chemicals and cannabinoids that are found in the whole plant — each of which have their own benefits.

Full Spectrum CBD

Full spectrum CBD contains all the natural chemicals found in the whole plant, which include various other cannabinoids, essential oils, and terpenes.

When cannabinoids are consumed together, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect will take place. The entourage effect proposes that combining cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, THC, and CBD creates a stronger impact than any single cannabinoid can have on its own. The entourage effect can take place as a result of consuming any number of cannabinoids — not just CBD and THC.

From Medical News Today:

One 2018 study found that certain CBD compounds may also have neuroprotective effects.

Another 2018 study suggests that full-spectrum CBD is more effective for pain than CBD isolate because of the combined effects of CBD and THC.

Another advantage of full-spectrum CBD is that it is less processed and more natural than CBD isolate.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD and devoid of THC and all the other cannabinoids found naturally in the cannabis plant. Isolated CBD lacks some of the benefits of a full spectrum product.

It’s generally recommended that most people use full spectrum CBD unless they have some reason they cannot use THC at all.

• CBD Isolate is great for those whose jobs prohibit the use of THC — even in the super-low amount (0.3% Delta-9) allowed by federal law.

• CBD Isolate products may be useful in conjunction with full spectrum products because of the lower price per milligram (especially when sold in powder/crystal form).
  For those dealing with extremely severe pain or sickness, choosing a combination of isolate and full spectrum products might help you get the most bang for your buck.

• CBD Isolate is good for the very, very few people that are extra sensitive to the small amount of THC present in full spectrum products.
  Everyone is different, so this sometimes comes down to personal preference and/or biological factors we don’t yet understand.