To help you with making your purchase, let’s break down what these terms mean.
What exactly is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of at least 104(1) non-intoxicating naturally occurring cannabinoid compounds found in the stalks, stems, leaves, and flowers of cannabis/hemp that studies show to have some therapeutic benefits in the following indications: epilepsy, addictions, psychotic disorders, anxiety, and sleep disorders, pain, stress and even cancer. (sources)
CBD and the other known cannabinoids, unlike THC, CBD does not make a person feel “high” or intoxicated. That’s because CBD and THC act in different ways on different receptors (CB1 CB2) in the brain and body. Also referred to as the endocannabinoid system (ECS)
What is Broad Spectrum CBD?
Broad Spectrum CBD is an extract from any and all components of the cannabis/hemp plant that incorporates all compounds found naturally in the plant used to make the extract, which include terpenes, vital oils, and different cannabinoids. this kind of extract/product is minimally refined, leaving most of the cannabinoids and terpenes intact and within the oil. Broad spectrum extracts must be THC free.
What is Full Spectrum CBD?
Full Spectrum CBD is an extract from any and all parts of the cannabis/hemp plant that includes all compounds found naturally occurring inside the plant…such as terpenes, vital oils, and different cannabinoids. This type of extract is minimally refined, leaving most of the cannabinoids and terpenes intact and within the oil. It must contain <.3% THC, trace amount in order to be legal.
Not all full spectrum oils are created equal. Some may contain fewer cannabinoids, fewer terpenes, and other beneficial compounds. Depending on the originating raw material and extraction method used. Extracts derived from stalks and stems normally have fewer cannabinoids and different compounds than that of a full plant or hemp flower only extraction.
CO2 extracted CBD has a better profile of cannabinoids and the process is one of the most preserving extraction techniques thus far. Whereas, less expensive solvent extractions yield less preservation of beneficial compounds.
To determine the products spectrum, check out the 3rd Party lab reports and view its content.
Just because they say it on the label or on a websites listing doesn’t mean it’s accurate. If they don’t have 3rd party testing…stay away!
What is CBD isolate?
By definition, an isolate is a substance acquired by separating it from other substances using scientific processes.
CBD isolate is a fine white crystalline/powder containing at-least 99% pure CBD. This pure crystalline contains only the CBD chemical compound, no other active ingredients and only deliver therapeutic doses of CBD, isolated from the other cannabinoids and terpenes within the original extract. CBD isolate must contain 0.0% THC and 0% other compounds.
The crude oil first extracted from the plant isn’t completely “clean” and will have a fair amount of waxes and lipids emulsified inside the oil. The crude oil extraction then undergoes winterizing and filtering out major waxes and lipids.
Final stages of purification is done using chromatography, method of isolating and purifying cannabinoids, often used in the cannabis industry to separate THC and CBD from cannabis extracts
What is Isolate tincture/oil, not powder?
CBD isolate tinctures, oils, vapes, gummies, etc are created by taking the powdered CBD Isolate and dissolving it in a carrier oil to the preferred potency. Then, flavors can be added, other oils, and other compounds.
Regardless of what product type you're looking to purchase, you must always make certain that the product is real, contains CBD, and is the spectrum you are paying for. Many products are mislabeled…again…let me say it again…REQUEST LAB REPORTS. That’s how you know the product is real, make sure they are by an Independent Lab and are published and available.
Remember, it’s not all about the amount of CBD per ml serving you see on a bottle. A higher mg CBD Isolate product isn’t necessarily superior to a lower mg Full Spectrum oil.
Look at the labels, lab tests, and pick the product that helps you live your best life.