Full Spectrum CBD vs Broad Spectrum vs CBD Isolate, What’s the Difference?

One of the most frequent questions we get is “What’s the difference between Full Spectrum CBD vs Broad Spectrum CBD and CBD isolate?” The difference is important, especially if having THC in your system is a problem for you. If you’re unsure which is best for you, this article should come in handy. We’ll cover the extraction process, cannabinoids, the “entourage effect,” and give recommendations along the way.

Full Disclosure: Linked products in this article point to items for sale in our shop. You’ll find helpful product recommendations at the end of the article.

How is CBD extracted?

The type of extraction used to create CBD oil is important. It determines the potency and safety of the product extracted. Most companies use one of the two following methods:

1. Solvent

Though this method is cheap fast and easy, it has its drawbacks. Solvents used to extract the oil include ethanol, butane, propane, isopropyl, or alcohol. This method dissolves plant waxes. Cannabinoids are extracted, but so is chlorophyll—which can give some products a bitter taste.

In this process, the solvent is soaked or run through the plant material to strip it of cannabinoids. Solvents then evaporate to leave  concentrated cannabinoids in oil form.

The downside of this process, besides the potential for fires or explosions, is that toxic residues can remain if the evaporation step fails to eliminate them. Some studies have found traces of naphtha hydrocarbons or petroleum residue in CBD products that have been extracted using solvents. We advise against CBD products extracted using the solvent method as there is the potential for contaminants.

2. CO2 Extraction

This is the go-to method for most premium CBD producers. Despite much higher costs due to the specialized equipment required, it produces a higher quality product with a broader spectrum of terpenes, cannabinoids and vanilloids. In addition, it leaves none of the toxic residues of the solvent method, and has a much lower chance of having any contaminants whatsoever.

This process involves a three-chambered “closed-loop extractor” which pushes CO2 at supercritical pressures through the plant material to extract all the cannabinoids. Materials are separated in the final chamber where CO2 rises to the top.

This is the most recommended means of extraction. It consistently produces the highest quality CBD, is much safer than solvent extraction,  and leaves behind no toxic residue.

There are other more home-mad-style techniques like the olive oil extraction technique and steam extraction technique. Generally speaking, these methods aren’t used for commercial purposes as they simply don’t produce CBD in commercially viable quantities.

Cannabinoids and Our Well-Being

CBD is a cannabinoid—which is a natural compound produced by the cannabis plant. THC and CBD are but 2 of over 113 cannabinoids we’ve identified which cannabis produces. CBD and THC are the most thoroughly researched, which means the vast majority of the cannabis plant’s medical potential is yet untapped.

Although humans have been using cannabis as medicine for over 4000 years, it was only in 1995 that researchers were able to conclusively identify how CBD and THC could benefit our minds and bodies.

Cannabinoids like CBD and THC have a multitude of beneficial effects on the body because they interact with our body’s own endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a system that spans the entire body and regulates everything from memory, to cognitive performance, pain perception, stress management, mood regulation, and immune response.

THC has psychoactive properties, a.k.a. it gets you “high.” Not so CBD.

CBD is not intoxicating and when used in conjunction with THC, CBD actually inhibits THC’s psychoactive properties and enhances THC’s medical effects.

When considering Full Spectrum CBD vs Broad Spectrum or Isolate, remember that CBD is a biphasic compound regardless of the type. This means different doses can affect you in completely different ways. For example, a small dose in the morning can help improve focus and alertness, while in the evening a larger dose of CBD can improve sleep.

What’s important to remember is that the science is still very young for CBD, THC and the whole cannabis plant. Doctors do not know what doses to prescribe for various ailments. This may be because each person’s endocannabinoid system is unique and each person responds to CBD differently. For example, for some CBD may be fantastic for treating chronic pain, but have no effect on their anxiety levels.

It’s also very important to speak to a medical professional before taking CBD. CBD interacts with prescription medicine and may nullify the effects of drugs in a way similar to how grapefruit interferes with certain medications.

Honest Botanicals has created a high quality, reliable CBD product in its Full Spectrum CBD Oil. Handcrafted In Vancouver, BC using the highest quality materials, this CBD Oil can help with a wide array of ailments including anxiety, pain, inflammation, depression, sleep issues and more. Honest Botanicals CBD is lab tested and derived from cannabis grown on Canada’s West Coast.

Thanks to the multitude of blood vessels under your tongue, a few drops of CBD oil placed there can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Make sure to hold it for 30-90 seconds for best results. For new users, this method makes it easy to manage your CBD dosage. Start with a low-dose tincture such as Honest Botanicals Full Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture. With a moderate dose, this made-in-Canada CBD oil gives you the flexibility to add CBD into your daily routine and determine your ideal daily dosage.

Pure CBD Oil-No THC