Full Spectrum CBD Oil vs CBD Isolate | What is the difference?
Those familiar with CBD Oil will have encountered a variety of different terms used to categorise products. The most common ones used are Full Spectrum CBD Oil and CBD Isolate.
However, these terms are fairly unique to the world of CBD. So, it can be extremely confusing for people trying to understand which CBD Oil they should buy.
These titles refer to the production process used to create the finished product. Each extraction technique produces a different profile, unique to the methodology.
In this article, we will outline the differences between Full Spectrum CBD and Isolate, including the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Additionally, we explain why you should look for products labelled Broad Spectrum not Full Spectrum.
What exactly is CBD?
CBD is a chemical found within the Cannabis plant and is just one of over a hundred known cannabinoids. Short for Cannabidiol, CBD is non-psychotropic, which means it is not responsible for the ‘high’ associated with smoking cannabis.
The cannabinoid content in each Cannabis plant can vary wildly and often depends on where it is grown. Cannabis Sativa is the only allowable species grown in Europe and it is naturally low in THC (below 0.2%).
CBD has become a global health and wellness phenomenon in the last decade. In 2018, it became central to a campaign to legalise medical cannabis in the UK. CBD is now available in a variety of different forms, including licensed medicines and food supplements.
How is CBD made?
CBD is removed from the cannabis plant, via a process known as extraction. The CBD-rich leaves are separated from the rest of the plant matter and soaked in ethanol. This extracts what is known as a “full spectrum” oil, with a range of Cannabis compounds, terpenes and waxes.
At this stage, different extraction techniques are used to vary the end CBD product.
What is CBD Isolate?
CBD Isolate is a crystalline compound which only contains one compound, CBD. After the full spectrum oil is extracted from the leaves, advanced chromatography is used to isolate the CBD. Hence the name, CBD Isolate.
This process removes all other cannabinoids, plant matter, terpenes and waxes. It is the purest form of CBD available. However, it needs to be mixed with a carrier oil, such as MCT or Hemp Seed, for it to be consumable.
What are the benefits of CBD Isolate?
CBD Isolate is THC-free guaranteed. This means that you will not accidentally have any unintended side effects, as THC is a psychotropic substance which can cause a ‘high’ effect. Furthermore, it could cause you to test positive in a drugs test and even in small quantities it is highly illegal in the UK.
CBD Isolate is odour and flavourless. For many, the taste of CBD can be – shall we say – acquired. Products made using isolate are a great alternative if you dislike the strong, planty taste of a Broad or Full Spectrum CBD Oil.
CBD Oils made from isolate are an ideal way to take advantage of the benefits of just CBD. Even better, CBD Isolate is the most affordable CBD production process, so in certain cases, these price benefits are passed onto the consumer.
Essential Dragonfly CBD Oil was designed with this in mind. Made from CBD Isolate, it is the best value CBD Oil in the UK, with a 300mg CBD Oil available for just £14.50. A famously expensive industry, this CBD Oil is a game changer as it makes it more affordable and accessible for a wider audience.
What are the disadvantages of CBD Isolate?
The main disadvantage to a CBD Isolate derived product is that it does not contain any of the additional, quality plant matter you can find in a Narrow or Broad Spectrum CBD Oil. Known as the “entourage effect,” many believe the additional cannabis compounds have a harmonising effect in conjunction with one another.
In addition, you miss out on the range of terpenes and flavonoids which are available in these CBD Oils. If you are unfamiliar with terpenes, you can read more about them.
Why you shouldn’t actually buy Full Spectrum CBD Oil
As mentioned earlier, a Full Spectrum CBD Oil is obtained very early in the extraction process. However, it has one major problem. It still contains THC!
The name Full Spectrum refers to the entire range of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. As the name suggests, “Full Spectrum” means that the product contains all possible cannabinoids, including psychotropic ones, such as THC.
In the UK, and throughout most of Europe, THC is completely illegal, in any quantities. So it is essential that this oil undergoes further processing, to remove any impurities. If you buy a Full Spectrum CBD Oil, there is a very good chance you will accidentally obtain an illegal CBD Oil.
As a result, you should be looking for a product labelled as Broad Spectrum CBD Oil.
What are the benefits of Broad Spectrum CBD Oil?
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil, is by all intents and purposes, the same product as a Full Spectrum one. The crucial distinction is that it is THC-free.
Broad Spectrum CBD has all the advantages of the range of cannabinoids, terpenes, waxes and plant matter. The harmonising effect of these in unison has proved very popular amongst CBD users.
Broad Spectrum Dragonfly CBD Oil, starting from just £19.50, uses double distilled CBD to closely reflect the plant’s natural profile. Ideal for a more experienced CBD user, this Broad Spectrum CBD Oil has a rich depth of flavour and a range of terpenes and flavonoids.
Which is the Best CBD Oil?
It is impossible to say objectively whether one type of CBD Oil is better than another. It all comes down to personal preference and other factors such as price, taste and cannabinoid preference.
At Dragonfly CBD, we tend to recommend that users begin with the award winning Narrow Spectrum CBD Oil or the Isolate derived Essential CBD Oil. If users are more accustomed to CBD then the Broad Spectrum option is a great choice.
Where can I get Quality CBD Oil?
Dragonfly CBD makes its CBD Oil, differently.
By controlling the entire process from seed to shelf, Dragonfly CBD is designed to provide the highest quality CBD available. Our team of farmers and scientists combine organically cultivated Cannabis Sativa L. with cutting edge extraction techniques to make what we believe is the world’s best CBD.
In 2020, customers voted Dragonfly CBD as the winner of the Best CBD Oil in Boots UK at the prestigious wellness awards. You can find Dragonfly CBD available in a range of beloved UK retailers and online.