In the busy lives we lead, many try to find some relaxation in their day. Which explains why nearly 14% of the US population uses CBD, a testament to its growing prominence in wellness products. CBD, or cannabidiol, is extracted from the cannabis plant. It goes through a thorough process that ultimately will determine whether the final product will be CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum. Each type offers unique benefits and effects, tailored to meet different wellness needs and preferences. In this article we will dive into how CBD products are produced and introduce to you these three types of CBD products and their unique benefits and uses.
Cannabidiol Production
Before we dive into the differences in processing CBD, let’s first take a look at how it is produced. The process of extracting CBD from hemp involves several detailed steps to ensure purity and efficacy:
- The hemp plants are harvested at peak bloom, where they contain the highest concentration of cannabinoids.
- The next step is the extraction process. There are several methods, but CO2 extraction is most common due to its ability to preserve the integrity of the CBD and other cannabinoids. In this method, CO2 is pressurized in metal tanks until it becomes supercritical, meaning it exhibits properties of both a liquid and a gas. This supercritical CO2 is then passed through the plant material, pulling out the essential compounds including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
- Following extraction, the solution is subjected to a purification process. Unwanted plant material, waxes, and chlorophyll are removed through a process called winterization, followed by distillation to further refine the CBD oil by separating it from other extracted compounds.
- The final product is then tested for potency and purity. Depending on the desired product, CBD is either isolated from other cannabinoids to produce CBD isolate, or broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD oils. This process ensures that consumers receive a high-quality product that retains the natural benefits of CBD.
Now that we’ve taken a look at the way CBD products are produced, we can dive into the three different types of CBD.
What is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is the purest form of cannabidiol, containing 99% pure CBD. During the extraction process, all other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant impurities are removed. This makes CBD isolate an excellent choice for individuals who need to consume pure CBD without any traces of THC.
Benefits of CBD Isolate
CBD isolate offers pure cannabidiol, free from other cannabinoids and terpenes. Its benefits include:
- Ideal for individuals sensitive to THC or other cannabis compounds
- Highly versatile, allowing precise dosing and incorporation into various products such as oils, edibles, and topicals
- Provides CBD's effects on anxiety, inflammation, and pain without any psychoactive impact
- A favored choice in clinical settings where strict control over compound composition is necessary, providing consistent results in research and treatment applications
What is Broad Spectrum CBD?
Broad-spectrum CBD sits between full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. It contains cannabidiol along with other compounds found in the plant, except for THC. Broad-spectrum products are favored by those who want the benefits of the entourage effect without THC.
Benefits of Broad Spectrum CBD
- A THC-free experience while retaining other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes
- Effective in managing conditions like chronic pain, inflammation, and anxiety
- Supports mood stabilization
- Improves sleep patterns
- Beneficial for individuals subject to drug testing but who still seek the benefits of cannabis-derived compounds
What is Full Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD contains all phytochemicals naturally found in the plant, including CBD, trace cannabinoids, terpenes, oils, and sometimes small amounts of THC. This type of CBD is preferred by users who seek a potent, synergistic effect of all cannabis compounds.
Benefits of Full Spectrum CBD
- Effective in treating severe and chronic conditions due to its potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety properties
- Shown to aid in managing sleep disorders and boosting mood
- Provides a full entourage effect experience for users. The entourage effect is the phenomenon of cannabis compounds, especially THC and CBD, working together to produce a more potent effect than each would on their own.
Broad Spectrum vs Full Spectrum CBD
Both broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD can offer enhanced benefits compared to CBD isolate due to the entourage effect, where all the natural compounds found in the hemp plant work together in harmony. The main difference lies in the THC content: full-spectrum CBD contains up to 0.3% THC, while broad-spectrum has none, making broad-spectrum products a safer choice for those concerned about drug tests or the potential psychoactive effects of THC.
Comparative Analysis
To better understand the differences among these spectrums, here’s a table outlining key aspects of CBD products:
Closing Thoughts
When choosing between CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum, consider your wellness goals, sensitivity to THC, and the desired effect. While CBD isolate provides a pure form of CBD, broad-spectrum and full-spectrum offer a richer experience by leveraging the entourage effect. Each type offers distinct advantages, making it important to select the one that best suits your needs.