Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs Isolate

When looking to purchase a CBD product there are different options and we hope to take some of the confusion out of that process.  As a consumer, you will see Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and Isolate products.  If you are not aware of what these terms mean it can be confusing and intimidating.  We hope to clear up some of that confusion.

*As a caveat, when the term cannabis is used, we are referencing industrial hemp strains of cannabis that contain 0.3% THC or less.

Full Spectrum products refer to a product using the oil that is extracted from the cannabis plant.  This contains CBD, other cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, natural fatty acids found in hemp, and trace amounts of THC that equals or is less than 0.3%.  Each of these elements occur naturally and have their own benefits.  Full Spectrum products are the most popular products and that is usually due to the “entourage effect”.  The “entourage effect” is the effect of all the naturally occurring elements of the plant working together in perfect synergy to provide the maximum benefit.

Broad Spectrum products refer to a product using the oil that is extracted from the cannabis plant that has had one or more elements removed from the oil.  The most commonly removed element from the oil for Broad Spectrum products is THC.  The THC is removed through additional processing while preserving the other natural cannabinoids and terpenes.  Broad Spectrum products are a great choice for consumers who are unable to have any THC in their system for personal, medical, or legal reasons.

Isolate products refer to a product that uses CBD isolate.  During the extraction process the CBD is isolated from everything else in the plant.  This leaves 99+% pure CBD.  This means there are no terpenes, other cannabinoids, flavonoids, or natural fatty acids.  The THC is removed as much as possible to a negligible amount.  Isolate products should use CBD isolate as close to 99.9% pure as possible.