If you’re new to the world of hemp products, you may be wondering: what are the differences among the different types of CBD, including full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate? And what’s the right type of CBD for me?

If you’re looking for answers, read on--in this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the differences, similarities, and benefits of full spectrum versus isolate CBD. The short answer is, these types of CBD differ primarily in THC content, though the answer to what the right type for you is can be a bit more complex.

What Are the Differences Between Full Spectrum and Isolate CBD?

Full spectrum and isolate refer to two types of hemp products with the same active ingredient: CBD. Isolate CBD refers to products that contain CBD only, often with a purity of upwards of 95%, consisting of a fine-grained white powder that may be dissolved into a tincture, or sold on its own for customers to create their own CBD infused products.

Full spectrum CBD also contains CBD as its dominant ingredient. But in addition to CBD, it also contains the “full spectrum” of other terpenes and cannabinoids that naturally occur alongside CBD in the hemp plant--including trace amounts of CBG, CBN, CBC, and THC. Full spectrum CBD is best known for its 0.3% THC content, and this trace amount of THC is too low to produce psychoactive effects, which is why products with 0.3% THC are legally recognized as non-intoxicating. However, some customers prefer full spectrum CBD because they feel that this trace, non-intoxicating amount of Delta 9 enhances CBD’s therapeutic effects. This synergy between the plant’s naturally-occurring cannabinoids and terpenes is known as the “entourage effect.” 

Is Full Spectrum or Isolate Better for Me?

Trying to decide which type of CBD is the best for your needs? Though both full spectrum and isolate CBD are renowned for their potential therapeutic properties.

Legality

Both full spectrum and isolate CBD are legal in the majority of states. Though full spectrum contains below 0.3% THC, it is still compliant with the 2018 Farm Bill and therefore recognized as non-intoxicating. However, some states or districts may have placed restrictions on full spectrum hemp products in recent years, which is why it’s important to check your state legal guidelines if you’re considering a full spectrum hemp product. CBD isolate, on the other hand, is legal nationwide.

Drug Testing 

If you’re concerned about drug testing, then CBD isolate is the better product for you. Full spectrum CBD is neither intoxicating, nor, in most cases, illegal. However, it can cause a false positive for THC on drug tests due to trace amounts of Delta 9. CBD isolate, on the other hand, will not cause you to fail a drug test, and is a safe bet for those worried about workplace or other related drug tests.

Desired Effects

Research and anecdotal reports suggest that there may be some differences between the therapeutic effects that full spectrum and isolate CBD produce, respectively. 

According to a 2018 study comparing full spectrum and isolate CBD, researchers found that full-spectrum was more effective for pain relief. Generally speaking, full spectrum CBD is suggested to provide a more holistic, wide-ranging spectrum of benefits due to its wide range of cannabinoid, terpene, and flavonoids in addition to CBD. If you’re seeking relief from physical symptoms in particular, or want to experience the widest range of benefits that hemp products can provide, you may want to try full-spectrum CBD instead (as long as you aren’t concerned about drug testing, that is.) 

CBD isolate, on the other hand, provides the effects of CBD alone, with no added or auxiliary effects from trace amounts of other cannabinoids or terpenes. This makes isolate a preferable alternative to those with a known THC sensitivity, or to those who react poorly to THC products. If you find that you don’t respond well to other products with minor cannabinoids, such as CBG, isolate may be the better product for you. If you’re seeking the benefits of CBD and CBD only--particularly with regard to concerns such as anxiety--you may want to try out a zero-THC product first.

Choosing Full Spectrum vs Isolate CBD: How Proleve Can Help

No matter which type of CBD you choose, Proleve is here to help with CBD isolate products, as well as with full-spectrum CBD with non-psychoactive THC levels. Our offerings in full spectrum and isolate categories include:

• CBD Isolate Powder, a white, loose powder that can be stirred into a drink or mixed into a tincture in order to experience the benefits of CBD.
• Full Spectrum CBD Tinctures, available in various strengths for long-lasting, fast-acting relief.
• CBD Isolate Capsules, available in vegan shell for long-lasting effects and easy consumption.

All of Proleve’s products are created from American-grown hemp cultivated with zero pesticides, and formulated with just a few, natural ingredients. Elevate your wellness to the next level today by shopping with Proleve.