CBD Isolate vs Full Spectrum: Which Is the Best One for You?

Over the decades spent on studying cannabis, CBD or cannabidiol is one of the few useful things extracted from the plant. Some research says that it might help people in a few aspects of their health. 

This cannabinoid comes in many forms, with CBD isolate and full-spectrum as the two most popular ones. While they’re both derived from the same plant species, CBD isolate vs full spectrum is distinct in terms of what it contains. 

Selecting the right form of cannabidiol is essential to ensure you get its potential benefits fully and avoid its unwanted effects. So, in this article, we’ll learn how cannabidiol isolate differs from full-spectrum and know which ones are best for you. We’ll also talk about their effects and benefits, along with some product recommendations.

What Is CBD Isolate?

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CBD isolate is also known as pure cannabidiol, which means it doesn’t have any other cannabinoids, like tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, and other extracts from cannabis or hemp. Pure CBD is deemed safe to use, albeit there are few FDA-approved isolates on the market. 

Manufacturers can produce this isolated form of cannabidiol by removing all the other chemical compounds and materials from the cannabis plant. CBD isolate often comes as a white-colored fine powder, but it may sometimes come as a crystal-like substance too. 

Since only pure CBD is left behind, without all of its other contents including flavonoids and terpenes, it doesn’t and shouldn’t produce any odor or taste. However, some CBD isolates may indeed have a negligible cherry flavor. 

When unsure of which CBD isolate to get, checking the manufacturer’s lab results and reputation is always helpful. 

What is Full-Spectrum CBD?

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Another form of cannabidiol goes by the name full-spectrum. By its name, it’s easy to guess that it also contains other compounds and substances aside from CBD. With the cannabis plant being non-legalized in many states, only favorable extracts are included in full-spectrum CBD. 

When comparing CBD isolate vs full spectrum, this one also contains terpenes, other cannabinoids, and flavonoids. There are over one hundred and fifty terpenes in cannabis responsible for its smell. Particularly, this substance may have some calming effects. 

It’s also important to note that the cannabis plant has over 100 cannabinoids, and CBD is just one of them. In addition, full-spectrum CBD may have THC as well, which makes it sought-after by those who want the entourage effect. 

Meanwhile, cannabis also contains approximately twenty flavonoids. They may still be retained in full-spectrum CBD as they may help in anti-inflammatory purposes. 

What Is the Difference Between CBD Isolate and Full Spectrum?

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While pure CBD and its full-spectrum counterpart are both extracted from cannabis, they still differ in terms of their composition. Products made from cannabidiol isolate are more highly-processed than full-spectrum, refined until only CBD remains. 

Full-spectrum CBD, on the other hand, may have some traces of THC, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds that may offer some potential benefits when taken in tandem with cannabidiol. 

Which Is Better: Full-Spectrum vs Isolate CBD

It’s important to note that the effect of CBD is the same regardless of whether you take CBD isolate or full-spectrum. What really has a bigger impact is the dosage taken by an individual at a time. 

Taking larger doses of pure CBD is almost no different from taking the same amount of full-spectrum cannabidiol. However, the effects of CBD isolate vs full spectrum may be pretty different as it doesn’t interact with other cannabinoids and such. 

When to Opt for Pure CBD

While we have yet to discuss the benefits of CBD isolate, it should be a better choice for you over its full-spectrum form if you’re looking for an odorless, taste-free, and THC-free cannabidiol product. 

As it doesn’t contain THC, you can use CBD in larger doses. Its THC-free nature also lets you avoid illegal substances from appearing on your drug tests, though it’s not absolute, as some CBD isolate products may have minuscule portions of THC. 

When to Opt for Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD can be a better choice for the person who doesn’t want highly-processed products like pure cannabidiol. Its unflavored variants may feature a slight taste, but there are also many products that come with artificial flavoring. 

One of the sought-after full-spectrum CBD effects is the entourage effect, which promotes the idea that taking CBD alongside other cannabinoids like THC can produce better results. 

If you’re worried about getting high from the THC, you’re complicating things for no reason. Federal laws state that only 0.3% and lower amounts of THC are allowed in any full-spectrum CBD product. 

Benefits and Effects of Using CBD Isolates

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While more studies and research are underway regarding CBD’s potential benefits and effects, some papers do support their usefulness in many cases. Here’s a list of the advantages of using CBD isolate.

1. Versatile to Use

Recall that pure cannabidiol mainly comes in powder or crystal form, which makes it very convenient to turn into other products. Some of them may include topical creams, CBD oils, CBD isolate tinctures, and many more. 

As such, you shouldn’t be surprised to find CBD isolate oil, and even CBD edibles, among the products that you can find on the market. Isolate CBD can be taken safely by animals and children as well since they contain no THC. 

2. Easier Dosage Control

Because CBD isolate products are not mixed with any other compound or material, you can have an easier time controlling how much you want to intake. This is necessary, especially if you’re taking CBD isolate under a healthcare professional’s instructions. 

Other cannabis-derived products like full-spectrum contain other cannabinoids and substances, which may make dosage control a bit harder. Plus, they’re also odorless and flavorless due to the lack of flavonoids and terpenes. 

3. Legal in Most States

Under federal laws, the only cannabidiol products that you can legally purchase are those that don’t contain more than 0.3% THC. Since CBD isolate products don’t have any other substance, it’s legal in almost every state, unlike full-spectrum CBD, which does have other cannabinoids. 

A CBD isolate tincture, for example, would be good if you’re living in Idaho or are planning to move in there. It shouldn’t show up in your drug test results. The said state recognizes only the THC-free variants legal. State laws do vary, so it’s important to do your research too. 

4. It May Help With Seizures

The only approved cannabis-derived product by the Food and Drug Administration is Epidiolex, which is made of pure cannabidiol. It’s a prescription medicine used for treating rare epilepsies, such as those caused by the Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes.

Do note that Epidiolex should be taken in highly consistent dosages. It is also different from commercially produced CBD products. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any kind of supplements or substances like CBD. 

5. It May Help With Anxiety

Some studies support the usage of cannabidiol in helping with anxiety. This possibly works by altering the brain’s interaction with serotonin. It’s found to be of potential help in cases of generalized and social anxiety.

CBD oil is a common product in this aspect. How long it takes to work depends on how you take it, which could either be oral ingestion or passing it directly to the bloodstream. 

Its potential effects on anxiety have been researched in 2011 and 2015. Another study was also conducted in 2019 in this aspect. While these studies seem promising, discussing it with your doctor must come first if you’re planning to add CBD to your healthcare routine. 

Benefits and Effects of Using Full Spectrum CBD

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Some people are skeptical about using full-spectrum cannabidiol because of the possibility that it causes panic attacks, which is very rare. However, it does have some benefits that you may want to try in case you’re okay with taking THC and other cannabis-found extracts.

1. Antioxidant

CBD is reportedly a good antioxidant, and more so when paired with the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids from the same plant. Myrcene, in particular, is a cannabis-derived terpene that features antioxidant properties. 

Antioxidants are known for their ability to reduce free radicals, which is not only beneficial to your overall health but also to your skin. While more research needs to be done for CBD, this is indeed a potential benefit of the product. 

2. May Help With Sleep

Among the many full-spectrum CBD effects, sleepiness may be one due to THC. This is seen as a side effect, together with feeling tired, by many but it can be beneficial for others. But how does it work? CBD mingles with the endocannabinoid system, which may help improve your sleep. 

On the other hand, some people report that they feel more energized and awake when taking CBD. Such variation in its effects may have been caused by the dosage taken by the individual. Still, more research is needed to examine its efficacy for sleeping aspects. 

3. The Entourage Effect

Some people believe that CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids and compounds produce a more potent effect when used together, more commonly known as the entourage effect. But, of course, this doesn’t mean that pure cannabidiol alone doesn’t work. 

While full-spectrum CBD contains THC, legally marketed products in the United States contain low amounts of the said cannabinoid. Hence, you shouldn’t worry about being affected by its psychoactive effects. 

4. Wide availability

Most CBD oils that you see on the market may be made of full-spectrum cannabidiol. There are also other forms, such as edibles and topical creams. Its potential health benefits also make it in demand on the market. 

Best CBD Isolate and Full Spectrum Products

While CBD products have many potential benefits, purchasing ones made by trusted brands and manufacturers like CBD Genesis is key to their safe usage. If you’re ready to try CBD isolate or full-spectrum products, here are the top three items you can purchase. 

1. Active CBD Oil 99% CBD Isolate Hemp Powder

Price: US$ 29.99

Type: Pure CBD 

Strength: 1000 mg 

If you’re new to cannabidiol products and want to be on the safe side, this product would be the best CBD isolate you can find. It’s made of approximately 99% CBD isolate — it doesn’t contain the psychoactive THC compound — that comes in either a powder form or slab. 

One of the best things about Active’s CBD isolate powder is that you can use it however you want. For example, you can mix the powder in your coffee or tea, add it to your food, and even mix it with your skincare products. 

2. Gummy NOIDS™ DARK FULL SPECTRUM Gummies - 600mg CBD (24 pieces)

Price: US$ 44.99

Type: Full-spectrum CBD

Strength: 600 mg

These Gummy Noids from For the People would be a great choice if you want to enjoy the potential benefits of the entourage effect and are willing to take low amounts of THC. These gummies are vegan and infused with full-spectrum cannabidiol.

They come in many flavors like strawberry and mango but still feature the original earthy taste of the extract. 

3. FTP - Gummy NOIDS Dark Full Spectrum Gummies

Price: US$ 44.99 - 64.99

Type: Full-spectrum CBD

Strength: 600 - 1200 mg

When the CBD product that features the “kick” is what you’re looking for, these Dark Full-Spectrum Gummies from FTP would be great. It’s a full-spectrum CBD product, which means that it contains THC and terpenes. 

These gummies are available in many flavors, like blue razz, strawberry, and watermelon. While they’re fruit-flavored, they may still have that familiar taste of cannabis. These Gummy Noids are available in 600-1200 mg potencies. 

Final Thoughts

Cannabidiol is becoming increasingly popular due to its potential health benefits. However, if asked to choose between full-spectrum vs isolate CBD, you should first determine your needs and preferences in taking this cannabis-derived product.CBD isolate oil, full-spectrum tinctures, and CBD edibles are popular choices you should consider. Whether you want the more natural full-spectrum CBD or, the more refined isolate form, CBD Genesis has a huge collection you can check out today.