CBD is non psychoactive compound and has a number of medical benefits.
Despite all the publicity, many people are unsure of what CBD is and how you can benefit from its use.
It comes in several forms such as capsules, edibles, vape pens, liquids- usually oils and tinctures that are placed under the tongue with a dropper. These are great for people wo can’t swallow pills or capsules. There are also CBD infused topicals to treat various skin conditions.
So, let’s now explore the three main types of CBD on the market and what does each spectrum mean.
Isolate/ Distilled CBD
it is exactly as it sounds. It contains a single isolated compound from the plant - with no other cannabinoids. CBD isolate is very popular due to its versatility and ease of use. Let’s take a look how it is made.
CBD isolate is #222 crystalline powdery in its appearance and does not contain other Phyto-cannabinoids like full spectrum. The process is done through a supercritical CO2 extraction, leaving 99% pure CBD product. CO2 extraction yields a cleaner oil compared to less expensive, solvent based extraction methods such as alcohol.
The first step in isolating CB is winterization, which removes the plant waxes and lipids and decarboxylation which converts the CBDA to CBD.
Winterized oil goes through a triple pass distillation process to remove chlorophyll, terpenes and contaminates. The concentrated CBD fraction is then mixed with a non-polar solvent in a reactor. The solution is heated and cooled to precipitate out pure CBD in crystal form.
The CBD precipitate is then washed with the same non-polar solvent in the reactor to purify the CBD of any contaminates. The isolate is then placed into a vacuum oven for 48 hours to purge the isolate of all solvents that were used in the isolation process, resulting in 99% pure solvent free CBD Isolate.
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Isolate Pros & Cons:
Cons:
doesn’t offer all the benefits of the entourage effect
Pros:
best for individuals sensitive to THC and other cannabinoids
individuals afraid of failing a drug test
CBD users who prefer flavourless products
new CBD users
no risk of getting high
highly versatile
Full-spectrum CBD
it is derived from the whole hemp plant that contains all cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis plant like CBD, THC, CBN, THCA, CBC and CBG as well as terpenes (limonene, myrcene, etc.), lipids, chlorophyll and other organic molecules present in the original help plant.
This means taking the stems, roots, flowers and leaves and pressing, pulverizing, or power washing them to extract the oils.
The resulting oil has a hempy taste and it I dark in colour and create an “entourage” effect which refers to synergy achieved by all the components in cannabis.
Full Spectrum Pros & Cons:
Cons:
May show up on a drug screening
Carries the natural flavour and aroma of hemp
Pros:
The least processed form of CBD
Allows the user benefit from the entourage effect
Broad-spectrum CBD
It contains multiple cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis plant, but doesn't contain detectable amount of THC.
It is created from the same process as the full spectrum except the extraction process is different. After extraction, the THC compound is separated and removed entirely.
This works for many people who are not able to have THC in their system.
A true broad spectrum will have no trace of THC and will still allow you to maintain the “entourage” effect which for many people whose concern is the psychotropic component of the plant.
One other reason you may want to choose a broad- spectrum is due to having a job where drug screening is a must. We all though have to be cognizant though when choosing the right CBD product.
Broad Spectrum Pros & Cons:
Cons:
Less available than full spectrum or isolate
May carry a strong natural hemp aroma
Pros:
Less processed than isolate
No risk of psychoactive effects
Offers a full benefit of the entourage effect
Our final thoughts on CBD Spectrums:
Everyone’s unique body chemistry, weight, lifestyle, as well as your health history may influence the way you react to different cannabinoid profiles.
For some users, broad-spectrum CBD may be the best choice as it delivers some entourage effect without the psychoactive effects of THC.
For others, a high dose of pure CBD may be enough to alleviate their symptoms.
There’s still much research to be done to gauge the effectiveness of each spectrum, so the best thing you can do for now is try and figure out which option you prefer.