If you have ever tried to explore the CBD world, you must have come across various CBD products. Two of the most popular among them are CBD isolate and Full Spectrum CBD. While these are two frequently used words in the CBD world, only a handful of people understand the difference between the two.
To make your CBD experience even better, you have to know about these two types and which one is better. So, let us understand it through this article.
What is CBD Isolate?
The hemp plant ( the source of CBD) contains hundreds of Cannabinoids and terpenes. However, CBD isolate is a pure form of cannabidiol. The products with isolate do not carry any other terpene and Cannabinoid naturally found in hemp plants. If you consume it without trying any other Cannabinoid, particularly THC ( the psychoactive element of Marijuana), isolate would be ideal.
What is Full Spectrum CBD?
Unlike CBD isolate, Full-spectrum is a package of various Cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant, including CBD and THC. However, THC is low primarily ( less than 0.03%) because of legal issues.
Full-spectrum products contain essential oils, terpenes, flavonoids, and Cannabinoids. While CBD isolate might be beneficial, research suggests that more Cannabinoids and terpenes might invite a broader range of health benefits.
CBD Isolate Vs. Full Spectrum CBD
The following table clearly distinguishes the two CBD types.
| CBD ISOLATE | FULL SPECTRUM CBD | |
| CBD | Yes | Yes |
| THC | No | Yes |
| Flavonoids | No | Yes |
| Terpenes | No | Yes |
Full-spectrum CBD contains more Cannabinoids than CBD isolate. But what are these cannabinoids? Have a look!
| Cannabinoids present in CBD Isolate | Cannabinoids present in Full spectrum CBD |
| CBD | CBD, CBC, CBG, CBN, THC, THCa, and THCv |
Benefits of CBD
Before understanding the different pros of full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate, it is vital to understand the expected possible benefits for footballers and members of the public. Some of them are:
- It Might Reduce Depression, Stress, and Anxiety
In 2011, the Journal of Psychopharmacology published a study on the effects of CBD on people with Seasonal Affective Disorder. That is a type of depression usually experienced during the winter months because of dark, cold, and wet weather.
A SAD patient often feels anxiety, low motivation, sadness, and stress. In the study, 400 mg of CBD administration reduced the SAD symptoms significantly. So, the drug might show some excellent benefits in treating stress, anxiety, and depression.
- It Might Offer Pain Relief
Several studies have shown the pain-relieving properties of CBD. Football players might use it directly on the skin or ingest it to relieve chronic pain. However, a study reveals that THC and CBD might work more effectively for pain relief. So, there is a chance that you feel more comfortable using full-spectrum CBD for pain relief rather than isolate.
- It Might Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Your body suffers from inflammation because of the presence of free radicals. A study reveals that CBD might have inflammatory properties, meaning it might fight with the free radicals to reduce inflammation. This property might make CBD effective in several conditions, such as dermatitis, arthritis, psoriasis, and acne.
Although the scientific research on the effects of CBD on nausea is comparatively low, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence. Many cancer patients have experienced reduced nausea after consumption of this drug.
A study in 2011 also suggested that CBD might effectively treat nausea by regulating the serotonin receptors. The study was on an animal model where the subjects experienced reduced nausea after consuming it.
Other than these, it might also aid arthritis, obesity, skin conditions, and diabetes. These are some of the effects that you might experience with both products. So, what makes them different? The subsequent section will answer it.
Pros and Cons of CBD Isolate Vs. Full Spectrum CBD
Besides the typical benefits, there are different benefits for each type of CBD product.
Pros of CBD Isolate
- They contain pure CBD without any other Cannabinoid.
- You have an option to choose from a wide variety of products.
- Reduce the risk of showing up in a drug test.
- An ideal choice for individuals allergic to other Cannabinoids, except CBD
- Less bitter taste than Full spectrum CBD
Cons of CBD Isolate
- You would not feel any Entourage effects (the additional effects that come from the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids).
- It may not be effective in some conditions.
Pros of Full Spectrum CBD
- You have a range of products to choose from. The terpenes and Cannabinoids blend to offer you entourage effects.
- It might be effective in a wide range of conditions.
Cons of Full Spectrum CBD
- There is a possible chance of showing up in a drug test because of the presence of THC.
- If you are allergic to a particular terpene or Cannabinoid, staying away from full-spectrum CBD products is better.
- You might not like its taste.
So, these are some things that separate CBD isolate and Full spectrum CBD from each other.
Which one is Better?
If someone asks you who is a better singer between Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, and Selena Gomez, you might answer Taylor Swift, while someone else might answer Selena Gomez or Ariana Grande. The answer to these questions is subjective.
Similarly, which CBD type is better for you depends on your choice, needs, and preferences. If CBD isolate fulfills your needs, you can consume it. If you want entourage effects, you might go for the Full spectrum. If you are not ready to take the risk of detection in drug tests, go for CBD isolate. So, it depends on what you are expecting from the CBD product.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Most people confuse between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD. These two are not the same. While you know about full-spectrum now, broad-spectrum contains all the Cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oil present in plants, except THC. The absence of THC is the only factor that differentiates full and broad-spectrum CBD.
Conclusion
Full-spectrum CBD or isolate similar products that offer you the possible benefits of CBD. However, the former contains a broader range of Cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, while the latter is barren of all these things. It makes all the difference between the two products. You might experience both to determine which one worked better for you.
