What Exactly is Full Spectrum?

With all the hype around CBD lately, most people are drowning in a sea of information. When looking for CBD products, customers see 'Full Spectrum' but most usually do not know the difference between a CBD isolate compared to a full-spectrum product. Due to its non-intoxicating properties, CBD has become a very popular option for people searching for a natural alternative to treat conditions such as chronic pain, stress, and etc. As people start to understand how different types of CBD can be used to alleviate their symptoms, they are faced with a choice between using products made from CBD isolate or full- or broad-spectrum CBD.

CBD isolate is exactly what it sounds like: pure, isolated cannabidiol, all by itself. It comes in a white powder or crystals and contains no other additives. Pure CBD isolate is completely odorless. It was initially believed that isolated CBD was the "Gold Standard" of non-psychoactive cannabis therapy. There have been a lot of promising medical studies showing all of the potential health benefits of CBD, and people are loving that it doesn’t produce any intoxicating effects.

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains other active plant compounds in addition to the CBD (Pro-tip: it's only full-spectrum if it includes some THC). Full-spectrum CBD contains a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, cannabinoids, fatty acids, proteins, chlorophyll, terpenes, flavonoids, and fibers. This includes other cannabinoids such as CBG, CBDV, and CBC, as well as aromatic cannabis terpenes like pinene and limonene. When referring to CBD in the hemp plant, it’s important to understand that hemp contains over 100 cannabinoids in trace amounts. In 2015, one of the most recent and important studies relating to full spectrum CBD took place at the Hadassah School in Jerusalem, Israel. This study compared the performance of a full spectrum oil with one that was strictly CBD only. The study concluded full-spectrum products have an advantage over a CBD isolate in certain situations.

That being said, CBD isolate still has a place in the CBD industry. Many individuals like to use this powder to make their own CBD tinctures and topicals. Many choose to mix this pure form of CBD with their preference of cooking oil for a plethora of uses. This oil can then be applied to the skin, taken orally or even baked into edibles.

However, broad-spectrum CBD might be the best of both worlds for most people. It's THC-free, but contains everything else from the hemp plant, including those essential oils, trace cannabinoids, and other compounds that contribute to the entourage effect. Our most popular products fall into this broad-spectrum category.