Shopping for CBD products for the first time can be a mind boggling experience. There is a wide variety of terminology out there used to sell CBD. Getting to grips with it all can be extremely confusing. All the talk of full-spectrum, whole plant, extraction method, isolate, broad spectrum etc leaves many consumers feeling way out of their depths. To understand which is the best CBD product for you it is necessary to get educated. Without a basic knowledge of the differences between full spectrum and isolate CBD you may very well purchase the wrong product entirely.

Is Isolate or Full Spectrum Best?

This guide intends to give the consumer some basic knowledge relating to isolate and full spectrum CBD. Educating yourself will definitely help when purchasing CBD products, making it far easier to find quality, effective CBD that will suit the consumer’s individual needs. It is unnecessary to land yourself with a bunch of ineffective and expensive CBD purchases in your search for the right one. Read on to discover which is best for you.

What is CBD Isolate?

The purest and simplest form of CBD is an isolate. CBD isolate is just as its name suggests, cannabidiol that has been isolated from all other cannabinoids. CBD isolate will contain only CBD. All other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids are removed.

Isolating CBD

The act of isolating the CBD from the hemp plant is really rather complex. Although hemp is farmed for its high CBD content, there are still many other cannabinoids and terpenes present. Even though the ratio of other components to that of CBD is minimal, to produce true isolate they must all be removed. When hemp undergoes the extraction process all compounds are present. Extra steps are taken to isolate the CBD and it is this process that requires an exact science. There must be absolutely no other properties in existence to be able to claim a product is CBD isolate.

Dabbing CBD Isolate

CBD isolate comes in various shapes and sizes. Originally isolate was most commonly found in the form of dabs. Dabbing was traditionally performed by heating a substance on a hot nail and inhaling the resulting smoke or vapor. There are now portable vaporizers such as the Atman Hashmate, which are designed to replace the hot nail method of dabbing. CBD isolate dabs come in the form of powder, crystals, wax, resin, or shatter, so-called because of its glass-like texture. Dabbing CBD isolate is known to be a method which takes quick effect. It is also thought to have good bioavailability, meaning the body receives a high percentage of the properties that may benefit health and wellbeing.

Vaporizing CBD Isolate

As well as dabs, isolate also comes in the form of CBD E-liquid. CBD isolate that has been designed for vaping is also referred to as CBD juice and CBD vape oil UK.
CBD isolate designed for inhalation, is dissolved in a carrier oil that is safe to boil in a vaporizer. It is the heating process which activates the CBD and this gives the user maximum benefit of the health properties associated with CBD isolate.
The carrier used in isolate vape oil must be able to reach the high temperatures required to trigger this process, without burning. Isolate CBD E-liquid is usually mixed with a combination of vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG) oils.

What Is Full Spectrum CBD?

A full spectrum CBD contains all the other cannabinoids that an isolate disregards. Whilst isolate is usually derived from the hemp plant due to its high cannabidiol (CBD) and low tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) presence, full spectrum can come from both hemp and cannabis. The cannabis plant contains hundreds of cannabinoids and terpenes. Full spectrum CBD refers to products that not only contain CBD but contain other plant molecules as well. Whereas the process of fully isolating CBD is quite a lengthy one, full spectrum CBD is minimally refined. This achieves leaving most of the cannabinoids and terpenes intact and in the oil.

Whole Plant CBD

Full spectrum is sometimes referred to as “whole plant”. This makes perfect sense once you understand that the full plant extract is included. Full spectrum provides more of the plant’s molecules in ratios and amounts that nature intended and hence is considered a more effective and efficient health promoter.

Entourage Effect

Much research has suggested that, cannabinoids and terpenes working together, as they naturally would in the plant will influence the other’s potency. We commonly refer to this synergy as the entourage effect. The relationship between the cannabinoids CBD and THC is the the one studied most closely. There is much evidence to suggest that CBD reduces or softens the psychoactive effects of THC. Alongside this observation it is noted that the presence of THC positively affects the process of the CBD attaching to its relevant receptors As a result, the beneficial effects of CBD are heightened.

Wider Health Reach

Full spectrum CBD oil products are the preference of a growing population due to the fact they have the advantage of containing many different cannabinoids and terpenes. Consumers understand from the experts that this will have a far wider health reach and for those wishing to treat many differing symptoms it is the obvious choice. The entourage effects of full spectrum CBD oils are reported to have far more success in the effective treatment of inflammatory conditions for example. The inclusion of essential terpenes must not be overlooked either. Terpenes, similar to aromatherapy essential oils, are showing incredible potential for human health and as such vaporizing full spectrum CBD E-liquid is on a swift incline.

To Conclude

Knowing the difference between isolate and full spectrum CBD is a good start. However, it remains a tricky decision as to which will be best for you. Sometimes it really does come down to trial and error so trying both may be the way to go. We suggest carrying out further research into which cannabinoids have been proven to be the most beneficial for particular ailments. It is also important to consider that people can react quite differently to natural health supplements and that each experience is unique.

Susan Henretty

Susan Henretty became a natural health activist over 10 years ago, after personal experience led her to research the benefits of alternative therapies.

In 2018, Susan and her partner decided to combine their business skills with their shared interest in herbal health and vaporizers. As a result they co-founded Kronicvapes.

Based on her previous interest in the holistic field, this inspired Susan to begin her own regular, health blog. Her writing aims to inform and inspire others; specifically in regards to the beneficial properties of vaporizing natural herbs.

Furthermore, as a herbal health advocator, she endeavours to bring her audience the latest global news and politics, regarding cannabis law; science; opinion and fact based evidence.