Full-Spectrum CBD vs. Isolate CBD
These days, CBD products are available in a variety of different forms. You’ve probably heard about isolate CBD and full-spectrum CBD, but now there are also products that contain an extract called broad-spectrum CBD.
With all the different types of CBD extracts that are available, it’s worth taking a moment to consider the benefits and detractors of full-spectrum and isolate CBD. Learn why experts generally consider full-spectrum CBD hemp extract to be the superior option.
What is full-spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids present in mature hemp flowers. Some cannabis scientists believe that cannabinoids are most effective when accompanied by their full entourage of aromatic, flavorful terpenes and flavonoids.
The modern reductionist view of pharmacology teaches that natural compounds are just as effective when they are chemically isolated. Ancient wisdom, however, teaches that plant-based substances are more effective when they are kept in their whole, natural states.
The ultimate full-spectrum CBD product is CBD flower. All CBD extracts are derived from hemp flower, so using CBD flower allows you to enjoy cannabinoids at their source. As long as the minor cannabinoids and aromatic oils that hemp flower expresses aren’t removed during extraction, though, the benefits of full-spectrum CBD are retained even in extract form.
Full-spectrum CBD vs. isolate
For years, the only type of CBD you could buy was full-spectrum. As the hemp industry expanded, however, manufacturers started isolating the cannabidiol molecule from the other constituents of hemp flower. You can now buy CBD isolate from dozens of different retailers, but there are some compelling reasons you might want to stick with full-spectrum CBD instead.
The entourage effect
While still unproven, scientists have speculated for years that the various cannabinoids present in hemp flower may exert a synergistic effect when they are kept together. Called the entourage effect, scientists use this phenomenon to explain why full-spectrum CBD products appear to offer better results.
Since CBD isolate is stripped of all the other components in hemp flower, it cannot provide the entourage effect. Whether the entourage effect will ever be scientifically proven or not, it’s a fact that the terpenes, flavonoids, and minor cannabinoids present in CBD-rich hemp flower each have individual benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The broad-spectrum CBD debate
It’s now possible to entirely remove the THC from CBD-rich hemp extract. The resulting substance, called broad-spectrum CBD extract, is touted as having the same benefits as full-spectrum CBD. It’s almost impossible, however, to remove THC from CBD-rich hemp oil without altering the chemical structure of hemp extract, so broad-spectrum CBD is not the same as full-spectrum CBD.
In the future, it may become possible to produce broad-spectrum CBD without affecting the other constituents of hemp oil extract. At present, however, full-spectrum CBD remains superior to broad-spectrum CBD.
What form of CBD is most effective?
Experts generally consider full-spectrum CBD to be the most effective due to its natural structure and complete cannabinoid profile. While delta 9 THC might be undesirable in large quantities, it composes an integral component of the hemp cannabinoid “entourage.” Even if small amounts of THC didn’t add benefits to CBD extract, removing THC (or any other single substance) from hemp extract is a very delicate process that almost always damages the extract’s other compounds.
Should I take CBD isolate or full-spectrum?
Full-spectrum CBD is the preferable option since it offers more benefits. CBD isolate only offers the solitary benefits of the cannabinoid cannabidiol, but full-spectrum CBD combines the benefits of this cannabinoid with the benefits of dozens of other unique compounds. If you want to experience the benefits of CBD to their fullest extent, full-spectrum CBD products are the best option.
Best full-spectrum CBD products
Let’s take a look at a couple of Secret Nature CBD products that bring full-spectrum CBD to its fullest potential. All of our CBD flower and vape options are full-spectrum, but there are a couple of other Secret Nature products you should be aware of as you search for the best full-spectrum CBD products on the internet:
1. Live Resin CBD Badder
Live resin CBD badder offers all the benefits of CBD flower in dabbable concentrate form. The most advanced type of CBD extract ever developed, live resin captures the exact cannabinoid and terpene profile present in CBD flower at the time of harvest.
Most types of CBD extract are made after CBD-rich hemp buds have been dried and cured. Live resin, however, is extracted the moment CBD nugs are cut off the vine. The process of drying and curing, called decarboxylation, destroys a significant portion of the terpenes and flavonoids present in hemp flower, reducing potency.
Since it’s flash-frozen and extracted immediately after harvest, live resin extract tastes better, smells better, and hits better. You can use Secret Nature Live Resin Badder in dozens of different ways, and like all of our products, this live resin extract is third-party lab tested for potency and purity.
Secret Nature Live Resin CBD Badder customer reviews
Customers who have tried our Live Resin Badder immediately note the difference between this product and other types of CBD extract. Anthony S. loved the “the relaxing sensation it gives your whole body,” and Stacy O. noted the increased terpene content of our live resin by saying that “just the smell alone will put a smile on your face.”
2. Organic Hemp Flower Nectar Drops
Our organic CBD tincture is already unique because it contains CBD extracted from the healthiest, happiest hemp plants on the planet. We sweeten the deal, however, by including a medley of natural healing ingredients alongside the 1250mg of CBD in our Organic Hemp Flower Nectar.
In addition to full-spectrum CBD flower nectar, our tincture also contains black seed oil, shilajit, and added cannabis terpenes. Black seed oil and shilajit are powerful, natural antioxidants, and terpenes offer both flavoring and antioxidant functions.
Like all our products, Secret Nature Organic Hemp Flower Nectar is third-party lab tested, and we include organic hemp seed oil as the base of our tincture. This product contains less than 0.3% THC, and a single drop includes around 2.1mg CBD.
Customer reactions to Secret Nature Organic Hemp Flower Nectar
People from all walks of life have used our Organic Hemp Flower Tincture for pain, anxiety, and even addiction. Alexis S. says that Secret Nature is a “godsend,” and while Joy. W. has used tinctures from other brands, she says that “this one is by far, the best.” Other customers point out the excellent customer service we provide with every order, and they like the natural taste our Organic Hemp Flower Tincture offers.
Full-spectrum vs. isolate CBD FAQ
Let’s finish up with a few answers to common CBD extract questions:
1. Does full-spectrum CBD do anything?
Yes, users almost universally report that full-spectrum CBD has noticeable effects, and they further note that this type of CBD extract is more effective than others. If you’ve been disappointed by the effects of isolate or broad-spectrum CBD, full-spectrum CBD is the extract to choose if you want to be pleasantly surprised this time.
2. Will full-spectrum CBD oil make me fail a drug test?
Due to its trace concentrations of THC, full-spectrum CBD oil can make you test positive for THC if you consume enough of it within a short-enough period. THC and other cannabinoids can stay in your system for up to 30 days, and the amount of time THC remains detectable in your urine depends on how much of it you consume. Generally speaking, you have to be a heavy full-spectrum CBD user to run any risk of failing a drug test.
3. Is CBD isolate or full-spectrum better for anxiety?
Users generally report that full-spectrum CBD is better for every type of condition. People use CBD for lots of different reasons, but regardless of why you decided to rely on this non-intoxicating cannabinoid, full-spectrum extract will deliver the effects of CBD more strongly. If you’re looking for quick relief from anxiety attacks or long-lasting liberation from general anxiety throughout the day, full-spectrum CBD is where you should start.
4. What is the strongest full-spectrum CBD oil?
It doesn’t really matter how much full-spectrum CBD is in your bottle of tincture. What matters is how much CBD is in each drop and the other ingredients that are included along with your full-spectrum CBD extract. Full-spectrum CBD itself varies considerably in the array of compounds it contains, and CBD can be further boosted if paired with certain natural non-cannabis substances.
