The CBD market is booming right now, and it's not showing any signs of slowing down. It's even on track to reach a $20 billion valuation by the year 2024.
As CBD becomes more mainstream, the number of people who are starting to take an interest in these products continues to grow. A lot of people have questions about the different products on the market, though. For example, they want to know the difference between full-spectrum vs isolate CBD products.
Have you been curious about the distinctions between these two options? Are you unsure of which one is right for you?
If so, keep reading. Everything you need to know is explained down below.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid that is found naturally in cannabis plants.
When people first learn that cannabidiol comes from cannabis, they get nervous and worry that it'll get them high. That's the job of a different cannabinoid, though, known as THC (short for tetrahydrocannabinol).
CBD products contain very little THC (if any at all), so you can't get high from consuming them. You can experience a lot of noteworthy benefits, though. Many people report experiencing lessened anxiety, better sleep, and reduced chronic pain when they use CBD on a regular basis.
The potential for these benefits has a lot of people interested in CBD. However, they're often not sure which type of CBD products, full-spectrum vs isolate CBD, they should be using.
What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD products contain a wide range of cannabinoids and plant compounds (terpenes, flavonoids, etc.). The extraction process that these products go through is less rigorous and involves less filtering. As a result, it's common for a small amount of THC (less than 0.3 percent) to remain.
What Is CBD Isolate?
Cannabidiol isolate, on the other hand, contains cannabidiol and nothing else. These products go through a much more intensive extraction and filtration process (which often includes the use of carbon dioxide or other solvents to pull out additional plant material) and are free from THC. They also do not contain any other cannabinoids.
Full-Spectrum vs Isolate Pros and Cons
There are benefits and drawbacks to using both full-spectrum CBD products and CBD isolates. If you're not sure which product is right for you, here are some pros and cons you ought to consider:
Full-Spectrum CBD Pros
When you use a full-spectrum CBD product, you expose yourself not only to CBD but to a wide range of other cannabinoids. Keep in mind, there are at least 113 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant (and that's just what's known to science right now).
These cannabinoids all come with their own unique benefits that complement those offered by CBD. For example, CBC (short for cannabichromene) is known for being a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral compound. CBG (short for cannabigerol) does a great job of relieving pain and reducing inflammation.
When you consume CBD alongside these other cannabinoids in the form of a full-spectrum supplement, you can experience more robust benefits. Full-spectrum CBD products also allow you to experience the benefits of other plant compounds, such as terpenes and flavonoids, which give plants their unique color, scent, and flavor.
When all of these compounds are working together, it's known as the entourage effect. This term was first coined by researchers S. Ben-Shabat and by Raphael Mechoulam back in 1998. They (and many other cannabis researchers) have argued that cannabis compounds are more powerful when they're applied together than when they're applied separately.
Full-Spectrum CBD Cons
Many people find that they notice more significant benefits, especially when it comes to relieving pain and reducing inflammation, when they use a full-spectrum product (as opposed to an isolate). At the same time, though, there are some potential downsides to full-spectrum CBD. For example, if you are sensitive to THC or any other cannabinoids, the minuscule amount found in these products could cause negative effects for you or cause you to test positive on a drug test.
Some people find that they do not enjoy the taste of full-spectrum CBD oil, either. This can make it harder for them to be consistent with their usage and may affect their results.
CBD Isolate Pros
One of the greatest benefits of CBD isolate products is the fact that you won't expose yourself to any THC when you consume it. This can provide a lot of relief to those who have sensitivities, as well as those who are new to the CBD world and aren't yet ready to experience the full spectrum of cannabinoids.
CBD isolates can be easier to dose, too. This is because you're only consuming CBD and don't have to worry about any other cannabinoids throwing off the quantity of CBD you're getting with each serving.
For many people, CBD isolate products can be more palatable, too. Since they don't contain additional plant material, they don't have as strong of a taste.
Because you're only paying for the CBD (plus the carrier oil and flavoring) when you buy CBD isolate products, they're often less expensive than their full-spectrum counterparts. This can make them more accessible to folks who are still on the fence or working with limited budgets.
CBD Isolate Cons
The primary drawback of CBD isolate compared to full-spectrum CBD is the absence of the entourage effect. Some people don't notice any significant benefits when they take pure CBD without any other cannabinoids or plant compounds present. If you're dealing with particularly severe symptoms, it might be in your best interest to use a full-spectrum product instead of an isolate.
Which CBD Product Is Right for You?
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the differences between full-spectrum vs isolate CBD, which one seems like a better fit for you? Both products have their pros and cons. It's up to you to decide based on the symptoms you want to control, your sensitivities, and your preference.
If you want to purchase any kind of CBD product (full-spectrum or isolate), we've got lots of options for you to choose from. Head to our online store today to start shopping.