In this article, we discuss the differences between full-spectrum Hemp Oils and isolates, how they affect the body differently, and how they can be better chosen.
If you have ever made purchases with CBD, you have probably noticed that some products are marketed as full-spectrum and other as CBD isolate. In this article, let’s take a closer look at the differences between the full spectrum and CBD isolate and its importance to consumers.
UNDERSTANDING THE CHEMISTRY OF CANNABIS
The cannabis plant contains 483 known compounds, of which approximately 60 or more are cannabinoids. CBD is just one of these ingredients. And although much research has been done to understand cannabinoids such as CBD and THC, we still don’t know much about the cannabis plant and its effects on the human body.
FULL SPECTRUM CBD VS. ISOLATE
Full Spectrum Hemp is made of an extract that contains all or almost all natural compounds found in the cannabis plant. Of course, this includes CBD, as well as other cannabinoids (including CBN, CBC, and CBG, to name just a few), terpenes, flavonoids, and many others.
The Hemp isolate, on the other hand, only contains CBD. CBD companies do this by isolating CBD from a cannabis extract or doing it artificially in the laboratory. For example, a company plans to extract cannabinoids from sugar.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF FULL SPECTRUM AND ISOLATE CBD?
Full-spectrum Hemp and isolates have their advantages and disadvantages.
Hemp isolate especially popular among people who regularly use large doses of Hemp and who undergo randomized drug tests. But to be clear, most of the full spectrum CBD products (including our complete CBD range) are made from hemp extract, which usually contains very little THC (less than 0.3%).
These levels are extremely low and, of course, cannot cause a psychoactive high. Unfortunately, traces of THC can be found in a drug test, and even more so in people who use large doses of Hemp daily. On the other hand, Hemp isolates are completely free of THC, which gives a good feeling to those that may pass through a drug test.
But where is there room for full-spectrum Hemp? Now that it contains all the ingredients of cannabis, Hemp is believed to have a broader therapeutic potential in its full spectrum than isolates. This is related to the entourage effect.
Full Spectrum Hemp vs. isolate
THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT: HOW CANACABINOIDS AND TERPENE INTERACTIONS IN THE BODY
The Entourage effect describes a theory that suggests that cannabis compositions in the body can cause a synergistic effect with a unique effect. Other sources doubt the existence of the entourage effect. However, some valid studies suggest that the specific effect of cannabis is not only based on individual constituents, but on how these compounds interact in the body.
For example, studies have shown that CBD in cannabis can counteract some of the negative side effects of cannabis, such as anxiety. It is believed that CBD can block some of the cannabinoid receptors and, therefore, the action of THC, which binds directly to these receptors.
Studies have also shown that full-spectrum Hemp products provide more relief for certain symptoms than isolates.
In a study conducted by the Lautenberg Center for General Immunology of Tumors in Jerusalem, CBD was compared to the full range of isolates used to treat pain and inflammation. Full-spectrum Hemp has always been superior in all aspects of the study.
For more information on the entourage effect, Let’s take a look at Marinol, a THC approved by the FDA, prescribed for nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy. For a long time, patients have reported that cannabis rich in THC can fight nausea and vomiting, often associated with chemotherapy. On the contrary, Marinol is much less effective than its natural counterpart and can even sometimes cause nausea instead of fighting them.
However, it is important to understand that the entourage effect is not limited to THC and CBD. All components of cannabis, including terpenes, can communicate with each other for a unique effect. For example, some sources suggest that pinene may help reduce some of the cognitive impairments associated with THC. At the same time, pinene, myrcene, and caryophyllene have also been shown to be anxiolytic, which may improve the anxiolytic effects of CBD.
Unfortunately, much of the research on cannabis has focused on the effects of THC and CBD. However, if we look in more detail at the many other active ingredients in the cannabis plant, we will soon be able to learn more about the infinite potential.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE FINAL CONSUMER?
If you buy Hemp Oils and want to exploit the full potential of the cannabis plant, we strongly recommend full-spectrum Hemp products.
Broad-spectrum
We know that the full-spectrum Hemp extract contains many different molecules of the Hemp plant, such as small amounts of THC, terpene, chlorophyll, and waxes. We also know that isolate Hemp is a type of highly processed extract containing approximately 99% CBD in the form of crystals containing only very small amounts of terpenes. Although the Hemp isolate has little to offer in terms of the entourage effect, it still provides a larger dose of CBD and is totally free of THC.
Broad-spectrum extracts are similar to full-spectrum extracts because they contain various molecules and offer users the benefits of the entourage effect. The peculiarity of the broad spectrum extracts is that they contain absolutely no THC. This type of CBD extract is ideal for people who are looking for a significant amount of terpenes and who avoid even the smallest amounts of THC that can be found in a drug test.
