Full spectrum and CBD isolate: What are they and what are their differences?
Nowadays it is fashionable to talk about cannabis and use terms that we are not always familiar with. Examples of them are broad spectrum, full spectrum, CBD isolate. We explain what these words mean and what they are used for.
Due to the increase in popularity of cannabidiol (CBD) in recent years, different cannabis-derived products have appeared on the market. Some claim to be CBD isolate, broad spectrum CBD or full spectrum CBD.
But what does this mean?
The cannabis plant contains a wide range of cannabinoids and other components. Each of them has different properties. This has allowed them to be seen as possible treatments for certain diseases. Recently they have been sought to be used separately to target specific ailments. This is where cannabinoids or isolated terpenes come into play.
Below, we explain the differences between these three classifications and their different benefits.
CBD isolate or CBD isolate
Products claiming to contain CBD isolate are created from a cannabis extract using laboratory processes. First the extract is obtained directly from the plant, an oil that must then be purified using certain chemicals.
Subsequently, it is filtered and passes to the stage called "winterization", where it is frozen. This step causes the "trashite" (remaining particles of the plant), as well as other cannabinoids, terpenes, chlorophyll and other substances to be separated from the CBD. Isolate is usually obtained from hemp extract because of its high CBD concentrations. Isolated CBD can be an oil, a resin, or even a salt.
Benefits of using a product containing only CBD:
It does not cause psychotropic effects as it does not contain THC.
It is easier to find the right dose.
It is not classified as "marijuana" or as a controlled or illegal substance.
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Full spectrum CBD or full spectrum
It is a cannabis extract that contains all the components found in the plant. That is: all the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids contained in the harvested strain.
Unlike isolated CBD, full spectrum CBD oils and resins do contain THC, so it is important to check the label or request your certificate of analysis to find out how much THC it contains. When extracted from hemp, full spectrum has a low percentage of THC, less than 0.3%.
All the components contained in full spectrum products interact with each other generating something called entourage effect . This refers to the synergy or potentiation that is created between all the compounds in the plant.
Simply put: the "entourage effect" means that the mixture of all the cannabinoids will make its effects better and more potent. Because of this, full spectrum CBD is able to provide greater benefits to those who take it, compared to an isolated CBD oil. [1,5]
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Broad spectrum
Broad-spectrum CBD products contain a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes, but no THC. Broad-spectrum CBD is an excellent choice for people who do not want traces of THC in their system, whether for medical, personal, or legal reasons. [7]
To create full spectrum CBD, manufacturers subject the full spectrum CBD extract to additional processing to remove as much THC as possible, while preserving the other natural cannabinoids and terpenes. There is another method, which involves adding other cannabinoids and terpenes to the isolated CBD. [7]
Like full spectrum CBD, the other compounds found within the plant are retained in the extract. However, in broad spectrum CBD, THC is completely eliminated, just as in CBD isolate.
Because broad spectrum CBD contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes, it can provide the benefits of the entourage effect, without the possibility of experiencing the psychoactive effects of THC. [1,2]
ICAN® All rights reserved. No modification of the images or text contained herein is permitted. Reproduction without modification is permitted when ICAN is cited as the author and linked to www.ican.mx and/or Facebook @ICANvets. Design: Zaira Orozco
ICAN® All rights reserved. No modification of the images or text contained herein is permitted. Reproduction without modification is permitted when ICAN is cited as the author and linked to www.ican.mx and/or Facebook @ICANvets. Design: Zaira Orozco
Conclusions
It has been observed in different studies that, although CBD on its own can offer different benefits such as reducing anxiety, inflammation, insomnia and even treating diabetes, these beneficial effects are usually greater when it acts together with other cannabinoids due to the entourage effect. [3,6] This is why it is important that you know the differences and know what the product you want to use contains.
Don't forget that when buying any product that claims to be derived from cannabis, you should check its certificates of analysis performed in a certified laboratory. It is important to check its cannabinoid and terpene content (if tested), as well as making sure it does not contain dangerous substances such as pesticides or heavy metals. Currently, this is the best way to ensure that it is a genuine and safe product.
It is important to remember that the doses of CBD required may vary according to the characteristics of each consumer, such as age, weight and conditions to be treated. Therefore, only a trained physician can recommend the ideal dose for each patient. [4,8]
At ICAN we are working to facilitate the link between patients who need medical cannabis and the doctors trained to prescribe it; we invite you to follow us on social networks or subscribe to our email newsletter to keep up to date with advances in this area.
References
[1] Cadena, A. (2019). Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs CBD Isolate: The Difference Explained. Recuperado de <Sitio web>, última consulta el 1 de abril 2020.
[2] CBD Livity. (2019). FULL SPECTRUM VS BROAD SPECTRUM VS ISOLATE. Recuperado de <Sitio web>, última consulta el 1 de abril 2020.
[3] Gallily, R., Yekhtin, Z., Ondřej Hanuš, L. (2015). Overcoming the Bell-Shaped Dose-Response of Cannabidiol by Using Cannabis Extract Enriched in Cannabidiol. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 6, 75-85. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/pp.2015.62010 Last accessed April 1, 2020.
[4] O’Connell, B. (2019). What Is CBD Isolate? Recuperado de <Sitio web>, última consulta el 1 de abril 2020.
[5] O’Connell, B. (2019). What Is Full-Spectrum CBD? Recuperado de <Sitio web>, última consulta el 1 de abril 2020.
[6] Russo, E. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163 1344-1364. DOI:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x Last accessed April 1, 2020.
[7] The brothers. (s.f.). CBD Isolate, Broad Spectrum and Full Spectrum – What’s The Difference? Recuperado de <Sitio web>, última consulta el 1 de abril 2020.
[8] WeedMaps. (2020). WHAT IS CBD ISOLATE AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?. Recuperado de <Sitio web>, última consulta el 1 de abril 2020.
