When shopping for CBD, we have to consider a lot of things as the market is so diverse that there’s a massive array of unique formulations available.  The CBD market can be expansive because we now know that our bodies respond to CBD in very different ways, meaning that the ideal formulation for one person may be a disappointing experience for another person.

Besides milligram strengths, delivery methods and flavors, another factor we have to take into consideration when choosing the ideal product is the type of hemp extract used.  As you may know, there are three types of hemp extracts on the market that are available, and today we will be talking about the two most popular options: full spectrum and CBD isolate.

As you’ll see, which of the two you choose can dramatically impact your overall experience with CBD.  This is why it’s very important to choose your hemp extract wisely, especially if you have specific goals in mind when it comes to your hemp routine.  We’ll be explaining both of these extracts in full detail so that you can fully grasp what it is that they are capable of, and the unique ways in which they can affect you as a regular hemp user.

How’s CBD Extracted?

Before we explain the differences between full spectrum extract and CBD oil isolate, we have to first talk about how hemp is extracted, as this has everything to do with the type of extract that we end up with.  The term “CBD extract” can be a bit misleading, because CBD is just one of the compounds found in the hemp plant, of which there are many.

Besides CBD, which is the leading compound in hemp, there are plenty of other cannabinoids that each have their own unique properties.  Then, there are terpenes, which are chemical compounds found within a plant’s essential oils.  There are also flavonoids, which may boost the synergistic effects of the cannabinoids, which we will be getting into more later.

When we talk about “CBD extract,” what we really mean is hemp extract, as CBD and all other desirable compounds come from the hemp plant material.  To make hemp extract, the hemp plant is run through an extraction process that gently and carefully lifts the compounds from the actual plant material.  This allows us to have an oily concentrate that’s rich in the full variety of hemp compounds. From there, a manufacturer can choose to isolate and eliminate specific compounds if they wish, to end up with a unique chemical composition that can have its own unique effects.

Full Spectrum vs. Isolate CBD

Now, let’s discuss CBD isolate vs. full spectrum, and what these two terms mean.  As you’ll see, they are very different products in terms of what they consist of and what they can do.  By understanding each one, you’ll be able to better fine tune your hemp experience to suit your unique needs, preferences and body.  Whether you choose full spectrum or CBD isolate is up to you, as no one is considered objectively superior at the end of the day.

Full Spectrum

Full spectrum CBD is essentially what you end up with when you initially run hemp through an extraction process.  It contains every plant compound found in the hemp plant as it occurs in nature, meaning that it’s rich in the full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids that exist in the plant material.

So, why would someone want full spectrum?  Well, many believe that all of these compounds bring something unique to the table, and to not take full spectrum extract would be to miss out on all that these compounds can provide to the body.  For instance, CBD is not the only cannabinoid that can be useful.  Similarly, terpenes and flavonoids have their own exciting properties that can be enjoyed by the body.

There’s also the entourage effect factor.  Science shows us that hemp has synergistic properties, which means that when all of the compounds are taken together at the same time, they can boost the effectiveness of each other.  In order to experience the entourage effect, you must take hemp as it occurs in nature, chemically speaking.  And, the way to do this is by using a full spectrum hemp extract.  Full spectrum hemp comes in many forms, including tinctures, edibles and full spectrum CBD powder.

CBD Isolate

Also known as cannabinol isolate or hemp isolate, it’s simply a pure CBD extract that contains no other compounds in hemp.  This allows a person to enjoy a very potent dose of pure CBD, which is great for those who want the effects of CBD but none of the other plant compounds.  Bear in mind, however, that companies now produce CBD isolate with terpenes, which means that desirable terpenes have been chemically added to the pure CBD isolate.

If you’re wondering how to use CBD isolate, it’s actually very simple.  Like full spectrum CBD, CBD isolate comes in a broad range of delivery methods, including vape oils, topicals, tinctures, powders and more.  Like any CBD product, CBD isolate products are taken according to the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging.

So, what about all those other compounds?  Aren’t they equally desirable?  Well, people who take CBD isolate tend to prefer a very high potency level of straight up CBD, because they’ve found that this particular hemp compound is able to achieve what they want.  If this is the case for you, then CBD isolate may be the way to go.

Final CBD Thoughts

Now, you can fully understand the ways in which CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD differ from each other.  This should help you better customize your unique hemp routine based on what it is that you’re trying to achieve.  The next time you shop for CBD at Kushie Bites, carefully look on a product’s label in order to determine what type of extract it contains.