Full spectrum vs Isolate vs Broad spectrum CBD oil: The differences explained

You’ve probably noticed that there are different forms of CBD. The three main forms are called ‘full spectrum’ , ‘isolate’ and ‘broad spectrum’. But what are the differences between them? And which one is the best? We explained it in this article.

What does full spectrum mean in CBD oil?

Let’s start by looking at the question “what does full spectrum mean in CBD oil (or other CBD products)?”: The cannabis plant contains over a 100 ‘cannabinoids‘. Out of all these cannabinoids, CBD and THC are the best-known ones. The cannabinoid CBD is capable of providing calming effects, and THC is known for its ‘high’ effect. Besides these cannabinoids, the cannabis plant also contains other compounds like terpenes and flavonoids. All these compounds work together in synergy creating something called the “entourage effect”. This is basically an effect that provides very strong potential benefits. Full spectrum CBD products contain all these compounds of a whole cannabis plant, so have this entourage effect with very strong potential benefits.

However; this also means that full spectrum CBD products contain some THC. The amount of THC in full spectrum CBD is very little; below 0.3%. This isn’t enough to get you ‘high’ in the same marijuana does. However; it is possible to feel a slight ‘buzz‘ because of this trace amount of THC (depending on your sensitivity and how much you use). Generally you will get used to the little bit of THC in CBD products quite fast, so you probably won’t experience this ‘buzz’ anymore after the first few times. Nevertheless, some people may be afraid of this slight ‘buzz’ that full spectrum CBD products can provide potentially. Another downside of this trace amount of THC is that it possibly can make you test positive on a test. Drug tests usually look for THC, and depending on their sensitivity they could pick up very small amounts already. So; if you have concerns about getting tested or are afraid of getting a ‘buzz’ from THC, keeping on reading…

What is isolate CBD oil?

If you’re looking for CBD products without THC, you got 2 options. The first one is called “isolate”. Isolate CBD products only contain 1 of the many cannabis-compounds; CBD itself. This means that isolate CBD oil has less potential effects, because all the other compounds that naturally occur in the cannabis plant can not work together. However; this also means that you will not test positive on a test, because there’s no THC in isolate CBD oil. Isolate is the most processed form of CBD, because the single compound needs to be extracted from the other ones. Therefore it’s also the only CBD form that is tasteless and colorless.

Broad spectrum CBD oil: Best of both worlds

The other (lesser-known) THC-free option among CBD products is called broad spectrum. This one contains all the compounds of a whole cannabis plant, but without THC. So; broad spectrum CBD oil will provide strong potential benefits, while also containing 0% THC. The effects will be a bit less strong than full spectrum CBD because you won’t get a full entourage effect, but stronger than isolate CBD. This makes broad spectrum CBD oil ideal for if you are afraid of THC (for instance because of tests), but do want the benefits of almost all compounds of the cannabis plant.

Wrap-up: The best CBD oil form is…

Our advice is to go for full spectrum CBD oil to get the maximum potential benefits. If you want to avoid THC (for instance because of the potential ‘buzz’ or if you get tested occasionally), go for broad spectrum CBD oil. This way you still get most of the potential benefits while avoiding THC. Only if the taste is a really big issue for you, you could go for isolate CBD oil.

Where should you get them?

As you may have noticed, there are a lot of CBD brands out there. However, it can be hard to find a really good one. The brand we use ourselves is this one; it sells very high-quality CBD oil (and other CBD products) in all of the 3 above-described forms (so full spectrum, isolate and even broad spectrum, which is hard to find). For more CBD information we highly recommend checking out the other articles on our website as well.