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Pure CBD Isolate Oil vs. Full Spectrum CBD Oil: Considerations for Selecting the Best Product for You

Written By Ellese Symons Jul 13th 2022

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Full spectrum vs CBD isolate

Full spectrum CBD contains trace amounts (0.3 percent) of THC, while CBD isolate is a pure isolated cannabidiol with plant material removed. Full spectrum CBD is preferred by those who want the inclusion of plant terpenes, but CBD isolate is a lower cost per milligram.

Now that you have the summary, read on to learn more about both types of CBD product, and why people prefer either (or both!).

Brief History

In 1988 scientists found a cannabinoid receptor in the brain of a rat, which quickly led to studies that found the same receptors in the human brain. They discovered that this fascinating system of neurotransmitters and receptors regulated most of the important functions and processes throughout your body. After decades of research, it is now known as the endocannabinoid system.¹

The receptors discovered in the endocannabinoid system mean that cannabinoids can attach to these receptors in the brain, giving them the potential to affect the mind and body in lots of different ways. But that brought up a new question: what function do cannabinoid receptors have? After all, these types of receptors only fit with the substance they are shaped to receive. No other molecule will attach, so why are there cannabinoid receptors in the human brain? The only known source of cannabinoids at the time was cannabis.

In 1992, scientists began to uncover the answers to this question. They discovered the first endocannabinoid - "endo" meaning it's made inside the body. By 1995 they had discovered a second type of receptor and a second type of endocannabinoid that attaches to that receptor.

These molecules and their receptors make up the endocannabinoid system in the body. It turns out that the endocannabinoid system seems to regulate a huge number of functions, including ones in the nervous system, the immune system, and metabolism. In order to construct the components of the endocannabinoid system, the body requires omega-3 fatty acids. A deficiency in these important fats can result in a malfunctioning endocannabinoid system. Today, some researchers even believe that many health conditions and diseases could be the result of cannabinoid deficiencies affecting this system.

Supplementing with cannabinoids with products like CBD oil has shown great promise in supporting the healthy function of the endocannabinoid system. A growing body of research is studying the possibility that cannabinoid supplementation helps the body restore health when dealing with endocannabinoid imbalance. But which CBD oil is the right one for you - Pure Isolate CBD Oil or Full-Spectrum CBD Oil? To make this decision, it may be helpful to further understand the functionality of the endocannabinoid system and the types of CBD oil products available to you.

A Simplified Explanation of Your Endocannabinoid System

Your body relies on the endocannabinoid system. It is the network of messengers (neurotransmitters) and receptors that form the communication system between your brain and your body. Your body makes its own messengers, known as endogenous cannabinoids because they come from within.

The cannabinoids from cannabis plants are exogenous, meaning they come from an outside source. The exogenous cannabinoids from the cannabis plants mimic the effects of the endocannabinoids produced by your body. Exogenous cannabinoids can help support the functions regulated by your endocannabinoid system. Endocannabinoid supplements work much in the same way that dietary supplements, like multivitamins, can fortify a less-than-perfect diet to promote good health.

The endocannabinoid system is an important discovery. Your endocannabinoid system regulates almost every important bodily function. Just some of those functions include:

Your cardiovascular and circulatory systems
Inflammation and immune system responses
Pain perception and pain management
Neuroprotection and muscle function
The reproductive processes
Digestive processes
Learning and memory
Metabolism and thermal regulation
Management of moods and emotional responses

All the Potential Benefits without the Potential for Intoxication

You may have been concerned learning that CBD oil is extracted from cannabis. While your concerns are understandable, you should know that you have the option of choosing your preferred extraction method. You can purchase CBD extracted from the cannabis plant marijuana or CBD extracted from industrial hemp extract.

The exogenous cannabinoids found in full- spectrum CBD and CBD isolates extracted from the hemp plant provides all the benefits of the cannabis plant without the risk of any intoxicating effects. That's because marijuana contains high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, the cannabinoid responsible for marijuana's well-known effects. CBD from hemp does not. With hemp-based CBD, you have the ability to get all the potential benefits of supplementing your endocannabinoid system with cannabis extracts with no risk of intoxication or any form of impairment.

The Types of Hemp-Based CBD Products

While sorting through the many available CBD products, you may have noticed that there are many product options. Some products contain full- spectrum CBD, while others are made with a CBD isolate. The availability of these different product types is often a source of confusion for those still learning about the potential benefits of CBD, or are less familiar with the different types of CBD products.

You need to know that full-spectrum CBD and products made with a CBD isolate both potentially benefit your endocannabinoid system. The best CBD oil is the one that meets your needs. Each kind has different things to offer, and no single product will suit every person. To choose the right one for you, here are a few things to consider. The following explanations may help you better understand your options and make your product selection a bit easier.

The Full-Spectrum CBD Advantage

Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of many exogenous cannabinoids found in the cannabis plants. In fact, there are 113 other cannabinoids found in hemp extract. When you select a full-spectrum CBD oil, you benefit from this multitude of potentially beneficial exogenous cannabinoids, as well as the plant terpenes and flavonoids found in the original hemp plant. With a full-spectrum product, these compounds are left available in the same ratios that nature intended. The additional compounds found in a full- spectrum CBD products include:

All 20 essential amino acids
Calcium and magnesium
Iron and potassium
Phosphorus and zinc
Omega-3 fatty acids
B complex vitamins
Vitamins C, E and A

Many CBD enthusiasts believe that full-spectrum CBD products are the most beneficial to your endocannabinoid system and to your overall health. These compounds are all synergistic, meaning each compound interacts with the others to enhance each component, creating an entourage effect.

The Entourage Effect Explained

The entourage effect is fairly simple to understand. This effect is the result of hundreds of plant components working together to multiply, rather than add, to the potential benefits. Each compound has the potential to magnify the benefits of the others, intensifying the potential effects.

The cost of full- spectrum CBD products tend to be higher priced than their CBD isolate counterpart because you are getting the benefits of the entire plant compound. The additional cannabinoids in a full-spectrum product also contribute to the functioning of your endocannabinoid system. Some of the additional cannabinoids found in full-spectrum CBD include:

Cannabidiol acid (CBDA)
Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
Cannabichromene (CBC)
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabinol (CBN)

The Importance of the Original Plant Terpenes

You may have noticed that full- spectrum CBD products boast the natural benefits of the original plant terpenes. Although this sounds like a benefit you could accept at face value, you may want to know exactly why this is significant.

Terpenes are aromatic molecules; aromatherapists have relied on these plant terpenes for centuries. Cannabis contains more than 200 terpenes. One example is Beta-caryophyllene, a gastroprotective sesquiterpene also found in black pepper, oregano, and leafy greens. Beta-caryophyllene is one of the many reasons that leafy greens are so beneficial to your body.

Terpenes are not exclusive to cannabis plants, they are found in other fruits, plants, and herbs. Like cannabinoids, terpenes also bind to various receptors to offer a variety of potential health benefits.

Differences Between Full-Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate

While CBD (cannabidiol) sourced from natural hemp products does not contain enough THC to cause the intoxication that marijuana is known for, it does contain trace amounts (0.3 percent). In fact, this low level of THC is what differentiates marijuana from hemp. CBD from hemp does not cause any intoxicating effects, even when ingested in large amounts.

While CBD from hemp does not contain enough THC to cause any adverse effects, there are those who prefer to have these trace amounts of THC removed from their products. Those who prefer THC removal often prefer a product made from a CBD isolate.

The Benefits of Selecting a Pure CBD Isolate Oil

CBD Isolate is basically a full- spectrum product that has been isolated from the plant compounds. Using a process called chromatography, the plant materials are removed. The result is a white powder comprised of at least 99 percent CBD. The other cannabinoids and plant terpenes are removed. CBD isolate is flavorless and odorless.

CBD isolate is CBD in its "purest" form. There are several advantages to using an isolate over a full- spectrum product. Some of those advantages include:

Trace amounts of THC are potentially removed
No flavor to interfere with the taste of your edible products
No odor of the original plant source
More control of the CBD levels of the finished product
The potential for higher levels of CBD per dose
Lower cost/milligram

The final advantage in the above list of a lower cost per milligram is one worth looking into further. As previously mentioned, because a full spectrum oil/product is derived from a whole plant extract it typically costs more (you the consumer are getting more than just CBD). For those looking for a pure CBD product, you will also be delighted to find that CBD oil made from isolate is typically less expensive than a full-spectrum product. Which brings up a final point which is to do your research on the industry standard pricing for cost per milligram to ensure you are not paying an unnecessary premium.

While full-spectrum CBD may appear to be the most beneficial of the CBD products, there are several reasons you may prefer the benefits of a CBD made from CBD isolate, including those who do not care for the flavor of a full-spectrum product.

You do need to know that CBD is not a medical treatment or a cure for any disorder or disease. The evidence that supports the use of CBD to supplement your endocannabinoid system is based on animal studies, lab results and the testimony of those who report the potential health benefits of using CBD supplements.

Conclusion

CBD has the potential to work with your endocannabinoid system to support many vital functions. We encourage you to learn all you can about full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolates and the potential benefits these products may provide to your health and well-being. The best CBD products are sourced from Pesticide-Free, non-GMO hemp plants. To learn more about full-spectrum and CBD isolate derived from organic hemp, we invite you to visit us at CBDistillery and to download The Ultimate User Guide. Learn more about the potential benefits of CBD supplements and how organic CBD products could benefit you.

Sources:

The Marijuana Times. (2016, March 13). The Endocannabinoid System: A History of Cannabinoids and Cannabis.