There are quite literally thousands of CBD products on the market. Shoppers can choose between a multitude of different product options, including potency, flavor, consumption method, and more.
Two common option types that shoppers may see are Full Spectrum and Isolate hemp products. While both can be beneficial depending on the needs of the individual, both are vastly different. The only question is, which one is right for you?
What is Full Spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD not only contains CBD, but other cannabinoids as well. This includes cannabinoids like Delta THC, CBN, and THCA. At the time of this writing, there are more than 100 known cannabinoids found within the hemp plant.
Using a full spectrum CBD product allows you to harness the power of the entourage effect. The entourage effect is when multiple cannabinoids interact with each other in our endocannabinoid system, creating results that cannot be achieved with one cannabinoid alone.
A 2019 paper published in Frontiers Science states, “Observations support the hypothesis of greater efficacy for Cannabis extracts combining multiple anticonvulsant components, such as CBD, THC, THCA, THCV, CBDV, linalool, and even caryophyllene.”
To understand the cannabinoid content of the full spectrum CBD product you are considering, it is advisable to look at the product’s Certificate of Analysis (or COA for short). To learn more about COAs and the information they contain, continue reading below.
What is CBD Isolate?
On the other hand, a CBD isolate product contains only CBD. Unlike full spectrum hemp products, CBD does not contain cannabinoids like THC, CBG, or CBN. This is done through specialized extraction methods that remove other cannabinoids, leaving only CBD.
There are different ways CBD isolate can be extracted, For example, according to Quadro Engineering, “Manufacturing high-quality CBD isolate is done by harvesting crystals from a distillate mix, before milling the crystals into a fine powder, which is then dried.”
CBD isolate products are ideal for individuals who may want to have access to the properties of CBD, but leave out any Delta THC. This is especially true for those who are required to participate in drug testing or do not like the high sensation that Delta THC cannabinoids produce.
How to find the right CBD Product for your Needs
Once you know if a full spectrum or an isolate hemp product best fits your needs, there are a few other factors to consider. How do you want to consume the product? What serving size is best? Which flavor do you prefer?
Once the easy questions are out of the way, then you can move on to the more difficult ones. These will help ensure you are selecting a high quality CBD product, no matter if it is an isolate or full spectrum.
The first item to consider is the Certificate of Analysis. This document is the result of third-party laboratory testing to confirm information such as potency, heavy metals, terpene profile, and cannabinoid content. It is by far one of the most useful tools for choosing a CBD product.
Second, it is advisable to look at the company producing the product. A quality brand will have;
- Multiple points of contact to make them accessible to their shoppers.
- Have a focus on brand and product transparency
- Promote education not only about their products but about the hemp plant as a whole.
And finally, shoppers should check the reviews on the product. Reviews allow shoppers to get an honest opinion about the product they are considering. Quality brands will address and remedy poor reviews, giving shoppers another view into how the brand operates.
Finding the right CBD product for your needs does not have to be a headache-inducing experience. The greatest tool at your disposal is knowledge about the various types of products and how to pick a high quality one. With the right information at hand, finding the right product just got a whole lot easier!