Many people associate cannabis with the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol or (THC). This is the chemical in the plant that gets people “high” and is one of 100+ compounds in the cannabis plant. Another abundant compound is Cannabidiol or CBD, the subject of this conversation. While CBD is being studied as a treatment for a range of conditions, research on its full benefits is still limited. However, many people have reported seeing many benefits when using CBD for a range of issues. Currently, there are 3 types of CBD products: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. You will most commonly find CBD in either an oil or some form of muscle rub. Choosing the right type or brand can sometimes be difficult and confusing. It may also take some time to find the right brand for you. I hope this post will be helpful to you as I explain a bit about these 3 types.
Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum vs. Isolate
Full-Spectrum:
Full spectrum CBD contains several naturally occurring cannabis plant extracts, such as terpenes, and usually has up to 0.3% THC. Terpenes is the compound that gives the plant its scent. Full-spectrum CBD has the most cannabionoid in it compared to broad-spectrum or isolate. This will give you a more entourage effect, which means when CBD is used with other portions of the cannabis plant, the benefits of the CBD are thought to be greater.
Broad-Spectrum:
Broad-spectrum CBD contains several cannabis plant compounds, like the full-spectrum, but it is typically labeled free of THC. However, the unreliability of the purity and dosage of CBD in products can sometimes lead to trace amounts of THC in them. That’s why it’s so important to take your time and do your research when choosing a CBD product or brand.
Isolate:
The third form of CBD is isolate. This form is the purest form of CBD and contains no other cannabinoids or cannabis plant compounds. Isolate CBD has 0% THC and is usually free of heavy metals, toxins, and pesticides.
Pros & Cons:
Full-spectrum CBD:
Because full-spectrum CBD includes the most cannabinoid out of the 3 types, it tends to be the strongest. Full-spectrum may work for you if broad-spectrum or isolate does not. Some people report that full-spectrum CBD makes them more relaxed or sleepy compared to the other 2 forms. Because of this, it may not be the best one for you to use on a Monday morning when you have to work. If you want to maximize the benefits of cannabis, full-spectrum CBD may work the best. The major downside to full-spectrum CBD is the THC in it. Taking full-spectrum CBD could cause you to test positive on a drug test. It may be prudent to avoid full-spectrum CBD if you have to take a drug test or you live in a strict state.
Broad-spectrum CBD:
First, broad-spectrum CBD is usually cheaper than full-spectrum. It also has the same cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, but it does not contain THC. Because of this, it may not be as effective as CBD and THC together. Broad-spectrum is for people who want another cannabinoid with the CBD, but want 0% THC. However, you should only use broad-spectrum if trace amounts can be tolerated. It is difficult to remove all traces of THC and other potential heavy metals, toxins, and pesticides while keeping all the other cannabinoids. Having a high quality, well known brand is important when using broad-spectrum CBD. Broad-spectrum could cause a false positive on drug test because of the other cannabinoids in it, like CBN. Once again, it may be wise to only use broad-spectrum CBD if you don’t have to worry about drug testing.
Isolate CBD:
Isolate CBD tends to be the cheapest compared to the other 2 types of CBD. However, cost is determined by the quality of the CBD product. Isolate CBD is usually free of both flavor and odor, making them a good choice for people who don’t like the earthiness of regular CBD. It’s also a good option if you want to avoid THC altogether. This is the safest option when it comes to CBD and drug testing. The downside to using isolate CBD is it might not be strong enough for you depending on your needs. This is because you won’t get any other enhancements from the other cannabinoids that are in the other 2 spectrums. Finally, I would like to propose one more option for you, SMART Spectrum CBD.
SMART Spectrum CBD
So what is Smart Spectrum CBD? This is a high-quality CBD isolate combined with particular essential oils that contain terpenes. Adding these essential oils to the CBD creates a synergistic effect, thereby increasing the benefits of the CBD isolate! This provides all the benefits of pure, potent CBD combined with the best essential oils on the market. This Smart Spectrum CBD is sold by Young Living, and there’s no other company in the world that uses this formula. I personally found these products to be amazing. Their CBD products contain 0.0% THC and are tested for heavy metals, solvents, and pesticides, and more. If you are looking for a great CBD that works I would highly recommend giving these products a try. You can check them out here.
How to Choose the Right CBD
Ultimately, the choice is up to you when choosing the right CBD. It is important to remember that every individual is different and has different needs. Some people claimed full-spectrum is too strong, while others claim isolate is not strong enough. Current laws of the state you live in play an important role as well. If you live in a heavy regulated state, you may find that full-spectrum is illegal, and only have access to isolate or broad-spectrum CBD. As far as cost, full-spectrum CBD is generally the most expensive, followed by broad-spectrum, and isolate being the cheapest. Ultimately, I feel cost comes down to quality more than anything. If you have a job where you are drug tested, you will probably want to stay away from both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. Isolate CBD is the safest of the three types when it comes to drug testing. This is because it is pure CBD with no other cannabinoids in it. I personally find Smart Spectrum CBD to be the best of both worlds.
CBD Testing and Quality
Keep in mind that it is important to know the quality of the brand you are buying. Do your research before buying a random CBD product on the web or at the store. I have read reports of some CBD products sold from major stores, that when tested, had inaccurate labeling. This is a real possibility because CBD products are not regulated in the same way as drugs or supplements. You will likely want to use the highest quality product that has also gone through lots of lab testing, and depending on your situation, a 0% THC guarantee. You can also check if the company is ISO and GMP certified. These certifications will help you know that these are more quality companies and products. An ISO certification is a seal of approval from a third party body that a company runs to one of the international standards developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification ensures the integrity of the products manufacturing process. Just remember to take your time and do your research to find the right CBD product for you and your needs. I know that it can be daunting, I’ve been there. I hope that this has helped you find some answers and give you an idea of what direction to go!
