Full Spectrum vs. Isolate CBD: Which One is Right for You?

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For most people, mentioning cannabis triggers thoughts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and, much less often – cannabidiol (CBD). Unknown to most, CBD comes in different types, depending on the concentration and chemical composition of this compound. While CBD research is still relatively new, it is well known that CBD has many incredible benefits, including pain relief and anxiety alleviation. 

Due to such potential benefits, the CBD market is quickly growing, with multiple products hitting shelves every waking day. This product influx in the market makes it difficult for consumers to separate the great products from the harmful ones. It proves hard to understand terminologies like CBD isolate and full spectrum, as well as clarify the difference in effects and use cases.

We’ve got you covered with this short and straightforward guide to the similarities and differences between full spectrum and isolate CBD, their benefits, and side effects. By the end of this article, you should be well informed to choose the most suitable CBD type for your individual health needs. You can also get more data on CBD at https://askgrowers.com/cbd

How CBD Works

CBD is a suppressant of CB1 and CB2 receptor agents, but the precise mechanism by which CBD operates in the human body is still under research. This implies that CBD reduces the psychoactive effects of THC when combined with it. Although CBD has a low affinity for binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors, it is believed that the compound “acts as a non-competitive negative allosteric regulator of CB1 receptors,” thus reducing the potency of THC and endogenous cannabinoids, according to numerous scientific studies

On the other hand, this action may prolong the half-lives of THC and the chemical compound anandamide by blocking their absorption and metabolism. CBD’s effect on serotonin receptors explains why it might be able to improve mood and treat anxiety and sadness. CBD interacts with the 5HT1A serotonin receptor, influencing serotonergic transmission.

Due to the biphasic nature of CBD, its effects vary depending on the dosage. CBD has more significant stimulant effects at lower doses and more tangible sedative effects at higher doses. Doses of 50 mg or less may be stimulating, whereas doses of 300 mg or more may be sedative, according to available experimental evidence. Soothing effects may occur at doses of 100 mg or more. The effects of CBD may, however, vary from person to person since each individual’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) functions differently. Consequently, a dose that may be stimulating or soothing for one person may not cause similar effects for another.

Difference between Full-Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate

Full-spectrum CBD contains multiple cannabis plant extracts such as terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils, and other cannabinoids, including cannabinol. It also has trace amounts of THC, the compound responsible for the euphoric ‘high’ feeling in cannabis consumers. However, such low quantities are not strong enough to cause significant psychoactive effects. The terpenes in the full-spectrum CBD are responsible for the weed smell and flavor of CBD products.

CBD isolate is also a cannabis plant extract derived from hemp; it is the purest form of cannabidiol, which goes through a thorough purification process, including steam distillation, solvent, lipid, and carbon dioxide extraction. This process produces a crystalline product that contains no THC, flavonoids, or terpenes. CBD isolate is often ground up and distributed as powder, then processed into different products such as oils, pills, and creams.

Comparison between CBD Isolate and Full-Spectrum CBD

CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD are both cannabinoid extracts from the hemp cultivar of cannabis. Despite originating from the same plant, there are still distinctions between them. Full-spectrum CBD products contain trace quantities of other cannabinoids, such as THC, and beneficial compounds that impart distinctive aromas and flavors, such as flavonoids and terpenes. CBD isolate products undergo additional purification so that they contain only CBD.

Potential Benefits of CBD

When it comes to the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of cannabis, adding other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids complicates matters. For example, the presence of CBN in a product may amplify its sedative effects, whereas the presence of CBG may have a more energizing impact on consumers. 

Terpenes such as myrcene, linalool, and humulene have calming properties, whereas products with less myrcene and more terpinolene (alpha-terpineol) and limonene could be more stimulating. Flavonoids modify the flavor and appearance of the plant and come with anti-inflammatory effects comparable to those of aspirin. Full-spectrum CBD’s anti-inflammatory benefits may be enhanced by unconventional cannabinoids such as beta-caryophyllene, a terpene.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right CBD Product

When determining your dose, it is also critical to keep the following points in mind. 

Determine Why You Want to Start Using CBD

Which CBD product should you use? A wide selection of CBD products is available for purchase, each formulated to fulfill a particular requirement. CBD helps consumers feel less anxious, promotes relaxation, enhances sleep, and relieves pain. The key is to identify your motivation for trying CBD so you can choose the finest product for your requirements. Additionally, distinct types of CBD are used to manufacture CBD products.

Think About CBD Bioavailability

CBD bioavailability refers to the rate and extent to which CBD and other compounds and elements infiltrate the circulatory system and reach their target site. It is typically expressed as a percentage of a substance (in this instance, CBD) taken up by the body relative to the total amount of the substance available. Different CBD product formulations have variable bioavailability. For CBD to enter the bloodstream, it must first travel through digestion, a process called “first-pass metabolism,” during which some of the compound’s metabolites are excreted. CBD isolate products’ bioavailability is more significant than their full-spectrum counterparts. 

Consult Your Physician Before Using CBD Products

Since CBD products are still undergoing testing, you should inform your physician of your intended use and inquire whether it will be effective. If you suffer from Lennox-Grant syndrome or Dragnet syndrome-related seizures, your doctor may prescribe CBD isolate products because they do not have psychoactive effects. If you want to take CBD products to treat pain or anxiety, your physician may be able to provide you with recommendations. 

  • CBD products may produce side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, decreased appetite, and diarrhea; 
  • CBD products may interact negatively with blood thinners.

How to Determine Which Product to Choose

CBD isolate could be suitable for you if you:

  • Desire a product devoid of flavor and odor. Although some CBD isolate products contain added flavoring, unflavored products should be relatively tasteless.
  • Want to steer clear of THC entirely. By consuming CBD isolate products, you will not consume THC, as they contain only CBD.
  • Desire to consume CBD in high doses. CBD isolate allows you to consume higher doses of CBD without fretting about ingesting excessive amounts of THC.
  • Have to undergo substance testing. On a drug test, full-spectrum CBD may be more detectable. Nonetheless, there is a possibility that isolated products may also be present. Even “THC-free” CBD products might contain traces of THC.

Full-spectrum CBD may be the ideal choice if you want:

  • The euphoric effect’s advantages. Because the amount of THC will be less than 0.3 percent, you shouldn’t experience any of the psychoactive effects of THC unless you take a product with a high concentration of the substance. If you consume a potent product, such as one with more than 50 milligrams (mg) of CBD per milliliter (mL) of product, the THC may cause you to feel euphoric.
  • A flavor profile with an earthy undertone. You can find flavored full-spectrum products, but the unflavored options will have a mildly earthy flavor.
  • A product that is less processed. Isolated CBD goes through a more stringent purification process than full-spectrum THC does.

In Summary

CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD products each have their benefits and drawbacks. It is crucial to always attentively read product labels before purchasing and consult a physician or healthcare professional before using CBD products. Consumers may still be interested in CBD isolate, particularly if they desire a THC-free product. However, be careful since unregulated CBD markets may mean that trace quantities of THC are still present in CBD isolate, even if the product label claims it is THC-free.


The author of this article is Denys Svirepchuk, a full-time blogger at AskGrowers and an avid advocate of the cannabis industry. Denys has been drawn to this sphere since college, so he works closely with many reputable brands and spreads word of mouth about the benefits of CBD and weed products for various health issues. 

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