If you’re ready to try CBD oil, you will find you have a choice between Pure Isolate CBD Oil and Full Spectrum CBD Oil. Picking the best one for you can seem a little daunting. Let us walk you through the differences between Pure Isolate CBD Oil and Full Spectrum CBD Oil to help you choose which product is right for you.
Full Spectrum vs CBD Isolate
Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts (0.3 percent) of THC, while CBD isolate is 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 odorless, flavorless, fine crystalline powder.
Now that you have the summary, read on to learn more about both types of CBD products, and why people prefer either (or both!).
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 CBD extracted from the cannabis plant marijuana or CBD extracted from the cannabis plant hemp.
The exogenous cannabinoids found in full- spectrum CBD and CBD isolates extracted from the hemp plant provide 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 product, 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:
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- 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.
Differentiating 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
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 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.
How to Choose Your CBD Dosage
1. Estimate your dosage based on your body weight
As with most substances, individuals with more body mass will require more CBD to experience its effects. With that being said, a good rule of thumb to determine your proper CBD dosage is to take 1–6MG of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight based on the individual’s level of pain.
For example, 20MG-33MG would be a great starting dosage for a 200 lb patient, while 15MG-25MG would be best for another who weighs 150 lb.
2. Start small and increase gradually
Let’s say you have a friend who weighs no more than 150 pounds and takes 50MG of CBD twice per day, which he claims provides all kinds of benefits. Since you guys are approximately the same weight, he recommends the same dosage for yourself.
Here’s why this isn’t the best way to choose your dosage:
Not only are we all made differently, but we each also have our own unique history with the use of substances, medications, supplements, and other things we put in our body. Because of this, we all have different body chemistry, and this will affect how our body reacts to CBD. So “what works for your friend, may not work for you.”
With that being said, it is important to first determine your initial dosage based on your weight, gauge how your body reacted to that amount of CBD, then increase gradually while continuing to monitor your body’s reactions till you find the perfect dosage that works for your situation.
3. Consult your physician
When in doubt, consult your physician, especially if you have an existing medical condition. While there aren’t a ton of doctors who have experience with CBD, most doctors should have a good idea on how your body will react to CBD and can provide you a professional CBD dosage for your situation.
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.
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* cbd2go.co does not intend to give this as professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose, or prescribe treatment based on the information provided on this page. Always consult your physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.
