Dubbed the modern-day elixir, probably because of its numerous therapeutic benefits, cannabidiol has become quite a revelation in the last decade or so. It has become a natural alternative to many elements such as pain, stress, depression, inflammation, chronic pain and epilepsy among others. CBD is non-psychoactive and is, therefore, becoming famous faster than anticipated.

No doubt, the number of CBD products on the market is enormous, and it continues to grow every day. As a result, it can prove an uphill task to choose the right product for your needs. You have probably come across the term full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. 

So what is the difference between the two? Which is the most appropriate for you between full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate?

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol is one of the significant components in the cannabis Sativa plant. There are about 140 of them, and THC, the popular psychoactive cousin of CBD, is among them. But unlike tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, CBD does not give you the euphoric high and couch lock. In considerable doses, CBD can even reduce the effects of THC.

CBD Isolate: What is it?

CBD isolate is an organic CBD in its purest form, usually up to 99.9%. Mostly, CBD isolate comes in a solid crystalline structure which is then crushed into powder for easier consumption. The isolate comes from the filtered hemp extract using supercritical CO2 extraction for the purest and the best quality CBD. 

The CO2 in the critical state can penetrate the flowers and leaves. It then dissolves the plant compounds such as polyphenols, terpenes, flavonoids, lignans and cannabinoids before separating the liquid. Once the pressure is released, CO2 evaporates, leaving behind the cannabinoids and other cannabis compounds. 

Supercritical CO2 extraction is considered the most effective. Even so, it is possible to find trace amounts of flavonoids, terpenes, and other marijuana compounds. But it is essential to mention that terpenes may be added to the CBD isolate. 

If you are looking for the purest form of CBD, especially if you are looking to avoid THC, CBD isolate is your product. Of course, some people will have doubts about the small trace amounts of THC in various CBD products. Still, the level of tetrahydrocannabinol is quite small, if present. But whether you take CBD isolate or CBD full spectrum, there is always a risk of testing positive for THC in a drug test. 

Like the other cannabinoids, CBD isolate binds to fat in your body. Some crystals will be left behind if you attempt to dissolve CBD isolate in water. The best way to prepare is In butter, milk or other fats. You are free to mix in your favorite beverages or even your food. 

You can also consume CBD isolate sublingually or under the tongue for the best absorption into the body. If you work in sensitive jobs that require drug tests, or you are from the country where THC is entirely illegal, then the CBD crystals may be the best form for you. 

Full Spectrum CBD: How is it different from CBD isolate?

The manufacture of CBD isolate and CBD full-spectrum is done by stripping away cell structures, abundant proteins and fibers among others. However, it does not stop there for CBD isolate, the separation goes further to remain with CBD alone. 

Unlike CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD contains other compounds in the marijuana plant such as flavonoids, terpenes, THCV, CBDV, CBN, CBC and CBG among others. And even though the content of this cannabinoids is lower compared to CBD, they play a critical role in achieving an entourage effect. In most cases, the final product has the same compounds as the original plant. The extract may be mixed with other batches and purified slightly to achieve a better cannabinoid average. 

The entourage effect is when the different cannabis Sativa compounds work together to have a particular impact on the body, which is mostly desirable. 

Unfortunately, CBD isolate does not have an entourage effect, and therefore not as beneficial as CBD full spectrum. 

And the fact that THC level is low, CBD full spectrum does not have any effects of high. 

Various clinical trials confirm that full-spectrum CBD has the most benefits compared to the CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD is, therefore, more potent than CBD isolate. It is a bit expensive compared to CBD isolate, but it is for a good reason. And because of the wide range of compounds and terpenes, full-spectrum CBD tends to have a better taste than CBD isolate. The flavor in CBD isolate is mostly added later on during the final stages. 

Regardless, people tend to choose CBD isolate as opposed to full-spectrum CBD. Which between the two forms is your favorite?