If you’ve ever shopped around for CBD oil before, you’ve likely come across full spectrum, broad spectrum and CBD isolate options. But what’s the big difference between these hemp-derived CBD oil extract types? No need to get confused! Just follow along for a complete CBD oil breakdown from your friends at Green Roads to help you make an informed product decision based on desired effects, benefits and overall natural wellness goals.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is an extract derived from the flowers, leaves and stalks of the hemp plant. These parts of the plant are used specifically because they contain the most potent levels of cannabidiol.
The oil is extracted with the help of either CO₂ or ethanol and is then infused into a carrier oil such as MCT, usually with flavorings, to make for a more palatable CBD oil taste and viscosity. Depending on which way this extract is processed, the oil can be classified as either full spectrum, broad spectrum or CBD isolate.
Once the product is extracted, infused into a carrier oil and lab tested for quality and potency, it is packaged and sold in tincture bottles with a dropper component for easy administration. CBD oil can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) but can also be put into any food or beverage to be processed through the digestive tract.
What Is Full Spectrum CBD Oil?
Full spectrum CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant to include the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes present in the plant – including trace amounts of THC (always within the legal limit of 0.3%). This oil is the most holistic representation of the hemp plant because it does not exclude any cannabinoids.
Full spectrum CBD oil is popular for its “entourage effect” which is a theory suggesting that individual cannabinoids and are most effective when they work in tandem with other cannabinoids and terpenes.
Benefits of full spectrum CBD oil include:
- An enhanced therapeutic potential through the power of the entourage effect
- A more natural, all-encompassing plant profile
- Provides a more robust CBD experience compared to broad and isolate options
What Is Broad Spectrum CBD Oil?
Broad spectrum CBD oil is quite similar to full spectrum, as it uses a broad range of cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant. There is one key difference: it goes through an extra step in the refinement process to remove any detectable levels of THC. So, while other non-intoxicating cannabinoids and terpenes are present, this CBD oil will not induce any psychoactive effects because it contains essentially zero traces of THC.
Benefits of broad spectrum CBD oil include:
- A great option for those in search of a THC-free experience
- Still supports the entourage effect
- Allows for a lighter alternative for CBD oil beginners
What Is CBD Isolate?
We’ve covered full and broad spectrum CBD oil types, so what is CBD isolate? This is the purest form of CBD available, containing 99% of cannabidiol without including any other part of the hemp plant, terpenes or plant compounds. These oils are consistently flavorless and odorless, which makes them an excellent choice for consumers who are not interested in experiencing any other hemp-derived cannabinoid.
Benefits of CBD isolate include:
- Zero THC for those in search of an oil that contains CBD exclusively
- Flavor-free products such as CBD isolate oils can be easily disguised in foods and beverages
- Great option for beginners looking for the lightest experience possible of the three CBD oil types
Which Type of CBD Oil Is Right for You?
Knowing whether you should choose a full spectrum, broad spectrum or CBD isolate oil option depends on your unique health and wellness goals and preferences. If you’re in search of the fullest hemp experience and are comfortable with light traces of THC, full spectrum CBD oil might be the right choice for you. If you’d rather avoid THC entirely but are still interested in experiencing the benefits of other cannabinoids and terpenes, give broad spectrum CBD oil a try. And finally, if a CBD exclusive experience is what you’re after, consider products containing CBD isolate.
Here at Green Roads, we offer a wide range of third-party lab tested CBD oil products that help support a sense of calm throughout your day and into your night. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned CBD oil user, we’ve got a solution tailored to your unique natural wellness journey. Check out our CBD oil selections today and enjoy a wide range of hemp-derived benefits.