If you’ve started exploring the world of CBD, you’ve likely noticed the endless number of options available. Firstly, keep in mind it’s important to find the right option that will work best for you and your needs mentally, physically, and emotionally. There are also many helpful resources available to help answer your questions about the different types of CBD. When browsing all of the information out there, take a few notes about what all of these differences mean. One of the characteristics you’ll want to pay attention to and may have already noticed is the type of CBD; Full-spectrum and Isolate. Various methods are used to extract CBD oils from the hemp plant and the technique used impacts the characteristics and the quality of the final product. 

So, what is the difference between Full-spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate and why does it matter? That’s a great question! Even though these are both types of CBD, they are extremely different products and will result in different outcomes for the way you feel after you take them. The best way to explain these is to consider the entire cannabis plant and how CBD is derived. CBD, in general, is derived from the hemp flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant – aka the non-psychoactive part of the plant. If you want to read more about these differences, we touch on the topic in our Benefits of CBD blog post. In general, CBD includes a wide variety of natural compounds, including terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids. Here’s a quick breakdown of these compounds:

  • Cannabinoids go to work on your body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system helps keep the nervous system and immune function on an even keel.
  • Terpenes are a plant compound reported to have therapeutic and health-boosting benefits. These aromatic molecules can vary from plant to plant and are responsible for the scents of the plant.
  • Flavonoids are compounds also found in green tea and certain fruits, they have been shown to protect against disease.

Whether or not these compounds are included in the final CBD product is one of the biggest differences between Full-Spectrum CBD and Isolate CBD. This determination happens during the extraction process, which turns the whole hemp plant into the final CBD product.

Full-Spectrum CBD
The compounds mentioned above are one of the major differences between Full Spectrum and Isolate. Full-Spectrum means that the product contains all of the naturally available compounds of the cannabis plant, including a small amount of THC. In hemp-derived full-spectrum CBD, the THC will be no more than 0.3 percent, which also allows the product to be sold legally in the United States as it is not considered cannabis. The easiest way to understand this type of CBD is to think of it as whole-plant CBD, but a little more refined. Because full spectrum CBD contains the full profile of beneficial compounds in the cannabis plant, it creates what is known as the entourage effect; yes, even CBD can have an entourage! There are also additional cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, CBC, and many more that are available in a full spectrum material which function more effectively when together. Essentially, this means that all of the beneficial compounds of the plant are working together to give you the greatest therapeutic impact. 

Isolate CBD
CBD isolate is cannabidiol in its purest form, as the final product is isolated from all of the other compounds in the cannabis plant. After the CBD is extracted and separated from the rest of the compounds in the plant, it then goes through a process that extracts any remaining waxes, terpenes, or other cannabinoids. This creates a CBD product that can be as high as 99% pure CBD and is typically tasteless and odorless. Depending on the extraction process used, the end-product is typically either large CBD crystals or a fine white powder that looks like confectioner’s sugar. Because CBD isolates should consist of nothing but pure CBD, it’s likely that there is zero THC in the final product. 

The Blooming Botanicals Difference
Blooming Botanicals is fortunate to source our 100% premium, full-spectrum hemp directly from hemp farms in sunny Colorado. Our process starts in our licensed facility in Lansing, Michigan where we combine our CBD with supercritical CO2 extracts and aromatherapy. Plants like lavender, turmeric, black pepper, and adaptogens maximize the body’s ability to heal itself and to improve overall health and well-being. After we apply our custom formulation and infusion process, we hand-package our products to ship them to you with love. All of our products contain less than 0.3% THC and are lab tested by a third party, so they are safe for your family! We believe Full Spectrum CBD, combined with healing herbs and the magic of the human body, has the power to heal, calm, and empower—that’s the Blooming Botanicals difference.