You've probably found CBD products labeled with “CBD isolate” or “full spectrum CBD oil” that have left you somewhat confused.
Simply put, CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD that's pulled from the plant and devoid of all other ingredients. Full spectrum CBD, on the other hand, contains all the natural chemicals found in the whole plant, which include various other cannabinoids, essential oils, and terpenes.
So what does each extraction method offer, and how are they different from one another? What are the pros and cons of each product? Let's take a closer look at CBD isolate vs full spectrum CBD to understand the differences between these two products.
Hemp extract and cannabis extract
It's important that we make the distinction between hemp extracts and cannabis extracts (marijuana) or hemp extract vs CBD. Hemp extracts containing CBD are sourced from the hemp plant and may contain trace amounts of THC or are instead THC free. Cannabis extracts, meanwhile, will contain some level of THC content and therefore aren't THC free. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, any CBD product derived from hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC or it will instead be classified as a cannabis product under law.
Different forms of CBD extracts
Though we're primarily focusing on isolate CBD vs full spectrum CBD, there’s a third option to consider: broad-spectrum form. We've broken down all three primary extraction methods below in greater detail.
What is full spectrum CBD?
Have you been reading labels and wondering, what does full spectrum CBD mean? Full spectrum products are believed to contain all the natural chemicals found in the hemp plant, including the many types of cannabinoids and terpenes. The result is often called the entourage effect, and it is believed to help your body better absorb and use CBD.Ingredients contained within full spectrum CBD may include essential vitamins and minerals, plant-based protein fiber, beneficial fatty acids, chlorophyll, terpenes, and flavonoids. At times, these ingredients may simply be labeled as “hemp oil extract,” but this term is somewhat ambiguous because you don’t know how much CBD you’re really getting. For this reason, it’s important that you ensure that any product you buy is tested by a lab to help you understand what’s in it, and that the brand you buy from posts those test results publicly. You can find Kine's test results here.
While it's unlikely you'd fail a traditional drug test from using full spectrum CBD drops or other products, the possibility cannot be ruled out. There are just too many types of drug tests out there, and with hemp products still relatively new on the market, it’s hard to assume that all tests will distinguish between THC and other types of cannabinoids.
If you’re subject to a zero-tolerance drug policy at work or elsewhere, please know that some of the more sensitive drug tests can come back positive for cannabinoids. If you’re unsure about where your company stands, we suggest asking your HR department before you buy.
Understanding Minor Cannabinoids in CBD
While CBD and THC get most of the attention, hemp plants naturally produce over 100 cannabinoids, many of which have potential wellness benefits:
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CBG (Cannabigerol): Often called the “mother cannabinoid,” CBG is believed to be linked to mood support and anti-inflammatory properties.
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CBN (Cannabinol): CBN is created when THC breaks down, and it may promote relaxation and better sleep.
- CBC (Cannabichromene): CBC is thought to support pain relief and mood balance.
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD contain these compounds in small amounts, while isolate is just as it sounds - isolates each cannabinoid separately. Often full and broad spectrum products do not test for the levels of other cannabinoids, so the consumer does not know the quantity (if any) of these compounds in the product. Kine’s goal was to create custom “spectrums” with certified and reproducible amounts of each cannabinoid listed in our products.
CBD isolate
CBD isolate is made by pulling CBD from the plant and removing all other ingredients. By removing cannabinoids such as THC, passing a drug test may be easier, but there is more to consider when using CBD isolate than you might think. While isolated CBD is essentially 99% pure CBD, it doesn’t contain any of the beneficial terpenes or flavonoids that encourage the entourage effect.
Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD contains cannabidiol and the other natural compounds found within the plant, except for THC, which is completely removed after the extraction process has taken place. Because broad-spectrum CBD contains other cannabinoids besides THC, it can still produce the entourage effect.
CBD Isolate vs Full Spectrum CBD: How CBD Is Extracted and Why It Matters
Producing CBD oil starts with extraction, which involves pulling compounds from the hemp plant before they’re blended into oils, tinctures, gummies, or capsules. There are several methods, but the two most common are:
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CO₂ Extraction: This common extraction method uses pressurized carbon dioxide to extract cannabinoids cleanly and safely. It is believed to preserve more beneficial compounds and is preferred for broad spectrum and full spectrum vs isolate CBD.
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Solvent-Based Extraction: This method uses ethanol or other solvents to extract cannabinoids, then removes the solvent during processing. It’s less expensive but may strip away certain terpenes and compounds.
CBD isolate requires an additional refinement process that removes all other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, resulting in pure CBD.
| CBD Type | Contains THC | Other Cannabinoids | Entourage Effect |
Best For |
| Full Spectrum | Up to 0.3% | Yes | Strong |
Users seeking maximum potential benefits and who don't mind trace THC |
| Broad Spectrum | No | Yes | Moderate |
Users avoiding THC but not concerned about quality or purity |
| CBD Isolate | No | No | None |
Users who want the cleanest, purest possible CBD or need to avoid THC entirely |
CBD Isolate vs Full Spectrum CBD: Which cannabinoid extract is right for you?
Determining which cannabinoid extract is right for you can be daunting. To find the CBD product that suits your needs, start by taking a look at the many options available on the market today. While CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD are available as pure oils, there are many other options available to consume CBD.
CBD edibles are one popular choice, though research suggests eating CBD requires the liver and digestive track to break down the CBD before it can be fully absorbed — and your body may not absorb all of it. CBD topicals are any product that contains CBD and is applied to the skin: lotions, creams, balms, salves, and the like. Keep in mind that your skin isn’t as good at absorbing CBD, so you may want to choose a product that’s high in CBD content. Sublingual CBD products (such as Kine Drops), sometimes referred to as “sublinguals,” are absorbed under your tongue. These products include tinctures, sprays, oils, or lozenges that require you to keep the CBD product in your mouth rather than swallowing it. This method will avoid CBD breakdown by the liver and digestive tract, and your body will absorb more CBD as a result.
After finding the consumption method you prefer, next consider the strength of the product as you begin dosing. Start with small doses to determine what effects the CBD may have on your body. While consuming high doses of CBD is safe, it may be best to experiment and test out your ideal dosage when taking it in the middle of the workday. A small dose of CBD is approximately half of the recommended serving, while a high dose is about twice the recommended serving.
Legal Considerations and THC Restrictions
The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp-derived CBD legal in the U.S. as long as products contain less than 0.3% THC. However, there are two important things to keep in mind:
- State Laws Vary: Some states may still restrict or ban certain CBD products entirely. Always check your local regulations.
- Workplace Drug Testing: Even trace THC from full-spectrum CBD can accumulate in your system and trigger a positive result on some tests. If you need to avoid THC completely, stick with CBD isolate.
The CBD spectrum
Determining which CBD product is right for you comes down to personal preference. When it comes to full spectrum CBD vs isolate, CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD you can consume, while full spectrum CBD may contain all the hemp plant’s natural and beneficial cannabinoids.
Choose the product that suits your needs after assessing your current state of health. Your fitness levels, weight, body chemistry, and lifestyle will each play an important role in the decision process. The differences between CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD will impact how you use these substances, so take your time as you decide. Start with small doses, work your way up, and find a product you love.
Looking for a pure CBD option? Kine offers premium CBD isolate tinctures designed for precise dosing and THC-free relief.
Credit: Bridget McQuillan