Understanding the differences between cannabidiol (CBD) isolate and full-spectrum extracts is integral to getting the most beneficial experience with the hemp cannabinoid. In one way, they are very similar, with the effects revolving around CBD. It’s what else is – or is not – included that makes them so distinct.
In this article, we will run you through the benefits of CBD wholesale products made with isolate, and those produced with full-spectrum extracts. We’ll also introduce terpenes and medium-chained triglyceride (MCT) oil, two ingredients that are increasingly being found in CBD products.
But first, what is CBD and hemp?
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound, and part of a classification called cannabinoids, that is predominantly found in strains of cannabis indica and cannabis sativa. Hemp (known as Cannabis Sativa L.) is also rich in CBD, but has little in common with cannabis as we know it. Indeed, it is that uniqueness of hemp – the plant has hardly any psychoactive THC – which has earned it a pass from the United States federal government. With this approval from the federal government, more people are looking to buy CBD oil from brands they trust and know will provide them with relief from many types of ailments.
Because it is effectively non-psychoactive, and a profitable agricultural crop for farmers across the US, hemp laws have recently been relaxed with the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. It is these law changes which have allowed the hemp-based CBD industry to bloom. Unlike cannabis, which is still only legal in states which have enacted reform, you can now purchase hemp-derived Papa And Barkley CBD products in all 50 states plus Washington DC.
CBD has not been studied extensively, but has numerous purported therapeutic uses. While products are still sold as dietary supplements, many users do their own research, and take CBD to reduce symptoms from ailments as wide-ranging as chronic pain to acne.
What is CBD-isolate?
CBD-isolate extracts are ideal for those who want nothing more and nothing less than CBD. These extracts have only CBD in them, and have become possible to create thanks to supercritical CO2 extraction. This high-tech process is the best way of ensuring that a CBD product is safe for human consumption, and clean from toxins and heavy metals.
The CBD industry is new, and while cannabis users may have no issue with taking a whole-plant hemp extract, this doesn’t necessarily apply to the more cautious person, who is more sceptical and even against regular marijuana. With CBD-isolate, you know exactly what you’re getting – a fully non-psychoactive experience. Furthermore, these products are the only genuine choice for users who need to be wary about drug tests. As no THC ever enters the system with a CBD-isolate product, it’s absolutely impossible to fail.
What is full-spectrum CBD?
In contrast, full-spectrum CBD products come with a slight risk. While a positive drug test is unlikely as these products must legally have less than 0.3% THC, the slim potential is still there for those who use CBD daily and in high doses. THC is removed from the body very slowly, and even a small dose can take several weeks to fully clear. So, what benefits do full-spectrum CBD products from CBDistillery have?
For starters, you get the entire complexion of cannabinoids, nearly all of which are non-intoxicating. Cannabichromene (CBC), for instance, has a healing effect on the brain. Cannabigerol (CBG) works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Then there is cannabidivarin (CBDV), a prominent anti-nausea cannabinoid. None of these second-tier cannabinoids are present in very high levels, but their presence still boosts the therapeutic potential of the extract. Moreover, their inclusion is vital for the ‘entourage effect’ – cannabinoids are more effective together than when isolated. Even the small concentration of THC offers a slim benefit. And then, of course, there are the terpenes.
Terpenes
You know that sweet – or sickly – smell that adorns a cannabis bud? That’s all down to aroma molecules called terpenes. While they are found in rich concentrations in hemp and cannabis, they aren’t ubiquitous to the plant. Far from it, they give off the scent that makes your favorite flowers and herbs so recognizable. They also provide therapeutic effects, and play a big role in determining whether a strain is an indica or sativa.
MCT oil
Coconut oil, cream, butter and yoghurt all contain high levels of fatty acids known as medium-chained triglyceride (MCT) oils. A potent MCT oil is regularly incorporated into vape juices and tincture oils as a way of making the CBD more beneficial than on its own. MCTs do this by elevating the bioavailability of CBD. Only a small percentage of CBD is typically absorbed into the bloodstream – by boosting bioavailability, MCT oil makes CBD more powerful without you having to take more.
