You’ve seen it in health food stores, drug stores, and even gas stations. CBD oil is everywhere, but what exactly is it? And more importantly, which type of CBD oil is right for you?  In this blog post, we’re breaking down the difference between full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate so that you can make an informed decision about which product is right for you. 

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a psychoactive effect. Instead, CBD has been shown to have a variety of potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety and inflammation. 

There are two main types of CBD on the market: full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. So, what’s the difference? 

Full Spectrum vs. Isolate

the topical cbd oil for anxiety,  contains all of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including THC. THC is the cannabinoid that produces the “high” associated with marijuana use. However, the amount of THC in full spectrum CBD oil is very low (less than 0.3%), so it will not produce a psychoactive effect. 

CBD isolate is exactly what it sounds like CBD that has been isolated from all other cannabinoids. Isolate products do not contain any THC. 

Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Full spectrum CBD oil contains all of the compounds, cannabinoids, and terpenes found in the hemp plant. These compounds work together to create what’s known as the “entourage effect.” The entourage effect is when the different cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create a more effective product. 

CBD Isolate 

CBD isolate is just that CBD that has been isolated from all other compounds in the plant. This includes Cannabidiol acids, THC, and other cannabinoids. While this might make it sound like CBD isolate is less effective than full spectrum oil, that’s not necessarily true. For some people, CBD isolate is actually a more effective option because they can get the same benefits without any traces of THC. 

Bioavailability

Bioavailability refers to how much of a substance your body can actually use. When you take CBD orally (in capsule form), it has to go through your digestive system before it can be absorbed into your bloodstream. This process can reduce the bioavailability of CBD because some of it will be lost in digestion. 

Full spectrum CBD oil has been shown to have increased bioavailability because of something called the “entourage effect.” The entourage effect occurs when all of the cannabinoids work together to amplify each other’s effects. This means that full spectrum CBD oil may be more effective than isolate because your body can actually use more of it. 

Conclusion

When choosing between full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate, it really comes down to personal preference and what you are looking for in a product. If you want a product that contains no THC and you don’t mind sacrificing some bioavailability, then isolate may be right for you.

However, if you don’t mind trace amounts of THC and you want a product that may be more effective due to the entourage effect, then full spectrum CBD oil is probably a better choice. Ultimately, the best way to decide which product is right for you is to experiment with both and see what works better for your individual needs.