Full or Broad Spectrum: What Are the Different Types of CBD Oils?

Curated and edited by Sechat, with information from Canex

CBD Isolate

This is the purest form of CBD. Isolates are made by completely removing other compounds - including cannabinoids and terpenes - from the final solution. This leaves you with pure CBD extracted from the cannabis plant.

However, this pure extract is usually mixed with another ingredient - the carrier oil. It can be any of several oils, from hemp seed oil and coconut oil to olive oil and MCT. The most important thing to know about CBD isolates is that they contain only one cannabinoid - CBD.

Some speculate that cannabidiol in this pure form makes it more effective, as it is more potent and concentrated. However, there has been increasing conjecture that this may not be the case.

Broad Spectrum

To create broad spectrum CBD oil, the first step remains the same. As in the process of extracting pure CBD isolate, cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are all extracted from the cannabis plant. However, instead of isolating the CBD from the rest of the compounds, only the THC is removed.

This combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids is believed to promote the potential benefits of the 'Entourage Effect'. This means that the cannabis compounds are able to work together synergistically to enhance each other's effects. Of course, without the addition of the psychoactive compound, THC.

Full Spectrum

Again, to extract a full spectrum CBD oil, the first step is the same. When extracted from hemp, the concentration of THC in the removed compounds will be less than 0.2% (0.3% in the U.S.). Unlike removing all other compounds, or just the THC, the compounds are left to remain in the finished product. A full spectrum oil is considered the most effective in unlocking 'the Entourage Effect'.

The Entourage Effect

So, what is the Entourage Effect? Well, to simplify, it is when all the compounds extracted from the cannabis plant work together to result in different effects beyond just CBD. While more research is needed (as is the case with most things related to cannabis), some studies indicate that full spectrum CBD oils may have an advantage for certain applications.