Full-Spectrum vs Isolate Cannabis: Which is Best For You?

As more and more states legalize cannabis, the demand for different forms of the plant has rapidly grown. Even states that haven’t legalized THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are seeing a big demand for CBD (cannabinol) products.

There are three types of products created from cannabinol extraction: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Understanding these different products will help you determine which one will work best for your needs.

What is Cannabinol?

The flower or “bud” of a cannabis plant has sticky hair-like structures that contain chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. The two most common cannabinoids are CBD and THC ⁠— THC is the compound that causes a high, not CBD.

CBD products come in three different forms: full-spectrum, isolate, and broad-spectrum.

‌Full-spectrum

A full-spectrum extract contains compounds from the entire plant. By utilizing all of the compounds, full-spectrum extracts create a product full of flavor and aroma, and they have the “entourage effect.”

The entourage effect is a theory that still requires further research. In brief, it’s an argument that the cannabinoids and compounds of the marijuana plant all work together to benefit the body in unique ways, and their effects multiply when taken together.

Since full-spectrum extracts contain the full range of compounds, THC will also be present in small amounts. However, since THC is still illegal in many states, the amount in most full-spectrum extracts is minuscule and within legal limits.

The federal limit on THC concentration is 0.3%, but some states have stricter laws and regulations. Be sure to check state laws when traveling with CBD products, and don’t cross the border into a state where THC or CBD products are still illegal.

Isolate

The second-most popular CBD extract is CBD isolate. This extract doesn’t utilize all of the cannabis plant ⁠— it’s just the CBD compound.  If you’re worried about getting drug-tested for CBD, or you’re worried about consuming or travelling with any amount of THC, even the trace amounts in the full-spectrum extract, try CBD isolate.

Without the other compounds, users won’t get the entourage effect. Studies also suggest the effects of CBD isolate are very limited.

Broad-spectrum

Broad-spectrum extracts include various cannabinoids, but not THC. This extract is the middle ground between full-spectrum vs isolate and will be flavorful and aromatic. However, without THC, the extract doesn’t provide the entourage effect.

CBD Products

CBD extracts are offered in a variety of forms including:

  • Gummies and other edibles
  • Oils
  • Topical creams
  • Pills and capsules

Oils can be added to foods or drinks, but many people simply place a few drops under their tongue.

‌Now that you know the differences in CBD extracts, click the link to order yours today! Frost Denver Dispensary sells products from the best growers in Colorado, and we can quickly prepare your online order for pick-up at any one of our convenient locations. 

Still have questions? No problem. Our knowledgeable budtenders can answer any additional questions you might have. See you soon!

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