Have you been thinking, “Which CBD extract is best for me?” It’s not uncommon to wonder which CBD oil suits your needs best. If you think about it, we make these types of decisions with all kinds of products! Still, if you’re new to CBD, this process can get a little confusing, navigating full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate options. Nonetheless, it’s essential to understand the similarities and differences. Let’s start with full spectrum and work our way through the other options to better understand what works best for you.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil
When hemp crops reach full maturation and it’s time to harvest, full spectrum oil is the first stop for extraction. The crops go through a process that creates a cannabinoid-rich oil containing terpenes and other helpful compounds. At CBDfx, we use the supercritical CO2 extraction process, because it provides the best quality, free of residual contaminants, toxins, and chemicals.
Full spectrum hemp oil contains all of the naturally occurring compounds found in hemp — a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Within this full range of cannabinoids, there are trace amounts of THC, somewhere between the LOD (level of detection) and 0.3%. Some people choose full spectrum hemp for this reason specifically, since it provides a front-row seat to the Entourage Effect. Additionally, some love having a range of cannabinoids like CBN, CBG, or CBDA, depending on the product.
However, keep in mind full spectrum hemp may cause you to fail a drug screening since those trace amounts of THC are still present in the oil.
One of the most common products you’ll see with full spectrum oil are CBD tincture oils. However, with the market expanding at astronomical rates, there’s a wide range of variety on the market.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
When full spectrum oil goes through an additional extraction phase to remove THC trace amounts, this creates broad spectrum CBD oil. People who want THC-free products typically seek out broad spectrum products since they have non-detectable levels of THC.
This makes broad spectrum products a great alternative to those who wish to stay clear of THC, especially if they had a bad experience in the past (one word: brownies).
In past times, many assumed you could only access the Entourage Effect with full spectrum products. However, we know now you still get a little bit of the Entourage Effect, but it’s just not as pronounced as it is with full spectrum varieties.
If you think broad spectrum products are more your speed, there are plenty to choose from, with CBD gummies being one of the most popular. Many love the convenience, taste, and nutrient infusions available.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolates are 99% pure CBD. For some, the main benefit of CBD isolate revolves around the fact that it’s odorless and tasteless. This has much to do with the fact it contains no additional cannabinoids, terpenes, or essential oils.
However, some people consider this a downside, since pure CBD doesn’t contain any other compounds to produce synergistic effects.
CBD isolates work well in a variety of products, but one of our favorites is the Recharge and Soothing CBD Bath Bombs, although there’s plenty to choose from once you start looking around.
The Entourage Effect
Most people get a little intimidated when they run across the Entourage Effect, but it’s just fancy wording referring to the synergistic relationship between different compounds. The internal phenomenon takes place with the help of the endocannabinoid system.
All mammals have this complex, cell-signaling system that works through endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes within the body.
Full spectrum oil contains a “full spectrum” of the naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant. So, they’re all bouncing off each other, working synergistically to produce the therapeutic effects CBD is known for.
There are over 100 different cannabinoid compounds present in the hemp plant, and each one has a unique way of boosting the therapeutic effects of your CBD oil.
Aside from these compounds, terpenes bring an added layer of benefits to your overall experience. There are over 200 different terpene profiles, and each boasts its own unique benefits.
Many claim CBD works more effectively with trace amounts of THC, but this is something you would have to experiment with for yourself since results vary based on several personal factors.
Shopping for CBD Oil
Shopping is supposed to be fun, but when you’re clicking through countless web pages, trying to pinpoint the best CBD oil for your needs, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and confused. There are a few things you want to always look for when you’re shopping for CBD online.
First and foremost, look to see how a company sources its hemp. Are they growing their hemp organically? Are they growing in the states, or is it sourced from overseas? You want the former — a company growing high-quality hemp right here in the U.S.
Secondly, you want to look for third-party lab results. These serve as a quality stamp regarding purity and concentration.
When you look at a lab report, you can see the percentage of cannabinoids, which cannabinoids are present in the oil, and any harmful chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals, or toxins in the product you’re thinking about purchasing.
These reports shouldn’t be hard to find. They’re often found on the product page or another dedicated section of the website. If you don’t see lab reports and they’re not available, keep looking for a reputable company.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best CBD extract for your needs takes a little due diligence on your part, but once you figure it out, it’s nothing but smooth sailing and chill vibes!
Furthermore, don’t be surprised if you find that certain CBD oil extracts work better for you in certain circumstances.
Perhaps you prefer a broad spectrum product for your daytime needs and a full spectrum for the evening, when you’re winding down and want something with those enhanced therapeutic benefits the Entourage Effect provides.
One thing’s for sure — the possibilities are endless with CBD!
Visit our CBD Tincture Collection page and find the best fit for yourself today!