The hype surrounding CBD and its wellness benefits has grown significantly over recent years and shows no sign of slowing down. From reducing anxiety and pain to promoting relaxation and better sleep, the cannabinoid has become a trusted, natural supplement for many.
The industry boom has brought an abundance of CBD oil-infused products to the shelves of wellness stores in the UK. With such variety, finding the right product can be a challenge, to say the least! In addition to an extensive range of CBD product types (including tinctures, gummies, balms and creams), CBD extract is available in three different forms. What is full-spectrum CBD, and how does it differ from broad-spectrum CBD and pure CBD isolate? Which type of CBD is best for me? Here’s all you need to know about CBD extract before you buy.
An Introduction to CBD Oil
CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural substance extracted from the hemp plant. It is one of around 120 cannabinoids that occur within hemp. Unlike THC, another famous cannabinoid, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects, making it typically safe for use by most people. When CBD is extracted from hemp, it is usually mixed with a carrier oil (and sometimes, additional substances) to create CBD oil, which can then be used by itself or infused into another product type, such as balms, gummies or creams.
CBD oil has been shown to provide a variety of wellness benefits, including anxiety relief, pain relief, improved sleep, enhanced focus and better skin health. Some people find great relief from using CBD oil to treat several medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and eczema.
Types of CBD Oil
CBD extract is accessible in three main forms: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD and pure CBD isolate.
Full-Spectrum CBD
When CBD is first extracted from the hemp plant, it is in full-spectrum form. This means that it contains all of the naturally-occurring compounds of the hemp plant; these include terpenes, flavonoids and additional cannabinoids, including small amounts of THC. This natural combination of compounds is believed to work according to the ‘entourage effect’; this means their effects are amplified as they work together synergistically.
Even though it contains THC, full-spectrum CBD is legal in the UK, as long as the THC content is 0.2% or less.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Following extraction from the flowers and leaves of hemp, cannabidiol can be further refined to a form known as a broad-spectrum CBD. This is quite similar to full-spectrum CBD as it contains many cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes. However, the main difference is that broad-spectrum CBD does not contain THC. This enables users to experience the entourage effect of many cannabis compounds except for THC.
CBD Isolate
Pure CBD isolate is produced after further distillation of broad-spectrum CBD. As the name suggests, it leaves behind pure CBD without any other hemp compounds. Pure CBD-infused products guarantee 0% THC.
Which Type of CBD Oil is Best?
The type of CBD that you should buy ultimately depends on your preferences. If you want to experience maximised benefits and don’t mind a small amount of THC in your product, full-spectrum CBD is probably the most suitable option. To gain the benefits of the ‘entourage effect’ without the presence of THC, consider broad-spectrum CBD. The purest form, CBD isolate, offers benefits to the user, though these may be weaker than its full-spectrum and broad-spectrum counterparts due to a lack of additional compounds creating an entourage effect. However, products with pure CBD isolate are an excellent choice if you wish to fully avoid THC. Isolates also tend to lack the earthy flavour and odour of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD.
When shopping for a suitable CBD oil or CBD-infused product, check the product label to determine which type of CBD extract the item contains.
Will CBD Oil Make Me High?
No, CBD oil will not make you high. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not produce any psychoactive effects. THC is the psychoactive compound found in marijuana that produces the "high" feeling. CBD oil is made from the hemp plant, which contains very small amounts of THC.
Does CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
Drug tests do not screen for cannabidiol so your CBD oil should not trigger a positive result. Drug tests do, however, screen for THC. While trace amounts found in full-spectrum CBD products shouldn’t trigger a positive test, you might prefer to use CBD isolate-infused products, such as Mission C Pre-Workout + Pro CBD Oil which guarantees 0% THC concentration.
Is CBD Safe for Everyone?
Yes, CBD is generally considered safe. Some people may experience mild side effects such as drowsiness and diarrhoea. CBD’s interaction with medication is not fully understood as more extensive research is required, so if intending to use CBD and you have prescription medication, consult your GP first.
Final Thoughts
There are three main types of CBD extract: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum offers the CBD compound in a state that is closest to its natural form, complete with additional cannabis compounds including THC. This can maximise CBD’s effects. Broad-spectrum CBD offers many of the same benefits and contains additional compounds except for THC. CBD isolate is the purest form.
All forms of CBD can offer benefits to users; which one you choose will largely depend on your wellness goals and how comfortable you are with trace quantities of THC in your product.
