So, you’ve started looking into Cannabidiol (CBD), congratulations! 1 in 7 adults have started using CBD for its supposed benefits of reducing stress, helping to relieve discomfort, and much more. Shopping for CBD products can feel overwhelming, and there is no shortage of options to choose from. CBD can come in the forms of edibles, tinctures, even some in vapor form. For those that are leaning more towards the tincture form, there are even more options within this mode of dosing. You may see isolate CBD tinctures and full-spectrum CBD tinctures, but what do these identifiers mean, and what is the difference? Which is best for you? Let’s dive in.
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First, What is CBD?
To further understand how and why CBD works, let’s take a deeper dive into what it is and what its effects are on the human body. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound, known as a cannabinoid, harvested from hemp plants, separate from the more well-known cannabinoid THC. There are well over 113 cannabinoids that can be taken from cannabis plants, each with its own characteristics and benefits. CBD is non-psychoactive, and because of this, it does not come with the feeling of being high, as opposed to THC. Cannabinoids are proven to have benefits through their interaction with our endocannabinoid system, a series of neurotransmitters and receptors reaching parts of the brain and nervous systems. Some of the areas reached by the endocannabinoid system include mood regulation, stress management, and pain perception. CBD is a supplement used by 64 million people to feel relaxed, help them sleep, and so much more without the worry of feeling intoxicated or unable to function.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Using a CBD tincture that is labeled full-spectrum simply means that it contains all of the naturally occurring phytochemicals found within the hemp plant, including essential oils, terpenes, and trace elements of THC along with CBD. This trace amount of THC is less than 0.3%; however, it is still present. It isn’t enough to make the tincture psychoactive, but just enough to benefit from the effects offered by the cannabinoid. So you can confidently dose CBD with the fullest amount of natural benefits without feeling intoxicated. Full-spectrum CBD tinctures also include other cannabinoids, including Cannabidivarin (CBDV), Cannabinol (CBN), and Cannabidiol acid (CBDA), giving a more comprehensive range of benefits than a pure form isolate tincture. Studies show that users of full-spectrum CBD products tend to feel more relief than those using isolated, however, the cost of a full-spectrum tincture is higher. This higher price point has to do with the number of compounds included in the tincture and the associated benefits.
Isolate CBD
CBD that is said to be isolate means all naturally occurring compounds other than CBD have been removed, leaving these tinctures to be the purest form of the cannabidiol cannabinoid. Isolate CBD tinctures do not include trace elements of THC, this is the main difference between it and full-spectrum CBD. These are the most concentrated CBD products but lack the benefits given from the other naturally occurring ingredients that are left in a full spectrum product. While at a lower price point, studies show that isolate CBD users don’t experience as high of a rate of relief as full spectrum users. However, the same studies show that isolate CBD users experience relief with smaller doses than a full spectrum CBD user would need to take for those higher relief levels.
So, Which is the Better Choice For You?
Either full-spectrum or isolate CBD are great choices for anyone looking to use the benefits of the cannabinoid, but there are definite advantages and disadvantages to both. Full Spectrum, as stated before, contains all-natural components that come along with CBD when harvesting it from the plant, meaning it is the least processed form of CBD. It also gives the benefits of not just CBD, but all other cannabinoids included in the compound. It also features terpenes, which help to mask the hemp smell and taste, along with other flavor profiles helping to make the taste more mild and enjoyable. However, the higher price point and larger needed dosage are definite disadvantages for those just getting started in the world of CBD. Full Spectrum CBD also contains trace elements of THC, which means it is possible for it to show on a drug test, and the tincture carries a strong smell and taste of hemp. Isolate tinctures are the purest form of CBD and are tasteless and odorless. They are best for people recommended to take high doses of CBD, and they will not show on a drug test. The main disadvantage of isolate CBD is the missed benefits of the other compounds included in a full spectrum product.
Full-Spectrum and Isolate CBD from High Falls Hemp NY
High Falls Hemp NY is a wholesome, family-owned company that grows sustainable, healthy, pure hemp. From the seed of the hemp plants, through the harvesting and extraction process all the way to the soul of the ones that use it there is love, and care within each plant. If you are going to use CBD and other hemp products, make sure you get it from a trusted source that cares about the world and humanity.