CBD Isolate? Broad Spectrum? Full Spectrum? What is what?

Have you been confused about the different types of CBD? What do terms like full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate actually mean? It is actually much more simple than it sounds.

Full spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, etc) and terpenes present in the hemp plant it is made from, including THC. All of the cannabinoids and terpenes work together to form the entourage effect. This is when multiple cannabinoids act together to have a stronger influence on the body than just one cannabinoid alone.

Broad spectrum CBD is similar to full spectrum. After the initial extraction, it goes through a refinement process to remove the THC. Other cannabinoids and terpenes still exist so the entourage effect still works with broad spectrum products as well.

In a CBD isolate, the CBD is isolated from all other cannabinoids and THC. This means that you will not have to worry about any THC showing up on a drug test but lose the extra benefits of the entourage effect.

So which type of CBD is best for you?

It totally depends on your body and what your are using the CBD for. Some people may have a better response to products that have more THC in them and others may not notice a difference between a full spectrum and a broad spectrum. Everyone’s body metabolizes CBD differently so there really is no ideal product that is best for everyone.

Another thing to consider is drug testing. While the THC in any legal CBD made from hemp is not enough to make you high, it could show up on a drug test. I have heard of many people who took CBD and lost their job because they tested positive for THC.

If you have to take occasional drug tests, a broad spectrum would be safer. It should not contain enough THC to test positive but it depends on how much CBD you take and how your body metabolizes it. Lyrical Life Essentials broad spectrum CBD Drops has non detectable THC which means the level of THC, if any, is lower than the lowest amount the lab is able to detect.

A CBD isolate contains only CBD so this would be the safest option when it comes to drug testing but you may also notice less effects. A CBD isolate also has less of a hemp taste so if the taste is something that bothers you, an isolate may be something to try (CBD with carrier oils other than hemp seed oil also have a lessened hemp taste).