Our bodies conveniently have an endocannabinoid system with CB receptors that respond to CBD in case of imbalance. If you’ve gone looking for CBD, you may have noticed there’s more than one kind: full spectrum, broad spectrum or isolate. Each has a distinct factor, which makes a difference when and why to use them. But there’s more to CBD than meets the eye, so we also must take into account the entourage effect, which is when the sum of all its parts is greater than the separate components. So check this out to get that background. Lost Remedy uses full-spectrum oil in all of our products.
CBD spectrums, what’s the difference?
In a nutshell, here’s the skinny:
- Isolate is a pure form of CBD. There are no other cannabinoids present.
- Broad spectrum CBD has no THC.
- Full-spectrum CBD has 0.3% THC (the psychoactive component of cannabis).
Let’s break it down to learn what each does.
CBD isolate
As noted, CBD isolate stands alone. There are no terpenes, flavonoids or THC. It may lower anxiety and improve sleep but is often not as strong as broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD. Also, isolates have no flavoring or fragrance, which some people don’t want or need.
Broad-spectrum CBD
This spectrum has CBD, all the flavonoids, cannabinoids, essential oils and terpenes but none of the THC. That means you get most of the benefits of the entourage effect that I alluded to in the first section. But, without the THC, you won’t have to worry about something showing up in a drug test. However, these products tend to be a bit less potent than a full-spectrum CBD.
Full-spectrum CBD
As the name suggests, full-spectrum CBD has it all: CBD, cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and THC. The amount of THC is negligible, 0.3%. That’s barely any THC, which helps avoid the high that is often associated with THC. As a result of having all of the beneficial components the entourage effect is the most beneficial with full-spectrum CBD.
This visual gives you an idea of the difference between full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. Broad-spectrum is similar to full-spectrum, but without THC.
CBD choices
Now that I’ve given you the gist of what makes each different, you’re probably wondering how you know which CBD to use. First, let me say that one form is not better than the others, it’s a matter of what you need. I prefer full-spectrum for all of its combined components. But, that’s just me.
CBD isolate: Because this form is pure CBD, you get none of the other cannabinoids or compounds. Or you could be a first-time user and want to experience only CBD. Another reason to look to a CBD isolate is if you need to take high doses of CBD, but don’t want, or are sensitive to, the other components of cannabis. Plus, isolates are colorless and flavorless, if taste and appearance are not your thing. Finally, there is no chance you’ll get dinged by a drug test.
Broad-spectrum CBD: As previously noted, broad-spectrum CBD has all the cannabinoids and compounds of cannabis without THC. There is no chance you’d get high or fail a drug test. However, the combination of CBD with the bit of THC creates a synergy you don’t get in broad-spectrum CBD.
Full-spectrum CBD: Because full-spectrum CBD has all the compounds and cannabinoids this might be a good choice if you:
- Need stronger relief from a number of ailments
- Want the benefits of the entourage effect
- Like the earthy flavor
- Want a more natural, and less refined product
In conclusion
Now that you have a clearer picture of the CBD spectrums and their differences, I want to reiterate that Lost Remedy CBD topicals are made with full-spectrum CBD. The important thing to understand about CBD topicals is that unlike the other forms of CBD that are inhaled, ingested or absorbed under the tongue, topicals never reach the blood stream. So there is never a high when using topicals.
Because cannabinoid receptors are located throughout the skin, CBD has the capability to interact with these receptors to encourage homeostasis and healing. Topicals are applied directly on the trouble areas so the CBD can work on the immediate need. With CBD topicals, all of the hemp-derived nutrients are almost instantly absorbed through your skin, allowing a quicker and more focused effect. So, you get to enjoy the entourage effect and benefits of the full product, faster.