Different CBD Profiles: Everything You Need To Know

CBD keeps making headlines all over the world, and as more people learn about the benefits of this non-psychoactive compound made from hemp, CBD is becoming more and more popular every day. However there are many types of CBD, and understanding the differences helps you choose the right one for you.

What Is CBD Isolate?

An isolate profile is basically just the CBD molecule extracted from the hemp bio-mass. Isolate contains no THC, and none of the minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBN, nor any of the terpenes and other flavonoids. Isolate has some advantages over other profiles. Isolate CBD is usually the least expensive CBD profile, carries little flavor, and is all you need for managing anxiety, sleep, and for use with pets.

What is Full Spectrum CBD?

You can expect your full spectrum CBD to have a complete chemical profile of what naturally occurs in the hemp plant – all of the 120+ naturally occurring minor cannabinoids, terpenes and other flavonoids, as well as up to .3% of THC. Full spectrum CBD may be the strongest medicine you can give your body, due to the ‘Entourage Effect’ – the theory that when all of the compounds in the hemp plant are taken together, they are more effective, especially for chronic pain conditions.

What is Broad Spectrum CBD?

Broad spectrum profiles can take many forms, but typically include most, but not all, of the constituents of the hemp plant. Broad spectrum profiles usually do not contain THC, and may nor may not contain naturally occurring terpenes and other flavonoids. Flavor profiles vary, with stronger flavored tinctures containing more of the naturally occurring terpenes and flavonoids. Arguably, broad spectrum CBD is perhaps the best of both worlds, containing a vast array of the many naturally occurring cannabinoids, harnessing the entourage effect, without the strong taste or any detectable THC.

What About CBD Sold in Dispensaries?

You will notice when visiting the dispensary, CBD content is labeled as a ratio – 1:1, 1:10, etc., and sometimes does not even list the total content of CBC in mg/g. Currently in the US, CBD products can contain no more than .3% THC, while dispensaries (marijuana/pot stores) cannot sell strictly CBD tinctures or edibles, but must include more significant amounts of THC in their offerings. For this reason, those who are subject to drug testing or the risk of drug testing, should steer clear of anything sold in dispensaries, and in fact, should also avoid full spectrum products as they do contain trace THC. Even high-THC topicals should be avoided for that same reason.

How Is CBD Made?

There are many steps in the extraction and purification process when refining the different compounds from whole hemp extract. The science in this area continues to evolve, bringing newer, ‘cleaner’ methods of extraction and purification on a regular basis. In a very basic sense, CBD and other beneficial compounds are extracted in two main ways – using ethanol (food-grade alcohol like that in your cocktails) , or super critical CO2. Keep in mind, there is an ethanol step present typically even with the CO2 extraction method.

Both have advantages and disadvantages, but in this author’s opinion, while CO2 is generally viewed as superior, both extraction methods product clean, reliable CBD extracts, and is more up to personal preference for those looking to buy cbd tincture in Spokane.