CBD. You hear the term everywhere these days.

But what exactly is CBD? What does it do? What’s the hype? How do you know what type to buy? Where to get it from? Is isolate worth it? Will full or broad-spectrum products make me high?

We’re here to help you answer some of these pivotal questions.

What Exactly is CBD?

Marijuana and hemp are two varieties of the same cannabis plant species, cannabis sativa. These plants contain cannabinoids, naturally occurring phytochemicals. CBD (cannabidiol) is the most abundant chemical compound. It’s found in all varieties of cannabis, but dominates the makeup of hemp plants. For the purpose of this article, we are going to be focusing on CBD specifically derived from the hemp plant.

Why Hemp Isolate?

Depending on your needs, you can choose to buy full spectrum, broad spectrum or isolate CBD.

CAASI is a form of hemp derived isolate CBD, in the form of water soluble beverage drops, with a serving size of 1ml per drop. You can use CAASI's drops as a food or beverage additive and you won’t taste a thing.

Hemp must contain 0.3% THC or less in order to be federally legal. Due to this, hemp is completely non intoxicating, because with such a low THC content, you won’t feel a high.

It’s a favorable option for new CBD users afraid of other cannabinoids and for those who know they don’t like the feeling of THC. And while the CBD molecule is identical regardless of the cannabis source, the federal laws change depending on if the CBD is cannabis or hemp derived.

Isolate is the purest and most refined form of CBD. In the extraction process, no other active compounds are pulled out of the hemp plant, making CBD the only active ingredient in the product. Containing a higher dose of CBD per serving, hemp derived CBD isolate is attractive for its easy usability and lack of flavor.

There are also no psychoactive effects or risks of intoxication, making it a popular, natural product for athletes or potential job seekers because it won’t show up in drug testing.

According to Rubin Torf, president and co-founder of Scientia Labs, “isolating plant based molecules is the route to standardized plant based medicine.” When using isolate, you are guaranteed the same ratio every time. It’s a repeatable process and allows for no concern of intoxication depending on your personal or professional circumstances.

CBD influences the endocannabinoid system already found within the human body, but also can affect the body’s other receptors such as serotonin. Common uses for CBD isolate include anti anxiety, pain and inflammation relief, sleep improvement, stress reduction and muscle relaxation.

Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD contains all phytochemicals naturally found in the plant, including CBD, terpenes, essential oils and other trace cannabinoids. When extracted from hemp, it also has a low THC content, less than 0.3%.

It is not recommended for people sensitive to THC because trace amounts of that cannabinoid can be found. The entourage effect is also present as the varying compounds work together to amplify the effects of the cannabinoids. However, full spectrum CBD may give you false positives during drug tests because of the other chemical compounds present.

Broad-spectrum CBD has no traces of THC, but retains other cannabinoids and terpenes, enabling the entourage effect without the high. It bridges the gap between full-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate and works best for conditions that isolate alone can’t help with.

It’s processed, but less processed than CBD isolate. It often has a strong natural hemp flavor or scent in comparison to isolate having no taste or smell. However, it tends to be less researched and less available than full-spectrum or isolate CBD products.

The Stigma of CBD Isolate

In the cannabis industry, some argue that full and broad-spectrum CBD products are more powerful than CBD isolate. This in relation to the entourage effect, where the strength of cannabis is a result of active compounds working together.

Because isolate is pure CBD, there is no entourage effect of cannabis chemicals present. However, people can choose to create their own entourage effect if they combine different isolates. And no matter what type of CBD you decide to put in your body, each offers its own unique value to the user, whether combined or solo.

Research shows that the effectiveness of isolate tends to taper off at higher and lower doses, with the peak somewhere in the middle of a shaped curve. For example, in regards to swelling and pain relief, full-spectrum CBD products provide corresponding effects as dosage is increased where CBD isolate would not.

However, by consuming only the CBD cannabinoid and no terpenes or other unnecessary components through the use of isolate, users can get more powerful or effective doses of CBD. Isolate is proven to be quickly absorbed by the body, especially when it’s water soluble. It’s easier to dose, consume and won’t get you high.

Conclusion

As a cannabis user, it is up to you to decide what you want to use CBD for and figure out what works for you. Isolate CBD, broad-spectrum CBD and full-spectrum CBD are all unique in their ability to provide value to the users.

If you are someone who is sensitive to THC, concerned about drug testing and don’t feel the need to be high, hemp derived CBD isolate is best for you. However, if you don’t need guaranteed ratios in your products or you want added effects of terpenes and other cannabinoids, full or broad-spectrum CBD may be perfect for you.

Effectiveness of cannabis products will always vary from person to person, so never be afraid to research and enjoy what cannabis can do for you!

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