As you’ve seen, CBD comes in many forms – from creams and salves to capsules, gums and mints to gummies and tinctures. Each form may come in various strengths AND may be processed (or refined) to contain different level of CBD ingredients.
These processing levels are generally referred to as Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and Isolate which we will cover in more depth below.
Isolate:
What is it?
There are more than 80 compounds found in hemp and marijuana. When a product is an “isolate,” it means that the CBD compound has been isolated from the rest of the compounds and extracted to be used in the end product. There are no other compounds and no plant matter in that end product.
What’s it good for?
The CBD compound has a number of benefits independent of the other cannabis compounds. We love it for mood stabilization. It’s also a great fit for someone looking for a 0 THC option.
What products contain it?
Isolate is tasteless, so it’s used in all kinds of things from capsules to tinctures to gum and mints.
How much should I start with?
We always recommend starting small and working up if you have to. Topicals are as needed – just remember that a little goes a long way. 15-20 mg daily is a great starting point for an oral supplement. Give it a week or so and if you’re not seeing the benefits that you hope for, increase by another 5-10 mg daily for the second week. By the end of that two weeks, we hope you’re on the path to feeling great!
Full Spectrum:
What is it?
There are more than 80 compounds found in hemp and marijuana. A Full Spectrum product leaves all of those compounds, including a trace amount (not more than .3%) of THC intact. Everything growing in that plant in the ground makes it into the bottle. If a product is labeled as “Raw” that means that the extract hasn’t been heated or filtered.
What’s it good for?
This less processed CBD option is often viewed to be more beneficial than the isolated CBD compounds. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We hear great feedback for a variety of benefits that all revolve around keeping our cells in balance.
What products contain it?
Full Spectrum extracts do have a strong earthy flavor and smell. They’re most commonly found in tinctures, capsuled and topical skin creams and salves.
How much should I start with?
We always recommend starting small and working up if you have to. Topicals are as needed – just remember that a little goes a long way. 10-15 mg daily is a great starting point for an oral supplement. Give it a week or so and if you’re not seeing the benefits that you hope for, increase by another 5-10 mg daily for the second week. By the end of that two weeks, we hope you’re on the path to feeling great!
Broad Spectrum:
What is it?
There are more than 80 compounds found in hemp and marijuana. A Broad Spectrum product leaves all of those compounds, with one exception, intact. The THC compound is isolated and removed from the extract. Everything else growing in that plant in the ground makes it into the bottle.
What’s it good for?
The less processed CBD option is often viewed to be more beneficial than the isolated CBD compounds. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We hear great feedback for a variety of benefits that all revolve around keeping our cells in balance. We do see a correlation between processing and chronic pain. The least processed product, Full Spectrum, tends to give us the best results when dealing with chronic pain. If Full Spectrum is not an option due to the THC content, Broad Spectrum would be the next best option.
What Products Contain It?
Broad Spectrum products can be found in all categories, from pet products to topicals, tinctures and capsules.
How much should I start with?
We always recommend starting small and working up if you have to. Topicals are as needed – just remember that a little goes a long way. 10-15 mg daily is a great starting point for an oral supplement. Give it a week or so and if you’re not seeing the benefits that you hope for, increase by another 5-10 mg daily for the second week. By the end of that two weeks, we hope you’re on the path to feeling great!