Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a product that has been increasingly present in the public eye.
More and more people are using it, trying it out as an alternative treatment to medical conditions.
While the veracity of these treatments is unknown, it has done little to prevent the ranting and raving of those who describe CBD as a “miracle product”.
What these fans of the compound failed to inform you of is the different types of CBD, and what their differences can be. Below, I intend to explore the differences and educate you on what I’ve learned.
First, what’s CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis (marijuana). THC, the psychoactive compound, being the most prevalent in the cannabis plant.
While CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is also derived directly from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive In fact, some studies have shown that CBD counteracts many of THC’s psychoactive effects, especially when taken in larger doses.
Most people tend to focus on reports of CBD’s healing properties, experimenting with the product in an attempt to use it as an alternative holistic approach to help with medical conditions.
What is CBD isolate?
CBD Isolate is a chemical component derived from cannabis plants.
Proponents tout CBD Isolate as the purest form of cannabis, primarily because of the way manufacturers split (or isolate) the CBD from all of the other components of the cannabis plant.
That leaves CBD Isolate all by itself – it’s basically the chemical compound remaining after CBD has been extracted from a cannabis plant.
Isolate often takes the form of CBD crystals, which often reach concentrations around 99.9%. CBD isolate is made from carefully filtered hemp extract, which produces a clean, and pure product. However, despite this refinement process, it is always possible for cannabinoids and flavonoids to be present, albeit within trace amounts.
What is Full Spectrum CBD?
Full Spectrum CBD is less pure than CBD Isolate. It often contains larger amounts of other cannabinoids and flavonoids. However, it still possesses an extremely low and legal THC content and a much larger CBD content.
The presence of other compounds within Full Spectrum CBD allows for what is called the “entourage effect.” These various compounds work together, creating resonant effects, and work in synergy to create a more natural, and holistic experience.
How should I choose which form of CBD to try?
Well, that’s a difficult question. If you’re looking to try pure, unadulterated CBD, then CBD isolate is certainly your best bet. You’ll have a very consistent, and somewhat singular experience, allowing you to determine if CBD is right for you on its own merits.
If you’re looking for a more natural experience, then Full Spectrum CBD may be your better option. You’ll be able to enjoy CBD’s effects with a greater understanding of how it operates naturally, and you’ll be affected in turn by the additional cannabinoids that come with it.
But, no matter what, you should always consult with a physician prior to trying CBD. Additionally, it should not be taken with alcohol or other drugs or medication.