Interest in cannabis compounds is at an all-time high, with cannabidiol (CBD) featured in news stories and celebrity endorsements as to the next big thing in natural wellness. As people increasingly look to natural alternatives to improve their wellbeing, CBD has grown into a billion-dollar industry. We at Cascadia Hemp Co. are here to help you navigate all the options.

Why take CBD oil as a health supplement?

CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid molecule in hemp. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating but has been shown by volumes of research and mounting anecdotal evidence to have strong therapeutic potential. THC-free CBD products are legal in most states and are available as oil tinctures, capsules, gummies, topicals, and more.

With dispensaries and natural health retailers stocking everything from CBD oils to terp sauces, picking the right kind of product can sometimes seem daunting for those new to CBD. In this post, we go over the differences between isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum CBD oils, along with the pros and cons of each. Learn more about CBD Supplements here.

What are the advantages of CBD isolate?

CBD isolate is extracted from hemp to produce a product with no THC. There are two primary benefits of CBD isolate. First, it’s the most affordable THC-free option available. Second, the CBD isolate can have significantly higher CBD potency than broad- or full-spectrum options. This is why some CBD isolate tinctures on the market have concentrations of up to 300 milligrams CBD per milliliter (mg/ml), whereas most tinctures are typically 10-50 mg/ml.

Because of the absence of psychoactive compounds, CBD isolates don’t get you high. This makes it perfect for people who need relief but don’t want to experience any of the intoxicating effects that come with high-THC marijuana. The absence of THC not only makes CBD isolate legal in most states and abroad but also more socially acceptable than traditional medical marijuana. It’s a great product for those new to CBD oil or for those on a budget.

Check out our Lazarus Naturals THC-free CBD Tincture for a fantastic CBD isolate option.

What’s the difference between broad & full spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum CBD products are “true to the plant” and contain most of the original cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes found in hemp. These products are the most raw form of CBD oil and are minimally processed. For those who don’t like the earthy taste that full-spectrum products tend to have, we recommend trying either tinctures that are naturally flavored or products like capsules or gummies that hide the taste completely.

Check out our Lazarus Naturals Organic CBD Tincture for an effective and affordable full-spectrum option.

Broad-spectrum CBD products are made by removing all of the THC from full-spectrum CBD, leaving most of the CBD and other beneficial compounds in the oil. This is the most raw form of THC-free CBD that one can buy, but the complicated processing involved tends to make it more expensive than CBD isolate. It turns out it’s more costly to remove just the THC than stripping out everything but the CBD. The taste of broad-spectrum CBD oil is much more mild.

Check out our Queen of Hearts THC-free CBD Tinctures for a great broad-spectrum option.

Another important thing to consider is drug testing. Whereas full-spectrum CBD products do contain a small amount of THC that could result in a positive drug test, THC-free products like broad-spectrum and isolates are much less likely to do so. However, this largely depends on the specific kind of test being used. Do your research carefully, and keep in mind that we can’t provide any guarantees.

Preliminary research shows that the more full-spectrum a CBD product is, the more effective it tends to be. This is due to the “Entourage Effect.”

What is the “Entourage Effect?”

The “Entourage Effect” is a term coined by Israeli organic chemist Raphael Mechoulam in 1999 that describes the mechanism whereby different compounds in cannabis work together to produce a combined effect stronger than that of any single compound working alone. For example, the Entourage Effect proposes that terpenes and other cannabinoids working in conjunction with CBD may result in considerably more therapeutic effects than CBD by itself, due to their synergistic interactions within the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

The ECS is a network of receptors located primarily in the nervous and immune systems. Many of the cannabinoids found in hemp either bind directly to these receptors or interact with other compounds in the body that does. These receptors play a large role in influencing neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and epinephrine. The ECS is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in many areas of the body, including stress response, digestion, sleep, memory, and immune response. In short, the ECS helps us relax, eat, sleep, forget, and protect.

The entourage effect of cannabis compounds is increasingly established as legitimate not only by scientific research but also by anecdotal evidence in the form of thousands of product reviews left by CBD customers online. This enhanced therapeutic potential makes broad- and full-spectrum CBD the products of choice for those seeking optimal wellness benefits.

Whether you’re looking for full-spectrum CBD oil for maximum benefits or a THC-free option like broad-spectrum or CBD isolate, we have you covered here at Cascadia Hemp Co. Head over to our shop page and use the filters to find the right CBD spectrum for you.

If you have any questions about CBD or which products are the best option for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. Visit our contact page to see how.