We’ve all been asking,

“What’s the difference between CBD Isolate, Broad Spectrum, and Full Spectrum CBD?”

So MJ partnered with the CBD Experts at Hempsley for the answer.

Hempsley is a Wellness Guidance company that introduces the basic science behind a variety of natural wellness tools that support the endocannabinoid system such as cannabinoid therapies, herbs, essential oils, nutrition, and more. Born in prohibition Missouri, Hempsley is designed to be an unbiased, educational resource that you can feel comfortable sending your most skeptical and conservative friends, family, and coworkers to for more information about CBD, cannabis & more.

CBD is just one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis. Research shows that CBD works best when used with all of the phytonutrients naturally found in the plant, including trace amounts of THC (best known for its ability to produce a “high”). This is known as the entourage effect. While the entourage effect indicates that you ideally want trace amounts of THC with your CBD, there are circumstances where excluding THC from a product may be better for you. The terms isolate, broad spectrum and full spectrum describe which cannabinoids are included in a product.

ISOLATE

Isolate is what it sounds like: CBD that has been isolated from all the other compounds found in its original cannabis plant, with some products testing as high as 99% pure CBD.

When comparing isolate to full spectrum, Canadian researchers found that isolates have a minimum and maximum threshold: in other words, you have to take at least a certain amount (that is typically more than full spectrum products) in order to be effective (minimum threshold), and there’s a limit on how much you can take in a day before the effects rapidly taper off (maximum threshold).

BROAD SPECTRUM

Broad spectrum extracts are essentially a full spectrum extract but with any traces of THC removed. This is a great alternative to isolates for those who may be concerned about drug testing but still want to reap the benefits of the entourage effect.

FULL SPECTRUM

Full spectrum extracts contain the full range of cannabinoids and phytonutrients originally found in the plant.

Canadian research found that full spectrum CBD did not show the same minimum and maximum threshold values for effectiveness, indicating that using the full spectrum of phytonutrients encourages our bodies to better use CBD.

Full spectrum is arguably going to be the best, most effective CBD option. It’s important to note here that the trace amounts of THC found in full spectrum products do have the potential to build up in fat cells over time and cause you to register positive on a drug test. If you are concerned about this, look for broad spectrum products instead.

Hempsley contributed to our Third Issue celebrating Nina Parks on the Cover—Get her before she’s gone!

DISCLAIMER:  The Women of MJ Lifestyle are not licensed medical professionals, nor do we claim to be. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or any of the above-listed conditions. However, we find plant medicine to be a brilliant tool that works synergistically with a healthy diet and a mindful spirit. MJ Lifestyle believes in the power of the plant and encourages you to explore with a positive and open mind.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.