Goldilocks and The Three Bears (of CBD Extracts)
You may recall in the classic children’s story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears that one teddy’s porridge was too hot, the other too cold, but one was jussst right.
And that’s exactly how you should think of the three types of CBD extracts: Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and Isolate.
One is going to be just right for you. Or, you can use all of them—for different reasons.
Before we start, let’s learn the language:
CANNABINOIDS | Any of the naturally-occurring chemical compounds found in cannabis.
TERPENES | Essential oils responsible for the aroma of many plants. They work collaboratively with CBD to magnify its therapeutic benefits (AKA “the entourage effect”).
FLAVONOIDS | The plant compound responsible for pigmentation, filtering out UV rays, and inhibiting plant diseases.
FULL SPECTRUM
CBD products labeled “Full Spectrum” contain all the compounds of the cannabis plant: CBD, other cannabinoids, fatty acids, flavonoids, terpenes and, yes, THC—albeit trace amounts of that (like, less than 0.3%).
Benefits: Full Spectrum products boast an “entourage effect,” meaning the compounds are more effective together than apart, ultimately giving you the maximum benefit.
Best for: Those who want the least processed and most holistic relief.
BROAD SPECTRUM
CBD products labeled “Broad Spectrum” contain all of the above (CBD, cannabinoids, etc.)—but without the THC. To remove it, products are put through additional processing that still keeps the plant’s other natural compounds intact.
Benefits: Broad Spectrum products also offer the "entourage effect," retaining the maximum amount of therapeutic potential, but are free of THC.
Best for: Those who can't (or don't want to) consume any THC for personal or professional reasons.
ISOLATE
CBD products labeled “Isolate” are comprised of 99% (or more) CBD only. Because there’s no THC, they’re the purest and most potent form of CBD, as well as the most consistent dose every time.
Benefits: Isolate products are a pure, concentrated form of CBD, with no residual contaminants.
Best for: Those who are sensitive to taste and smell or are concerned about how they’ll react to other cannabinoids.
