Education & Health Benefits

What is the Difference in CBD Isolate and Full Spectrum CBD?

Due to the non-psycho active healing attributes CBD has become a fast growing topic across the globe for patients that are seeking a holistic approach to help treat a variety of conditions such as inflammation, chronic pain, anxiety disorders, epilepsy and many more. As consumers are seeking an alternative to big pharma, they are becoming more educated and often faced with a choice between CBD Isolate or CBD Full Spectrum.

Full spectrum CBD

is also known as full plant extract (CBD), in which the extract contains all the other cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes that are found in the plant including CBD (Cannabidiol), CBDA(Cannabidiol- Acid) , CBG (Cannabigerol), CBN (Cannabinol) and trace amounts of THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), among other minor cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes.

CBD Isolate is the isolated compound only. It is purified and high potency, but with lesser results than the full spectrum oil. 

CBD Isolate vs. CBD Full Spectrum Oil- Which is more effective?

Previously it was believed that the isolated form of hemp extract was more effective because of the potency. However, in 2015, this theory was debunked by a study (Overcoming the Bell‐Shaped Dose‐Response of Cannabidiol by Using Cannabis Extract Enriched
in Cannabidio)l that was conducted in Jerusalem.  When studying the efficiency and effectiveness of Full Spectrum vs Isolate, in mice, it was found that the results were in favor of the mice that was given full spectrum oil. Further more the study proved that the mice that was give full spectrum continued to provide relief as the dose increased, while CBD Isolate did not provide the same effect when there was an increase in the dosage. 

About CBD- Why CBD?:

The cannabis plant is filled with hundreds of different compounds, several of which have been studied for decades for their therapeutic benefits. The cannabis compounds that have captured the most scientific interest are known as cannabinoids.

Cannabidiol—or CBD—is a cannabinoid that’s available in supplement form, and has a number of possible uses, including help with stress and anxiety, pain, and sleep problems. Unlike medical cannabis, CBD is legal in all 50 states. Even if you live in a state where medical cannabis is currently not legal, you can still purchase and use CBD. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) is just one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. CBD does not create a “high” feeling or any other form of intoxication, that is associated with another cannabinoid THC.

Here is what you should know about a few of the potential medical uses of CBD and where the research stands:

1. CBD Pairing with Anxiety:

Anxiety disorders come in many forms ranging from PTSD to Social Anxiety, which can have a serious impact on the sufferer and their families/friends. 

Anxiety relief is one of the most sought after affects of CBD and hemp extracts. a 2015 review concluded that CBD is a promising remedy for people suffering from anxiety, including OCD, PTSD, and social anxiety.

CBD may be able to help reduce anxiety levels by altering the way your brain’s receptors respond to serotonin- Hyper link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin , a chemical linked to mental health that helps modulate mood, learning, and memory.

CBD  in one study found that a 600 mg dose of CBD helped people with social anxiety give a speech. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079847/  (hyperlink) the highlighted word.

2. Pairing with Pain Relief

The effect of CBD with your brain’s receptors may also help manage pain. Studies have show that cannabis is able to offer some benefits when taken after chemotherapy treatments. Pre-clinical studies conducted by National Institute of Health are looking into role of cannabis on relieving symptoms caused by:

  •  Arthritis
  • Chronic Pain
  • MS Pain
  • Muscle Pain
  • Spinal Cord Injuries

Nabiximols (Sativex), a multiple sclerosis drug made from a combination of TCH and CBD, is approved in the United Kingdom and Canada to treat MS pain. However, researchers think the CBD in the drug may be contributing more with its anti-inflammatory properties than by acting against the pain. Clinical trials of CBD are necessary to determine whether or not it should be used for pain management.

3. Potential Use of Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Conclusions: Cannabinoids may be an effective adjunct for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Data on the anticancer effectiveness of various cannabinoid formulations, treatment dosing, precise mode of action, and clinical studies are lacking.

4. Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment

Excerpt from above study: Concerning the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases with cannabinoids, preclinical evidence has indicated that CBD protects against intestinal inflammation.

5. Anti-Seizure

The American Epilepsy Society states that cannabidiol research offers hope for seizure disorders, and that research is currently being conducted to better understand safe use.

A study  from 2016 worked with 214 people with epilepsy. The study participants added oral doses of 2 to 5mg of CBD per day to their existing anti-epilepsy medications. The study’s researchers monitored the participants for 12 weeks, recording any negative side effects and checking on the frequency of their seizures. Overall, participants had 36.5 percent fewer seizures per month. However, severe adverse effects were recorded in 12 percent of the participants.

6.Neuroprotective:

Researchers are looking at a brain receptor known as CB1 to learn about the ways CBD and hemp extracts could help with neurogenerative disorders, which cause the bran and neural network to degrade over time.

CBD oil may also reduce the inflammation that can make neurodegenerative symptoms worse. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD oil for neurodegenerative diseases.

7. Smoking Cessation- In this study 

24 smokers were randomized in which half received CBD and the other half received PLACEBO for one week. The instructions were to use an inhaler when the subjects felt the urge to smoke. Over the duration of the week, placebo treated smokers showed no differences compared to the group that received CBD. For those who received CBD hemp extracts, there was a reduction in smoking activity by approximate 40%

Other Information

-What is an Endocannabinoid System (ECS):Endocannabinoid System

-Extraction Method- Sub Crtitical vs Super Critical: https://101cbd.org/2019/04/10/super-vs-subcritical-hemp-extraction-capturing-cbda-for-increased-health-benefits/

-What are Terpenes:  https://manitobaharvest.com/blogs/hemp-resource-hub/what-are-terpenes-in-broad-spectrum-hemp-extract

-MCT Carrier Oils-  https://joyorganics.com/what-role-do-mct-oils-play-in-cbd-products/   (resource link)

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