Know the Difference: Broad Spectrum, Full Spectrum, & CBD Isolate
As the range of Cannabis and CBD products you see on the shelves while you’re out shopping continues to grow, sometimes it can be hard to keep up with all the buzz words. Whether you’re just cannacurious or a seasoned vet, the truth is, if you’re trying to figure out the difference between Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and CBD isolate- you’re not alone! Yummi Karma and QTL Lab have teamed up to make it easy for you.
How are Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and CBD Isolates similar to each other?
The key similarity that you want to keep in mind when shopping for these products is they are all concentrates. So why are there multiple types? And what makes them different? And the biggest questions, how can you tell them apart to ensure you are purchasing the right one for you? The answer lies in the ingredients.
So, what this means is, when you buy any kind of concentrate product, keep in mind that the manufacturer has done their best in the extraction process (taking the plant and turning it into a concentrate) to pick and choose which plant properties complement each other well. The act of these plant properties working together is called the entourage effect.
Just remember, Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and CBD isolate are terms used to indicate theamount of therapeutic chemicals that are naturally produced by and found in the cannabis plant.
How are they different?
CBD Isolate is just what it sounds like- it’s isolated CBD! It is pure CBD that hasn’t been mixed with any other terpenes or flavonoids. CBD Isolate products don’t have any ingredients with intoxicating properties, so they won’t get you high. For those new to plant medicine, THC is the psychoactive property in the cannabis plant that produces the high associated with consuming weed. CBD Isolates are the products you typically find at health food shops, online and at some dispensaries.
Broad Spectrum is a little trickier to define. Broad Spectrum generally indicates that the natural plant matter has been removed. But from there, products can fall into two categories which can sometimes confuse people. The two categories depend on whether a product is hemp-derived (“CBD-only”) or cannabis-derived. When referring to CBD-only products, broad spectrum means that it only contains CBD, but when referring to cannabis-derived products, broad spectrum refers to products containing THC, terpenes, and flavonoids, with plant matter removed. These products have the potential to have a better range of benefits than Isolates because Broad Spectrum products can include other cannabinoids besides CBD, like CBN which can be used for relaxing before bed or CBG which studies have shown can help fight inflammation. This brings up an important point about the cannabis industry- as legalization rolls out and new studies are made, standards are ever changing! That’s why it is so crucial as a consumer to continue to do your own research as time goes on and more data is available and educate yourself using reputable sources.
Full Spectrum products are the ones you most commonly see in your dispensary of choice, because you need to purchase it from a licensed retailer who can prove the product has passed all statemandated lab safety testing. These products tend to be the most flavorful and have the widest variety of possible effects because of our favorite key ingredient- tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.
So whether you are shopping for a product with specific cannabinoids or are just looking for a new way to enjoy your high, be sure to check out Yummi Karma’s full range of tasty products!
Here’s the breakdown:
FULL SPECTRUM:
View our Full Spectrum Topicals
BROAD SPECTRUM:
View our Broad Spectrum Tinctures
CBD ISOLATE:
View YK Drops: Beauty Sleep CBD Drops
View our Plain Jane CBD Products
You can find Yummi Karma’s full line of products here¨or visit our Weedmaps page
To learn more about Quality Testing lab: www.qtllab.com
Yummi Karma and Quality Testing Lab are both woman-owned cannabis companies located in the Orange County Area. We are so proud to team up to bring you some tips of the cannabis game, so you can feel empowered to make data backed decisions when you’re shopping! Have questions? Please contact us on Instagram at @YummiKarma or @QTL_LAB
Keywords:
Concentrates • Concentrates describe various forms of cannabis where the most desirable properties have been isolated. This usually includes terpenes and cannabinoids. • Tincture concentrates like your favorite Yummi Karma products, are extracts contained in a liquid form.
Entourage Effect • When we consume cannabis, we take in a large mixture of botanical compounds. Each botanical compound gives you unique benefits and effects, but these can change based on the presence of other compounds. Meaning, combining cannabis compounds can create a different physical or mental impact than what a single compound would on its own.
Cannabinoid • Cannabinoid is a term for any of the chemical constituents in the cannabis or hemp plant. • There are over 150 cannabinoids, with the primary ones being THC & CBD. • Humans have an endocannabinoid system in our body, with 2 cannabinoid receptors, known as CB1 and CB2.
Terpene/Terpenoid • Terpenes are the fragrant, essential oils that naturally occur in plants, each having unique benefits and effects.
• Terpenes are what are responsible for your cannabis’ distinctive smell and taste. They also are naturally occurring in many plants and fruits, for example, Limonene is found in both cannabis and mint, rosemary, juniper, lemons, oranges and grapefruits! • Some of the most common terpenes are: Myrecene, Limonene, Caryophyllene, Terpinolene, Pinene, Humulene, Ocimene, and Linalool
Flavonoid • Flavonoid is a term to describe a group of plant chemicals that, like terpenes, are found in many everyday things like flowers, fruits and veggies.• Flavonoids are responsible for your cannabis’ distinguishable deep purple and bright orange colors! • Added bonus, you probably already ingest tons of flavonoids in your diet and the best part is that they have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects.