Full Spectrum CBD Vs. Broad Spectrum CBD Vs. CBD Isolate – What’s the Difference?

In the UK, the CBD market is growing year-on-year, with the market expected to be worth £1bn by 2025. But with its increasing popularity, you might be wondering what the different types of CBD are, and how they differ from each other. 

In this article, we look at the differences between Full Spectrum CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD, and CBD Isolate to help you understand their differences and determine which type is right for your needs. 

What are the Differences Between Full Spectrum CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD, and CBD Isolate?

The key difference between Full Spectrum CBD and Broad Spectrum CBD is that full spectrum CBD products contain THC (the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant), whereas broad spectrum CBD products do not. Because of this, Full Spectrum CBD is not legal in the UK. 

Broad Spectrum CBD, however, is legal provided that it contains no more than 0.1% THC. In these small concentrations, the amounts of THC are so low that they do not have psychoactive effects on the user. Broad Spectrum CBD does, however, deliver similar benefits to users as Full Spectrum products.

The main difference between Full and Broad Spectrum CBD, and CBD Isolate is that Full and Broad Spectrum CBD products can deliver what is known as an entourage effect – the theory that when multiple components of cannabis work together, the effects are amplified in comparison to consuming the components individually. 

CBD isolate, on the other hand, is 100% pure CBD. It contains no other compounds of the cannabis plant, and will not deliver the benefits of such compounds. 

What is Full Spectrum CBD?

Full Spectrum CBD simply means that your CBD product contains small amounts of the full spectrum of compounds found in the cannabis plant, including CBD, THC, terpenes, and essential oils. It is important to note that, as Full Spectrum CBD will usually contain more than the 0.1% legal limit of THC, it is considered to be an illegal drug in the UK. 

Because a Full Spectrum CBD product contains all of the compounds of the cannabis plant, it is often considered to be more potent than other types of CBD. These compounds work together to amplify the benefits of the product. This is known as the entourage effect.

What is Broad Spectrum CBD?

Broad Spectrum CBD contains most of the compounds of the cannabis plant, but not the full spectrum – it typically does not contain any trace of THC. 

Some sources will claim that this lack of THC means that an entourage effect isn’t possible, however CBD and terpenes have a synergy that amplifies benefits to a similar effect. Similarly, when terpenes are blended with CBD, an intentional efficacy can be created to target specific concerns such as insomnia or fatigue. 

What is CBD Isolate?

CBD Isolate is, simply put, 100% pure CBD. It contains zero trace of THC, and also does not contain other compounds of the cannabis plant such as terpenes or essential oils. CBD Isolate products are a good option for those wanting to test the effectiveness of CBD without any interference from other compounds, however, the effects will not be as wide ranging as those of Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum CBD without these compounds. 

A benefit of CBD Isolate is the lack of strong flavour or odour, as with other types of CBD – some taste strongly of hemp, which many people dislike. A further benefit of  CBD Isolate is that it is often used in CBD gummies, which are very convenient to consume, come in a range of pleasant flavours and, in some cases, provide additional benefits such as multivitamins. 

Which Type of CBD is Right For You?

The right type of CBD for you will depend entirely on what your desired benefits are, and how you intend to consume it. 

As Full Spectrum CBD is illegal in the UK, we cannot recommend Full Spectrum CBD products under any circumstances. However, Broad Spectrum CBD delivers similar results with zero THC.

On the other hand, if you want an easy-to-consume CBD product that tastes better than most, CBD isolate could be for you. You get the benefits of pure 100% CBD, without any worry about THC, or interference from other cannabis compounds. 

Don’t forget, though, the terpenes in your Broad Spectrum CBD products deliver significant benefits themselves. Traditional healers have been using terpenes for millenia to treat a range of ailments including insomnia, infections, and even mental health issues such as stress and anxiety. To learn more about terpenes and the effects they have on the body, check out our recent blog post. 

Some CBD manufacturers create Broad Spectrum CBD products with specific terpenes in mind, to create intentional benefits. Check out our Terpene Tinctures for more information, and to see if a specific terpene blend is for you. 

Premium White Label CBD Products at B3 Labs

B3 Labs is a premium white label CBD manufacturer based in the UK. Discover a range of Broad Spectrum CBD Tinctures, E-Liquids, and Vape Cartridges, as well as CBD Isolate Gummies. We’re 100% compliance ready, and can tailor our products to suit your requirements. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our CBD white label service.