Full-Spectrum Vs Broad-Spectrum Vs Isolate CBD

While technically the terms "full-spectrum" and "broad-spectrum" refer to hemp extracts that contain other cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant in addition to Cannabidiol (CBD),  we will be using the terms "full-spectrum CBD" and "broad-spectrum CBD" for the sake of simplicity to refer to products and extracts.

Longtime wellness enthusiasts and newcomers alike are discovering that CBD can play an important role in supporting overall balance and wellbeing. As CBD’s popularity has grown, so too has the variety of CBD products on the market. Whether you’re new to CBD or an experienced user, learning more about the different types of CBD products available can help you choose the best possible product for your wellness goals. 

There are three main types of CBD: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and isolate CBD. Understanding the difference between CBD full-spectrum vs broad-spectrum as well as the CBD isolate is vital to your journey. While all three types contain Cannabidiol (CBD), only full-spectrum CBD retains all of the compounds found in the live hemp plant, providing you with additional benefits compared to broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate.

What is Full-Spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the compounds found in the live hemp plant—the major and minor cannabinoids and the terpenes and flavonoids. Working together, these beneficial compounds may help maintain balance (homeostasis) by supporting your endocannabinoid system. 

Rooted in whole-plant utilization, full-spectrum CBD is made from oil extracted from hemp biomass or the flowers and buds of the hemp plant. This  extract preserves the plant’s entire natural profile, guaranteeing that all of the compounds are included in your full-spectrum products. 

Hemp plants are bred to be naturally low in THC, the psychoactive compound known for producing a “high” when consumed. The extract from the plant only contains up to 0.3% THC, so it is less likely to produce intoxicating effects.

There are two reasons why this small amount of THC is integral to full-spectrum CBD: the process of removing THC could also remove other cannabinoids and terpenes from the CBD extract, and THC contributes to the entourage effect. 

The primary difference between full-spectrum vs broad-spectrum CBD (and even CBD isolate) is that full-spectrum CBD is the only product that doesn't go through a refining process to remove THC. The more a full-spectrum extract from the plant is altered or refined, the greater the potential to lose essential compounds that contribute to CBD’s benefits to the user.

The “entourage effect” refers to the idea that the sum is greater than any one part; all of the compounds found in the hemp plant work together synergistically and may offer more distinctive and effective benefits when consumed together. Without THC (a major cannabinoid), a CBD product will be lacking this synergy and simply wouldn’t provide the same level of potential benefits as products that retain the THC.

Rather than limiting its effects by removing or isolating some of the plant’s compounds, full-spectrum CBD allows for the full therapeutic potential of the hemp plant to be preserved, providing you with the best-quality CBD.  

What is Broad-Spectrum CBD?

Broad-spectrum CBD contains a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids from the hemp plant, but it does not contain everything provided by the plant or full-spectrum CBD products. 

Broad-spectrum CBD products are created by processing and refining full-spectrum CBD extract to further reduce its THC levels . In order to qualify as broad-spectrum CBD, the THC content must only be below the Limit of Quantification (LOQ). The LOQ is the lowest concentration that can be measured with certainty using the standard test. 

If the THC level is not zero, but still below the required reportable amount, it meets the “no THC” LOQ. However, because there can still be trace amounts of THC in your broad-spectrum products, if they are used consistently or in very high amounts, it is possible that the THC can still build up in your system and show up in drug testing. 

The removal of THC (and possibly other compounds) during the refining processes may reduce the effectiveness of the product as a whole. Without the naturally occurring ratio of compounds in the live plant, you might not be able to gain the full synergy of the entourage effect. 

That said, it’s still possible to experience some entourage effect advantages with broad-spectrum CBD products as they should still include the minor—but extremely beneficial—cannabinoids CBN and CBG. The interplay of these cannabinoids may provide you with some enhanced benefits, but it’s typically less effective than full-spectrum CBD. 

What is CBD Isolate?

CBD isolate is pure Cannabidiol, containing none of the other cannabinoids or other compounds found in the hemp plant. Hence, it has zero THC, making it an option if you want to try CBD but are very sensitive to THC or worried about drug testing. 

The extraction and refining process is much more intensive for CBD isolates vs broad-spectrum CBD to ensure every other compound has been removed and all you’re left with is the cannabidiol. And while this may be an advantage if you need a strictly THC-free product, it does have some potential downsides. 

There is a complete absence of the entourage effect with CBD isolate. Without the other compounds in the plant, CBD isolate can’t offer you the synergy between the different components that makes full-spectrum (or even broad-spectrum) CBD beneficial. Along with the THC, you’re also losing important minor cannabinoids such as CBN (which may provide support for better sleep) and CBG (which research suggests may provide relief from pain and inflammation), as well as many others that contribute to the entourage effect.

Further, CBD isolate may need to be taken at higher doses to unlock its therapeutic potential. Isolated compounds are more likely to cause adverse side effects when ingested, and, if you have to take CBD isolate in high doses to get your desired results, you might also increase the likelihood and severity of unwanted side effects. 

Even in higher doses, CBD isolate may not be as effective as full-spectrum CBD that is rich in all of the compounds found in the live hemp plant. We like to think of full-spectrum products as “keeping the band together.” With every piece in the ensemble in place, you have a more well-balanced experience overall.

Full-Spectrum Vs Broad-Spectrum Vs Isolate CBD: Key Differences

Now that we’ve taken a deep dive into the nuances of CBD isolate vs broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD, here’s a comparison chart to help you easily identify the key differences between each type of CBD extract.

Full-Spectrum CBD

• Cannabinoid profile: Complete

• Presence of THC: 0.3% or less

• Potential benefits: Full entourage effect, Best therapeutic value 

Broad-Spectrum CBD

• Cannabinoid profile: Reduced

• Presence of THC: Trace amounts (LOQ) or zero

• Potential benefits: Entourage effect (limited), Potentially less likely to show up on drug testing

CBD Isolate

• Cannabinoid profile: Cannabidiol only

• Presence of THC: Zero

• Potential benefits: Least likely to show up on drug testing 

• Potential considerations: Isolates may have more side effects and less effectiveness because there is no entourage effect

Why Treadwell Farms Uses Full-Spectrum CBD

At Treadwell Farms, our dedication to whole-plant wellness guides every step of our CBD product development. We guarantee that our full-spectrum CBD products retain the complete array and ratio of natural cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the live plant. Our methods not only preserve the plant's inherent compounds but also maximize the entourage effect, enhancing the potential wellness benefits for our customers.

We’re committed to transparency and believe it is evident in our farming and production processes. We combine agricultural expertise with scientific precision to create artisan-crafted, high-potency CBD hemp oil and products. By carefully drying and curing the plant material, we retain all of the components you need for a truly great experience. This meticulous process allows our products to maintain their natural integrity, providing you with the highest-quality CBD.

Experience the benefits of our full-spectrum CBD products and find the perfect addition to your wellness routine!

About the Author 

Jammie Treadwell has co-owned and operated Treadwell Farms since 2019 handling everything from nursery operations to product development. Treadwell and her parents continue her family's Florida farming legacy by intentionally creating natural, small-batch artisanal hemp products trusted and tested with the community in mind.

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