Isolate vs. Broad Spectrum CBD: What’s the difference?

When you first land on the Unspun website looking for your perfect CBD oil match, you may have some questions. Perhaps, first and foremost, what is broad spectrum CBD? This sort of insider term can seem daunting to a newcomer, but once you’ve had the very simple explanation (which you’ll get in this blog) everything will begin to make sense…

What is broad spectrum CBD?

You may have noticed that Unspun only offers something called ‘broad spectrum CBD’ and, while other brands might offer a variety including CBD isolate and full spectrum CBD, Unspun made this decision for a good reason.

CBD oil is best known for…well, CBD. But this is only one molecule (or cannabinoid) - the most abundant in hemp and an amazing one, we’ll give it that.  But still just one, solitary molecule nonetheless. However, there are actually over 140 cannabinoids in the hemp (or cannabis) plant, alongside many other terpenes (therapeutic aromatic compounds) and flavonoids, all of which  lend themselves to the wonders this oil has to give.

Broad spectrum CBD oil refers to an oil that contains a range of these molecules, including CBD, but omitting most ( if not all) of the THC - the psychoactive cannabinoid that produces the high.

What is CBD isolate? 

You won’t find any CBD isolate in the Unspun range. CBD isolate refers to just CBD (cannabidiol) on its own, suspended in oil, without the accompanying cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. 

What is full spectrum CBD?

In the UK CBD industry, the term ‘full spectrum CBD’ is sometimes used by brands to describe what Unspun refer to as broad spectrum CBD. However, full spectrum CBD is, technically,  the ‘full’ spectrum of cannabinoids in the plant, including THC. 

While in the UK it is legal to include a very, very low amount of THC in store bought CBD oil, it’s not enough to produce any effects. It’s important to note that there is a type of oil you can get (only on prescription in the UK) that has a fuller scope of cannabinoids, including a higher level of THC. This is what Unspun consider to be full spectrum oil.

Aside from CBD and THC, full spectrum products may also contain CBDA, CBG, CBGA, CBC, CBCA, THCA, CBN and THCV among many others, as well as a variety of fatty acids, fibre, flavonoids and terpenes.

Deep spectrum CBD

You’re unlikely to see this term used much, especially in the UK, but in case you ever encounter it, ‘deep spectrum’ refers to a cannabis or CBD oil crafted in such a way that brings specific minor cannabinoids to the forefront through meticulous extraction and cultivation processes. 

This opens up interesting doors for exploring the wellbeing potential of fascinating cannabinoids that don’t often get much limelight. Numerous studies into minor cannabinoid (cannabinoids naturally present in low levels, some of which are in the Unspun CBD broad spectrum oil) have shown promise for a wide range of exciting applications. 

Which CBD oil is right for you?

When choosing the right CBD oil for you, you can’t go wrong with broad spectrum. For some, the idea of full spectrum (including THC) is unappealing and inappropriate for their needs, not to mention unavailable without a prescription in the UK. Where CBD isolate generally works more in the brand’s favour, making it easier to tick all the boxes when it comes to regulations, it doesn’t deliver the best results possible. Broad spectrum offers that ‘Goldilocks zone’ of giving you all the cannabinoids possible in oil form, without getting you high.

What is the entourage effect?

What’s so great about having a variety of cannabinoids in your broad spectrum CBD oil anyway? A large part of it comes down to something called ‘the entourage effect’ – a term coined to describe how these molecules actually work more effectively when they’re together. 

CBD on its own (or CBD isolate, as you’ll now know to call it) is great in many ways, but it’s got nothing on the whole gang. Not only does your endocannabinoid system get to interact with all these different molecules in a multitude of beneficial ways, but all of those benefits are boosted, too.

How should I take broad spectrum CBD oil?

Regardless of whether you choose CBD isolate, broad spectrum CBD or even full spectrum, the guidelines are the same – start low and go slow. It’s a great idea to build up your dose gradually, starting with just a couple of drops 2 or 3 times a day, and adding to that every week until you find a dose that works well for you. For the best results, be consistent and stick with it for at least a month (the same goes for most supplements).