Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and Isolate Explained

Updated: Feb 23

What are the key differences in CBD concentrates used for products sold in the USA?

After hemp is harvested, it is often refined and converted to CBD in the form of 3 different types of concentrates. Full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate all contain the molecule cannabidiol otherwise known as CBD. Although in small amounts, CBD is found in the cannabis plant (known for high levels of THC), but found in much higher quantity in the hemp plant (known for very low levels of THC). Most CBD products sold in the USA use CBD from the hemp plant.

CBD from Hemp is processed in various ways to produce different products resulting in full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate and some other minor variations of these three main forms of CBD. All three forms of CBD are useful in their own way.

What is the entourage effect?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds that are also present in the hemp plant including and in addition to CBD. These can include CBG, CBN but also include terpenes that are known to give the raw hemp it's aroma. These extra cannabinoids are thought to add to the effectiveness of the CBD molecule as well as CBD adding to the effectiveness of the other cannabinoids. This is referred to as the "entourage effect" that many people are familiar with. These extra cannabinoids and terpenes do not count toward the CBD in the product. These cannabinoids are essentially beneficial compounds found in hemp that "come along for the ride" but only in full and broad spectrum forms of CBD.

Full Spectrum

Full spectrum contains the bulk of the natural cannabinoids found in the hemp plant including trace amounts of THC. To be considered legal, the product must test under 0.3 percent THC which is considered "trace" and not considered enough to cause euphoria or "high" although will result in a positive test.

"We were not concerned with the ease of use that isolate offers since we were able to develop recipes using MCT solubility." – Nature's Rein

Broad Spectrum

Broad spectrum also contains the bulk of the natural cannabinoids found in the hemp plant minus the trace THC. This is due to secondary process added to the refinement. Broad spectrum has no detectable THC yet still contains naturally occurring terpenes and cannabinoids.

Isolate

Isolate is the CBD molecule minus all other cannabinoids. It's advantage is that is is soluble in water and THC free. The disadvantage is lack of the entourage effect and benefits of other cannabinoids that naturally occur in the hemp plant.

Which one is the best?

There are advantages to each type of CBD and ultimately choices need to be made when designing products for animal consumption. In regards to our choice of CBD, our goal is to produce products that give effective results regardless of cost and ease. We were not concerned with the ease of use that isolate offers since we were able to develop recipes using MCT solubility. We are more concerned about producing products that make a difference in the health of the animal and sometimes the sanity of the owner :) We believe that using the available cannabinoids in the hemp plant (minus the THC) is key to making premium and effective products.

Broad Spectrum - The best of both worlds

At Nature's Rein, we use Broad Spectrum CBD because we believe it offers the best product available; without THC, yet offers the maximum benefits of the hemp plant and natural cannabinoids. Try Nature's Rein equine and pet CBD products with Broad Spectrum CBD for results you will see and prices that you can afford. Nobody makes quality like Nature's Rein!