If you’re a buyer of CBD products you may have noticed that some CBD products offer CBD isolate and others offer full spectrum. At Voyager we only sell CBD isolate, but why is this? What exactly are the differences? In this post we’ll be looking into what makes CBD isolate different from full spectrum. Then we’ll explain why Voyager strictly sells CBD isolate and the reasons why this might matter to you.
A Little on Hemp
First let’s talk about the hemp plant. Hemp is where our CBD comes from, but hemp doesn’t just contain CBD. Hemp contains over 100 cannabinoids (plant compounds in hemp) that include CBD and THC. Different cannabinoids interact with your body in different ways, but THC is best known for its psychoactive properties – essentially it’s what produces the ‘high’ famously associated with marijuana and recreational drug use. Hemp, however, also contains CBD which does not trigger the ‘high’ but is still reported to have several possible benefits. For example, CBD has been seen to reduce stress, aid sleep, reduce inflammation and treat acne.
What is Full Spectrum?
Full spectrum CBD products take everything from the hemp plant, including CBD, but also including THC and other cannabinoids such as CBN (cannabinol), CBC (cannabichromene), and CBG (cannabigerol). This appeals to many users of CBD because of something called the ‘entourage effect’. The theory of the entourage effect suggests that when all the cannabinoids work together in your body, they will act more effectively than any single cannabinoid could do alone.
So, we know that full spectrum means that the CBD product will include a number of natural chemicals and plant compounds, but what does this mean for someone who takes full spectrum CBD? As already outlined, the entourage effect is said to help the human body absorb CBD, but as the product also includes THC, the user could possibly experience the ‘high’ depending on the level of THC in the product and the dosage taken. While in this psychoactive state, it may be dangerous to drive and operate heavy machinery. Even after the effects of the ‘high’ have worn off, the presence of THC remains in a person’s system for several days afterwards and there are cases where people whose jobs require them to take drug tests have found they have recorded a fail for that reason.
What is CBD isolate?
Clearly there are some pros and cons to taking full spectrum CBD. How might CBD isolate be different?
CBD isolate is exclusively what we sell here at Voyager. CBD isolate is refined so that it is fully separated from other cannabinoids such as THC and is generally quoted as being 98 – 99% pure. Studies have suggested that taking CBD alone (without the entourage of other cannabinoids) can still be effective and many of our customers – and staff – report exactly that.
What are the advantages of taking a pure CBD product?
- CBD isolate is flavourless and odourless while full spectrum has an earthy flavour. Put simply, products made from CBD isolate taste nice. Many people in CBD discussion groups report difficulties in swallowing full spectrum products due to the taste. Conversely, Voyager can make CBD products that come in delicious fruity flavours. Take a look at our gummies if you want your CBD isolate to be a fruity treat as well as a supplement.
- As above, there should be no risk of failing a drugs test, making our CBD products suitable for any workers who may be required to take these tests periodically as well as athletes and sportspersons.
- You won’t experience any high so activities like driving, operating machinery or simply concentrating at work or on your day-to-day activities will not be impaired.
- THC can bring on attributes like hunger or tiredness – so maybe not ideal if you are planning a new year diet or fitness regime!
- Some studies have shown that THC can impact fertility so, if you are trying to conceive, then a full spectrum product is probably not for you.
- It is possible that some highly sensitive people might become anxious or paranoid if they consume even the tiniest amount of THC. Of course we are all different in our responses but, if you feel that may be you, then CBD isolate may be a better choice.
- Although we do not sell our products to anyone under the age of 18, many people do give their children CBD, perhaps to help with sleep or anxiety. Whether you do is a personal choice (which we recommend you do take with medical advice) but, just as you wouldn’t want your children drinking alcohol, do you really want them to take a product that contains THC?
- In the UK it is not legal to supply CBD for pets without a veterinary prescription but studies show that CBD benefits animals in the same way that it can help us. However, if you are planning to give CBD to your pets then choose a product made from CBD isolate as THC can be toxic to animals.
Broad spectrum CBD
Just for completeness, there is a middle ground. Broad-spectrum CBD claims that it offers the best of both worlds. Broad spectrum keeps a number of cannabinoids in the final product, but crucially it still removes THC, the cannabinoid that causes the ‘high’. This allegedly means that broad-spectrum CBD gives you the benefit of part of the ‘entourage effect’ but without all the cons that come with THC.
While the benefits of full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate products are fiercely debated, you can always be sure that at Voyager we are committed to CBD isolate products that are legal, safe to take, and always THC free. As a final word of advice, before you start taking CBD, think about what your reasons are for using it. In particular, is it the benefits of CBD you are looking for or do you feel you need a whole plant extract? And, most importantly, only buy from reputable suppliers – if they don’t display lab reports for each product then ask for them. Start with a low dose and build up from there according to your needs.
