What is the difference, and why should you care?
With so much information and misinformation, we thought we would lay it out simple for you. The purpose of this blog will be to explain the difference between a tincture or oil made with CBD isolate, and one made with a full spectrum, whole plant oil.
CBD isolate is the cannabidiol , or CBD, molocule that has been isolated through a series of extraction processes from the entire rest of the cannabis plant. There is hemp and marijuana derived CBD. This typically looks like a white powder, or clear liquid, and can be added to a carrier oil or base to be considered a CBD Oil, tincture or topical. Isolate is the purest form of CBD available, it has no taste or odor or contaminates.
Full spectrum hemp flower or, or whole plant oil, is made by extracting all of the components present in the hemp plant. There are several methods available to achieve this goal. Like any plant, the cannabis hemp plant is comprised of a whole bunch of components. When extracted correctly, a full spectrum oil will contain
- terpenes, a plant’s natural essential oils, giving it it’s flavor and scent
- plant pigments and flavinoids
- other major and minor cannabinoids (think CBG, CBN, THC)
- vitamins, minerals, lipids and other phytonutrients
- biothiols Learn more here! https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/thiols
The presence of these elements provide a consumer with the “entourage effect”, which is essentially inviting the full party to come on in and work together to give the body the full benefits of the plants’ medicines. Studies have shown that CBD isolated from other compounds is less effective that full spectrum products. Common knowledge in the cannabis medicine world. Read more about the entourage effect here. https://www.leafly.com/news/health/is-cannabis-entourage-effect-real
The whole plant oil can be added to carrier oils to make it a more palatable and more easily consumed product. True, it may have an earthy, spicy possibly astringent taste, but the presence of those flavors indicates the presence of a host of therapeutic compounds.
It is important to make sure any Full Spectrum hemp products are derived from sustainably or organically grown plants, free from pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, heavy metals, mycotoxins and harmful bacteria. We at Backbone Hemp take care to grown the cleanest, most potent CBD hemp plants possible. Our COAs are available and show the purity of our crop. Our regenerative farming techniques and quality control allow us to source the highest quality plants for use in our FARM to TABLE products. We will NEVER use CBD isolate in our products. The full plant approach is what we believe in. Being sustainable farmers for over 20 years we have full knowledge of the power of whole plants as medicine. This is what we bring to you in our Full Spectrum Hemp Flower Oil.
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned as we continue to learn,educate and inform about cannabis hemp.
