How to Decide Which CBD Oil is Right for You
CBD Isolate vs Broad Spectrum vs Full Spectrum vs Delta-8?
If you have searched online or been to a store that carries CBD products, you are probably overwhelmed by the different cannabinoid spectrums that are available. In a previous article, we discussed the terminology between the spectrums, but didn’t touch on the pros and cons of each. Also, at the time Delta-8 THC was not as widely distributed and not as well known to consumers so we will touch base on that growing segment as well.
1. Full-Spectrum CBD Products
If a product is labeled full-spectrum, that means it is a photocannabinoid rich product that contains a number of cannabinoids besides CBD along with terpenes. Some of the additional cannabinoids found in full spectrums products include:
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabichromene (CBC)
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Cannabidiol Acid (CBDa)
- Cannabidivarin (CBDv)
Full-spectrum products have grown in popularity in recent years because of something known as the “entourage effect”. The entourage effect refers to the synergy achieved by all the components in cannabis. The cannabinoids and terpenes work together to enhance the potential benefit of the plant. Full-spectrum does include trace amounts of THC- below .3% which means the full-spectrum is non-psychoactive.
Pros
- Provides the entourage effect
- Least processed extract
- Widely available for sale and consumption
Cons
- Trace amounts of THC <.3%
- Earthy Flavor if unflavored
2. Broad-Spectrum CBD Products
Do you want to experience “entourage effect” without the THC? Broad-Spectrum products would be a great alternative from full-spectrum products. Broad-spectrum products contain a number of cannabinoids minus THC (Delta-9-Tetrahydocannabinol) along with terpenes. During the extraction process THC is completely removed, leaving a nearly full plant extract. People who are sensitive to any THC or first time CBD users will find broad-spectrum very beneficial.
Pros
- Robust cannabinoid profile without THC
- Users still experience the entourage effect
- Less processed than isolate
Cons
- Products can be a bit more pricier than full-spectrum or isolate
- Less availability
3. Isolate CBD Products
Perhaps the most popular form of CBD pre-2018 was CBD isolate. Products labeled “CBD Isolate” mean that they only have Cannabidiol (CBD) and no other cannabinoids including THC. The easiest way to remember what isolate CBD stands for is just to remember the term isolating- to be alone. During the extraction process CBD is isolated and extracted from the hemp plant while the extraction process filters out other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds. Quality Isolate products are CO2 extracted (like the two other forms), and distilled to further concentrate the CBD to a target of 99% pure which means for ever gram of CBD isolate there will be at least 990mgs.
Pros
- On average costs less than other forms of CBD
- 99% Pure CBD isolate with most reputable companies
- Flavorless
Cons
- No entourage effect
- Users may need other cannabinoids to receive optimal results
4. Delta-8 THC
As we pointed out in our 20 CBD Trends of 2020 there were going to be an influx of new product developments that will hit the market. Strain specific products, CBN and CBG dominate products, but nothing can compare to Delta-8 THC products. Delta-8 THC is not new and some companies were selling Delta-8 vape cartridges for years, but popularity rose in 2020 with distribution increasing online, in vape shops, tobacco shops, and more. Even though it has THC on the label as of now, November 2020, it is completely legal to sell and consume because it is extracted from industrial hemp that has less than .3% Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol.
So, what is Delta-8 THC and why is it gaining popularity?
Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol is a minor cannabinoid occurring in the hemp plant in very small concentrations. Remember the hemp plant contains a number of different cannabinoids including less than .3% THC and is CBD dominant. Since Delta-8 THC is found in very small concentrations, products that label their items as “Delta-8 THC” and are Delta-8 THC dominate means that the Delta-8 THC is the degraded form of THC found in the hemp plant. This is similar to Cannabinol (CBN), another cannabinoid found in very small concentration in the hemp plant, but when a product uses a very high concentration, they are not extracting the CBN directly from the plant, rather they are using a degraded form of Delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC has therapeutic effects, but can have small psychoactive effects. Many users tout that it is a smoother experience than THC and many report less paranoia. Unlike CBD, people who use Delta THC experience some “high”. Delta-8 has grown in popularity for this reason and this is why you will Delta-8 being heavily marketed and available in Vape Shops and Tobacco Shops. We believe Delta-8 THC does have therapeutic effects similar to CBD but we will not be distributing or selling the product since it does have similar effects as Delta-9 THC.
For more information about CBD and how you may benefit please visit our site at: www.dorsihealth.com and follow us on Instagram!