CBD Isolate vs. Full-Spectrum CBD: What's the difference?

Your brother says he sleeps better when he uses CBD oil at bedtime, and your friend mentioned CBD salve could help sore muscles after a tough workout. So now you’re curious, can this stuff help me? It very well might. 

Or maybe you’re already taking CBD edibles and want to know if other formulations may be helpful for you. 

Regardless of your experience, we feel it’s important you understand what CBD is and how it works, how products are made, and what the differences are between the various formulations. Be sure to check out our other articles on these topics – and read on to learn about two buzzwords often heard when talking about CBD oil: CBD isolate and full-spectrum.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate products contain 99.9% CBD. They provide the therapeutic benefits of CBD isolated from other phytonutrients and terpenes found in the industrial hemp plant. 

Manufacturing CBD isolate is a complex, refined process that involves removing everything contained in the plant matter, including any traces of THC, other cannabinoids, waxes, and so on, leaving a powder or crystalline form of pure CBD. 

Isolates are often mixed with a carrier oil for use in oils, capsules, salves, and edibles, like gummies. We’ve even provided CBD isolate to our catering partners for use in cooking (and we must say, that has resulted in some tasty CBD-infused food).

So why use CBD isolate products rather than those containing all of the hemp plant compounds? 

With isolated products, you can closely monitor your daily CBD intake with very specific metered doses. Also, for people who don’t like the taste of hemp extract, CBD oil containing isolate may be a good option because it’s flavorless. An added benefit is that isolate melts at 157 degrees. When making CBD candies you will heat up the mixture to 240 degrees and the isolate will thoroughly mix within the heated candy liquid. This allows Half Day to have consistent CBD quantities in every piece of candy we make. 

Also, CBD isolate is ideal for people that are sensitive to THC. Since CBD isolate contains undetectable amounts of THC, you can avoid any side effects that be caused by ingesting THC. 

Full-Spectrum CBD Oil

Full-spectrum CBD contains all of the nutrients found in the hemp plant, including a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, protein, chlorophyll, terpenes and flavonoids while being regulatory compliant – less than 0.3% THC. Basically, full-spectrum CBD provides a "full-spectrum" of cannabinoids that maximize the effectiveness of the plant. 

When we manufacture full-spectrum CBD oil, we use a sophisticated process that leaves the cannabinoids and terpenes intact. It is believed these compounds combined create an “entourage effect” where they work together to provide maximum therapeutic benefits.

It’s hard to know if isolate or full-spectrum CBD is best for you without trying them both. See how you react to each if you’re good with the hemp taste and how the products fit with your budget.