What Is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is a powder-form CBD, containing none of the other components of the hemp plant. Isolate is CBD in its purest form, with nothing added.
Published April 20, 2021.
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD (cannabidiol), without added ingredients or other components of the hemp plant. The name literally means that CBD has been "isolated" from all other components. CBD isolate comes in powder form and can be added to food and beverages, or to carrier oils. It is also easier to calculate the exact doses and contains no THC, which is the cannabinoid associated with getting "high."
CBD comes in three main forms:
- Full-spectrum When CBD is extracted from the whole hemp plant, containing many other cannabinoids and components.
- Broad-spectrum When CBD is extracted from the whole hemp plant but has had the THC and some other cannabinoids and components removed.
- CBD isolate Utilises chemical intervention to isolate CBD from all other components.
Each of these types of CBD has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Is CBD Isolate Effective?
CBD isolate contains none of the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD. Research shows that the synergistic interaction (entourage effect) of all the plant's components makes CBD more effective. It is difficult to extract pure 99.9% CBD, so the product goes through complex processing with extraction solvents. This means that it can have a reduced beneficial effect in comparison to broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products.
Where CBD isolate does appear to be superior, however, is that it is hands-down the best choice if you want to pass a drug test as THC from full-spectrum (and even poor quality broad-spectrum) can show up on a drug test. Additionally, CBD isolate can be beneficial for individuals who are sensitive to the presence of THC and other cannabinoids.