When talking about CBD there are three different kinds: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. These spectrums refer to the chemicals that are included in each type of CBD. So, let’s spill the tea. 

Full Spectrum 

Full spectrum CBD contains CBD and other natural plant components such as terpenes, flavonoids, which are phytonutrients of the cannabis plant, and other cannabinoids, with trace amounts of THC. This allows for what is known as the entourage effect. Essentially, keeping the plant “intact” allows for each component to work synergistically to produce the most effective result when taking CBD oil. Beyond CBD and THC, other cannabinoids exist, such as CBDA and THCA, which also work towards this effect. Many argue that full spectrum is the best form of CBD because of this effect. Full spectrum products contain small amounts of THC, at the legal limit of .3%. 

There are a variety of extraction methods, but a common one is using CO2 as a solvent. There is also ethanol extraction. The CO2 method involves moving the cannabis through a series of chambers of varying temperatures and pressures. The use of ethanol allows for a CBD-rich product, and also allows for the reuse of the ethanol.

Broad Spectrum 

Broad spectrum, similar to full spectrum in that it contains other components of the hemp plant. However, it contains NO THC. This is a good option for those who do not want any THC in their system or scared of the possibility of experiencing any psychoactive effects. Broad spectrum is the same as full spectrum but has gone through additional processing to ensure full removal of THC. 

Isolate 

CBD isolate is CBD in its purest form. The cannabis plant goes through an extensive extraction process to remove any chlorophylls, terpenes, and other cannabinoids to ensure your product is pure CBD. Most isolates boast 99% pure CBD. To achieve this, once the CBD and plant components are isolated through extraction, there is then a filtering and purification process that leaves only CBD as the final product. This is known as winterization, and it allows all the other plant products to be removed. Further refinement can be achieved through short path distillation. CBD isolates, although no longer able to claim the entourage effect, are useful for certain products such as vapes and gummies, since isolate is virtually tasteless. This allows for the flavor of the hemp plant to be removed, so other flavorings can be added.

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SOURCES:

www.livescience.com/52524-flavonoids.html 

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entourage_effect 

 https://www.honestpaws.com/blogs/cbd/co2-extraction 

 https://www.leafly.com/news/industry/ethanol-extraction-cbd-both-safe-efficient-for-business-scale