Full Spectrum CBD VS CBD Isolate

What is CBD and How Does It Work?

Cannabidiol or CBD is one of just 100+ cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. As well, it also lends its name to products like CBD oil and CBD dog treats. While called CBD, in the majority of these products, you can find all the 100+ of the cannabinoids along with other compounds found in cannabis called terpenes. We call these CBD products full spectrum CBD. They are almost always taken from the hemp variety of cannabis plants to avoid a single cannabinoid found in large concentrations in the marijuana, another variety of the cannabis plant.

Out of all the cannabinoids found in cannabis, THC is pretty much single-handedly responsible for the high associated with marijuana. While hemp has THC, there isn't a lot with legal industrial hemp, which contains no more than .3% THC. With only trace amounts of THC, CBD products can't cause a high and avoid the side effects associated with THC.

CBD works by partnering naturally with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) and several other regulatory receptors. The cannabinoids in CBD products can do this because the body contains unique neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids that are similar to the cannabinoids found in cannabis in the way they interact with the same group of receptors. Additionally, cannabinoids like CBD can slow the body’s ability to recycle endocannabinoids, giving them more time to work its regulatory magic. This also gives CBD items two ways to correct an endocannabinoid deficiency associated with disruptions in sleep, mood, digestion, and so on. 

By working alongside to help with natural healing, CBD can help with a wide variety of ailments and issues within the body that need relief.

How Does CBD Benefit Health?

With a multitude of studies backing millions of anecdotal reports, CBD and the other cannabinoids have shown to lower inflammation in the body, lower pain, and even help people with rare seizure disorders. Research shows products like CBD oils can also help with insomnia, nausea, and more. To keep it simple as to all the ways CBD can help, cannabinoids have been found to have a positive impact on viral infections, skin disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancers. The therapeutic extent cannabinoids have on these diseases varies due to several reasons.

What Is Full-Spectrum CBD Oil?

When a CBD product says it's full spectrum, it's telling you that it contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes found in a hemp plant. While the cannabinoid CBD is likely the most therapeutic compound in cannabis that can never cause a high, it's not the only one. Research is showing Cannabichromene (CBC) has anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and pain-relieving effects. The mother cannabinoid Cannabigerol (CBG) has shown promise for treating issues such as glaucoma, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Then there are the aroma compounds, the terpenes. If you’ve used essential oil for therapeutic benefits before, love lavender for its soothing nature, or zest for Oolong tea for its positive effects on mental health, you are already familiar with ways terpenes benefit the body. Cannabis plants likely have the most diverse range of terpenes, making the plants a go-to when researching the positive benefits terpenes all have for us and our furry best friends.

And along with working with our endocannabinoids and their receptors, the cannabinoids and terpenes found in cannabis work with each other. We call this symbiotic relationship called the entourage effect. The entourage effect gives full spectrum CBD, and to a lesser extent broad spectrum CBD, an amazing advantage as you're about to see when we look at CBD isolate. Spoiler alert, thanks to all those cannabinoids and terpenes, the large majority report full spectrum CBD helps to a greater degree with more health issues. Then, additional dosing challenges occur with CBD isolates.

What Is CBD Isolate?

CBD isolates are pure cannabidiol and and contain none of the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that full spectrum CBD products do. They are highly concentrated in CBD to make up for the loss of all the other compounds. This does help restore some of the therapeutic loss that occurs but not completely.

An easy way to look at it is through a sports analogy. Tom Brady is one of the best all-time football players, but a team of just Tom Brady clones isn’t winning all those Superbowl rings he has. The cannabinoid CBD can interact with more receptors than many of the other cannabinoids, however, compared to some other cannabinoids, its interaction with the ECS is pretty weak. Tom Brady is fantastic at many aspects of football, but not so much when it comes to tackling 300-lb guys. So think of cannabinoids and terpenes as specialized players; while they can do a lot, no one can do everything. 

Then, CBD’s size makes it hard for it to pass the blood-brain barrier when it doesn’t have help from the other cannabinoids and terpenes, some of which have effects that open the blood-brain barrier up to allow CBD to pass through. Tom Brady can’t throw those last-minute hail marries without a team protecting him. And without those other cannabinoids, CBD isolate’s dosage works on a bell curve, meaning too large or small of a dose, can result in diminishing benefits.

CBD Isolate vs. Full-Spectrum CBD Comparison

The differences in CBD isolates and full spectrum CBDs can be quite noticeable since full spectrum CBD contains all the beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes. Most find full spectrum CBD oil offers more therapeutic benefits than CBD isolate. Thanks to the synergy of the entourage effect in full spectrum, the cannabinoids and terpenes work more fully within the body, allowing for significantly better absorption when comparing CBD isolate to full spectrum.

CBD isolate does offer a few key advantages vs. full spectrum, and that is it's 100% THC-free. Some can't handle the taste of CBD oil and do better with the isolate vs. full spectrum. Then in very rare cases, even the trace amounts of THC in full spectrum CBD can make them a bit tired. Without a doubt, the biggest reason people take CBD with 0% THC is due to concerns they may test positive for marijuana use, as very large doses over time can allow too many THC metabolites to build up in the body (completely harmless if drug tests aren’t an issue).

There are benefits to both CBD isolate and full spectrum. Full-spectrum cannabidiol oil has a wider range of potential health benefits than CBD isolate. However, people can do well with CBD isolate, and it does still offer medical advantages.

Broad Spectrum CBD

Broad Spectrum CBD sets out to fix the issues with CBD isolate, and it does this by only removing all traces of THC. Now, this is nice because it will bring back many of the therapeutic benefits seen with full spectrum and should increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, allowing CBD to more easily pass through. However, so far research has shown that THC really helps with that, and while other cannabinoids and terpenes may help, research on their effectiveness is limited. 

Unless your dog is being tested for drug use, you will likely find full spectrum CBD helps to a greater extent than broad spectrum CBD. Additionally, you may find you need a larger dose with a broad spectrum CBD due to the absence of THC, which encourages the body to better absorb and utilize CBD while bringing along its own therapeutic benefits.

Is CBD Safe?

CBD isolate vs. full spectrum CBD, which is safer? Whether isolate, full spectrum, or broad spectrum, research shows CBD has a very safe side effect profile, with most people and pets seeing no issues at all.

Whether it's isolate vs. full spectrum, CBD items contain little to no THC, ensuring it won't have any of the psychoactive intoxicating effects we associate with the high from marijuana. In fact, the legal varieties of CBD have no more than 0.3% THC. The only thing a person typically feel after consuming CBD oil is less pain, less anxiety, and fewer symptoms of their medical issues. It will feel more like taking an over-counter drug such as ibuprofen vs. consuming marijuana or alcohol, i.e. motor control, strong feelings of euphoria, memory issues, etc. are not present with CBD products limited to no more than 0.3% THC.

CBD Side Effects

Now, while research has found CBD to have a favorable safety profile, it is not without its side effects, with dry mouth and stomach discomfort being the most common. To help with dry mouth, just make sure your dog’s water bowl is filled with fresh and clean water. 

To help prevent stomach discomfort, slowly introduce CBD in smaller-than-normal dosages. Early discomfort that resides after a few weeks is due to “drug tolerance”. Drug tolerance occurs when the body adapts to the presence of a drug or supplement over time. This adaptation can result in the initial discomfort or side effects diminishing as the body becomes more accustomed to the substance. CBD encourages tiredness in large doses, while moderate doses should stimulate the body and mind. If you notice your pet is lethargic and that’s an undesirable result, consider lowering the dosage.  

The one area of concern is CBD interaction with CYP enzymes that metabolize the majority of prescription drugs. If you have ever been on a medication that warns you to avoid eating grapefruit, you’re already familiar with CYP drug-drug interactions. The degree a CBD product will interact with a specific drug depends on which enzymes in the CYP system are involved in that drug's metabolism. This means CBD can potentially raise and lower another drug’s potency, and you should consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns. Even when an interaction is seen, CBD may not have to be removed as a slight change in the prescription drug dosage may be all that is needed.

How To Know Which CBD Product Is Which?

Your best bet is reading the label as any good CBD item should list whether it's CBD isolate vs. full spectrum vs. broad spectrum. There are some other ways to tell, however.

You'll most commonly find CBD isolate in a powder that's around 99% pure CBD and 100% THC-free. While there are times you'll find CBD isolate oil, you won't find full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD powder. Due to the issues with CBD isolate, you don’t see CBD isolate for pets very often

Full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oils can help animals like dogs, cats, and horses. Just like humans, animals can get sick with illnesses. Studies have shown that animals can reap the same benefits that humans do with CBD. CBD has been shown to help with conditions like arthritis, epilepsy, inflammation, and much more. It can even help with pets that have separation anxiety!

Often dark-amber and in a completely liquid form. There is often a distinct smell and look to it. Obviously, an oil is very different from a powder. CBD oils will be labeled on the bottle, and it will typically say “CBD Oil”, "whole-plant", "Broad Spectrum CBD", and “Full Spectrum CBD Oil”. Also, some companies will show third-party independent labs that verify the presence of CBD, the other cannabinoids, and terpenes, and the other compounds found in hemp extract.

Can CBD Help Animals?

 CBD can help animals like dogs, cats, and horses. Just like humans, animals can get sick with illnesses. Studies have shown that animals can reap the same benefits that humans do with CBD  thanks to all of us having an endocannabinoid system. CBD has been shown to help with conditions like arthritis, epilepsy, inflammation, and much more. It can even help with pets that have separation anxiety! Research on CBD, its benefits and safety, are about the same, if not identical, for all mammals. The ECS is there to support other regulatory systems but often doesn’t get the support it needs, especially when helping a system fight a disease. This is likely why so many people, dogs, cats, and other pets, find CBD to be a staple supplement in their health regimen.

What To Look For In CBD Oil

CO2 Extraction

Cannabidiol, or CBD oil, is created from hemp extract, which is naturally derived from cannabis plants bred to have near non-existent amounts of THC. The point of extraction is only to separate CBD and the other cannabinoids and terpenes from the rest of the plant material. CO2 provides the best extraction method, keeping CBD potent, affordable, and free of chemical residues

Mother Nature Friendly

Organic and pesticide-free products are very helpful for animals that are out in the environment every day. It's hard to avoid some harsh chemicals like pesticides in just the course of living life and having to be outdoors. However, the products that you can control are important. That's why we craft our own CBD, so we are sure no harmful substances are being thrown into the product. We find this important with many products, but especially CBD and other cannabis-derived items due to cannabis’ phytoremediation properties.

Mother Nature Friendly

The health conditions that they could see improve are numerous with CBD. If you simply want to add it as an addition to their diet for overall health, that is perfectly fine — barring CBD interaction with prescription drugs, there are no serious side effects associated with cannabidiol. Because it works with the endocannabinoid system in the body, it is simply adding to what the body already naturally has and does in itself.

Pets that have anxiety, inflammation, pain, eating issues, stomach pain, arthritis, and much more can certainly benefit from CBD supplementation. Buying CBD products for dogs and cats is not as hard as one might think. There are now companies that provide these products with special formulations for animals like dogs, cats, and horses. Dosing instructions are often provided directly on the product or through the company's website or customer service number. It is vital to get this information, so that there is no confusion about how much to give.

Cannabidiol for animals that have serious health conditions can be a major help to go along with their veterinary treatment. Many medical conditions have an element of discomfort, inflammation, or pain in animals. For pet parents who worry that CBD wouldn't help their animal with a serious health condition, it is imperative that they realize that worry is for naught. It may be able to help reduce their pain and discomfort, which is a part of their health condition, and that can hugely improve their quality of life. 

For example, lower inflammation and pain levels in an animal may make it possible for them to gain better mobility. This is very important for their quality of life and their ability to get needed exercise. Many sick animals have little motivation to move when they have a lot of pain and inflammation to fight merely to get up. Cannabidiol can help fight inflammation and pain and make it possible for an animal to begin getting up and moving around more than they had previously. This is a huge benefit to animals as much as it is to humans. So even serious health conditions can be helped with this therapeutic supplement.

Many veterinarians are now offering CBD oils and products to their patients to give to their pets. This should be quite encouraging to people who have animals and are wondering if their vet would approve. There are some respected veterinarians in the field around the United States and other countries who are openly selling and advocating for the benefits of CBD as a therapeutic tool for health conditions. Although there are still some vets that are skeptical out there, thanks to research, it is slowly becoming more accepted as more studies are coming out from reputable sources.

Legal Pet CBD With Appropriate THC Amounts

Unfortunately, there are still misunderstandings in the general public about CBD. Some people still feel as though it must make animals and humans high. However, this is not the case. Cannabidiol products in the United States must contain no more than .3% THC to be legal for sale and consumption — though our CBD oil contains less than 0.3% THC. This makes it impossible for people or animals to get high from cannabidiol. Animals and humans alike can get all of the benefits from it without the worry of side effects or getting a “high” from it. Full spectrum CBD oil (when limited to 0.3% THC), broad spectrum CBD oil with 0% THC, and CBD isolate will have none of the intoxicating psychoactive properties associated with marijuana in CBD oil. Until more research is available, it is not recommended you give your pet a high-THC item.

It’s important to remain cautious regarding any company that makes definitive claims about CBD and its benefits. Research has been positive, but is still ongoing, as CBD is being investigated all over the world for its many uses. As such, at this time, as the manufacturer of CBD products, we are not allowed to imply that CBD will definitively work for any specific illness. There are many factors involved, and it’s hard to say for certain the degree CBD will help due to all those various factors. We can point to research that shows the majority of pet parents see CBD improves their pets’ condition. As well, we can point to our CBD items with their many glowing reviews.

How Do I Choose a Quality CBD Product?

Choosing a CBD product comes down to personal preference and some research. Choosing CBD isolate vs. full spectrum CBD will come down to personal preference. Thanks to all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in full spectrum CBD, it is our favorite option for both humans and definitely for pets. While isolates are the purest form of CBD, many of the hopeful benefits once thought they could deliver, from more potency to concerns over drug tests, have proven to be untrue.

The key to buying full spectrum CBD is purchasing it from a reliable and quality source. There are many companies that claim to be selling these, but they are not what they claim. It is imperative to research the company selling the product and make sure that they have good reviews from other buyers and that they can back up their claims. Many quality CBD companies have third-party lab results that show what is contained in the product that they are selling, and these lab results are often found on their website. This gives you a chance to make sure that the product you are interested in has exactly what you need or want. Researching their reputation among consumers, ensuring that they list their ingredients and that they have third-party lab results will help you in choosing a quality CBD product. For animals, there are companies that sell CBD specifically for their needs (lifestyle, weight, etc.). 

For example, Innovet Pet offers CBD Oil For Horses that is specially formulated for their size and weight. Horses are large animals, and having the right amount of CBD is crucial for them to be able to enjoy the health advantages of taking it. There are also edibles available for horses. Innovet Pet also offers CBD oil for cats and dogs in special formulations, and they offer a certificate of analysis to verify what people will be getting for their beloved animals and to ensure the utmost quality.

Sources:

CBD Safety and Side Effects

CBD Regulates Anxiety

CBD Oil Helps With Epilepsy

CBD National Pet Survey