Why Is Full-Spectrum CBD + CBDa Stronger Than CBD Isolate?

Are you wondering, why is full-spectrum CBD + CBDa stronger than CBD isolate? Or is that a step too far, because you’re confused by labels offering “full-spectrum” or “isolate”? Let’s clear things up right now. Simply put, CBD isolate is a pure form of cannabidiol, which we extract from the hemp plant, excluding all other ingredients. On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD + CBDa extracts like the ones we create for Tanasi preserve all the plant’s ingredients and natural chemicals, including terpenes, essential oils, and other cannabinoids.

Here is more information on why full-spectrum CBD is stronger than CBD isolate, along with a handy guide to the primary differences between each product.

What Is CBD Isolate?

As we just mentioned, CBD isolate products only contain cannabidiol (CBD) and no other plant compounds present. To create an isolate, you first go through the typical extraction process, then you isolate cannabidiol from the other cannabinoids in the plant.

During the initial extraction, the plant material contains CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids. From here, manufacturers further refine the isolate solution, removing other plant materials and leaving only CBD.

Now, there’s another form of extract: “broad-spectrum CBD + CBDa”. Here at Tanasi, some of our patent-pending, 1:1 formulation CBD + CBDa products are crafted as broad-spectrum instead of full-spectrum products. And, to create this extract, we preserve our blend of cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid, and the other naturally-occurring compounds, but we remove the THC so you never have to worry about even trace amounts showing up on drug tests.

At one point, some scientists believed that CBD isolates were more potent, meaning they offered greater potential effects. However, new research suggests this may not be the case.

What Is Full-Spectrum CBD + CBDa?

Whole-plant or full-spectrum CBD + CBDa products contain cannabidiol, just like an isolate. But they also contain other naturally-occurring compounds such as terpenes (which influence the extract’s flavor and smell, especially with flavored products like our blueberry tincture), as well as flavonoids and essential oils.

Now, that means we do preserve trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), along with the many other cannabinoids, each offering its own unique effects. After all, the term “cannabis spectrum” references this balance or combination of cannabinoids; the exact chemical makeup influences your end product’s profile. As such, if you isolate some cannabinoids, you can change the “symphony” that develops when all the components work together.

With one of our full-spectrum CBD + CBDa products, you shouldn’t worry about getting high; federally legal products only contain a maximum of 0.3% THC. On top of that, you can enjoy the added 2X benefit of our patent-pending combination of CBD and CBDa, since our research suggests that it is superior to products containing only CBD, even in a full-spectrum setting.

Full Spectrum CBD Vs. CBD Isolate: Differences And Similarities

The main similarity between full-spectrum CBD + CBDa and CBD isolate is that both products contain cannabidiol. And they both may go through similar extraction processes. (CO2 extraction is among the most popular and best options.)

Differences Between Full-Spectrum CBD And CBD Isolate Products

Full-Spectrum CBD:

– Contains CBD and other naturally-occurring plant compounds

– Undergoes fewer processes when compared to CBD isolates

– Contains less than 0.3% THC (if derived from hemp)

– Works synergistically with THC and other compounds in the plant

CBD Isolates:

– A pure form of CBD

– Contains no other cannabinoids or THC

– More processed than full-spectrum CBD

– Won’t include other cannabinoids, or plant compounds like flavonoids or terpenes

Despite the fact that CBD isolate products are more concentrated forms of cannabidiol, they don’t appear to offer more potent or greater effects. In fact, studies suggest that full-spectrum CBD is stronger because it offers something we call the “entourage effect”.

What Is The Entourage Effect?

The “entourage effect” theory suggests that cannabis offers the most noticeable effects when you use a “whole-plant extract”. In other words, the most effective form of CBD is one that includes all the active phytochemicals, terpenes, and cannabinoids together. And that’s

You are not only deriving individual effects linked to each of the compounds in this particular entourage, but also the synergistic relationships they have with one another. This is where the well-known saying “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” applies well.

A great example of the “entourage effect” is a synergy that occurs between CBD and THC. If someone had to consume pure THC, in a large dose, there would be a very good chance they would experience very noticeable, mind-altering effects. But when pairing THC with CBD, something very interesting happens.

CBD may reduce the intoxicating effects of THC such as psychosis, agitation, and anxiety. This is the reason why cannabis, more particularly the strains that are rich in CBD, are less intoxicating when compared to pure THC.

The Entourage Effect: Why is Full Spectrum CBD Stronger Than CBD Isolate?

There are three forms of cannabidiol. This includes isolates, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. Both broad-spectrum and full-spectrum oils are whole-plant extracts. And that means they both contain additional cannabis compounds, delivering the “entourage effect”.

Now, there is a difference between broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products. So, what is it? Full-spectrum oils contain small amounts of THC (less than 0.3%, under federal law.) But manufacturers remove all traces of THC to create broad-spectrum products. Of course, since isolates remove all those other cannabis compounds), it won’t deliver synergistic benefits.

This explains why many experts recommend using a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum product. Still, whole-plant CBD products do come with a few downsides. For instance, if you’re subject to regular drug testing, or extremely sensitive to THC, you may need to avoid full-spectrum CBD products.  However, when discussing CBD’s overall effectiveness, whole-plant products are usually better options than extracts containing isolated cannabinoids. Due to “the entourage effect”, broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products produce a greater desired effect, require a smaller dosage, and usually cause fewer side effects when compared to the products formulated with CBD isolate.

Takeaways On Full-Spectrum CBD Vs. CBD Isolates

With Tanasi’s wide range of CBD + CBDa products, you’ve got many delivery methods and formulations to choose from. But our company does not carry “CBD isolate,” as all our products contain CBD + CBDa, as well as at least some of the additional plant compounds extracted from hemp.

Remember, CBD isolate is pure cannabidiol. And full-spectrum CBD includes naturally-occurring plant compounds, cannabinoids such as THC, essential oils, and terpenes.

Even though CBD isolates were once praised for their “purity”, we now know that CBD works better with other cannabis compounds. Finally, this explains why is full-spectrum CBD stronger than CBD isolate.