As you can guess from the name, CBD isolate is just pure, isolated CBD. “Full spectrum” CBD oil, on the other hand, is actually a bit of a misnomer. What it really refers to is a full spectrum hemp extract that also contains CBD.
This extract’s first and greatest ingredient is CBD, but there’s so much more to it than that (just look back at the list above!). The best full spectrum CBD oils will contain cannabinoids (CBD, THC, CBC, etc), terpenes (pinene, linalool, etc), and flavonoids.
The names of these substances aren’t actually that important themselves. More important is their collective synergy…and the fact this synergy comes from what’s likely the most diverse plant on the planet: hemp.
Put full spectrum CBD oil in the lab, and exciting things happen. Pioneering Israeli researchers have found full spectrum extracts to be four times more potent, per milligram, than CBD isolate! Again, the collective strength of hemp’s trace ingredients exceeds their individual strength(s).
That’s not all, though; full spectrum extracts are also easier to dose than CBD isolate. Full spectrum CBD oil demonstrates greater efficacy at a low dose, yet fewer side effects at a high one. It’s likely that its terpene content counterbalances the sedation that might otherwise come with high CBD isolate dosages.
The implication of all this? It’s hard to go wrong with any reasonable full spectrum dosing plan. Full spectrum CBD oil activates every part of the endocannabinoid system that needs activating, and it does so gently, with a minimum of side effects.
Full spectrum CBD may even help your body generate more internal cannabinoids on its own, resulting in all sorts of health benefits.