For those just getting familiar with cannabidiol (CBD), the terms “full spectrum” and “CBD isolate” may not mean much to you. You have probably wondered what the difference is and which one you should choose when considering a CBD product. Here is a summary of how they differ and which we feel is a better choice.
The Inner World of the Hemp Plant
The hemp plant contains hundreds of active and essential compounds, one of them being CBD. Others include CBDV, CBC, CBN, and hundreds of beneficial terpenes. While CBD has recently been the focus of our collective attention when it comes to both hemp and marijuana strains of Cannabis Sativa, it does not make up the whole of hemp’s healing properties.
Full Spectrum/Whole-Plant Extract or Oil
As the name suggests, full spectrum or whole plant extract is oil extracted from the hemp plant which contains all the cannabinoids found in the plant. In addition to these compounds, full spectrum hemp oil also contains essential vitamins, minerals, Omega fatty acids, flavonoids, chlorophyll and terpenes.
CBD Isolate
This is cannabidiol in its purest form – it is extracted from the plant and processed to remove all of the oils, plant material, waxes, chlorophyll, and more, leaving behind the pure Cannabidiol. It is most often found in the form of white powder or crystals.
The Entourage Effect – What is it and Is it Legit?
This term is used to describe the healing effect that plant materials may have by working together rather than alone – the idea being that a plant is more than the sum of its parts when it comes to therapeutic benefit.
As with most information relating to the study and effects of cannabis, there are few quality double-blind studies to prove the entourage effect. This does not mean, however, that there isn’t growing scientific evidence to suggest that the theory may hold true. Many scientists agree that CBD mitigates some of the effects of THC by blocking cannabinoid receptors (thereby helping to reduce some of the associated anxiety or paranoia that THC can induce). A 2015 study demonstrated the superior therapeutic properties of whole plant hemp extracts compared to single-molecule CBD.
Various research groups have conducted studies that have concluded that the higher efficiency of plant extract can be explained by additive or synergistic interactions between CBD, terpenes, and the minor phytocannabinoids or non-cannabinoids presented in the extracts.
Our Take on the Matter
We are big believers in a holistic approach to healing. There is rarely, if ever, a “magic pill” or even one solution to any problem. As career bodyworkers, we know that our clients will get the best results from the work we do if they treat their pain from many angles. In addition to getting bodywork, we suggest they use topical pain relievers, soothe sore muscles in an Epsom soak, make changes in their lifestyle to reduce stress, move their bodies more, and get more sleep. We’ve seen time and again that the people who treat their pain from this holistic approach get far better results than those who rely on one - isolated if you will - method of healing.
With this holistic approach in mind, we choose to use full-spectrum hemp oil in our CBD products. Modern medicine is rooted in traditional plant-based healing, and there is no doubt that in addition to the highly potent and effective CBD, many of the other compounds, vitamins, and essential fatty acids found in the hemp plant also provide therapeutic benefit. With Vital Body Therapeutics’ topical pain relievers, you get the best of both worlds!
And the winner is...full spectrum hemp oil!!
