What’s The Difference?

What’s The Difference?

Comparing All The Forms of CBD

Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum vs. CBD Distillate vs. Isolate vs. Hemp Seed Oil vs. 😵‍💫

CBD is everywhere. Grocery stores, gas stations, hair salons, pet supply shops, pop-up ads online—everywhere. These products go by many names, ranging from “CBD oil”, “hemp seed oil,” and “cannabis sativa seed oil” to “distillate,” “broad spectrum,” and “full spectrum.” It’s a lot. It’s nuanced, too. All of these various versions of CBD are not made of the same thing, nor will they all feel the same when consumed. 

To be really real about it, every single product out there is unique according to how it was made and the state of the hemp plants it was derived from. Even two products both labeled with the same terms could feel different due to what farms provided each of their hemp extract. 

So, while we can’t tell you exactly what to buy at your local grocery store, we can share what defines the most common forms of CBD you’ll find, what makes them different, and why we use only Full Spectrum CBD Oil for our tinctures and balms.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp Seed Oil is extracted by pressing the seeds of the plant, not the flowers. It does not contain cannabinoids (i.e. CBD; THC), which is why it's legal in most countries and can be found in many mainstream products (remember those Hempz lotions?). Like other seeds we consume, hemp oil is rich in essential omegas and vitamins, primarily containing unsaturated fatty acids known for their beneficial, anti-inflammatory effects and as a noncomedogenic (non-pore clogging) moisturizer on the surface of the skin. This can also go by “cannabis sativa seed oil.”

CBD Isolate

Pure CBD isolate contains only that. It is made by further processing CBD oil to remove all other substances and compounds from the plant, leaving behind a pure crystalline, CBD powder that doesn’t contain any terpenes, flavonoids, or other plant compounds. There is zero risk of consuming intoxicating THC, and zero plant taste or smell, but you also miss out on the broader range of health benefits that can come with the presence of other naturally occurring cannabinoids and compounds. 

CBD Distillate

This form uses the distillation process to produce a highly refined, highly concentrated form of CBD, often reaching levels of 75% CBD and higher. CBD extract is purified through a controlled evaporation process, one that allows for a very small degree of flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids (including THC) to be present in the final product. While the quantity of CBD in distillate products is typically very high, there is still a lack of the usual amount of naturally occurring plant compounds. The product’s effects may be limited.

CO2 CBD Oil

CO2 extraction is a common process using carbon dioxide as a solvent to strip the cannabis plant of cannabinoids and terpenes into a concentrate. Depending on what compounds are targeted, CO2 oil can be high in THC, CBD, or another cannabinoid or specific terpene; it can create pure distillate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum oil, and it can be of varying consistencies—oil, hard candy-like shatter, sticky wax, etc. CO2 extraction relies on a closed-loop system in which the chemical is purged from the final product. 

Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Broad spectrum oil contains more of the naturally occurring plant compounds alongside CBD, all except THC. This includes other cannabinoids like CBG and CBN, terpenes that give individual strains their scent and flavor (and can impact potency as well), and other minute compounds that can contribute to the overall effects on your body and mind. This combination of all the parts to create a full-bodied whole is referred to as the Entourage Effect. For the full Entourage Effect, though, you need those tiny amounts of THC that naturally occur in hemp plants. You need full spectrum oil.

Full Spectrum CBD Oil

Full spectrum CBD oil includes all of the naturally occurring phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, including a minute amount of THC (below 0.3%). Studies show that this symphony of compounds works best in tandem with one another. This is the Entourage Effect—altogether, the range of compounds can deliver a more balanced, complex dose with more satisfying and robust effects. We chose this format for our tinctures and balms because full spectrum harnesses the complete range of hemp's natural benefits, maximizing profound results. Feel the Difference.