Full-spectrum CBD products contain small amounts of other cannabinoids, like THC, as well as flavonoids and terpenes, which are beneficial compounds that provide unique scents and flavors.
CBD isolate products go through further refining, so they only contain CBD.
| Isolate | Full-spectrum | |
|---|---|---|
| CBD | yes | yes |
| THC | no | yes |
| Flavonoids | no | yes |
| Terpenes | no | yes |
The entourage effect theory suggests that taking CBD and THC together, along with terpenes, may be more effective than taking either cannabinoid alone. That’s why some people prefer to use full-spectrum CBD.
One 2011 review in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that taking a combination of terpenes and cannabinoids may help with:
The same review also concludes that CBD may help lessen unwanted THC effects, like hunger, anxiety, and sedation.
Research from 2018 found that some of the terpenes and flavonoids found in cannabis may reduce inflammation and offer neuroprotective effects.
However, as with lots of other aspects of CBD, research into the entourage effect is ongoing — and not all of it agrees.
For example, a 2019 study in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found no change in CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, a part of your endocannabinoid system, when terpenes were added to THC.
More research is needed to be able to say for sure how the entourage effect works.
Some people may want to try CBD but are iffy on THC. That’s where CBD isolate comes in, since it’s the purest form of CBD.
Though CBD isolate won’t provide any benefits from the entourage effect, some research suggests that taking CBD alone may still be beneficial.
CBD isolate may be right for you if you:
- Want a flavorless, odorless product. Though some CBD isolate products have added flavoring, unflavored products should be pretty taste-free.
- Want to avoid THC altogether.
- Want to take large doses of CBD.
- Have to undergo drug testing. Full-spectrum CBD may be more likely to show up on a drug test. However, there may be a slight possibility that isolate products will show up, too. Even “THC-free” CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC.
Full-spectrum CBD may be the right choice if you want:
- The benefits of the entourage effect. Since the amount of THC will be less than 0.3 percent, you shouldn’t experience any of THC’s psychoactive effects.
- An earthy flavor profile. You can find flavored full-spectrum products, but unflavored varieties will have a slightly earthy taste.
- A less refined product. CBD isolate has to go through more refining than full-spectrum THC.