Article · 3 min read
Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs CBD Isolate
Full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate explained in plain English. Learn the differences and see which type Cross Country Wellness makes.
Walk into any CBD section and you will see three terms repeated on nearly every bottle: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. If you do not know what these mean, picking a product feels like guessing.
This guide explains all three in plain language, and tells you plainly which one Cross Country Wellness makes.
Full Spectrum CBD
Full spectrum CBD contains everything the hemp plant naturally produces. That includes CBD, minor cannabinoids (like CBN, CBG, and CBC), terpenes (the compounds that give hemp its smell), flavonoids, and trace amounts of THC -- less than 0.3% by dry weight, which is the legal limit under federal law.
The idea behind full spectrum is called the "entourage effect." The theory suggests that these plant compounds work better together than any single compound works alone. Research into this concept is ongoing, but it is a widely discussed idea in the CBD industry.
The catch with full spectrum: it contains THC. Even at less than 0.3%, that small amount concerns some people. If you are subject to drug testing at work, or if you simply prefer to avoid THC for personal reasons, full spectrum may not be the right fit.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad spectrum is a middle ground. It contains CBD plus other cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant, but the THC has been removed through additional processing.
Broad spectrum aims to offer the multi-compound profile without the THC. However, the removal process is not always perfect. Some broad spectrum products may contain trace amounts of THC that show up on highly sensitive lab tests.
If you want the multi-compound profile but are cautious about THC, broad spectrum is worth considering -- as long as the product comes with a COA confirming the THC result.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is exactly what it sounds like: pure CBD and nothing else. All other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds have been removed.
The result is a white, crystalline powder that is 99%+ pure CBD. When formulated into oils, capsules, or topicals, it delivers a consistent dose of CBD alone.
Isolate is the choice for people who want a single-compound product. Some people who are drug tested prefer it, though even then the COA is what tells you what is actually in the bottle.
Which One Does Cross Country Wellness Use?
Cross Country Wellness CBD oils, capsules, and topical cream are full spectrum. They are Farm Bill compliant, contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, and every batch is third-party lab tested. The Certificate of Analysis is published on our website.
We are not an isolate or broad spectrum brand, and we would rather say so up front. Full spectrum means the product keeps the plant's natural compounds, including trace THC. You can read the exact THC result on the COA before you buy.
Our CBD + CBN gummies are a different formulation: CBD with CBN, and THC was not detected in lab testing.
Our 1000mg CBD Oil, CBD Capsules, and CBD Topical Cream are all full spectrum.
How to Decide
Ask yourself three questions:
Are you drug tested at work? Full spectrum products contain trace THC and may cause a positive test. If a positive result would affect your job, talk to your employer before you start and weigh whether full spectrum is right for you.
Do you have a personal preference on THC? If a trace amount does not concern you, full spectrum is an option. If it does, read the COA for the exact THC result, or consider a different type of product.
Do you care about the entourage effect? If you want multiple cannabinoids working together, look at broad spectrum or full spectrum. If you want a single compound, isolate does the job.
There is no "best" type. There is only the right type for you.
The Bottom Line
Full spectrum includes trace THC. Broad spectrum aims to remove it. Isolate is refined to contain only CBD. All three are hemp-derived. The difference is what comes along with the CBD.
At Cross Country Wellness, we make full spectrum products and we believe the proof is in the lab results. Whatever type of CBD you choose, make sure the brand publishes a Certificate of Analysis so you can verify the claim yourself.
Written by the Cross Country Wellness team.
Reviewed by J Bird before publication.
*Not evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
