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February 3, 2020

CBD: Full Spectrum Vs. Isolate

full spectrum cbd vs cbd isolate

What is Full Spectrum CBD?

Full spectrum CBD is considered a whole plant formula. It’s derived from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. It contains high amounts CBD and trace amounts of other cannabinoids, including THC, along with other elements of the hemp plant including naturally-occurring terpenes, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and proteins. These compounds work together to create what is known as the “entourage effect.” This phenomenon refers to the way in which cannabinoids work together to become more effective. Full spectrum products include all of the hemp plant’s compounds, but its composition will vary from harvest to harvest because it is impossible to set a consistent external condition (weather, soil, temperature) to produce a plant with the exact same composition each time. This is demonstrated with wine vineyards which use the same variety, location, and techniques, but vary in composition from vintage to vintage.

Full spectrum CBD oil tinctures, unless flavored, will taste and smell like the cannabis plant which is described as earthy and grassy. Try the BLNCD Recovery CBD Oil if you want to try an unflavored whole plant product. 

When full spectrum CBD is blended into topicals, such as body lotion or oil, the smell usually goes unnoticed because it’s disguised by other therapeutic ingredients like herbs and essential oils. 

What is CBD Isolate? 

CBD isolate is a crystalline solid or powder that contains 99% pure CBD. A traditional extraction process is used to remove all the active compounds from the hemp plant, followed by a refinement process that strips away all other cannabinoids, including THC, and any plant matter, leaving behind nothing but the CBD chemical compound in its purest form

In contrast to full spectrum, isolate has no risk of psychoactive effects, and minimal risk of flagging a false positive on a drug test. Furthermore, CBD isolate is both tasteless and odorless. Isolate is extremely versatile and can be used to make a wide range of products.

BLNCD CBD Products

At BLNCD, we believe there are benefits to formulating products with both types of hemp extract.

Our signature trio of CBD Oils, Bliss, Balance and Chill, are formulated with CBD isolate and intentional terpene blends, which each have their own therapeutic benefit, to deliver consistent and tailored effects to the user. These products contain 0.00% THC and the formulas are consistent with every batch. This can be very important for the customer who is looking for specific benefits (ie: calming, mood/focus, supporting healthy sleep). On the other hand, our BLNCD Recovery Oil and Sleep Oil are full-spectrum products that contains a whole plant extract that includes CBD along with other naturally occurring terpenes, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other cannabinoids including less than 0.3% THC. This formula is exactly as nature intended but the effects you receive may vary from one harvest to the next. The Recovery Oil is perfect for the hemp purist and to support overall wellness. 

Our CBD salves are formulated with a high concentration of pure CBD isolate. These products are intended to be used on targeted areas of the body to deliver maximum relief and healing. In contrast, the BLNCD Body Revival Oil, Body Revival Lotion, and Vital Nutrient Complex are formulated with full-spectrum hemp extract. When it comes to skincare, we wanted to harness all the goodness hemp has to offer by nourishing the skin with the additional antioxidants and vitamins that come from the whole plant.

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