When it comes to supplements like herbal teas, vitamins and minerals, we often assume that as long as it’s a known name brand they’re probably all the same. This is usually far from the case.
CBD, which supplements your endocannabinoid system, has a variety of products on the market, each offering its own set of benefits and characteristics. Terms like broad spectrum, isolate, and full spectrum are commonly listed on the jars and bottles, leaving some of us wondering about the differences and how they work.
So, what are you getting with different types of CBD products, and why does it matter?
CBD isolate, for instance, contains only the CBD molecule extracted from the hemp or cannabis plant. This type of product is often preferred by individuals who need to avoid THC, the psychoactive and sometimes intoxicating component of cannabis, for reasons like drug testing for work, the dr office, etc.
While CBD isolate can provide relief from stress and inflammation, it lacks the synergistic effects of other cannabinoids and compounds found in the whole plant and may take much more CBD to get the effects you’re looking for.
On the other hand, "whole plant" CBD products preserve the full spectrum of compounds naturally present in the plant, including cannabinoids like THC, CBG, and CBC, as well as terpenes and flavonoids. My favorite way to get all the benefits possible is to take a lipid-infused CBD, which undergoes a low and slow extraction process to retain not only CBD but also the full spectrum of cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds.
When you take this whole plant approach, it taps into what is known as the entourage effect. This is where the combined cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, CBN, THC etc and other beneficial plant compounds enhance the overall therapeutic effects. By harnessing the power of the entire plant, rather than isolating specific components, we can often experience much more profound relief.I’m a band and orchestra mom so I love this example. Imagine an orchestra, where each instrument plays its part to create a stunning piece. It wouldn’t be the same without the strings or the brass section. It takes the whole orchestra to create such harmony. In the realm of CBD, every cannabinoid, terpene, and flavonoid contributes to the overall effect and it works the same way. We need them all to truly amplify the therapeutic effects of the cannabis plant.
So when you’re considering CBD go past the name brand and the promises. Opting for whole plant formulations like my lipid-infused CBD can unlock the full potential of this versatile plant, offering an effective solution for your wellness needs. Nature teaches us that synergy is vital for plant benefits and similarly, CBD's entourage effect is essential for harnessing the benefits of what this plant has to offer.
In Joy and Gratitude,
Michele Finn
Aromatherapist
CBD & Cannabis wellness guide