Cannabis products have become very popular, trending across the globe these days with incredible buzz. This article will help to explain some of the core distinctions between types of cannabis extracts and the terminology used when evaluating each product.
Among the thousands of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant, THC and CBD cannabinoids are the most commonly mentioned. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive substance that induces the mind-altering effects of cannabis like changes in mood, perception, cognition, or behavior. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is known for its non-intoxicating effects like relieving occasional stress.
There are several methods of extracting cannabinoid-rich oils from the cannabis plant. Some manufacturers choose to isolate only single cannabinoids, like CBD, in as pure a form as possible. In contrast, others pull many compounds from the plant, like the minor cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.
While CBD alone is beneficial, there may be even further benefits when used in combination with THC and other compounds from the plant. This interplay between compounds is known as the Entourage Effect, or outcome of all compounds working together to communicate with the body’s receptors.
Let’s dig deeper to understand the differences between the types of cannabis extracts available:
What is Full-Spectrum Cannabis Oil?
A full-spectrum extract pulls much more than just CBD or THC from the cannabis plant. It includes a variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and sometimes even additional plant lipids. Quite literally, the extract contains the full spectrum of active compounds that can be beneficial for wellness.
Many argue that full-spectrum oil is the most potent form of cannabis. As explained in the definition of Entourage Effect, the inclusion of multiple cannabinoids as well as terpenes increases the extract’s ability to have a desired reaction within the body.
Cannabis Distillate
The most common form of cannabis oil available on the market derives from plant distillate. Almost all vape pens available, as well as edibles like chocolate or gummies, are made with distillate, which is a thick sap of cannabis oil that is typically 85-99% cannabinoid content. Most distillate is very low in terpenes, although sometimes additional plant-derived terpenes will be added.
Cannabinoid Isolate
Isolate is the only type of extract that is nearly 100% one single cannabinoid, most commonly THC or CBD. Isolates take on a powdery crystal form, like sugar, and are more soluble than other product types. That property gives CBD isolate many uses, from edibles to drinks to capsules for specific singular effects.
What to Look for in a Cannabis Product
It is important to understand that there is no such thing as a full-spectrum CBD isolate. That would be against the very nature of isolation, a process with the goal of singling out one specific compound. Yet, many companies do still try to use these buzzwords on products to help them sell, so buyers beware.
Furthermore, because of the popularity of cannabis oil, so many companies are producing it, and not all in entirely ethical or consistent ways. Many cannabis products don’t contain the amount of CBD or THC they advertise. Some may even contain toxic ingredients. However, if you know what to look for, these traps are easy to avoid.
Care By Design is committed to quality and laboratory testing. We even triple test all of our products to ensure purity, consistency, and potency.
