Below is a quick explanation of each type of oil.
CBD Oil from isolate (This is what we think of as CBD Oil but we call it Isolate oil to distinguish it from other forms. Most of the world calls every form of oil with cbd in it "cbd oil" and that's a problem.)
CBD Oil made by putting cbd isolate into a carrier oil (such as hemp oil, olive oil, mct oil, etc.) isolate differs from full-spectrum CBD oil in that it only contains only CBD without the presence of other cannabinoids or plant compounds. Isolates usually start as a full-spectrum hemp extract. They are then run through a distillation process using a carefully-controlled temperature inside a sealed environment to evaporate and separate the desired cannabinoid. Scientists often use cannabinoid isolates, including CBD isolate, in research to help determine the exact effect of each individual cannabinoid, compared to their effect as a whole.
CBD isolate can be likened to a vitamin or supplement. While vitamins and supplements can be important additions to the daily diet, the whole plant or food they are derived from is often the better alternative. With whole plants, all of the components present can work together to produce a more significant result.
Conversely, a single vitamin – or CBD isolate – can offer a more targeted approach. CBD isolate can also be a way to complement your existing CBD intake. We don't carry many isolate products, because they are not as effective as full spectrum or broad spectrum products and tend to be lower quality, but we do have a few. Charlotte's web makes an isolate oil that we stock.
Full-spectrum Hemp oil & “the entourage effect”
So I am just going to say this right up front. If you can have a little thc in your system (not enough to make you high) without losing your job or scholarship, Full-spectrum Hemp oil is what you want. It is the creme de la creme and contains the entire spectrum of chemicals present in the hemp plant, leaving out only inert plant matter like cellulose. This extract includes a wide variety of plant compounds, often called “phytochemicals,” such as flavonoids1, terpenes2, vitamins, omega fatty acids, and the full naturally-occuring cannabinoid profile all which have their own beneficial effects. CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Other cannabinoides found in full spectrum hemp oil which have been found to have therapeutic effects include CBN, CBG, CBC, CBDV, THC (less than .3%) and many others. (See our other story for a breakdown of cannabinoids and their potential therapeutic benefits).
Full-spectrum hemp oil aligns with the idea that whole plants support whole people. The use of the entire plant rather than an isolated active ingredient allows the myriad of essential components to work in conjunction with one another in a more natural and impactful way. This idea is referred to as the “entourage effect.”
The entourage effect posits that utilizing whole, natural plants – or full-spectrum CBD oil – allows for the natural synergy to improve how these ingredients interact with our bodies. Much in the same way that people in a community can work together to produce a result far beyond each of their individual capabilities, full-spectrum CBD oil allows all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in hemp to work as a team to impact the endocannabinoid system. Essentially, the whole plant is potentially greater than the sum of its parts. As an example, studies have been done in Japan using Pinene (a Terpene found in many hemp plants) to improve focus and mood. It is why the Japanes pay to "Forest Bathe"(hike in the woods). Pinene is found in many varieties of cannabis as is linalool (think lavender)which has calming effects and Myrcene which has sedating effects, etc.
1. Flavonoids serve many functions in different plants and they can take many forms. Commonly, they’re responsible for pigment effects that determine the color of flowers. They’re also known to attract pollinating insects. Blueberries, black tea, bananas, and dark chocolate all contain high amounts of flavonoids.
2. Terpenes are the compounds all around us in nature that give the familiar smells to many plants like pine trees (pinene), lemons (limonene)or lavender(linalool) Scientists theorize that terpenes are used by plants to communicate with insects as well as repel predators. They have also been studied for their effects on the human body. (Click on this link for published research)
Broad-spectrum hemp oil
Broad-spectrum hemp oil generally refers to full spectrum hemp oil with the THC removed. This is a great product for those who want all of the whole plant benefits of full spectrum hemp extracts with 0 THC. Many of the broad spectrum hemp oils have 0 THC, but if you are a commercial driver, college athlete, policeman, fireman, or somebody who gets drug tested, we recommend getting the certificate of analysis for the product you are taking to verify that it contains 0 THC, and even then there is no guarantee of a negative drug test. It is quite rare but you could get a false positive. We carry broad spectrum oils made by Receptra, Endoca and Charlotte's Web as well as broad spectrum gummies from Lunchbox Alchemy and Wyld.
Hemp Seed Oil
You will see hemp oil or hemp seed oil in the grocery store or health food stores. It is a lot less expensive then full spectrum hemp extract oil or cbd oil. Hemp seed oil is very good for you. It has the perfect ratio of Omega 3s to Omega 6s, but it does not have any of the other beneficial compounds found in the plant or in full spectrum hemp extract such as cbd, thc, flavonoids, terpenes, etc. When hemp seeds are washed they are completely free from these compounds. Maybe think of this as a plant version of fish oil. It is sometimes used as cooking oil or to drizzle on salads.
CBD Oil from isolate (This is what we think of as CBD Oil but we call it Isolate oil to distinguish it from other forms. Most of the world calls every form of oil with cbd in it "cbd oil" and that's a problem.)
CBD Oil made by putting cbd isolate into a carrier oil (such as hemp oil, olive oil, mct oil, etc.) isolate differs from full-spectrum CBD oil in that it only contains only CBD without the presence of other cannabinoids or plant compounds. Isolates usually start as a full-spectrum hemp extract. They are then run through a distillation process using a carefully-controlled temperature inside a sealed environment to evaporate and separate the desired cannabinoid. Scientists often use cannabinoid isolates, including CBD isolate, in research to help determine the exact effect of each individual cannabinoid, compared to their effect as a whole.
CBD isolate can be likened to a vitamin or supplement. While vitamins and supplements can be important additions to the daily diet, the whole plant or food they are derived from is often the better alternative. With whole plants, all of the components present can work together to produce a more significant result.
Conversely, a single vitamin – or CBD isolate – can offer a more targeted approach. CBD isolate can also be a way to complement your existing CBD intake. We don't carry many isolate products, because they are not as effective as full spectrum or broad spectrum products and tend to be lower quality, but we do have a few. Charlotte's web makes an isolate oil that we stock.
Full-spectrum Hemp oil & “the entourage effect”
So I am just going to say this right up front. If you can have a little thc in your system (not enough to make you high) without losing your job or scholarship, Full-spectrum Hemp oil is what you want. It is the creme de la creme and contains the entire spectrum of chemicals present in the hemp plant, leaving out only inert plant matter like cellulose. This extract includes a wide variety of plant compounds, often called “phytochemicals,” such as flavonoids1, terpenes2, vitamins, omega fatty acids, and the full naturally-occuring cannabinoid profile all which have their own beneficial effects. CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Other cannabinoides found in full spectrum hemp oil which have been found to have therapeutic effects include CBN, CBG, CBC, CBDV, THC (less than .3%) and many others. (See our other story for a breakdown of cannabinoids and their potential therapeutic benefits).
Full-spectrum hemp oil aligns with the idea that whole plants support whole people. The use of the entire plant rather than an isolated active ingredient allows the myriad of essential components to work in conjunction with one another in a more natural and impactful way. This idea is referred to as the “entourage effect.”
The entourage effect posits that utilizing whole, natural plants – or full-spectrum CBD oil – allows for the natural synergy to improve how these ingredients interact with our bodies. Much in the same way that people in a community can work together to produce a result far beyond each of their individual capabilities, full-spectrum CBD oil allows all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in hemp to work as a team to impact the endocannabinoid system. Essentially, the whole plant is potentially greater than the sum of its parts. As an example, studies have been done in Japan using Pinene (a Terpene found in many hemp plants) to improve focus and mood. It is why the Japanes pay to "Forest Bathe"(hike in the woods). Pinene is found in many varieties of cannabis as is linalool (think lavender)which has calming effects and Myrcene which has sedating effects, etc.
1. Flavonoids serve many functions in different plants and they can take many forms. Commonly, they’re responsible for pigment effects that determine the color of flowers. They’re also known to attract pollinating insects. Blueberries, black tea, bananas, and dark chocolate all contain high amounts of flavonoids.
2. Terpenes are the compounds all around us in nature that give the familiar smells to many plants like pine trees (pinene), lemons (limonene)or lavender(linalool) Scientists theorize that terpenes are used by plants to communicate with insects as well as repel predators. They have also been studied for their effects on the human body. (Click on this link for published research)
Broad-spectrum hemp oil
Broad-spectrum hemp oil generally refers to full spectrum hemp oil with the THC removed. This is a great product for those who want all of the whole plant benefits of full spectrum hemp extracts with 0 THC. Many of the broad spectrum hemp oils have 0 THC, but if you are a commercial driver, college athlete, policeman, fireman, or somebody who gets drug tested, we recommend getting the certificate of analysis for the product you are taking to verify that it contains 0 THC, and even then there is no guarantee of a negative drug test. It is quite rare but you could get a false positive. We carry broad spectrum oils made by Receptra, Endoca and Charlotte's Web as well as broad spectrum gummies from Lunchbox Alchemy and Wyld.
Hemp Seed Oil
You will see hemp oil or hemp seed oil in the grocery store or health food stores. It is a lot less expensive then full spectrum hemp extract oil or cbd oil. Hemp seed oil is very good for you. It has the perfect ratio of Omega 3s to Omega 6s, but it does not have any of the other beneficial compounds found in the plant or in full spectrum hemp extract such as cbd, thc, flavonoids, terpenes, etc. When hemp seeds are washed they are completely free from these compounds. Maybe think of this as a plant version of fish oil. It is sometimes used as cooking oil or to drizzle on salads.
