Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is taking over the health and wellness worlds by storm. And rightly so! The compound has been legally available in most US states since the 2018 Farm Bill, but research and scientific testing is still limited. With the powerful therapeutic properties thought to be present in CBD, more research is emerging.

CBD has such a growing popularity the market surrounding the compound has also grown exponentially. There are plenty of CBD products on the market everywhere, but how do you ensure the quality of those products? Part of this starts with the extraction process and the purity of your CBD. Most CBD products and companies use a few forms of CBD, varying from full-spectrum, isolate and broad-spectrum. So let’s break down what each of those is and what you should look for when buying the perfect CBD product for you.

CBD

You might have already heard of CBD as a compound derived from hemp plants which belongs to the cannabis family. Despite coming from the family of foliage famous for its psychoactive property, it does not typically have THC in enough amounts to get a person high. CBD is usually extracted from the plant using carbon dioxide. The extracted mixture undergoes distillation to separate out CBD, in-turn creating three forms of CBD used in products or consumed directly.

CBD is thought to have a variety of beneficial properties from pain relief and management to stress and anxiety reduction. CBD has even been approved by the FDA for use against epilepsy. Research is on the rise, but CBD is proving to be a great natural alternative in the health world.

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD is the mixture obtained after it is extracted from the hemp plant. It contains a good amount of CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids including THC. Since the concentration of THC in industrial hemp is lesser than 0.3%, it will not get anyone stoned. It is also known as whole plant CBD. However, whole plant CBD is less refined than full-spectrum hemp and will contain fats, waxes, and fibers.

Isolate CBD

As you would have guessed by now, isolate CBD is pure CBD. CBD and other compounds are extracted from the hemp plant using the same method, then later undergoes a winterization process- in which all the other cannabinoids, waxes, and terpenes are removed from the mixture. If you are subject to any drug testing but want to experience the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD, this is you best option.

Related: if you’re looking for a convenient way to consume a CBD isolate product, check out Blue Ribbon Hemp’s CBD Oral Strips by clicking here.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum CBD, but not the same. After the extraction of the compounds from the hemp, it undergoes another process to remove all traces of THC from it. In the end, the CBD mixture will contain CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes.

Which One Should You Take?

A study conducted in 2017 showed that 70% of CBD users failed drug tests. This is probably because they were taking THC along with CBD. Another study has shown that nearly 30% of CBD products sold online contain THC and caused drug testing failures. If you are worried about the same, you should have isolate CBD.

Full-spectrum hemp is proven to be efficient in treating many health conditions. Hence, if you are taking CBD to improve your health, you should have this. Broad-spectrum CBD also has the same effect. To ensure the quality of your CBD product, turn to companies that have undergone third party testing. Independent lab results are the best way to solidify your purchase, making sure you have the right form of CBD as well as a pass on all solvent and pesticide tests. If you are looking for a place to start comparing CBD products with lab-backed test results, click here.