When shopping for the right CBD oil solution, you will come across three different terms with completely different meanings: Full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. What do each of these terms mean? And which one should you be using to get the full benefit of CBD oil?

Although they may confuse you, understanding what’s behind each term can help you make the best decision for your needs. Before you shop, it’s critical to understand what goes into full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD and CBD isolate.

What is Full Spectrum CBD?

Much like the name suggests, full spectrum CBD oil – like that sold by NuLeaf Naturals – extracts cannabinoids from the entire plant. By consuming the entire hemp plant, the entire range of CBD is harvested, giving you full exposure to the goodness of the plant. In addition to pure cannabinoids, full spectrum CBD contains cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), and cannabinol (CBN).

Each of these may offer different benefits based on your habits. For example, a 2007 peer-reviewed study published by Dialogues in Clinical Neurosciences concluded : "the therapeutic value of cannabinoids is too high to be put aside,” with the “full spectrum” of cannabinoids potentially offering different benefits.

It’s equally important to note that full spectrum CBD oil contains trace amounts of THC, the chemical that creates the “high” effect from cannabis use. However, federal law mandates that full spectrum CBD oil contain a total of less than 0.3% THC. This means although there are trace amounts of THC, you can’t get “high” off full spectrum CBD oil, and regular use should not create a problem when drug testing.

What is Broad Spectrum CBD?

Full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oil have many similarities. Both consist of a wide range of cannabinoids, and both offer potential benefits because of their composition. However, full spectrum CBD and broad spectrum CBD are two completely different products with different pros and cons.

Like full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD is harvested and distilled from the entire hemp plant. The goal is to preserve as many cannabinoids as possible. But while a full spectrum CBD collects the full range from the plant, broad spectrum CBD oil goes through a separate purifying process that removes the THC from the oil.

As a result, the spectrum of cannabinoids is still present, but in reduced amounts. And while it provides a “middle-of-the-road” option for those adverse to using a product that contains THC, the benefits of using abroad spectrum CBD oil could be limited compared to a “full spectrum” CBD option.

What is CBD Isolate?

While full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oils contain a range of cannabinoids, CBD isolate is the only product that does contain anything outside of the main ingredient of CBD: cannabidiol. This can be achieved through both the growing and harvesting process.

Plant engineering can reduce the amount of CBD and THC in the plant. Through the growing process, hemp plants can grow and mature as usual, but without the usual amounts of CBD or THC in them. When they are harvested, extraction processes isolate everything but the pure CBD from the plant. As a result, instead of collecting oil, a white, crystalline powder is retrieved. This is what is ultimately converted into 99% pure CBD.

This powder ultimately becomes the base product for many different CBD isolate products, from oils to capsules and other assorted products. While the products contain a nearly purified version of cannabidiol, they don’t offer the potential associated benefits of a full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD oil. Conversely, this is the most versatile of the three extraction methods, meaning CBD isolate can be taken and used in a multitude of ways.

Which is Best for Me?

Each form of CBD offers a unique benefit for the user, based on their tastes and preferences. While CBD isolate can be administered in many different ways, it lacks the benefits that abroad spectrum CBD oil may contain. Subsequently, abroad spectrum CBD oil can deliver some potentially beneficial cannabinoids. It pales in comparison to a full spectrum CBD oil.

To get the complete potential benefits of CBD oil, always look for a full spectrum CBD oil with a verified purity report from a reputable, independent lab. For example, NuLeaf Naturals offers hemp oil , complete with a purity report from the industry-standard lab, ProVerde Laboratories.

Before you begin any supplemental habit, be sure to do your independent research to find the product that best works for you. Discuss any questions you may have with your doctor to determine how to get the most benefit from where you buy CBD oil .