Consider this a beginner’s guide to CBD, the non-psychoactive extract from the cannabis plant with proven perks for the mind and body. Here, we will explain the different types of CBD, the many therapeutic benefits of the plant compound, and what makes DOTE Wellness CBD superior to all others.
What is CBD?
Cannabis is a plant of the Cannabaceae family that contains more than eighty biologically active chemical compounds. The compounds you’re most-likely familiar with are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
Most of THC’s popularity comes from the “high” associated with marijuana use, but when it comes to CBD, interest more often surrounds its health benefits.
Although closely associated, marijuana is different from CBD. CBD is a single compound in the cannabis plant, and marijuana is a type of cannabis plant that contains many naturally occurring compounds, including CBD and THC.
Because cannabis is a plant like any other, there are many extracts and derivatives made with different parts of the plant. Compare cannabis to an orange; you can make oils or zest with the peel, orange juice with or without pulp, or extract pure vitamin C to create supplements. The many ways you can breakdown and use cannabis are similar to the many uses for oranges.
Depending on what parts of the cannabis plant you decide to use and extract, you’ll have a different product with different effects. Cannabis is versatile, and so to differentiate cannabis derived products, it’s important to know what means what.
The CBD Spectrum
Given the different ways that cannabis gets broken down, there’s a spectrum to CBD. Depending on what components are taken out or left in, CBD is classified under different names.
CBD Isolate
The purest form of CBD is isolate. CBD isolate is made when hemp (a kind of cannabis plant) goes through several purifying processes that strip away flavonoids, terpenes, fatty acids, and any other cannabinoids. The process ensures you are left only with pure CBD oil.
Going back to our example of handling oranges, CBD isolate is comparable to Vitamin C, one pure element that you might not even associate with oranges as a whole.
The benefits of using isolate over other types of CBD are that it’s generally less expensive and has no THC. However, the purification process strips away benefits you’ll find in the other components of CBD. Consider how if you just take Vitamin C capsules you miss out on every other healthy component you get from eating the whole orange.
By isolating CBD and tossing the rest, you miss out on the potential entourage effect. In the world of cannabis, the entourage effect is a hot topic that highlights the benefits of using every minor cannabinoid in comparison to pure forms of CBD or THC.
Full Spectrum CBD
Full spectrum CBD products contain all the terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, and other cannabinoids that isolate doesn’t. With every component still intact, full spectrum CBD is considered to be “botanically enriched.”
For full spectrum products, the oil goes through a filtration process, however, none of the cannabinoids or other compounds are removed. This means, yes, full spectrum CBD does contain THC, but not enough to get you high.
Note: federally legal full-spectrum products will always have less than 0.3% THC (not enough to make you high). You shouldn’t experience any of THC’s psychoactive effects, unless you take a high-potency product. If you take a potent product — such as one with more than 50 milligrams (mg) of CBD per milliliter (mL) of product — you may experience a euphoric effect from the THC.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD products are the same as full-spectrum, with one key difference: they don’t include THC. If your hesitation in adding CBD products to your regimen is based on THC’s properties, feel at ease knowing that science lets us experience the two cannabinoids separately.
When To Use Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad spectrum CBD is a great choice for those who want something that encompasses all of the benefits of isolate and full spectrum products.
- Want to avoid THC altogether, even if it won’t get you high. Broad spectrum products are completely stripped of THC.
- Want to take large doses of CBD and its benefits. Broad spectrum lets you consume more without risk of THC potent products.
- Have to undergo drug testing. All types of CBD have a slight chance of showing up on a drug test, but after isolate, broad-spectrum is the best option.
- Want to receive the benefits of the entourage effect, without the high.
- Want a slightly more botanically enriched product. Broad spectrum CBD is more refined than full-spectrum, but less refined than isolate.
Not all canna-based products have the same effects on your brain and body. With a full understanding of the spectrum of CBD you can select a product most fitting to your needs.
Science lets us manipulate the cannabis plant and extract the components that benefit us while leaving behind those that don’t.
DOTE Distinction
All DOTE products contain broad-spectrum CBD to support your body with
Our CBD is sourced from USDA Organic family-owned hemp farms in California and Colorado because their growing and harvesting processes live up to our standards. Our pure potent oils make DOTE Wellness products truly effective in creating whole body support.
At DOTE, we use CBD in our products to uphold our promises. When our wellness products live up to your expectations, you can live up to yours.