Cannabinoids, chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant, have become a popular natural remedy used for relief, by sufferers from common ailments. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of the main cannabinoids found in the plant. THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for producing a feeling of being “high”, while CBD has no psychoactive qualities. The main difference between whole plant CBD vs isolate CBD can be found in their names. Whole plant CBD makes use of the compounds found throughout the entire plant, while CBD isolate makes use of an isolated compound that has been extracted. Most scientific debate has revolved around the medicinal potential of the one versus the other.
Whole Plant CBD
Whole plant CBD describes a product that uses the whole hemp plant. In the extraction method, the plant is processed with the purpose of preserving all its components, including vitamins and minerals from the plant.
Using the whole plant takes advantage of the working together of cannabinoids found in the leaves, stems and flowers of the cannabis plant.
Benefits Of Whole plant CBD
The entourage effect is one of the main advantages of whole plant CBD. It is the interaction of different chemicals from the plant with the human body, producing a better result than if any of the compounds were used alone. CBD and THC interact with over 400 compounds found in the plant, maximizing the medicinal potential of some of the compounds, or subduing some of the negative effects.
- It is known as a multi-purpose medicine- it can affect multiple targets within the body, making several symptoms of a condition manageable.
- It can improve the ability to absorb active ingredients – certain people struggle to absorb compounds when taken alone, which is made easier with the entourage effect.
- Studies have shown that whole plant CBD can be effective in treating drug resistant bacteria, overcoming bacteria defense mechanisms.
- Unwanted side effects, for example anxiety or paranoia, are minimized. CBD helps to alleviate the side effects caused by THC, the psychoactive compound.
CBD Isolate
The two most common forms of isolates are CBD and THC. CBD isolate is the purest and most natural form of cannabidiol which does not contain any other components of the plant. This is attributed to the production process, where the chance of trace amounts of THC and other contaminants are eliminated. The plant extract is winterized, until crystals are formed and later turned into a powder.
Benefits Of CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is a great option for medicinal users who want to incorporate cannabidiol in their daily intake, as a dietary supplement for specific health conditions. Although the entourage effect is not present, CBD isolate has many benefits, without the unwanted side-effects from whole plant CBD.
- Users feel relaxed and calm, without the chance of being high.
- It provides relief from ailments such as inflammation, chronic pain and anxiety, among many others.
- It allows for accurate dosing- CBD isolate contains the actual amount of CBD in the product. For example, 10mg of isolate is the same as 10mg of CBD.
- It is legal and safe to use, as it does not contain any psychoactive properties.
The debate of whether whole plant or CBD isolate is better, comes down to your specific needs and health condition. Whole plant CBD is a more potent medicine with long-lasting effects, but CBD in its isolated form carries with it just as many benefits. To reap the maximum benefits all at once from whole plant or to deliver the maximum amount of CBD into your system at once, is the choice that needs to be made. When it comes to high quality CBD oil there is no one size fits all, experimenting is the only way to find one that works best for you.
