CBD isolate is widely used in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products and is increasingly finding its way into vape products, topical products, and is the prime ingredient for some animal products.
While CBD isolate is the purest type of CBD product, it isn’t always the best choice of ingredient.
CBD isolate and full spectrum products have different characteristics. There are times patients or manufacturers need or want a single compound – eg: for a clinical trial or targeted therapy and other times they want more generalized effect.
Depending on the finished product – there are many valuable therapeutic effects from the other cannabinoids, terpenes and other compounds found in hemp flower and hemp biomass.
CBD isolate shows limitations relative to “full spectrum” products in many studies.
Israeli researchers show full spectrum CBD products are more effective – than CBD isolate – and retains a dose-response relationship at higher doses.
CBD isolate tends to be less effective at comparable doses than full spectrum products, and its effects don’t increase linearly as doses increase.
Recent CBD research – Overcoming the Bell‐Shaped Dose‐Response of Cannabidiol by Using Cannabis Extract Enriched in Cannabidiol, reveals CBD isolate is less effective and has a more narrow window of effective application.
In general, isolates are not as effective as a full spectrum of nutrients. An example is the difference between single molecule of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) versus the whole plant’s full spectrum of nutrients – from an Orange.
Single molecule isolates are different and not equivalent to a full range of the dozens of potential Vitamin C variants. Taking a Vitamin C isolate tablet – typically ascorbic acid – will provide precision dosing, yet, will deprive you of the full benefit of a wide range of Vitamin C nutrients.
CBD isolate research shows the need for higher (more narrow and precise) doses, comes with more potential side effects, and has lower effectiveness over time. Lesser effective CBD isolate product outcomes are seen in the first registered CBD isolate based product – Epidiolex.