There are many CBD products on the market and one of the most common questions is ‘What is a CBD isolate?’ Here we discuss exactly what CBD isolate is, what the benefits are, how it is made and why you might choose it over a full or broad spectrum CBD product.
Much can be said about the benefits of CBD and with so many products to choose from to suit a range of different preferences, how do you know what type of CBD to use? If you are considering CBD isolate, this guide will help you decide.
Now that we have looked at the benefits of CBD isolate, here are a few stand out products, and there are DIY kits available with all of the equipment you might need.
March 2021 - the future of CBD isolate
Please note, our GMP Certified isolate products are FSA NOVEL FOOD approved. This means we’re ready for when the law change comes into effect in March 2021. Our isolate will be one of very few certified for food, and in turn many manufacturers will have to change suppliers if they do not have this approval. Any questions, get in touch with our team on [email protected]. For more information, visit the FSA website resources.What is cannabidoil or CBD?
Cannabidiol or CBD is one of 113 currently identified cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. CBD is widely used to help with many illnesses, ailments and diseases and has grown in popularity in recent years with more media coverage and individuals looking for natural alternatives. A natural, non psychoactive cannabinoid, CBD, by itself, does not cause a high or altered state of consciousness, in fact it is even shown to reduce some unwanted side effects of its psychoactive relative THC. CBD is reported to help individuals with many symptoms of diseases and illnesses like (but not limited to):- PTSD
- Anxiety and stress
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Insomnia
What is CBD isolate?
CBD isolate is a form of cannabidiol where it has been extracted to a pure state, containing no other cannabinoids from the hemp plant. Perhaps the main characteristic is that CBD isolate is a crystalline solid or powder, which consists of pure CBD. Often these are blended with a carrier oil like castor or coconut and can also be blended into cosmetics, vape/e-liquids and edible products. CBD isolate differs from a full or broad spectrum CBD because it does not contain any other terpenes or cannabinoids. People tend to choose isolate CBD so that they do not have to consume any other cannabinoids, particularly the psychoactive compound THC, the cannabinoid responsible for causing a high. As a result, Isolate gives peace of mind that you’re not consuming THC.Crystal vs powder
You may wonder which is the superior product and the simple answer is neither. Isolate crystal and isolate powder both have the same absorption rate and effect. The reason that we would pick one over the other is because of how we plan to use it:- Isolate powder can be used to make homemade products like edibles, can be ingested as it is and can also be absorbed under our tongue
- Crystal isolate CBD, also known as slab or shatter, can be used for dabbing and also making homemade products like food and cosmetics
How is an isolate of CBD made?
Creating isolate CBD is a long and complicated process that requires specialist equipment and knowledge. There are many processes to go through before cannabis plants can be transformed into the pure state crystal CBD isolate. Let us explore these processes here, and for further information please read our ‘How It’s Made’ guide which looks at equipment used to extract CBD.How do we go from plant matter to crystal?
Step 1: Extraction Firstly we need to extract oil from hemp plants. This can be done in a couple of ways. One of which is alcohol extraction during which the plant matter (hemp flowers and biomass) are soaked in alcohol for a period of time and the cannabinoids and beneficial plant compounds are separated from the plant matter. Alternatively we can use CO2 extraction. This extraction process, although less risky than highly flammable alcohol extraction, requires specialist and expensive equipment. The benefits of CO2 extraction is that no solvents get left behind in the product and by being cold extracted it preserves more flavour. This method is considered a ‘cleaner’ method of extraction. A specialist system is used for this method which connects to a holding tank of CO2. Step 2:Winterisation Winterisation is then performed on the extracted oil to remove waxes, lipids and fats. To winterise oil it is mixed with alcohol and placed in a deep freeze overnight. Once the oil and alcohol mix has turned cloudy it is filtered. Next the mixture is heated to remove the alcohol, once this is done, a clean winterised oil remains. Step 3: Distillation This is similar to the way the second half of the winterisation process works. Again the oil is heated , known as short path distillation. Each individual compound of the oil has its individual boiling point which makes it possible to extract CBD to its pure form. Step 4: Crystallisation Although CBD oils with a high purity will naturally crystallise there are many ways in which to turn the oil into crystalline form. The most efficient (and probably most expensive) is by using a condensing unit, filtration system and some strong crystallisation solvents. It is recommended to buy lab tested CBD products where the conditions under which it has been made are controlled and the level of purity can be measured. Step 5: Once we have our crystalised CBD it can be consumed sub lingually, used to make oils and tinctures, made into edible CBD products and even put into cosmetics.The benefits of using CBD isolate
The benefits of using a CBD isolate product are many and it can be adapted to exactly how you need it. Here are some reasons why people tend to choose an isolate CBD oil over a broad or full spectrum oil:- Guarantee of purity
- To comply with drug testing rules for eg. in sports
- To ensure a quality lab tested product
- No psychoactive effects
- Tasteless and odourless
Is CBD isolate good for anxiety?
CBD has been reported to reduce symptoms of anxiety as well as stress and other stress related illnesses like:- SAD
- PTSD
- Panic disorder
- OCD
- Generalised anxiety disorder
How to use CBD isolate
CBD crystalline isolate and powder isolate can be taken sublingually; it can be mixed into your favourite foods, juices or water and can even be used to create your own CBD oils by using a carrier oil like coconut or castor. With the range of isolates on the market always increasing, there is something for everything. When you first take CBD isolate, make sure to discuss it with your GP and start with a small amount to judge the effects, even keeping a journal to note down what happens. Just like CBD oil, it can be taken as needed but you should never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended dosage or maximum dosage. With this in mind, make sure you read the small print and notes from the manufacturer, along with lab reports, if you require an isolate when browsing our online shop.CBD isolate vs. full spectrum CBD
As we have looked at, there are many reasons why we might choose an isolated CBD over a full or broad spectrum product. The main reason is that people tend to choose an isolate for its purity, peace of mind and having a quality lab tested CBD product. Others may choose full spectrum products because they are more organically complete. The terpenes and other cannabinoids left in full or broad spectrum oil, distillates and other products help create ‘the entourage effect’. This means that all of the compounds work together synergistically, helping bring homeostasis or balance to the body. CBD by itself (as an isolate) is reported to help treat many conditions and in some instances, you don't necessarily need the extra cannabinoids and terpenes that can be found in full or broad spectrum products. It is legal in the UK and will not cause any high or altered state of consciousness.Recommended CBD isolate products
Now that we have looked at the benefits of CBD isolate, here are a few stand out products, and there are DIY kits available with all of the equipment you might need.
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