What’s the Difference: Whole-Plant Hemp vs Broad-Spectrum vs CBD Isolate? 

 

When it comes to administering CBD to your pet, the type of CBD extract matters. The most common forms used in products on the market are whole-plant hemp, broad-spectrum and CBD isolate. But how are they different and how will each one impact your pet? Let’s take a closer look so that you are better informed as to how these extracts will influence the intake of CBD.

 

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is exactly what it sounds like; an isolate containing only one cannabinoid: CBD. To obtain this extract, CBD is isolated and refined to remove any additional cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, and plant components. What remains is a fine white powder consisting of around 99% cannabidiol. Since the isolate contains only CBD, this means it is also THC-free. Therefore your pet will not have any psychoactive side effects from a product containing it. As the isolate only consists of CBD, the product will be more hit-or-miss in terms of what it can be used for. It can not be used for as wide of a beylikdüzü escort range of ailments as whole-plant hemp. This being said, it has the potential to be highly beneficial for a handful of specific conditions, such as dog seizures. 

 

Pros:

• The most concentrated form of CBD.
• No THC and therefore no psychoactive effects or issues for animals with sensitivity to THC.
• Odorless and flavorless; perfect for picky pets. 

Cons:

• Does not offer the benefits of the entourage effect.
• Does not offer additional health benefits from all of the additional cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, and other natural plant components.

 

Whole-Plant Hemp

Whole-plant hemp or full-spectrum extracts contain all of the compounds of the whole plant. As it has not been refined, all of the additional cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, and plant components remain intact. If any are altered, it is due to the extraction or processing technique. As the whole plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, the extract offers a wider range of benefits than CBD isolate. Although whole-plant hemp products can contain THC, they must contain less than, or equal to, 0.3% THC by weight to be legal. Above this percentage and the product containing it will fall into the category of marijuana. THC is important in terms of whole-plant hemp products for its synergistic properties. Also known as the “entourage effect”, this is when CBD and other natural components of hemp, like THC, have a better effect together than individually. More specifically, the entourage effect is thought to improve absorption, and therefore the benefits, of CBD. 

 

Pros:

• It is the least processed form of CBD.
• Offers benefits of the entourage effect.
• Has additional health benefits from all of the additional cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, and other natural plant components.

Cons:

• Varies by product, but if it contains THC may not be ideal for animals that are known to have adverse reactions
• Carries a natural hemp aroma and flavor; not ideal for picky pets.

 

Broad-Spectrum

Similar to whole-plant hemp, broad-spectrum CBD consists of a wide variety of compounds from the whole plant. This includes the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant components. Where it differs from whole-plant hemp is that it is typically entirely free of THC. In the instances that it does contain THC, it will never be more than the allowed 0.3%. Broad-spectrum CBD is preferable in cases in which CBD isolate is not effective and the consumer is not allowed or interested in products containing THC, like whole-plant hemp.

 

Pros:

• Typically no THC and therefore no psychoactive effects or issues for animals with sensitivity to THC.
• It is less refined than CBD isolate.
• Offers benefits of the entourage effect.

Cons:

• It is relatively new in terms of research and its use in products.
• It can be more difficult to find products which contain it.
• Carries a natural hemp aroma and flavor; not ideal for picky pets.

 

Determining the type of CBD extract that will most benefit your pet depends on their individual needs. To get started, take a look at our previous blogs for more insight on CBD use, including our very own THC-free, 100% organic, all-natural oils, and chews. Plus be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news regarding CBD products and research.