Spectrum

Isolate v. Broad v. Full Spectrum

Isolate is solely CBD, no other compounds, no other components.

Broad Spectrum is CBD with other components, but excluding measurable THC.

Full Spectrum is CBD plus everything else naturally occurring in the plant including up to .3% THC.

Which one is better?

Short answer, it depends. It depends on what you are looking to accomplish with a CBD regimen. Some people cannot consume THC or prefer not to consume THC, in this case, isolate can provide some benefits of CBD although entourage benefits of CBD when injested with other components is not evident. Further, obtaining isolate requires the use of chemicals and other less than natural extraction methods, although that does not seem to impact the CBD itself other than to increase its price.

Broad spectrum provides a happy medium. With no THC, but including some or all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, people wanting a "fuller" health benefit could find a place here. Bear in mind, even though a broad spectrum CBD product claims 0% THC, be sure to read the COA to make sure that the concentration is indeed as low as is claimed. In addition, looking at the extraction process to determine additives and/or component deletions would be wise prior to purchase.  

Full spectrum includes everything, including up to .3% THC. Interestingly, this can be an important distinction. There are multiple studies in recent years that discuss the "entourage effect" of CBD and other components of the hemp plant, but most importantly, the interaction with low concentrations of THC. The general theory holds that the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids work in tandem more effectively than working alone. At vtbio, we are firm believers in the entourage effect. With several years of experience and real-world sampling among customers, friends, family and patients (our partner farmer is also a psychoanalyst), we have noted that generally, full spectrum provides the most notable impact. This is why we only manufacture and sell full spectrum CBD.   

Among the 100+ cannabinoids found in hemp, CBD and its precursor acid, CBDa are present in the highest concentrations. The other cannabinoids present have their own, and entourage effect enhanced, benefits to the human endocannabinoid system. Working together, they interact with the endocannabinoid system to maintain homeostasis, or balance. Widely studied for its benefits to inflammation reduction and neurological impacts, CBD also seems to impact sleep, digestion and potentially offers some measure of relief around anxiety. 

Whatever concentration or formulation you might choose, we recommend starting slow. Monitor how you feel. Monitor how you sleep. Of course we stand by our products, as much for CBD as for our natural methods for growing, harvesting and processing, however, we might not be for you. That is ok. Overall, we are happy that you turned to us just to learn a bit about about us and our CBD. 

Describing the impact of CBD is difficult. Most commonly, we simply say that it makes everything just a little bit better. Minor aches and pains tend to fade, sleep is deeper, waking is easier, fatigue largely becomes a non-issue.