Difference Between Full Spectrum Gummies & Isolate Gummies

July 22, 2021

At first glance, you might think that CBD is CBD — universally helpful and good. But the truth is that not all CBD products are created equal. Seriously — sometimes it’s the little details of a CBD product that matter most. The results you get from CBD gummies depend largely on the form your gummies’ CBD comes in.

The different types of CBD gummies

CBD gummies come in three primary forms:

Full spectrum gummies
Broad spectrum gummies
CBD isolate gummies

This blog will take a close look at types 1 and 3, full spectrum gummies and CBD isolate gummies.

What does full spectrum mean?

A CBD or hemp product that’s full spectrum contains a full range of hemp’s most important natural ingredients. The hemp plant itself is full spectrum, too. Full spectrum products check all the boxes: they contain CBD, THC, other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more. [1] Modern science has recently confirmed what our ancestors knew for eons — hemp does best when all its components are taken together. That’s because cannabinoids and terpenes actually work together to synergize each other's effects. Scientists call it the entourage effect. [2] All in all, hemp contains hundreds of active ingredients. The select few cannabinoids and terpenes that get most of our attention are really just the start! It’s only fitting that the godfather of cannabis research, Raphael Mechoulam, would call cannabis a “pharmacological treasure trove.” [3]

What is in full spectrum gummies?

As you might expect, full spectrum CBD gummies contain all the good stuff we’ve mentioned above. Here are the highlights:

Cannabinoids
Terpenes
Flavonoids
Chalcones

Cannabinoids

CBD is the best-known cannabinoid, but it’s only one of the dozens of similar compounds found in hemp. Full spectrum hemp gummies also contain small amounts of THC, CBG, CBN, CBC, and more. This type of hemp/CBD gummy may even contain ‘acid’ cannabinoids like THCa and CBDa. These other cannabinoids may be present in only trace amounts...but don’t discount them. Research shows that they can make CBD stronger by opening up your body’s endocannabinoid receptors. [4]

Terpenes

The terpenes in full spectrum gummies can be thought of as hemp’s scent molecules. Hemp’s top terps include pinene, guaiol, limonene, myrcene, and b-caryophyllene. (Different strains of hemp contain different terpene blends.) And terpenes do more than just smell nice. Scientists have found that terpenes like beta-caryophyllene activate your endocannabinoid system just as strongly as CBD does. [5]

Flavones

Flavones are a special type of antioxidant found throughout the natural kingdom. Hemp contains a special class of flavones, the cannflavins, that aren’t found in any other plant! The cannflavins in hemp include Cannflavin A and Cannflavin B. Research has found that these compounds may reduce both oxidation and inflammation. [6]

Chalcones

Chalcones are fatty, crystalline molecules that may help shift your metabolism into a healthier state. [7] It’s unclear if the chalcones actually make it into a finalized hemp gummy, but it doesn’t hurt to try said gummies for yourself and find out! As impressive as hemp’s active ingredients are, they do even better together. When it comes to full spectrum hemp gummies...1 + 1 + 1 doesn’t equal 3. It equals more like 10! [8]

What does CBD isolate mean?

CBD isolate is simply pure, isolated CBD. It’s still CBD, but it’s been completely stripped of other cannabinoids and terpenes. CBD isolate usually takes the form of white, shiny crystals. CBD isolate is super pure. That’s because there are no terpenes present to activate the entourage effect.

What is in CBD isolate gummies?

CBD isolate is the primary active ingredient in CBD isolate gummies. Intuitive enough, right? CBD isolate gummies may actually be the perfect choice for people who undergo drug tests at work. It’s also great for those who are sensitive to THC — or still fearful of THC-related stigma. Finally, CBD isolate seems to work for those who are dealing with a lot of stress. [9] So...which type of CBD gummy should you choose? We’re happy to announce that the choice is totally up to you. When it doubt, try CBD isolate gummies first — if they’re not working, switch to the enhanced full spectrum gummies. And don’t forget to enjoy the journey!