Cannabidiol, or CBD, has surged in popularity due to its potential health benefits without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. When adding CBD to your wellness routine, CBD isolates and distillate are two common forms that can be hard to choose from unless you understand their benefits and differences.
This guide explores the differences between CBD isolate and CBD distillate, looking at their production processes, chemical compositions, and the unique benefits each offers to help you decide which type might best suit your needs and preferences.
At The CBD Flower Shop, we offer an incredible range of premium CBD products, with many options for CBD isolate and distillate fans. Browse our online store today for competitive prices and fast delivery.
What is CBD isolate?
CBD isolate is a crystalline powder or solid form of pure CBD. It is characterised by its purity, typically containing 99% cannabidiol, which makes it one of the purest forms of CBD available. The production process of CBD isolate involves several steps, including extracting and separating CBD from other cannabinoids and plant materials in the hemp plant.
Production process:
- Extraction: CBD is extracted from the hemp plant using ethanol or carbon dioxide extraction methods, which effectively extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material.
- Winterisation: This next step involves removing fats, waxes, and other impurities to refine the CBD extract. This process ensures that only the desired cannabinoids remain in the solution.
- Decarboxylation: The extract is heated to activate the CBD, known as decarboxylation.
- Distillation: Further purification is achieved through distillation, which helps to isolate CBD from other residual compounds.
- Crystallisation: The pure CBD is finally crystallised and processed into powder form.
Characteristics of CBD isolate:
- Purity: CBD isolate is at least 99% pure CBD, meaning it does not contain significant amounts of other cannabinoids, terpenes, or plant materials.
- Taste and odour: It is odourless and tasteless, making it an adaptable option for various uses without altering flavour profiles.
- THC content: CBD isolate contains no THC, which is appealing to individuals looking to avoid any psychoactive effects.
CBD isolate is versatile and can be used in various products, including CBD oil and tinctures, edibles and capsules, topicals, and vapes. It is particularly favoured by users who are sensitive to other cannabinoids or who must adhere to strict THC restrictions due to legal reasons or personal preferences.
Take a look at CBD Brothers lavender patches, made from CBD isolate derived from hemp sativa, and their Pure Black THC free CBD oil, made from CBD isolate with terpenes.
What is CBD distillate?
CBD distillate is a highly refined cannabis extract often derived from high CBD hemp flower or high CBD hemp concentrate. It is known for its broad spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, making it one of the more versatile extracts in various CBD products.
Unlike CBD isolate, which contains only cannabidiol, CBD distillate typically includes a wider range of naturally occurring plant compounds.
Production process:
- Extraction: The initial extraction of the whole plant material, usually using CO2 or ethanol methods, pulls a wide spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals from hemp.
- Winterisation: This process involves cooling the extract to remove fats, waxes, and other impurities to ensure a purer end product.
- Decarboxylation: Before distillation, the extract is decarboxylated, which means it is heated to activate the cannabinoids, converting CBDA to CBD and THCA to THC.
- Distillation: Techniques like short-path distillation further purify CBD and other cannabinoids, enhancing potency and purity. This process also allows for separating different compounds at various boiling points.
Cannabinoid profile and the entourage effect
CBD distillate typically features a rich cannabinoid profile, including varying amounts of CBD, minor cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN, and sometimes low levels of THC (depending on the product’s compliance with local laws). This full-spectrum CBD nature is significant because of the entourage effect – a theory suggesting that cannabinoids work synergistically to enhance each other’s therapeutic effects.
Essentially, the presence of multiple cannabinoids and terpenes together increases the overall effectiveness of the distillate, offering a broader range of health benefits than isolated compounds alone. CBD distillate is commonly used in various products, including tinctures, vape cartridges, edibles, and topicals, and it is favoured for its balanced approach. Why not check out our CBD peach rings? They’re delicious and made with broad-spectrum distillate. For vapers, try our Lemon Haze CBD cartridge, which contains full-spectrum CBD distillate and natural cana terpenes.
Comparing CBD isolate and distillate
| Criteria | CBD isolate | CBD distillate |
| Potency and purity | Typically 99% pure CBD, no other cannabinoids or terpenes. | It has high potency but includes a range of cannabinoids and terpenes, slightly less pure CBD. |
| Spectrum of cannabinoids | Contains only CBD. | Usually, a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum includes CBD, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes. |
| Effects and efficacy | Provides specific effects of CBD without interference from other compounds. | Potential enhanced therapeutic effects due to the entourage effect from additional compounds. |
| UK legal considerations | No THC present; fully legal and widely available in the UK. | Legal as long as THC content is below 0.2%; needs careful compliance checks. |
| Consumer preferences | Preferred by those needing high concentrations of CBD or who must avoid THC. | Chosen by users seeking the full potential therapeutic potential of hemp with the entourage effect. |
How to choose between CBD isolate products and CBD distillates
Choosing between CBD isolates and CBD distillates hinges on individual preferences and goals, sensitivity to THC, and desired effects:
- If you require high doses of CBD without any THC due to legal concerns, drug testing, or personal sensitivity, CBD isolate is your best option – it offers purity and concentrated CBD benefits.
- If you’re looking to leverage the full therapeutic potential of the cannabis plant, including the entourage effect from additional cannabinoids and terpenes, then CBD distillate is ideal.
Ultimately, consider your objectives and any potential reactions to THC when selecting the most appropriate form of CBD for your needs. As always, purchase CBD products from a trusted source and select items with third-party lab tests and Certificates of Analysis to ensure quality and safety.
Buy high-quality CBD at The CBD Flower Shop
Buy high-quality CBD products at The CBD Flower Shop and experience the potential benefits of premium-grade items tailored to your needs. Whether new to CBD or looking to refine your current regimen, we have something to suit every preference and need, with various flavours and concentrations available.
If you need further information about any CBD product in our range, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly and professional team – we’ll be happy to help.
