Full spectrum CBD: 5 reasons why it works better than isolate (comparison)
Full spectrum CBD has been the gold standard among cannabidiol products for years – but what distinguishes it from broad spectrum or isolate? Anyone who would like to buy the best CBD oil should understand the difference precisely. In this guide we explain why full spectrum CBD is regarded by many users as the most effective and what you should look out for.
What is full spectrum CBD?
Full spectrum CBD contains the entire natural cannabinoid profile of the hemp plant: CBD, small amounts of THC (in Switzerland under 1 %), CBG, CBC, CBN as well as terpenes and flavonoids. These substances work together synergetically in the so-called entourage effect and strengthen one another.
Full spectrum CBD vs broad spectrum vs isolate in comparison
Full spectrum CBD
Contains all the natural hemp active substances including small amounts of THC. The effect is strongest through the entourage effect. Taste: strong, earthy.
Broad spectrum CBD
Like full spectrum, but the THC has been removed. The synergy effect is partly preserved. Taste: mild to strong.
CBD isolate
Pure CBD (99,9 %), no further cannabinoids or terpenes. Neutral in taste, ideal for your own creations or for users sensitive to THC.
Why full spectrum CBD is often the best choice
A much-cited study from 2015 (Hadassah Medical School) showed that full spectrum CBD works more strongly at the same dose than pure CBD isolate. The reason: cannabinoids and terpenes strengthen one another in the entourage effect. Anyone looking for the maximum effect is mostly served best with full spectrum products.
When is broad spectrum or isolate better?
Broad spectrum or isolate are suitable if you have to be absolutely THC-free – with frequent drug tests at work or in sport, for instance. People who are very sensitive to THC also benefit from THC-free variants.
Full spectrum CBD in the HempJoy shop
Our CBD oil Swiss Extract is a classic Swiss full spectrum oil from certified organic cultivation. Have a look around our CBD Shop Switzerland too, where we offer various concentrations and spectrum variants.
How you recognise high-grade full spectrum CBD
1. Laboratory analyses: every batch should state a CoA with all the cannabinoids.
2. The extraction method: CO₂ or ethanol extraction are gentle and clean.
3. Organic cultivation: free of pesticides, ideally EU or Swiss organic certified.
4. The carrier oil: a high-grade hemp seed or MCT oil is optimal.
5. The taste: strong and earthy is normal and a sign of genuine full spectrum CBD.
FAQ on full spectrum CBD
Does full spectrum CBD make you high?
No. With legal Swiss full spectrum oils too the THC content is under 1 % – not sufficient for a psychoactive effect.
Is full spectrum CBD legal?
Yes, in Switzerland under 1 % THC. In Germany and Austria the limit lies at 0,2–0,3 %.
Does full spectrum CBD really work better?
Studies and user experiences speak for it. The entourage effect often delivers a stronger and more holistic effect than pure isolate.
The entourage effect in detail
The so-called entourage effect describes the phenomenon that the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids contained in the hemp plant work more strongly together than any single component on its own. Researchers of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem: current discussions mention that a full extract achieves a significantly greater effect than a pure isolate – with a lower use at the same time. That is one of the main reasons why full spectrum products are regarded as the gold standard.
Terpenes – the underestimated active substances
Terpenes are the aromatic substances of the hemp plant. Myrcene works in a relaxing way, limonene lifts the mood, pinene supports concentration and linalool encourages sleep. In a full extract these compounds are contained in their natural ratio – in an isolate they are missing completely. When buying a high-grade full extract you recognise the terpene profile in the laboratory certificate.
When an isolate nevertheless makes sense
There are situations in which an isolate represents the better choice: with very sensitive people, with strict drug tests at the workplace or when a product that can be dosed precisely is needed for medical uses. As neither traces of THC nor other cannabinoids are contained here, the risk of a positive test is minimal.
The state of studies on the full spectrum effect
A much-cited study of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem (Gallily et al., 2015) compared purified cannabidiol with a full extract in inflammation models. The result was unambiguous: the full extract showed a clearly superior dose-effect curve, while the pure isolate followed a bell-shaped curve – that is to say, from a certain amount onwards the quality decreased again. This finding has revolutionised the understanding of plant synergy and supports the thesis that the plant as a whole is more than the sum of its parts.
Practical tips for buying a full extract
When buying a high-grade product you should look for four quality features: first, a complete cannabinoid profile with CBC, CBG, CBN and traces of further compounds; second, a detailed terpene profile in the laboratory report; third, organic hemp cultivation without pesticides; fourth, a gentle CO2 extraction or ethanol extraction without aggressive solvents. Swiss manufacturers such as Swiss Extract meet these standards and work with independent third-party laboratories such as SwissCannabinoid for their analyses.
Myths and misunderstandings
A frequent myth runs that full spectrum products work psychoactively automatically because they also contain THC. That is wrong: Swiss full extracts keep strictly to the legal limit of under one percent THC – that is not enough for a psychoactive effect, but it supports the synergy effect with other cannabinoids. A further error: that isolates are more valuable medically because they are purer. In studies the full extract performs better almost always, precisely with complex patterns of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between full spectrum and isolate?
Full spectrum contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids of the plant including traces of THC. Isolate is pure CBD without further active substances. Full spectrum uses the entourage effect.
Does full spectrum CBD work better than isolate?
Current discussions mention a clearly superior dose-effect curve with full extracts. For most uses, full spectrum is the more effective choice.
Are there disadvantages with full spectrum?
With very sensitive people or strict drug tests at the workplace an isolate can make more sense. The taste of its own is also more intense with full extracts.
Further articles on the subject of full spectrum CBD
Deepen your knowledge with these related posts from our CBD magazine:
Straight to the shop:
Further information
You will find more background information at the FOPH and on Wikipedia.
In short: full spectrum CBD as the best choice
For most users full spectrum CBD is the optimal choice: the maximum effect thanks to the entourage effect, the most natural composition and, in Switzerland under 1 % THC, absolutely legal. Anyone who has to be absolutely THC-free reaches for broad spectrum or isolate. At HempJoy you will find both worlds – always in tested Swiss quality.
Important: our product information describes the ingredients only and is not a promise of any medical benefit. CBD products are not medicines and are no substitute for medical advice. If you have health concerns, please speak to your doctor.