CBD isolate is a naturally occurring, organic compound derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. Thanks to the way CBD producers extract CBD from the other compounds found in the plant, CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD.
CBD isolate does not have a distinguishing test or smell. However, it is available in many forms – CBD isolate powder, CBD isolate crystal, as well as CBD isolate oil.
CBD isolate crystal is the purest form of CBD in crystalline form and is used in pipes for vaping or mixed into liquids, also for vaping. CBD isolate powder is the crystalline form of CBD isolate ground into a powder. This makes it simpler to use.
The powdered form of CBD isolate can be mixed into beverages like juices and tea. It can also be mixed into edibles such as gummies. CBD isolate can also be mixed with carrier oils like hemp oil and coconut oil to make CBD oil.
Benefits of CBD Isolate
CBD is known to help relieve symptoms related to pain, anxiety, cancer, epilepsy, and various inflammatory conditions. In 2018 Epidiolex was the first CBD-based drug to be approved by the Food & Drug Administration to treat seizures brought on by rare forms of epilepsy. That said, medical experts agree that real-life evidence of the benefits of CBD lag behind the promising indications from lab tests and studies.
CBD Isolate – The Side Effects
Compared to other cannabis-derived products that contain THC, CBD isolate has quite a lower risk profile. However, some side effects of CBD isolate do exist. According to the FDA, the side effects of CBD include insomnia, diarrhea, irritability, and fatigue.
Considering that the FDA has only approved one CBD-based product as a medical treatment, there is little information on the appropriate dosage of CBD. It is always advisable to consult a medical professional before commencing on a CBD course. This will help determine the safety of a CBD product and its right dosage. Consulting a licensed doctor is especially important for users already taking prescription or over-the-counter medication.
CBD Isolate vs. CBD Oil
CBD oil is produced by extracting cannabinoids, terpenes as well as other compounds from cannabis plants. Generally, CBD oil and similar products include all of these compounds from the cannabis plants which also mean that there is a minor measure of components such as THC. This is known as full-spectrum CBD products.
To make it legal, whole-spectrum CBD products are processed to eliminate almost all traces of THC. However, terpenes and other cannabinoids are retained in the product. An additional stage of processing further removes all other components and leaves behind only CBD isolate.
Full-Spectrum CBD vs. CBD Isolate
Full-spectrum CBD are CBD products that contain terpenes and other cannabinoids and compounds found in the cannabis plants. In case of hemp-derived full-spectrum CBD products, their THC content needs to be minimal. Per federal law in the USA, hemp based CBD products cannot contain more than 0.3% THC.
Marijuana and similar higher THC strains of cannabis plants is illegal under federal law, however, an increasing number of states are allowing the farming and production of elevated THC cannabis strains for recreational and medical use.
Full-spectrum CBD products are basically broad-spectrum products but minus the THC.
Making CBD Isolate
The first step in making CBD isolate is to extract the CBD from the cannabis plant. Both hemp or marijuana can be used for this, though hemp is generally preferred thanks to a lower level of THC. Trichomes, fine projections on the flowers, leaves, and stems of the plant have the highest concentration of CBD.
Cannabis plants contain a number of these Trichomes that produce terpenes, cannabinoids and natural pest repellents, etc.
The most expensive, but safest way to extract CBD and similar material from the plant is supercritical carbon dioxide extraction which does not leave behind any toxic residues. However, this is not something your average CBD manufacturer should try at home. The supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is a high-tech process that requires significant scientific knowledge and expensive equipment.
Disclaimer
CBD products that are derived from Hemp and contain less than the prescribed .3 percent of THC are legal per federal law. However, certain state laws may still deem it illegal.
CBD products that are derived from Marijuana are illegal per federal law but remain legal under the laws of certain states.
It is advisable to check the appropriate state laws in case of travel. It is important to note that over-the-counter CBD products are not approved by the FDA.