At Medical Mike's, we focus on full spectrum CBD oils that feature all of the beneficial compounds of the hemp plant without leaving any behind. While there are CBD isolate products available, we believe that CBD working in conjunction with other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the hemp plant can produce a more enhanced and therapeutic effect in those who consume it. In this article, briefly observe the difference between full-spectrum crude oil and distillates.

What Are Distillate Oils?

Sometimes referred to as broad-spectrum hemp oil, distillates begin as a full-spectrum oil, but are then further refined to remove certain cannabinoids, like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). They generally contain as much as 80% CBD, with the remainder comprised of other minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant oils. Distillates can be refined even further to create CBD isolates, which are purified CBD crystals that are made up of nearly all CBD.      

There are a few different methods to extract CBD and other compounds of the hemp plant. Distillate oils are run through a more intensive and lengthy extraction process in order to break it down into broad-spectrum or CBD isolates, which essentially leaves behind a product that contains a higher CBD level. But since CBD distillates still contain other cannabinoids, they are sometimes considered full-spectrum products and can contain significant levels of other cannabinoids.

There are pros and cons of distillates, including the following:

Pros 

• More potent form of isolated CBD.
• Versatile (may be used on their own or added to edibles or topicals).

Cons

• Contain very few terpenes that work synergistically together to create the entourage effect.
• Typically contain a lower content of cannabinoids and other bioactive chemicals.

What Are Full-Spectrum Crude Oils?

Crude CBD oil is also known as full-extract or full-spectrum CBD oil and is considered true hemp oil with all its compounds.

"Full-spectrum" CBD means that all cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids— including CBD and other bioactive compounds — are extracted from the hemp plant instead of just the CBD alone. Studies suggest that when all cannabinoids are ingested together, they work in harmony to provide an even greater effect in the body. This phenomenon is what scientists refer to as the "entourage effect." 

More specifically, the entourage effect is based on the notion that each individual cannabinoid can create a more powerful effect when they work together compared to what they are able to do on their own. For this reason, many consumers may prefer consuming full-spectrum oils over isolates.

Like distillates, full-spectrum CBD oil has its perks and drawbacks, including the following.

Pros

• Offers the full benefits of all compounds in the hemp plant.
• Less processed than CBD isolates.

Cons

• May have a strong flavor.
• May contain higher levels of THC, which is less than 0.3% by law.

There are over 100 known cannabinoids, of which CBD and THC are the most abundant and well-known. But there are plenty others that are worth noting because of their potential therapeutic effects and role in the entourage effect in the body. There are also many terpenes in the hemp plant as well, which also deserve their credit for the medicinal properties they may have.

Other cannabinoids that would be present in full-spectrum CBD oils include cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC), which we will get into more detail below: 

Organic CBG oil - A cannabinoid not typically abundant in hemp and usually comprises less than 1% levels in most plants. However, when it works synergistically with other cannabinoids in full-spectrum hemp oils, it can offer a number of health benefits, including alleviating pain, inflammation, nausea, and potentially reducing eye pressure caused by glaucoma. 

CBC - Sharing the same origins as THC and CBD from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), CBC is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that may be associated with neurogenesis, alleviation of pain and inflammation, and calming of skin issues. CBC may even have antidepressant properties. 

Final Thoughts

While there’s certainly the argument that CBD isolates and distillates can be beneficial because of the high concentrations of CBD contained within them, there's also the potential for more heightened effects with full-spectrum crude CBD oils. 

By allowing all beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes to work together, the effects may be more pronounced and powerful compared to the consumption of CBD alone. We invite you to try any one of our high-quality CBD oils to experience the therapeutic potential of full spectrum extracts.