If you're looking for a holistic, plant-based solution to alleviating stress or getting a better night's sleep, the right product for that may be CBD. You've probably heard of CBD, but what about CBD isolate?
CBD isolate is a form of CBD, or cannabidiol, a chemical compound present in the cannabis plant. Unlike full-spectrum CBD products, CBD isolate products does not contain any THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — the psychoactive component of cannabis.
CBD isolate is a good option for those who would like to try CBD but cannot or do not want to ingest any THC. Most other CBD products contain at least a small percentage of THC.
Please keep reading to learn more about CBD isolate, including its potential health benefits and possible side effects.
What is CBD Isolate?
CBD isolate is a compound that comes from the plant Cannabis sativa; it is a crystalline powder that contains 99% pure CBD. A traditional extraction process removes all the active compounds from the cannabis plant, followed by a refinement process that strips away all other phytocannabinoids, including THC, and any plant matter, leaving behind nothing but the CBD chemical compound in its purest form.
CBD Isolate does not have a particular smell or taste and can come in different forms, including CBD isolate crystal, CBD isolate powder, and CBD isolate oil. The CBD Isolate powder form is the easiest to ingest and can be mixed into CBD edibles like CBD gummies or liquids like tea and juice. CBD isolate can also be combined with carrier oils to make CBD oil.
How is CBD Isolate made?
The first step is to extract CBD from a cannabis plant, which could be either marijuana or hemp (but usually hemp, due to its lower THC level).
When hemp oil is first extracted from the cannabis plant, it contains various cannabinoids, terpenes, and other botanical compounds. This hemp oil can be put through further chemical processes to refine it, separate all those "extra" ingredients, and yield something that's pure CBD, resulting in CBD isolate. In conclusion, CBD isolate is formulated with at least 95% CBD, although most isolate products like Legalizing CBD products have closer to 99% CBD content.
Various processes are used to produce CBD isolate from industrial hemp extracts, such as supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) or ethanol-based extractions. Legalizing CBD uses CO2 extracted method, the safest—and most expensive—way to extract CBD and other substances from plant material. This method doesn't leave toxic residues behind and is a high-tech method requiring expensive equipment and considerable scientific expertise.
The waxy gold oil harvested by this method—or any other extraction approach—must undergo additional refinement in order to produce CBD isolate. The extract may be filtered and then "winterized"—soaked in alcohol and frozen—to remove remaining unwanted material.
How CBD works?
CBD works by acting on the cannabinoid receptors in the human body. These receptors exist because the human body produces its own cannabinoids, which may influence several bodily functions, including:
appetite
memory
mood
pain perception
inflammation levels
Researchers believe that CBD does not attach directly to these receptors but influences them somehow. As a result of this receptor activation, CBD exerts its effects on the human body.
Potential effects of CBD include:
boosting the immune system (immune-modulating)
counteracting the formation of tumors (anti-tumorigenic)
fighting inflammation (anti-inflammatory)
preventing vomiting (antiemetic)
recovery or regeneration of the nervous system (neuroprotective)
reducing or preventing anxiety (anti-anxiety)
reducing or preventing seizures (anticonvulsant)
relieving pain (analgesic)
Studies indicate that CBD can also influence non-cannabinoid receptors, such as the 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) serotonin receptor. Serotonin is a chemical that affects levels of depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness, among others. This may help explain why CBD eases anxiety and pain in some people.
One study in mice suggests that while CBD isolate does offer certain health benefits. However, some of these may have less effect than those gained from using a full-spectrum CBD product.
The study indicates that CBD isolate is only effective against pain and swelling at a specific dose. Meanwhile, full-spectrum CBD products will continue to provide increasing effects as the dosage increases.
That said, CBD isolate is still a valuable option for people who must refrain from having any THC in their system or those who do not need a full-spectrum CBD product.
It is important to note that products labeled THC-free may still contain enough THC that a person could fail a urine toxicity test. Always check the labels and packaging carefully.
Benefits of using a CBD isolate product
CBD isolate may help treat the following conditions:
CBD Isolate for Anxiety,
Several studies indicate that CBD has anti-anxiety effects. It likely works by changing the way the brain responds to the chemical serotonin.
A 2019 study explored whether CBD improves sleep or anxiety, or both. The researchers reviewed the charts of 72 adults who had anxiety or sleeping problems at a psychiatric clinic.
The researchers found that after CBD treatment, 79% of the participants reported decreased anxiety. Almost 67% of people saw improved sleep scores within the first month, but these fluctuated over time.
The researchers conclude that CBD may benefit those with anxiety disorders and that most people tolerate it well.
Another 2019 study suggests that CBD significantly decreased anxiety in teenagers with social anxiety.
CBD Isolate for Pain and inflammation relief,
People often use CBD to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions and types of pain, including:
arthritis pain
cancer pain
chronic back pain
fibromyalgia
neuropathic pain
While CBD isolate may provide pain relief, research indicates that a full-spectrum CBD product may be even more effective because cannabidiol acts synergistically with THC to boost its analgesic effects.
CBD Isolate for Epilepsy,
CBD demonstrates antiseizure effects, which means it has the potential to treat epilepsy. According to the American Epilepsy Society, CBD research offers hope for those with the condition.
A 2017 study cites strong evidence to indicate that CBD improves seizure control in those with specific epilepsy syndromes.
However, research is still in its early stages, and much more exploration is necessary before people with epilepsy can take CBD as a reliable source of symptom management.
Those who have epilepsy should discuss their treatment options with a doctor or healthcare provider.
CBD Isolate for Cancer and the effects of cancer treatment,
Research into the effects of CBD on cancer growth is also in the early stages. However, some animal studies do indicate that it might prevent the growth of cancer cells.
The National Cancer Institute indicates that CBD may alleviate some cancer symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment (including nausea and vomiting).
However, the Institute does not endorse any form of cannabis as a treatment due to insufficient research.
Pros of CBD isolate over other forms of CBD.
Zero THC
CBD isolates consist of nothing but pure CBD, so there's no need to worry about THC possibly entering your system and showing up on a potential drug test. Although it's highly unlikely, trace amounts of THC found in hemp-derived CBD oil can cause a positive drug screening result.
Easy to consume
CBD Isolate can be consumed in many ways. Whether it's administered sublingually in a CBD Oil tincture or mixed with food and drinks, this crystalline powdered CBD works well in various consumption methods like powders, capsules, and chews—which can be consumed anywhere and are low-hassle for on-the-go use. All Legalizing CBD gummies are CBD Isolate.
Easier to Dose
It's also incredibly easy to measure CBD isolate dosages, as there's nothing else to account for aside from the pure CBD crystals. With other CBD-based products, such as broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD oil, the cannabinoid is mixed with other ingredients, making it more difficult to quantify the exact amount of CBD consumed. To learn more, go to our CBD Dosage Guide.
Is there a downside to CBD Isolate?
If you're looking for convenience or passing a drug test, CBD isolate may be an obvious answer. However, while CBD Isolate might sound like the best approach to CBD for you, keep in mind that there is also a pivotal disadvantage to isolating CBD from other cannabis compounds. Research has shown that the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes generates an entourage effect. This synergistic interaction boosts the individual effects of each compound involved, and you can only achieve it via a full-spectrum CBD.
How to shop CBD isolate
Since not all CBD products are held to the same standards, you'll want to take extra care when purchasing CBD products in a store or online by seeking out well-reviewed options with solid reputations. It's also a good idea to buy from trusted CBD brands that are transparent about independent lab results from third-party testing.
Look out for the following when shopping for CBD Isolate products:
Test results
Look for products that include a third-party lab.
You can check Legalizing CBD Reports here.
Ingredients
Be sure the product you're buying actually contains CBD. If the ingredients list only says hempseed oil or Cannabis sativa oil, it doesn't contain CBD.
CBD source
Opt for products made from organic, U.S.-grown hemp. U.S.-grown hemp is subject to regulation, so it can't contain more than 0.3 percent THC by law. Click here to see Legalizing CBD's process.
CBD type
It's up to you which kind of CBD you choose, but choose a CBD Isolate product if you prefer to avoid THC. If you'd like to have other cannabis compounds, choose a full-spectrum CBD product.
CBD Product type
There are all sorts of CBD products out there, from CBD topicals to CBD gummies.
Topical CBD products help target specific pain areas. CBD Oils and CBD gummies are more useful for whole-body relief.
Safety and side effects
The World Health Organization notes that CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, in some people, it may cause adverse reactions that include:
changes in appetite and weight
diarrhea
fatigue
irritability
It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before trying CBD. That's especially important if you're taking any medication since CBD can interact with certain medications, including those that carry a grapefruit warning.
Studies also show that ingesting CBD products with high-fat meals can dramatically increase CBD concentration in your blood. This may increase your risk of experiencing side effects.
Summary
CBD isolate offers an alternative to full-spectrum CBD products. It may be beneficial for those who would like to try CBD without ingesting any THC psychoactive compound.
CBD isolate demonstrates several benefits, including relief from pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
Research indicates that some of these benefits may be more pronounced when taking a full-spectrum CBD product, however.
When choosing a CBD isolate, always buy from a reputable company and read the label carefully to ensure it is free from THC, other chemicals, and impurities.
Is CBD Legal? Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level, but are still illegal under some state laws. Marijuana-derived CBD products are illegal on the federal level but are legal under some state laws. Check your state's laws and those of anywhere you travel. Keep in mind that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA-approved, and may be inaccurately labeled. Learn more.
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Always remember: Having the right attitude and mindset can literally change your life.
You should still consult an attorney for the best legal advice regarding CBD oil in your state, as the material shared here is for informational purposes only.
Disclaimer: The Legalizing CBD page contains general information about health, diet, lifestyle, and nutrition. Any information provided should not be considered or treated as medical advice, and always consult a medical professional before making any lifestyle changes. Products and information mentioned on the Legalizing CBD blog are not intended to be used as a substitute for medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Any links to third-party websites are provided conveniently, and Legalizing CBD is not responsible for their content.
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