CBD isolate is just one of many CBD products surging in popularity on the market, with many cannabis users revelling in its wonders specifically for providing medicinal benefits without any psychoactive side effects.
Unlike broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD products that contain trace amounts of THC, CBD isolate consists of upwards of 99% pure CBD, making it perfect for users who want to indulge in its soothing effects without getting high.
However, with an increasing number of cannabis concentrates and CBD products to choose from, including live resin, terp sauce, shatter, full-spectrum products and more, it can be difficult to tell them all apart.
This article seeks to eliminate any confusion surrounding CBD isolate by outlining what it is, its benefits, how it’s made, and how to use it.
What is CBD Isolate?
The definition of CBD isolate is in the name. It is a pure form of CBD extracted from a CBD-dominant cannabis plant and further processed into a concentrate.
The most popular consistency it is found in is a CBD isolate powder. However, it can also be found in a crystalline solid form, as well.
What makes CBD isolate unique is that, during the extraction process, the concentrate is stripped of all other phytocannabinoids, including THC, and any excess plant matter, resulting in CBD in its purest form.
Thus, it is almost entirely THC-free, containing less than 0.3% THC.
The difference in consistency is dependent on the specific extraction method used. However, regardless of form, the final product will have relatively little to no taste or flavour.
This lack of taste shouldn’t be counted as a negative. Instead, it adds to the versatility and diverse application of CBD isolate.
Also, producers will often reintegrate terpenes back into the CBD isolate to boost the taste and provide more flavour.
In this way, consumers can use CBD isolate in multiple ways, depending on their particular individual needs and abilities.
What are the Benefits?
As previously mentioned, one of the most extensive appeals for CBD isolate is that it contains less than 0.3% THC, making it ideal for consumers looking to experience the various medicinal benefits of CBD, including pain-relief, appetite stimulation, and anti-inflammation, without experiencing the psychoactive elements of THC.
Thus, it is well-suited for almost all occasions, whether you are alone or in a group, as it does not elicit a ‘high’ or diminish cognitive ability. Research indicates that CBD may also help ease symptoms of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, thereby improving overall cognitive function.
The little to no trace of THC in CBD isolate also makes it much easier to dose because consumers do not have to consider other ingredients that may be present like they would with other CBD products, such as broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD products.
In these instances, users must account for the various other cannabinoids present in their CBD product and the potential for experiencing the entourage effect, a phenomenon brought on by the synergistic combination of these different chemical compounds.
The presence of these cannabinoids makes it challenging to know exactly how much CBD you are consuming. With CBD isolate, this is not a problem. You will know exactly how much you are taking.
Another significant perk of CBD isolate concerns the versatility surrounding consumption methods. Whether it’s mixing it in with food or drink or taking it directly sublingually, there are multiple avenues to use CBD isolate.
How is CBD Isolate Made?
The process of creating CBD isolate does not require a lot of complicated steps. However, the complexity comes from the scientific work necessary to ensure the creation of a pure product.
Two of the most common methods for creating CBD isolate are either CO2 and ethanol-based extraction.
CO2 Extraction
CO2 extraction is one of the most efficient yet expensive methods for creating CBD isolate.
CO2 extraction involves using carbon dioxide kept at significantly high pressures and incredibly low temperatures in a specially-created chamber to strip the hemp or cannabis plant of all its cannabinoids, terpenes, fats, lipids and other plant material.
When performed correctly and successfully, the CO2 extraction method is one of the cleanest and safest procedures to ensure that all plant matter has been eliminated, creating an incredibly pure final product.
However, streamlined efficiency comes at a higher cost, and this method requires specialized equipment that is typically very expensive and requires in-depth training to operate.
Ethanol Extraction
While it may not be as advanced as CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction is a simplified but still safe and effective alternative for creating CBD isolate.
To extract CBD from the rest of the cannabis flower/plant, producers place the weed in high-grade grain alcohol (ethanol), which works as a solvent to release CBD, THC and other cannabinoids from the rest of the plant material.
Once the compounds have separated, the ethanol is then boiled, causing it to evaporate. Another process known as winterization is then conducted to separate the pure CBD isolate.
Winterization
Winterization is a process that serves to purify the CBD isolate even further.
This procedure works to separate and remove the lipids, wax, chlorophyll and remaining plant matter by again soaking the CBD plant in alcohol and freezing it. These features lower the purity of the CBD isolate and can diminish its value.
Once completely frozen, the mixture is put through another filtration process where the CBD remains suspended in the alcohol solution while the frozen plant matter is caught and removed. Once the alcohol is removed, the final result is tiny powder-like diamonds.
How to Use CBD Isolate
The beauty of this CBD concentrate lies in its versatility, which is why many consumers gravitate towards this cannabis concentrate.
No matter how you choose to consume it, CBD products like CBD isolate present a healthier alternative to smoking that recreational and medicinal cannabis users can enjoy.
Below are three of the most common ways to use CBD isolate:
In Food & Drink
Since it has little to no taste or odour, integrating CBD isolate into food is a simple yet effective way to reap its benefits and experience its soothing, healing effects.
Whether you want to blend it up in a smoothie or add it to salad dressing, the possibilities are nearly endless. However, one crucial factor to note if you would like to increase the bioavailability of CBD isolate is to mix it with a carrier oil, such as MCT or coconut oil, to increase the likelihood of it reaching the bloodstream effectively.
CBD isolate is also an effective ingredient in creating higher potency CBD edibles, such as high-potency brownies.
Topically
Similar to using a carrier oil to increase bioavailability, using MCT or olive oil and mixing it with your CBD isolate is an excellent and effective method in creating an at-home CBD topical.
This method allows for more localized treatment if the user is experiencing pain or discomfort in a particular area.
Simply rub the isolate/skin oil mixture onto the skin and allow the CBD to enter your body.
Sublingually
For fast-acting results, users can apply CBD isolate directly under their tongue and hold it for about 60 seconds to allow the mucous membranes in the mouth to deliver the CBD into the bloodstream directly.
Ingesting isolate in this way bypasses the digestive system and liver entirely, allowing users to experience nearly instantaneous relief.
While it may not be a method that consists of the most flavour or savoury experience, it is undoubtedly one of the most efficient and effective.
CBD Isolate – An Efficient and Effective Way to Medicate
With its versatile consumption methods and health-friendly benefits, isolate is a perfect product for recreational and medicinal marijuana users.
Of course, it is essential to consult a physician should you wish to give CBD isolate a try. It is also crucial to note that CBD is not meant to be a diagnostic tool or to treat, cure or prevent health conditions entirely.
CBD is ideal for individuals looking for a cannabis experience free of any psychoactive elements and entirely THC-free.
Additionally, using this CBD extract relieves any concerns surrounding experiencing the entourage effect or concerning oneself with the other cannabinoids or potential effects of trace amounts of THC found in other CBD products such as broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD.
CBD isolate also possesses all of the healing and beneficial properties of other CBD products, such as relieving anxiety symptoms and providing pain relief. Its purity alone makes isolate one of the most increasingly desirable and in-demand forms of CBD on the market. However, it is critical to ensure that the products you are purchasing come from a reputable, licensed dispensary to ensure quality and safety.
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