4 MIN READ | ZOLT TEAM
CBD Isolate Guide: What It Is and How To Use It
If you’ve been looking into CBD products on the Internet, it’s likely that you’ve come across these phrases: CBD isolate and full-spectrum hemp (sometimes inaccurately described as full-spectrum CBD). So what’s the difference? These types of hemp products start with the hemp (or cannabis) plant, but are processed differently depending on product type. Before you decide on a hemp product, it’s helpful to understand what you’re actually putting into your body. For starters, hemp isolate (better known as CBD) is pure CBD with no additional compounds. This means that it contains no THC, the psychoactive property in cannabis. By contrast, full-spectrum hemp is the full monty – it has a number of other active plant compounds and cannabinoids, including CBD. In this post, we’ll explain the ins and outs of CBD isolate, so you can find out if CBD isolate is right for you.
WHAT EXACTLY IS CBD ISOLATE?
CBD isolate in its founding state is an oil and then converted to a solid by evaporation or powder by drying.
Many choose to take hemp isolate because it has no THC, while full-spectrum hemp contains .3% THC or less. Even though this is a very small amount of THC in full-spectrum hemp and it will not get you high, there is still a small possibility that it could generate a positive on a drug test. Depending on the drug test’s sensitivity and your level of full-spectrum hemp consumption, it’s possible to get a positive result for THC. If drug testing that includes marijuana is required by your employer, consider using hemp CBD isolate / hemp extract isolate products instead.
HOW IS CBD ISOLATE MADE?
To create CBD isolate, the hemp or cannabis plant is stripped down to remove active compounds besides CBD.
These active compounds include cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes in the hemp plant – one of the most well known cannabinoids is THC. After extraction, you are left with pure CBD isolate which can then be converted into a crystalline or powder form.
There are 113+ cannabinoid compounds found in hemp, two major ones are THC and CBD. Interestingly, THC is the only cannabinoid that has psychoactive effects, (none of the other cannabinoids will not get you “high”). These compounds are removed during the extraction process to create pure CBD isolate. However, with full-spectrum hemp, these cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes work together to create an entourage effect in your body, so you can fully absorb the benefits of the hemp plant.
FINDING THE RIGHT CBD ISOLATE FOR YOU
When you are considering trying CBD, there are a LOT of choices out there. Whether its full spectrum hemp or hemp CBD isolate, the product also may have different effects on your body. Before deciding on a CBD product, it’s important to consider: how you want to take it, what’s the right dosage, how it’s tested, and if this product fits into your wellness goals. There are different ways to take CBD (powders, tinctures, pills, edibles), and choosing which one to try depends on your taste preference and desired dosage. Different formats have different levels of bioavailability so doing your homework is key. Some CBD products also have added adaptogens and antioxidants that can amplify health benefits. For example, our Zolt Dreamy uses KSM-66 Ashwagandha, which can be known to reduce inflammation, boost brain function, supports muscle and joint repair, improves cognition and helps with sleep.
HOW TO USE HEMP CBD ISOLATE
Hemp CBD isolate comes in a lot of different forms. The most popular ways to take hemp isolate are through tinctures, vaping, or edibles/powders. While we are partial to Zolt Mixie sticks because of their high bioavailability, real ingredients, and great taste (need we say more?), it’s important to find a product that works for your lifestyle.
Are you a homebody, or always on the go? Well, some products travel better than others — many edibles aren’t road-tested, and tinctures have a tendency to leak. Are you active? Is hydration a priority for you? Consider a water-soluble drink mix. Is holistic wellness important, or are you focused on addressing a single aspect of your wellbeing? Depending on your wellness goals, there’s a range of formats and formulations (especially those with added antioxidants and adaptogens like those in Zolt) to suit your needs.
WHAT IS THE RIGHT DOSE OF CBD ISOLATE?
Dosing for CBD isolate is very easy to measure because this format of hemp only consists of pure CBD.
Full-spectrum hemp on the other hand, has a number of other additional compounds like flavonoids, fatty acids, and other extras, which sometimes makes it difficult to measure out the dosage. When doing your CBD research, getting up to speed on the production process of a hemp product is key so that you know how much CBD you are actually getting from a 20mg dose of CBD (this is where reading up on the bioavailability of a product comes in handy). After doing a little research, you can be more confident on how effective a CBD isolate dose is going to be.
TESTING HEMP CBD ISOLATE MATTERS!
It’s also important to check how the hemp isolate product is tested.
Since the 2018 Farm Bill established hemp as a legal crop, it has led to a boom of hemp-derived CBD products for consumers. Because this regulation is so new, some companies are trying to cut corners with sketchy labeling and testing practices. To avoid being duped, you should check if the CBD isolate product is third-party tested and has a Certificate of Analysis (CoA). When CBD is tested by third-party labs, it ensures quality and safety of the product. This means that you are getting the correct dosage of CBD and no nasty additives that you don’t want in your body. Third-party testing matters! If it’s not easy to find test results for a product, then pass on it! Zolt Mixie Sticks are tested 3x!
FINDING THE RIGHT CBD ISOLATE FOR YOU AND YOUR WELLNESS GOALS
Hemp isolate is a great option for someone who might not want THC in their system, but still wants to get the benefits of hemp CBD. Many of us have incorporated CBD into our wellness routine as an act of self-care – to help slow our bodies down and be more present. Others try CBD for pain relief and recovery after a hard workout. Whatever your wellness goals, it’s important to do your research on a product before you dive in. Read the recommended dosage, look into how the product’s tested, and think about how this CBD product can fit into your routine.
If you think Zolt is the right CBD isolate product for you, Zolt Even is a good place to start. It comes in three flavors, lime mint, unflavored or coconut, and it’s a great one to try if you are a newbie to CBD. For the more seasoned CBD user, Zolt’s Variety Pack is a great starter set to discover a range of formulations for energy, sleep, and overall balance, and includes both CBD isolate and full-spectrum hemp products.
Remember: Consistency is key, as is knowing yourself. It’s a good idea to keep a basic log of which products you use and when as well as how you’re feeling, as this is a great tool for discovering what works best for you in order to build a successful hemp regimen. For more information on that, check out Pro Tips for Building Your Hemp Regimen.
MORE FROM THE JOURNAL
