What Is Hemp Isolate?
Hemp is short for cannabidiol, and it is a cannabinoid – a type of chemical that directly affects the endocannabinoid system of animals and humans. Hemp isolate oil, or other products, contain only Hemp and no other chemicals from the hemp plant. This type of Hemp goes through additional refining to ensure no traces of other cannabinoids are left in the finished product. Hemp isolate is considered “pure” but in the context of not being mixed with other chemicals, rather than better or more effective.
What Is Full-Spectrum Hemp?
Full-spectrum Hemp oil is extracted in such a way that the oil retains a trace of most of the phytochemicals, or plant-based chemicals, from the hemp plant. This includes a wide range of components, including:- Terpenes
- Flavonoids
- Fatty acids
- Other cannabinoids
Does Full-Spectrum Hemp Have THC?
Full-spectrum Hemp contains a little of all the hemp plant elements, so it does contain minuscule amounts of THC. Under federal law, a Hemp product can contain up to 0.3% THC, which is nowhere near the amount needed to have a psychoactive effect. Always check your state laws too.Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract vs. Hemp Isolate
Hemp isolate is ideal for anyone who has sensitivities or allergies to THC. Someone who has had poor experiences with THC and doesn’t want to ingest it could also choose a Hemp to isolate the product. Full-spectrum Hemp products give users small amounts of a range of phytochemicals, and those chemicals all provide different, potentially positive effects. When those chemicals all work together, they can create something called the entourage effect, which we’ll touch on briefly below. Some studies suggest that full-spectrum Hemp is more effective at lowering inflammation and offering other health benefits than Hemp isolate.Hemp Isolate vs. Full-Spectrum vs. Marijuana
It’s important to remember that Hemp oils of either type are not the same as marijuana or “hash.” While some people do use marijuana for health reasons, the effects are very different. Both Hemp isolate and full-spectrum Hemp products contain either zero or so little THC there can be no psychoactive effects. In other words, you cannot get high from Hemp. Marijuana is rich in THC and promotes feelings of intoxication, reduced motor skills, and a loss of focus.The Benefits of Full-Spectrum Hemp Extract
Why do many supplement users prefer Hemp full-spectrum oil? Allowing a little of all the components of the hemp plant to come together creates an oil that’s packed with potentially beneficial effects. Fatty acids are good for the skin and even brain development. Many flavonoids are excellent antioxidants. But the chemicals many users and even scientists get excited about are the terpenes found in hemp.Benefits of Terpenes
Terpenes are chemicals that give off an aroma, changing the smell and taste of organic matter. Hemp contains an astonishing number of terpenes – over 100! Terpenes do more than just smell nice, though. Many of them have documented health benefits, which users of full-spectrum Hemp products can take advantage of. Examples of terpenes in hemp include:- Limonene, a terpene associated with citrus fruit that may help elevate or manage your mood.
- Terpinolene, which is linked to reduced pain and inflammation.
- Pinene, which smells like (and is found in) pine resin, and studies suggest it may promote sleep.