In our last two articles we went over Full Spectrum CBD oil as well as Broad Spectrum CBD oil. That brings us to our last topic in the series, CBD Isolate benefits and uses.
CBD Isolate Benefits And Uses
Full Spectrum CBD oil contains all of the beneficial terpenes, cannabinoids, nutrients, and flavonoids that are in the hemp plant.
The process used to obtain CBD Isolate strips all of that out, and what you're left with is a pure, crystalline powder that is just CBD, and nothing more.
There are many different reasons why one would choose to go with CBD Isolate instead of a Full Spectrum product, we'll go over some of them here.
CBD Isolate - a THC free option
Drug Testing
The number one reason why people use CBD Isolate is concerns over drug testing.
CBD oil is legal in all of the US, as long as it contains 0.3% THC or less. Unfortunately there is still a lot of stigma and confusion surrounding cannabis, and many employers still drug test for THC.
While the levels of THC in Full Spectrum CBD oil are extremely low, it can still cause a fail on a drug test. This is due to THC building up in your system over time - more specifically, in your fat cells.
CBD Isolate has been stripped of all other cannabinoids, including THC. This makes it the ideal option for anyone that is tested.
THC Sensitivity
Another reason that some choose to go with CBD Isolate is sensitivity to THC. While it isn't common, some users report side effects to even the slightest amount of THC in their system.
Certain anxiety and panic disorders can make one hyper aware of any THC in their system, and cause negative, unwanted effects such as increased anxiety or paranoia.
If you're someone already suffering from an anxiety disorder, it may be a good idea to start out with an Isolate CBD product.
Your gender plays a part
Women are more likely to experience sensitivity to THC than men are, and the reason for that is hormones.
THC has been shown to have much stronger effects due to increased estrogen levels during "that time of the month", and in general females need less of the psychoactive component of cannabis to experience effects than their male counterparts.
High stress levels = higher anxiety
The brain's "fear" center is mainly concentrated in the hippocampus and amygdala, areas that are highly sensitive to THC already.
Factors such as chronic stress or traumatic experiences may alter the way the brain reacts to THC, and in turn make one react to even small amounts.
If you find that Full Spectrum CBD oil is having a negative effect on you, or you experience any unwanted side effects such as increased anxiety or mood swings, try switching to a Broad Spectrum or Isolate oil.
Cannabis Allergy
Yes, it's a thing.
While a cannabis allergy is uncommon, it's not unheard of. People can be allergic to all of the plant, or just certain parts of it.
Cannabis produces pollen, a major cause of normal allergies to plants. People who are already allergic to pollen, animal dander, or mold have a higher chance of reacting to cannabis.
CBD Isolate eliminates all of the other components that may cause a reaction. If you've taken Full or Broad Spectrum CBD oil in the past and experienced an allergic reaction from it, it may be worth trying out an Isolate product.
How is CBD Isolate made?
CBD Isolate starts out as a Full Spectrum extract. Using a process called winterization, this removes the lipids and plant waxes.
The winterized oil then undergoes another distillation process to remove the terpenes, chlorophyll, minor cannabinoids, and any other contaminants.
The extract is then mixed with a non-polar solvent and heated and cooled in order to draw out the CBD, which is now in crystal form.
Once they have the crystallized CBD, it goes into a vacuum oven for approximately 48 hours to burn off the solvent and rid the Isolate of any possible contaminants that may remain.
CBD Isolate Uses & Versatility
The CBD market has grown incredibly over the last two years. The amount of different CBD products out there now is nothing short of amazing. If you can think of it, chances are you can incorporate CBD into it.
This is especially true of CBD Isolate. Because it is a powder, and virtually tasteless and odorless, done correctly you can mix it into almost any medium.
You can add it to any carrier oil, incorporate it into foods and beverages, add it to lotions or vape juices, even use it directly under your tongue. The possibilities are endless.
Here are 3 different ways you can use CBD Isolate at home to make your own CBD products.
Making CBD Oils and Tinctures With CBD Isolate
By far the most popular way to ingest CBD, oils and tinctures can be modified to include a lot of different elements.
CBD Isolate tinctures are made by dissolving Isolate into a carrier oil. Companies also may choose to add different terpenes or other cannabinoids, depending on the end result they're after.
You can make your own CBD tinctures at home this way, and save a lot of money by doing so. CBD Isolate is generally a lot cheaper than oils or tinctures that come ready to use, and you can use any carrier oil that you like.
Keep in mind that they all have different advantages to them, you can read more about carrier oils here.
Using a double boiler, heat your carrier oil(be careful not to overheat), and add in your CBD Isolate until fully dissolved and combined.
Using a funnel, pour your tincture into a dark, glass bottle that has a dropper lid. Let cool slightly, and add any flavoring you choose. You can also add terpenes in, just do your research on how to do so safely.
Oils like peppermint can be very strong even in small quantities. Go easy when adding flavoring, and taste often while adding until you get the desired flavor.
Store away from sunlight and excess heat.
CBD Topicals
You can make your own CBD creams, lotions, and salves at home as well. It only takes a few ingredients and a little bit of heat.
Salves are made by combining an oil(what you choose for this will vary - olive, coconut, jojoba, shea, almond, etc), beeswax, and CBD Isolate.
Lotions and creams are created by adding water into the ingredients above, with different water to oil ratios.
Many people also include different essential oils depending on the scent profile they like.
You'll need your ingredients and a double boiler in order to make your topical.
Start by heating your oil and beeswax until the wax melts. Then add your CBD Isolate and continue heating and stirring occasionally until it is fully dissolved and combined.
You can then remove from heat and allow it to cool. If you're planning on adding any scent/essential oils, let it cool but not completely solidify, and add it then. Always make sure to fully incorporate all of your ingredients.
Store your CBD topicals in glass jars with tight fitting lids.
CBD Gummies
Making your own CBD gummies at home is easy and economical.
You'll need gelatin, CBD Isolate, sugar or sugar substitute, some form of juice or liquid, food dye, and a gummy mold.
Mix the Isolate, gelatin, and sugar together, then add the other ingredients. Heating them up slightly will help both the gelatin and the Isolate to fully dissolve.
Pour the mixture into gummy molds, and refrigerate until firmly set. Store your gummies in airtight containers or bags.
CBD Isolate Benefits
CBD in general has a ton of different benefits, whether you're using Full Spectrum or CBD Isolate. Some of these include:
- Decreased seizure activity
- Nausea relief
- Reduced inflammation and pain
- Helps to relieve anxiety and depression
- Improves certain skin disorders(acne, eczema, psoriasis)
- Migraine relief
- Promotes good bone health
- Neuroprotective properties
- Boosts immune system
- Insomnia relief
As more research is done on CBD, and cannabinoids in general, the list is growing. We are starting to see CBD and marijuana become more normalized as an effective health supplement and treatment for a wide variety of disorders.
Are there any side effects from using CBD Isolate?
Regardless of some that claim there are no side effects, there are in fact some to watch out for.
Headache, nausea, upset stomach or indigestion issues, and dry mouth are some that are fairly common, though the majority of people who take CBD don't experience any negative side effects from it.
CBD can also interact with some medications. You can go to drugs.com to check for any interactions between cannabidiol and your meds.
Final thoughts on CBD Isolate
With its many uses, CBD Isolate is a great, versatile way to utilize CBD. It's easy to dose, and can be made into all sorts of homemade CBD products.
While in general a Full Spectrum CBD product is preferred, for the Entourage Effect and other reasons, it's not always an option for everybody.
Always make sure to source your CBD Isolate from companies that have 3rd party lab testing done on their products. This ensures you won't end up with impurities and other contaminants.