The Hemp Plant Spectrum: Full, Broad and Isolate and How They Differ
Did you know that the hemp plant is made up of over 400 different compounds, including 120 different cannabinoids that each have their own incredible natural benefits and can be extracted into different versions of CBD oil?
CBII offers a choice of three extracts from the plant: full spectrum, broad spectrum and CBD isolate. What’s the difference and which one is best for you?


Whole Plant | Cannabinoid Rich | Refined | |
What is it? | Whole Plant Extract to unlock the full potential of the hemp plant. | Cannabinoid-Rich Extract for a curated selection of cannabinoids.. | Pure CBD Extract for the targeted use of CBD only. |
Major cannabinoids | CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC | CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC | CBD |
Minor cannabinoids | CBDA, CBGA, CBDV | CBDA, CBGA, CBDV | x |
Other plant compounds | Flavonoids, Terpenes, Phytochemicals, Essential Fatty Acids | Flavonoids, Terpenes | x |
THC content | <0.2% | THC Free | THC Free |
Terpene entourage effect | Maximised synergistic effect of CBD, major & minor cannabinoids and other compounds | Synergistic effect of CBD, major & minor cannabinoids and other compounds | x |
Extraction process | Ethanol extraction | CO2 extraction | CO2 extraction |
Taste |
Full-bodied plant taste |
Subtle taste |
Neutral taste |
CBII Best-Sellers |
Original CBII CBD Oils Discovery Duo Starter Kit 200mg (2%) 500mg (5%) |
Highest Strength 4000mg CBD Oil (40%) CBD Gummies |
1500mg (5%) Pure™ CBD oil 3000mg (10%) Pure™ CBD oil Pure™ CBD capsules (2023) Nourishing CBD Face Oil CBD Candles |
Whole Plant | Cannabinoid Rich | Refined | |
What is it? | Whole Plant Extract to unlock the full potential of the hemp plant. | Cannabinoid-Rich Extract for a curated selection of cannabinoids.. | Pure CBD Extract for the targeted use of CBD only. |
Major cannabinoids | CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC | CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC | CBD |
Minor cannabinoids | CBDA, CBGA, CBDV | CBDA, CBGA, CBDV | x |
Other plant compounds | Flavonoids, Terpenes, Phytochemicals, Essential Fatty Acids | Flavonoids, Terpenes | x |
THC content | <0.2% | THC Free | THC Free |
Terpene entourage effect | Maximised synergistic effect of CBD, major & minor cannabinoids and other compounds | Synergistic effect of CBD, major & minor cannabinoids and other compounds | x |
Extraction process | Ethanol extraction | CO2 extraction | CO2 extraction |
Taste |
Full-bodied plant taste |
Subtle taste |
Neutral taste |
CBII Best-Sellers |
Original CBII CBD Oils Discovery Duo Starter Kit 200mg (2%) 500mg (5%) |
Highest Strength 4000mg CBD Oil (40%) CBD Gummies |
1500mg (5%) Pure™ CBD oil 3000mg (10%) Pure™ CBD oil Pure™ CBD capsules (2023) Nourishing CBD Face Oil CBD Candles |
What is full spectrum?
Full spectrum CBD is a whole-plant extract, the most raw and unrefined version. It contains all the naturally-occurring goodness of the hemp plant to unlock its full potential, which comprises over 400 different compounds, including major and minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and essential fatty acids.
What is broad spectrum?
Broad spectrum CBD is a cannabinoid-rich extract, a middle-ground between full spectrum and CBD isolate. It contains many of the natural compounds of the hemp plant, but it’s not the complete profile you would expect from a full spectrum extract and also contains zero THC.
What is pure CBD isolate?
Pure CBD isolate is the most refined hemp extract. Out of the 120 different cannabinoids in the plant, we’ve selected just the CBD and removed everything else for the targeted use of pure CBD only.
Which form of CBD is right for me?
Your journey with CBD is personal and not prescriptive. Your body’s chemistry is unique, so it’s all about unlocking the recipe that works for you and your body.
The extract you choose depends on several factors, such as your lifestyle, the strength of the oil you need and what you’re taking CBD for, with all extracts providing their own level of benefits for sleep, anxiety and pain relief.
However, if you’re looking to get the maximum synergistic benefits out of CBD, then a more diverse or full spectrum is the optimal choice because of a phenomenon known as the ‘entourage effect’.
The entourage effect
The hemp plant contains hundreds of natural compounds, including biologically-active cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids – and it’s believed these compounds work better together to result in a more pronounced, longer-lasting effect.
The 'entourage effect' is the concept that the whole plant works better than individual compounds isolated from the plant. For example, eating an orange might be considered a better option than taking just vitamin C.
Taking multiple cannabinoids in concert such as with a full or broad spectrum extract alters how they’re absorbed and metabolised and can cover a larger array of systems or benefits, which can be like creating a therapeutic symphony instead of playing just a melody.
References:
- Hložek, T., et al., Pharmacokinetic and behavioural profile of CBD combination after pulmonary, oral, and subcutaneous administration in rats and confirmation of conversion in vivo of CBD. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol, 2017. 27(12): p. 1223-1237.
- Anderson, L.L., et al., Hemp constituents interact at the drug efflux pump BCRP to markedly increase plasma cannabidiolic acid concentrations. Sci Rep, 2021. 11(1): p. 14948.
- https://www.cbii-cbd.com/blog/cbd-expert-facts