CBD Isolate vs. CBD Distillate: How Are They Different?

Contents

What Is CBD Distillate?

What Is CBD Isolate?

Key Differences Between CBD Distillate and CBD Isolate

Applications and Uses

Legal Aspects and Availability

Choosing Between CBD Distillate and CBD Isolate

Safety and Considerations

The Lowdown on CBD Distillate vs. CBD Isolate

Have you heard about CBD isolate or CBD distillate? These products have started a new wave of alternative healing trends thanks to various legislative changes. 

 

The reason these products are popular is because they don’t induce psychoactive effects. While both have potential medicinal applications, they’re not the same thing. 

 

Below, we delve into some of the key differences between CBD isolate and CBD distillate. We also highlight the legalities and uses of each option. Join us to discover more about CBD isolates and distillates.

 

What Is CBD Distillate?

CBD distillate is a refined extract. It’s a golden colored oil that has undergone a distillation process and typically contains more than 70% CBD.

 

Making it involves an extraction process where all other compounds are removed. The final product then consists of 98–100% of the isolated cannabinoid CBD. There are also certain bioactives that remain after the extraction process, like terpenes and some phytocannabinoids.

 

Individuals may combine it with other products to enhance their effectiveness. Examples include skincare items and creams. 

 

Making CBD distillate is an intensive process that starts with the raw plant matter. In most cases, it’s the seeds, but some people also use the stalks or leaves.

 

The extraction process uses carbon dioxide or ethanol as a solvent to extract the purified oil. The next step is winterization. It involves combining the extract and solvent before storing them at sub-zero temperatures. 

 

The final step is decarboxylation. It’s a process where the extract gets heated. The increased temperature activates the compound and increases the concentration. The result is distillate. 

 

At this point, most of the fats, lipids, and waxes are no longer present in the extract. However, it may still contain trace amounts of THC. 

 

What Is CBD Isolate?

CBD isolate is extracted from cannabis plants. It’s a pure form of CBD without other compounds, like THC.

 

In its raw form, CBD isolate is typically a powder. The extract is in a crystallized form. It’s fat soluble and mixes well with a variety of items. These include oil, butter, coconut milk, or cooking oil.

 

Some people also use it in powder form as a seasoning. Other individuals use the extract for vaporizer-compatible pens.

 

CBD isolate has no smell, and it also has no flavor. These characteristics make it ideal for blending in various products.

 

The extraction process is similar to hemp isolate. The main difference is the type of cannabis plant used and its THC and CBD content. In many cases, CBD isolate also contains minimal amounts of other bioactives.

 

Key Differences Between CBD Distillate and CBD Isolate

There are multiple similarities between CBD distillate and CBD isolate. However, there are also several differences that affect their ideal applications. 

 

The first difference is the purity level of the extract. CBD isolate typically contains 98–100% pure CBD. CBD distillate usually contains a broader range of compounds, like terpenes. The latter only contains around 70–80% of the desired compound. 

 

The extra bioactives in CBD distillate may offer additional benefits. The entourage effect could enhance the way the CBD compound interacts with the user’s body. In some cases, there are trace amounts of THC in CBD distillate. CBD isolate, on the other hand, doesn’t contain any.

 

These extracts also work differently in the body. CBD isolate works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).

 

Unlike THC, CBD has a balancing effect on the related receptors. It’s a pleiotropic compound that features activity at multiple targets, giving it potential anti-inflammatory properties. 

 

CBD distillate also offers these benefits. However, it also contains phytocannabinoids such as CBC.

 

These additional compounds mean distillate could have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also has traces of CBG, which interacts mildly with the ECS receptors. The effects may therefore be more potent.

Applications and Uses

What do people use CBD distillate and CBD isolate for? 

 

These products are extremely versatile. Their primary applications are in the sphere of health and wellness. The extracts are often a key ingredient in various treatments. 

 

Popular products include tinctures, oils, topical creams, and capsules. They target chronic pain and inflammation. There are also supplements for anxiety and stress management. 

 

CBD distillate and CBD isolate also get incorporated into skincare and beauty products. They’re favored ingredients due to their reported antioxidant properties. They soothe inflammation, too. Creams that target irritated skin and redness sometimes include CBD.

 

CBD products are gaining traction in the health and fitness industry. Athletes are turning to these extracts in the form of supplements and protein powders. The belief is that CBD facilitates muscle recovery and exercise-induced inflammation.

 

Some fitness enthusiasts claim that products with these extracts enhance their overall performance. There’s even a trend where athletes are opting for these natural alternatives.

 

CBD extends its reach beyond human health. There is a growing market for these products in pet wellness. In this category, products include CBD-infused treats, topical creams, and tinctures. 

 

Legal Aspects and Availability

Thanks to the Farm Bill passed in 2018, products that contain up to 0.3% THC are considered legal in the USA. CBD products with more than the permitted quantity of THC are controlled substances.

 

In some states, cannabis is fully legal. In others, the legislation is still strict. Be sure to check the local regulations of your area before purchasing products. 

 

Choosing Between CBD Distillate and CBD Isolate

Both CBD distillate and CBD isolate have a broad range of advantages. In many cases, people use them interchangeably. Deciding between the two comes down to personal preference. 

 

Individuals looking for pure CBD with no additional bioactives may prefer CBD isolate. People who want the benefits of CBD along with the entourage effect should opt for CBD distillate.

 

In some cases, trace amounts of THC are present in CBD distillate. The compound may influence the way CBD binds to the body’s receptors. However, because the amount is negligible, no psychoactive effects occur.

 

Safety and Considerations

CBD distillate and CBD isolate are generally considered safe for consumption. Despite this, users need to be aware of potential drug interactions.

 

It’s advisable to consult a health professional before using these products. Ensure that you source your extracts from reputable retailers that adhere to regulatory standards. 

 

It’s also important to note that many of the health benefits still require further study. Much of the available data is anecdotal. Each person’s reaction to these products may differ.

The Lowdown on CBD Distillate vs. CBD Isolate

Both CBD distillate and CBD isolate have an array of uses that offer a natural alternative to healthcare. There are also marked differences between the two, especially in their composition and application. 

 

CBD distillate offers users a broader spectrum of compounds. It allows for the entourage effect, which could enhance the therapeutic outcome. 

 

CBD isolate offers users a pure compound without additional bioactives. This option may appeal to individuals looking for precise CBD doses. 

 

The legal status of these products enjoys widespread acceptance. Despite this, users should keep safety considerations in mind when using it. It’s best to consult a health professional before consuming these products.

 

Visit Materia Regenerative to discover more about high-quality CBD extracts.