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The Difference Between Distillate and Full-Spectrum CBD

Apr 7, 2022 •

Summary

There are more ways to consume CBD today than ever before. The plant material undergoes diverse methods to extract CBD, resulting in a broader spectrum of CBD products. Whether for trading or personal use, it’s increasingly challenging to decide the best CBD to choose, with more options saturating the market. Nonetheless, it is vital to distinguish between different forms of CBD to help make better purchasing decisions that, in turn, often lead to better CBD experiences for your customers, which translates to a better bottom line. This guide breaks down the different CBD extracts, along with the strengths and weaknesses of each type.

Introduction

Still relatively new to the health and wellness scene, CBD is becoming a household name. It has entered the marketplace in the form of tinctures, capsules, topicals, vapes and infused edibles. What’s more, CBD products are available in various spectrums indicating their chemical formula and distinctive use.

Needless to say, the CBD market has undergone a period of exponential growth in recent years, which doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon. The global CBD market is expected to manifest a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 35% between 2021 and 2027, according to new data from Global Market Insights. The market research specialists point to the increasing CBD awareness and the implementation of agricultural programs in Europe and North America as a reason for the substantial growth. As society becomes more open-minded and accepting of CBD, many individuals are turning to its natural wellness benefits.

Moreover, the same market is set to give rise to a series of trends, including the subsequent increase in brick-and-mortar CBD shops, private label CBD companies and online CBD marketplaces. In fact, CBD e-commerce accounts for about 60% of the global sales channels. The intriguing CBD industry has, indeed, prompted many entrepreneurs to explore investing in the CBD business. However, despite its significant opportunities, entering the CBD industry has its own challenges, such as encompassing the constantly evolving legal landscape worldwide.

Business owners looking to get involved in the CBD industry or grow their existing business globally must cultivate a deeper understanding of the products they want to trade. As already noted, CBD products come in different types and formulas that set the threshold for THC content, influencing their legality and ability to travel across regional borders. Important terms like “distillate” and “full-spectrum” are often used to describe CBD products. What’s the difference between the two, and how do retailers know which one is the best to market? This guide answers all your questions to assist you in making better-informed decisions.

CBD oil in a dropper along with CBD’s chemical formula

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in both Cannabis sativa l. and industrial hemp plants. While CBD oil can be extracted from either to create various CBD-infused products, there is a key difference between hemp-based CBD extracts and those derived from traditional Cannabis sativa. Industrial hemp and Cannabis sativa are the same species but display unique cannabinoid profiles. Similarly, CBD extracts from each cultivar will contain different chemical profiles.

Industrial hemp contains a limited amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound that primarily produces the infamous “high” effect often linked to cannabis consumption. Therefore, it is considered legal under UK law to grow and process hemp plants with a specific license, as long as they contain less than 0.2% THC content. Cannabis, on the other hand, is an abundant source of THC and remains illegal in many parts of the world. Thailand has become the first Asian country to decriminalise the usage of recreational cannabis for personal use.

CBD may offer natural relaxation and other potential wellness benefits without the risk of severe side effects or substance dependence. Individuals can make their CBD experience even better by combining it with a nutritional diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and other healthy habits.

CBD Extraction Process

There are several steps to take in order to create different CBD product forms. Firstly, the plant material is cultivated and harvested in a timely manner. Cannabinoids, including CBD, are produced abundantly in the resin glands of the hemp’s flower, which is primarily used in CBD extraction. Manufacturers use different extraction methods to convert the raw material into oil. The CBD extracts are essentially separated from the plant waxes and other nonessential components.

To extract the necessary compounds, manufacturers conduct crude extraction. This method requires the use of solvents, such as, carbon dioxide (CO2) or ethanol, to remove cannabinoids from the plant matter. The next step is winterisation. The CBD extract and solvent are combined and stored at a freezing temperature for 24–48 hours. Finally, decarboxylation takes place by heating CBD extracts to make them more concentrated.

The resulting concentrate often contains a higher concentration of CBD than those of the original flower containing all of its naturally occurring components, including terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils and the rest of the cannabinoids. Concentrates typically contain anywhere from 45% to 99.9% pure CBD. They appear in the form of oil, crystal, wax, shatter, crumble or distillate. Once the CBD oil is extracted, it can be used as a concentrate or infused in various products.

Scientist in the lab working on quality checking

What Is CBD Distillate?

The terminology used to describe CBD products can be confusing for experts and novices alike. Manufacturing companies have created various types of CBD to distinguish their brands from the growing competition. That’s why research into the CBD market will often lead you to different terms, such as distillate, isolate, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum, classifying CBD products according to their chemical structures and formulas. These spectrums vary largely in terms of the extraction methods used.

After extraction, CBD distillate undergoes further refinements to create a cannabidiol-dominant formula. Put simply; the hemp plant goes through an extensive method called short-path distillation to preserve a specific subset of compounds, for example, cannabinoids. CBD extracts that contain pure CBD are called isolates. Broad-spectrum CBD extracts, on the other hand, contain all the compounds found in the plant, including terpenes, flavonoids and minor cannabinoids, except for THC.

The process of distillation can be used to either collect almost pure CBD or increase its concentration. During short-path distillation, CBD oil is purified or broken down into its individual compounds by using evaporation and condensation techniques.

Each compound in CBD oil has a lower boiling point than the oil itself. Hence, the solution must be heated under pressure to let the unnecessary compounds boil away and reach a separate condenser or cooling tube. This strategy leaves the desired compounds to further refine into the reservoir and be re-introduced to the final product called CBD distillate.

CBD distillate, in a few words, is a highly-refined CBD extract characterised by a yellow, viscous oil that typically contains up to 80% CBD. However, the reduced distance travelled by the compounds in a short-path distillation also reduces the potential wastage of materials during extraction. This means that CBD distillates may still contain tiny amounts of terpenes, flavonoids and other compounds, depending on the type of product manufacturers want to achieve. CBD distillate is often diluted into hemp seed oil, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil and other carriers to create tinctures, vape oils and other CBD distillate products.

What Is Full-Spectrum CBD?

Full-spectrum CBD undergoes more gentle extraction methods when compared to CBD distillates. Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction is the most commonly used method in extracting full-spectrum CBD from the plant because it is generally safe and versatile. This method involves converting carbon dioxide into supercritical liquid through a pressurised chamber device at cold temperatures. Carbon dioxide, in its supercritical form, is an ideal solvent for extracting CBD oil without causing any potential damage to the entire plant material.

The versatility of this method allows manufacturers to keep all of the compounds present in the plant during extraction. As a result, full-spectrum CBD contains every bit of cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, essential oils and other nutrients native to the plant. It also holds trace amounts of THC, in addition to minor cannabinoids.

CBD and THC may be the most researched cannabinoids to date, but they are far from being the only ones. As mentioned previously, there are more than 100 cannabinoids found in the plant, all of which may influence the body in their own unique ways. Here are some of them:

Cannabichromene (CBC)

CBC is a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid, like CBD. It is the third most abundant cannabinoid, behind CBD and THC. While CBC remains obscure, it is thought to interact with a variety of cannabinoid receptors in the body, including those linked to pain perception. Hemp-derived CBC shares the same legal status as CBD in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe.

Cannabinol (CBN)

CBN is a THC metabolite, which can be formed as the cannabis plant ages. In some cases, THC degrades into CBN when it is exposed to heat or ultraviolet (UV) light. CBN may retain some of THC’s psychotropic activity, but it is reportedly less psychoactive than THC. Nonetheless, CBN is considered a controlled substance, which means the 1-milligram-per-container limit also applies.

Cannabidivarin (CBDV)

CBDV is a CBD variant, which means it has almost the same chemical structure as CBD. The only difference is the propyl chain it carries. Also, CBDV is more abundant in Cannabis indica strains, particularly Landrace indica and other strains with lower THC levels. Hence, CBDV does not create intoxication when consumed.

Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

THCV has unique chemical properties that set it apart from other minor cannabinoids. Interestingly, it has psychoactive or non-psychoactive effects, depending on its dosage level. Higher doses of THCV can cause energising feelings of euphoria, while lower doses cannot.

In addition to cannabinoids, full-spectrum CBD extracts contain other essential compounds like terpenes and flavonoids. The former are called aromatic compounds that give some plants a unique scent or taste. Terpenes are not just famed for their aroma, but they also contain natural therapeutic properties.

Linalool, for example, is an unsaturated monoterpene that helps regulate mood and sleep patterns. In fact, linalool provides fragrance scents to plants like lavender, rosewood and cinnamon, all of which are commonly used in aromatherapy to promote feelings of calm and wellbeing.

Flavonoids, on the other hand, are responsible for the vivid colours and patterns of some fruits and vegetables. Phytonutrients like flavonoids have long been reported to manifest a range of wellness benefits through cell signalling pathways and potentially antioxidative effects. When combined in one full-spectrum CBD product, the whole plant extracts may offer a complete CBD experience.

The Entourage Effect

Coined by Raphael Mechoulam in 1988, the term “entourage effect” refers to cannabinoids working alongside other plant compounds to create a potentially more favourable effect in the body. Chemist and professor, Mechoulam suggests that the purported entourage effect of full-spectrum CBD has to do with the wholeness of the plant and the sum of its individual components, working in synergy to help promote a state of ideal balance or homeostasis.

Homeostasis occurs when the body maintains a sense of equilibrium, allowing different bodily organs and cells to function smoothly. External factors like germs, bacteria and viruses can cause significant imbalances, which often result in certain illnesses and other signs of poor health.

Fortunately, the body has many systems responsible for regulating homeostasis, of which one is the endocannabinoid signalling system (ECS). The ECS is made up of enzymes, cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids—the cannabinoids produced by the human body.

When the body is weak, the endocannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors to help activate necessary immune responses and support homeostasis. THC reportedly interacts with the cannabinoid receptors located in the body’s central nervous system and immune system. CBD, however, is thought to influence other numerous receptors, resulting in a broader potential impact on human health. In general, full-spectrum CBD may help optimise many physiological processes due to a wide range of interactions in and outside the ECS.

Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Best Type of CBD?

While looking for the best CBD seems like a chore, understanding a few important things makes the decision-making process quite easier. In conclusion, CBD distillate is a heavily-refined concentrate that yields an ultra-high potency level. Beyond the extraction process, CBD extracts go through further distillation to separate the desired components and create more concentrated products.

Full-spectrum CBD extracts, on the other hand, are a different designation of products. Instead of undergoing refinements that would remove THC, the entire spectrum of cannabinoids is left in the extract to distinguish it from broad-spectrum extracts. This increases the chances of improving the benefits of the entourage effect.

CBD manufacturers like Always Pure Organics custom distil your choice of strength, whether it be full-spectrum, broad-spectrum or isolate, to help create a bolder experience. The best CBD largely depends on individuals’ tastes and needs. Besides a few basic considerations, it takes a process of trial and error to determine the type of CBD that best matches your brand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is CBD?

“CBD” stands for cannabidiol. It is one of the most valuable components in cannabis and hemp plants. CBD is currently gaining momentum for its non-intoxicating profile and potentially natural calming effects. It is available in different types, ranging from regular oils and capsules to innovative products, such as topicals, edibles, vapes and even pet food.

What is CBD distillate?

CBD distillate, as the name suggests, is a highly refined CBD extract that has undergone a post-extraction process called distillation. This type of CBD extract is characterised by a yellow, viscous oil that usually contains about 70–80% CBD. CBD distillates may or may not have minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and THC, depending on the product.

What is full-spectrum CBD?

Unlike CBD distillate, full-spectrum CBD does not undergo further refinement techniques right after extraction. This strategy is to preserve all of the potential benefits of the whole plant. Full-spectrum CBD is not as pure as CBD distillates because it contains all the plant’s chemical compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils, and a well-regulated amount of THC.

Can full-spectrum CBD get you high?

THC is the primary psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. Using high levels of THC can cause intoxication characterised by significant changes in behaviour, impairments to speech and memory and even loss of consciousness. On the flip side, full-spectrum CBD with lower THC content is not sufficient to alter the mind and, therefore, safe for human consumption.

Is CBD distillate better than full-spectrum CBD?

The two aren’t mutually exclusive. As established earlier in this article, full-spectrum products are characterised as containing some level of THC, while distillate is a general term for extracts created through distillation. Thus, it depends on the individual’s preference and expectation. Some opt-out of any THC in their products, while others prefer to receive all the potential benefits of the entire plant, including THC. In terms of potency, full-spectrum CBD appears to be more practical due to its possible entourage effect. CBD distillates undergo additional post-extraction refinements, which means they likely contain a narrower coverage of plant-based entities than full-spectrum CBD.

How long does CBD extraction take?

Different methods are used to extract CBD, so there is no definite duration for CBD extraction. That depends on the type of method used. Generally, the extraction process can take up to four hours or even an entire night to completely separate CBD extracts from the plant material.

Are CBD extracts sensitive to heat?

Extreme heat reduces the potency level of CBD oil due to chemical reactions, eliminating essential nutrients from the mixture. It’s best to avoid exposing CBD products directly to heat or sunlight to prevent such risks.

What is the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil?

While these terms are often used interchangeably, it’s worth noting that hemp seed oil and CBD oil are not the same. Hemp seed oil is mainly derived from hemp seeds. CBD oil, on the other hand, is extracted from the flowers, stems and leaves of the hemp plant. Both products may offer potential health benefits to the body. Still, how they impact the body may vary depending on the receptors they interact with individually.

Is it legal to sell full-spectrum CBD in the UK?

The United Kingdom permits the sale of full-spectrum CBD products in the market, providing they come from hemp plants containing less than 0.2% THC. In addition, the amount of THC in each product container must be below 1 milligram in total. CBD companies in the United Kingdom may advertise CBD as a wellness food supplement.

However, they cannot mention any medical claims in compliance with the Medical Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency or MHRA. On top of that, the hemp used in all CBD products must be sourced from outside the country’s national and regional territories. Most hemp used to make CBD products that are sold in the United Kingdom are grown and harvested in the United States and Europe.

Where can I buy wholesale CBD products?

Always Pure Organics is one of the largest and most trusted white label CBD manufacturers in Europe and the United Kingdom. It is curated to provide only high quality and ethically-sourced CBD products and ingredients, which retailers and private labels can purchase in bulk. The company has its own extraction facility, so you can ensure that all of its products meet legal and quality standards of creation from plant to bottle.