Full spectrum, broad spectrum, isolate: if you've ever stood (virtually) in front of a wall of CBD products and wondered what those labels actually mean, you're not alone. This quick guide explains the three main types of hemp extract in plain English, so you can read a product page with confidence.
Why the label matters
Hemp contains a wide range of naturally occurring compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the one most people have heard of, but it isn't the only one. How much of the rest of the plant ends up in a finished product depends on how the extract is made, and that's what the terms "full spectrum", "broad spectrum" and "isolate" describe.
Understanding them won't tell you what a product will do for you (CBD products are food supplements, not medicines), but it will help you compare like with like and choose something that suits your preferences.
Full spectrum
A full-spectrum extract aims to keep the broadest range of the hemp plant's naturally occurring compounds, including trace amounts of other cannabinoids and plant compounds such as terpenes. It's the "whole plant" style of extract, and you'll often notice a more earthy, grassy flavour as a result.
Broad spectrum
Broad-spectrum extracts also contain a variety of hemp compounds alongside CBD, but are made so that particular cannabinoids are removed or are not detectable. Many people like this middle ground: more than CBD on its own, with a more refined profile. Love Hemp's CBD Oil Drops 300mg and CBD Capsules 600mg are both made with broad-spectrum hemp extract.
Isolate
CBD isolate is CBD that has been purified until it's the only cannabinoid left, usually a white crystalline powder that's then blended into a product. Because there are no other plant compounds, isolate products tend to be neutral in taste and smell, which some people prefer.
At a glance
- Full spectrum: CBD plus a wide range of the hemp plant's other naturally occurring compounds.
- Broad spectrum: CBD plus a range of other hemp compounds, made so that particular cannabinoids are removed or not detectable.
- Isolate: CBD only, purified from the rest of the plant.
Spectrum isn't the only thing to look at
It's easy to fixate on spectrum, but a few other details tell you just as much about a product:
The format
Oils are taken under the tongue or added to food and drink, while capsules are a simple, tasteless option that fits neatly alongside the rest of your daily routine. If you're weighing the two up, our guide to CBD Oil vs CBD Gummies in the Health Hub is a good next read.
The strength on the label
Total CBD per bottle or per capsule is printed on the pack, so you can compare products fairly. Love Hemp's 300mg oil drops are a milder, entry-level option at £4.99, while the 600mg capsules (£19.99 for 60) offer 10mg of CBD per capsule.
The flavour and ingredients
Our 300mg drops come blended with coconut-derived MCT oil and are available in a Wild Cherry flavour, with a graduated pipette so you can measure your serving easily. Our capsules are vegan-friendly and have no taste or smell at all.
Third-party testing
Whatever type you choose, look for brands that share independent lab results, so you can see what's actually in the bottle.
Which type is right for you?
There's no single "best" option. It comes down to personal preference: whether you'd like a broader plant profile, how much you mind the flavour, and which format sits most comfortably in your day. If you're new to CBD, a milder strength in a format you'll enjoy using is a sensible place to begin. Whichever you pick, always read the label and follow the serving guidance on the pack.
Quick FAQs
Is broad spectrum the same as full spectrum?
No. Both contain a range of hemp compounds, but broad-spectrum extracts are made so that particular cannabinoids are removed or not detectable.
Does isolate contain other hemp compounds?
No, isolate is purified CBD only.
Where can I check what's in a product?
The product page and label list the ingredients and total CBD content, and you can contact our team if you'd like to know more.
Love Hemp CBD products are food supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should not replace a varied diet. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, please consult your doctor before use. Keep out of reach of children, and do not exceed the serving stated on the pack.
