CBD product types & the entourage effect: Isolate vs broad vs full spectrum

What are the different types of CBD products?

Cannabis and hemp plants produce a ridiculous number of different chemical compounds, including at least 113 various phytocannabinoids. The two most well-known are CBD and THC.

CBD is short for cannabidiol. This cannabinoid is non-intoxicating, meaning it doesn't produce the euphoric “high” feeling associated with THC administration. 

CBD products come in three main categories, depending on the compounds or cannabinoids present in the specific product. The overwhelming majority of CBD products available for over-the-counter sale in the UK are made from extracts produced by hemp - a subspecies of the Cannabis sativa L. genus that has been selectively cultivated to contain very low levels of THC (the main intoxicating compound).

Legally, for a plant to be classified as hemp in the UK (and across much of Europe), it must contain no more than 0.2% THC by dry weight.

This tiny amount is nowhere near enough to cause psychoactive effects, but it does allow the plant to retain a rich profile of cannabinoids, terpenes and other natural compounds that may contribute to CBD’s potential therapeutic benefits.

What is CBD isolate?

As the name implies, this purified form of cannabidiol does not contain any other compounds from the hemp plant and lacks the psychoactivity of THC. CBD isolate in its raw form is a white crystalline powder, which can then be added to products such as CBD oil, vape pens, topical creams and more.

What is broad-spectrum CBD?

Besides cannabidiol, all other natural compounds (terpenes and flavonoids) from the hemp plant are found in the mixture, except any THC. These products are typically more popular from a regulatory perspective, as they avoid potential issues with THC levels.

What is full-spectrum CBD?

Contains cannabidiol and numerous other cannabinoids from the source hemp plant, as well as terpenes and flavonoids. When sold in the UK, full-spectrum CBD oil cannot exceed more than 0.2% THC (or 1 mg of THC per container), which puts it in the EU's and the UK’s definition of Hemp.

Even though full-spectrum CBD products do contain small amounts of THC, the government strictly regulates this

Quick comparison table: isolate vs broad vs full-spectrum

CBD type	What's inside	THC content	Entourage effect	Best if you want...
CBD isolate	Only cannabidiol (pure CBD)	None	❌ None	Precise dosing, zero THC exposure, simple starter option
Broad-spectrum CBD	CBD + minor cannabinoids + terpenes	None (THC removed)	✅ Yes	Symptom relief without THC, a balance between potency and legality
Full spectrum CBD	CBD + all plant cannabinoids + terpenes	Trace amounts (under 0.2% legal limit)	✅ Strongest	Maximum plant synergy for stronger effects (but trace THC present)

What is the entourage effect in CBD?

The entourage effect is a widely accepted theory that states the range of compounds produced by both cannabis and hemp plants work together to create a unique and beneficial effect. 

First proposed by Mechoulam and Ben-Shabat in 1998, they hypothesised an increase in the activity of the compounds in conjunction with the body's endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids).

A recent 2020 study on treating anxiety and mood disorders with terpenes and cannabinoids also mentions this effect. Even though the authors state that further research is needed, they conclude that several compounds in the hemp plant may improve CBD's overall effects.

Synergistic interactions can occur between different cannabinoids or between cannabinoids and terpenes. A study from 2011 suggests that the entourage effect may potentially minimise the adverse side effects of THC.

How are CBD products made?

CBD oils and cannabis-based products are created through several different extraction methods. Each approach has its strengths, depending on what type of product is being made and how much of the plant's original profile needs to be preserved.

Here is a closer look at the main ways CBD is extracted from hemp or cannabis plants.

Solvent extraction: the industry workhorse

Solvent extraction is one of the most common and efficient ways to produce CBD oil.

This method uses food-grade solvents (usually ethanol, but also sometimes butane, or other hydrocarbons) to separate the trichomes, which contain cannabinoids, terpenes, and other valuable compounds, from the raw plant material.

When carried out correctly under strict safety standards, solvent extraction is safe and effective. Reputable producers remove all solvent residues during purification, and third-party lab testing ensures the final CBD oil is clean and safe for use.

Because it is highly efficient, solvent extraction is often used for large-scale production of CBD, particularly for broad and full-spectrum oils that aim to capture the natural balance of the hemp plant.

The main benefit of this method is that it preserves much of the original flavour and aromatic profile of the plant. This makes it ideal for patients who value the natural synergy between cannabinoids and terpenes.

Steam distillation: natural but less efficient

Steam distillation is a solvent-free method that uses heat to separate CBD and other compounds from the plant.

In this process, steam is passed through the raw plant material, causing the desired compounds to evaporate. These vapours are then cooled and condensed back into liquid form, which is collected for further refinement.

Steam distillation has the advantage of being natural and chemical-free, but it is less efficient than other extraction methods. It can also be harsh on heat-sensitive compounds, potentially damaging some cannabinoids and terpenes in the process. As a result, products made with steam distillation can sometimes have lower and less consistent concentrations of CBD.

CO₂ extraction: clean and precise

CO₂ extraction is considered the gold standard in the CBD industry.

This method uses pressurised carbon dioxide to separate cannabinoids from the plant material without the use of chemical solvents.

The process typically takes place across several chambers, allowing precise control over temperature and pressure. This level of control means that CO₂ extraction can produce highly concentrated, clean CBD extracts with very little risk of contamination.

Oil and butter infusion: traditional and simple

One of the oldest methods of CBD extraction involves infusing the raw cannabis or hemp plant into a fat such as olive oil, coconut oil, or butter.

This process typically involves gently heating the plant material to activate the cannabinoids, before combining it with the chosen fat, which acts as a natural solvent.

The result is a CBD-infused oil rather than a concentrated extract. While this method is simple and can be done without specialised equipment, it is less efficient and does not produce highly concentrated CBD products.

Oil or butter extractions are often used in homemade preparations or in artisan products aimed at culinary use, rather than medical or wellness applications.

How to choose the right type of CBD for your needs

Choosing between isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum CBD products comes down to a few main factors, all of which centre around your personal needs, goals, and lifestyle.

Here are some key things to think about:

Avoiding THC? Choose an isolate or broad-spectrum CBD option

If you are worried about the potential need to pass a workplace drug screening, or you just want to avoid THC entirely, then you should go with an isolate or broad-spectrum option. 

Want stronger effects? Consider full-spectrum CBD

You may want to consider trying a full-spectrum CBD option - the combination of the full cannabinoid and terpene profiles from the source hemp plant will offer up the entourage effect in its strongest form. 

Medical needs or chronic symptoms? Talk to a specialist

If you are considering CBD to help treat the symptoms of a certain health issue, then you may want to consider looking into a UK medical cannabis prescription. Medical cannabis has been a legal treatment option in the UK since 2018, but a specialist listed on the GMC Specialist Register must prescribe it, and the treatment plan must be monitored. 

Taste and lifestyle preferences also matter

Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products often have a richer, earthier flavour due to the full plant extract (even products that have extra natural flavours added to them). Isolates tend to be more neutral-tasting.

Start low, go slow with your CBD administration

Regardless of which CBD type you choose, the same advice always applies (especially if you are buying your CBD OTC and without clinician supervision) - start with a low CBD oil dose (10 to 20 mg is the accepted starting dose range for people new to CBD). 

You can then slowly build that dose size up over the next month or so - or until you find a dosage size that is effective for your needs with no unwanted side effects.  

How CBD isolate, broad spectrum, and full spectrum are used in products

Now that you know the basics of isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum CBD, it’s time to dive into the different product types available - and how each might fit into your daily routine depending on your goals, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

The more commonly seen CBD options in the UK are:

• CBD Oils and tinctures
• CBD Gummies
• CBD Topicals
• CBD Vapes

CBD Oils and tinctures

CBD Oils and tinctures are the most common products on the market. They come in a bottle with a dropper, so you can easily and consistently use the same dose of CBD.

You can add your CBD oil to a drink or food, but most recommend taking CBD oil sublingually. When you take CBD oil sublingually, it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the membranes under your tongue, bypassing the digestive system and liver, where much of the compound would otherwise be broken down. This method not only increases how much CBD your body can absorb, but also speeds up the CBD effect onset time (and how long CBD stays in your body), meaning you may feel the effects within 15 to 30 minutes.

All you have to do is fill the dropper with your required CBD oil dose, squeeze oil from the dropper under your tongue and wait before swallowing (around 60 to 90 seconds) to make sure the oil is absorbed into the easy-access blood vessels found under the tongue. 

So be careful not to swallow immediately because you won't get the full effects as quickly (although you will still receive the benefit via your digestive system over a longer period).

CBD gummies

CBD gummies are an increasingly popular option. Despite being more recent to the market, they have quickly become the number one method of consumption thanks to how discreet, easy to take, and ‘familiar’ they are, especially for those new to CBD. 

In terms of dosage, you can find a pretty wide range of CBD gummies on the market, typically offering anywhere from 5 mg to 25 mg of CBD per piece. This makes them particularly convenient for precise dosing, especially if you are following a "start low and go slow" approach. That said, they must be digested first, so the effects will take longer to be felt - usually between one and three hours, and the overall absorption rate is lower compared to sublingual oils.

CBD Topicals

CBD-based creams and lotions are usually applied locally for muscle relaxation and skincare routines. As the name implies, these products require topical application on the desired area and a gentle massage to help your body absorb the cream or lotion effectively.

CBD Vapes

Vaporisers offer a few key advantages over other options, the most obvious being faster absorption and a more immediate experience. When you inhale CBD, it reaches your bloodstream quickly through the lungs, with effects often noticed within just a few minutes.

Many people find this rapid onset useful when looking to incorporate CBD into moments of their daily routine, whether to help unwind after a busy day or to support a sense of calm and focus.

They come in a huge range of potency ranges, flavours, and in both disposable or refillable options, giving users plenty of flexibility depending on their preferences and lifestyle. Disposable vapes offer a simple, no-maintenance way to try CBD, while refillable devices allow for more control over dosage and flavour choice.

How to choose a good-quality CBD product

Finding the right CBD product is not just about picking the first bottle of CBD oil or vape you like the branding of. A few careful checks can help you make a far better choice and avoid wasting your time (or money) on something that is not what it claims to be.

Remember, CBD products that are sold over-the-counter are not medical products, and so the level of regulatory oversight is nowhere near as stringent as it is for medical cannabis prescriptions obtained through a licensed UK clinic.

When you access CBD through a UK medical cannabis clinic (like Releaf), the product has to meet strict quality control standards. Every batch is tested for potency, purity, cannabinoid content, and the absence of harmful substances like heavy metals, pesticides, or residual solvents. 

The facilities where these oils are manufactured are GMP-certified (Good Manufacturing Practice), meaning they must follow the same rigorous guidelines used in pharmaceutical production.

But if you do decide to go for an over-the-counter option:

Check for third-party lab reports (COAs)

Good brands will always show Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from independent labs. These confirm what is actually in the product and prove it has been tested for things you do not want, like heavy metals, pesticides, or leftover solvents.

Review the full ingredients list

Whether you are vaping, swallowing, or applying CBD to your skin, it is worth checking what else is in the formula. Choose products that are clear and simple, and avoid those packed with unnecessary fillers, flavourings, or mystery additives.

Understand the cannabinoid content

It matters whether you are buying CBD isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum. Some products also list other cannabinoids like CBG or CBN, which can add to the overall experience. Make sure you know what you are getting.

Know the extraction method used

If the brand uses CO₂ extraction, that is usually a good sign. It is a clean, environmentally friendly process that avoids the use of chemical solvents altogether, resulting in a pure, concentrated CBD extract. Many of the best medical-grade products are made this way.

That said, ethanol extraction can be just as safe and effective. Ethanol is a food-grade alcohol that has long been used in herbal medicine, and when used with care, it can produce rich, full-spectrum extracts that preserve more of the plant’s beneficial compounds.

The real issue is transparency. If a company clearly states their extraction method and can back it up with third-party lab results, that is reassuring. If they stay vague or avoid mentioning how their CBD is extracted altogether, stay away.

Trustworthy brands are transparent

Good companies are transparent about where their CBD comes from, how it is made, and how it is tested. Look for brands that are clear, patient-focused, and have real people ready to answer your questions if you need help.

Choosing a better CBD product does not need to be complicated. A little research goes a long way to making sure you get the quality and the experience you are hoping for.

Final thoughts on choosing the best CBD type

So, there you have it - CBD isolate, CBD full-spectrum, and CBD broad-spectrum full explained. 

Which is best?

There really isn’t a clear 'best' option that fits everyone. Each type has its place, depending on your needs, lifestyle, and comfort level with the different compounds found in cannabis/hemp plants.

If you are new to CBD or especially cautious about THC exposure, starting with an isolate or broad-spectrum product is best. If you are looking for the most complete experience and do not mind trace amounts of THC (don’t worry - the 0.2% THC limit means that there is zero chance of you experiencing any intoxicating effects), a full-spectrum product may be the way to go.

Where you source your CBD matters just as much as the type you choose. Understanding what drugs should not be taken with CBD is equally important.

Medical cannabis clinics in the UK, like Releaf, offer prescribed CBD oils that are quality assured, rigorously tested, and fully compliant with UK regulations. When you are choosing a product that will become part of your wellbeing routine, that extra layer of security is worth its weight in gold.

Still unsure which CBD type is right for you? 

You might find it helpful to explore our complete CBD oil dosage guide, or head to our medical cannabis eligibility checker (it takes just 20 seconds to complete).