The term CBD, or CBD oil, is just one type of medical cannabis. CBD has seen huge interest in Australia over the last five years due to its therapeutic use and non-intoxicating effect.

It is important to distinguish between different CBD oil products based on their cannabinoid concentrations because these levels significantly affect how the oil impacts patients when ingested.
The variations of CBD oil can be broken down into three specific groups; Whole Plant CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD and CBD Isolate. 

What is Whole Plant CBD?

Whole plant CBD, also known as whole plant extract, refers to a product that includes all cannabis compounds—cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds found in the cannabis plant—rather than just the cannabinoids like CBD

Whole plant CBD contains the full spectrum of components found in the cannabis plant, including additional oils and a broader range of compounds. These elements are thought to work together synergistically, a phenomenon known as the ‘entourage effect’.

Since nothing is removed from whole plant CBD during processing, it may contain trace elements of THC. This makes it potentially more potent than CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD, yet it is also less processed.  The addition of oils and waxes from the plant can also give it a more earthy flavour.

What is Broad Spectrum CBD? 

Broad spectrum CBD occupies the middle ground between whole plant CBD and CBD isolate, because it also contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes of whole plant CBD. But in the final stages of processing, the THC is removed. 

Broad spectrum products have the potential to provide the benefits of all the additional cannabinoids and phytocompounds in the cannabis plant, whilst excluding the potential negative side-effects of THC. There may still be trace elements, but broad spectrum CBD is predominantly free from THC. 

What is CBD Isolate?

CBD isolate contains purely CBD; during the extraction process, the other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and additional compounds are filtered out. The CBD is then refined and chilled to strip it of any other compounds. This means it is unlikely to contain more than a trace of any other compounds, and that it is unlikely to have a flavour or taste. 

Pure CBD Isolate may be more suitable for patients who have jobs that require driving, or who are subject to regular drug testing at work. It is illegal to drive while under the influence of THC. A registered medical practitioner should conduct a thorough review of a patient’s situation before prescribing medical cannabis, and will take these factors into consideration.

Doctors should still warn patients about its usage when they prescribe CBD isolate, because the trace amounts of THC it contains could potentially show up on a drug test. 

Please note that testing can differ from one lab to another and patients who are particularly worried about avoiding THC should be prescribed medications tested in a TGA-approved GMP facility to ensure accurate results. 

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What’s the Difference between Whole Plant, CBD Isolate and Broad Spectrum CBD?

Isolate CBD is considered a purer form of CBD than whole plant CBD or broad spectrum, as both whole plant and broad spectrum contain other compounds and cannabinoids. This also means they are likely to have a stronger taste and flavour. 

A possible advantage of whole plant and broad spectrum CBD is that the presence of other cannabinoids and compounds could lead to what some studies have called the ‘entourage effect’, through which the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes in the CBD work together to make the CBD more effective. 

Beware of online CBD retailers

In Australia it is still illegal to purchase CBD oil without a prescription. CBD oil purchased online illegally has not been tested by regulated laboratories so may not contain any CBD or not as much as advertised. These oils may also contain other cannabinoids like THC and can be more expensive than medical grade CBD oils obtained via a prescription.

Some online sellers of ‘CBD oil’ are misleading consumers by using the term ‘CBD’ to describe products that are actually just hemp seed oil. Unlike CBD, which is a cannabinoid extracted from the flower of the cannabis plant and has specific effects, hemp seed oil comes from the seeds and does not have the same effects.

How can I determine the optimal dosage for my individual needs?

It is vital that those wishing to use CBD consult a registered medical practitioner, who will be able to assess their needs in order to determine the optimal dosage, and decide which format would be more beneficial. 

If you’re a healthcare professional looking for more information and education, please reach out to our Medical Team for details on medicinal cannabis dosing or register on our Medical Portal.

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